A holiday in Tasmania is one of our most popular getaways, thanks to its variety and ease of getting around. Once looked down upon by the mainland big brother as little more than a penal colony with an apple orchard and a chocolate factory, Tasmania is now recognised as one of Australia’s foremost domestic destinations. With a maritime climate, breathtaking scenery, ancient forests, fertile soils and waterways teeming with marine life Tassie has developed a reputation as a Mecca for gourmets, history buffs and nature lovers alike.
A compact island, with a broad range of natural and man-made attractions to enjoy, Tassie is best explored by car. Ask your Travel Counsellor to organise a hire car to collect on arrival, or your other option is the popular Spirit of Tasmania. Allow at least a week to savour this engaging state.
Hobart, Tassie’s capital is a vibrant city with a welter of attractions to enjoy. Around the harbour many of the old brick and sandstone buildings have been restored and converted into hotels, restaurants, galleries and craft shops. Salamanca Place hosts a thriving market every Saturday and behind is Battery Point, with a collection of early 1800’s cottages. Constitution Dock is the hub and each year becomes the centre of global yachting attention as the terminal of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
For a spectacular view, take the drive to the summit of Mount Wellington; Hobart’s year-round playground with dozens of walking, climbing, abseiling and mountain biking opportunities. Further afield are numerous fascinating destinations including the Huon Valley and the South West Wilderness, Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur with its convict history and bucolic rural areas and historic towns along the Heritage Highway.
Tasmania’s northern ‘capital’, Launceston, is a maritime city at the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers and the mighty Tamar River. A thriving community, serving a fertile agricultural and manufacturing region, Launceston (“Lonnie” to the locals) is the perfect base to explore the flourishing gourmet/wine trails of the Tamar Valley and the farming districts and charming towns along the north coast.
Tasmania fun facts
The Tasmanian devil really does exist and has extremely powerful jaws
Tasmania is said to have the world’s cleanest air due to constant winds from the Southern Ocean
Each year there are dozens of reported sightings of the ‘extinct’ Tasmanian Tiger
Sun Princess Cruise
Thursday 4th March 2010
Travel Counsellor: Michelle Kelly
The Sun Princess was ready to take our family from Brisbane to Sydney for a 2 night cruise. A weekender I would recommend to everybody. As one of my passions is cruising these 2 or 3 night cruises are perfect for a Short Break, and they are amazing value!
Our cruise fare included our entertainment, accommodation and our meals for the weekend so all we really had to decide was what and when to eat!
After quickly unpacking our bags in our new home for the next 2 nights (that is one thing we love about cruising...you don't have to live out of a suitcase) it is off to explore and familiarize ourselves with the ship. As lunch was ready when we stepped onboard we all enjoyed a wonderful buffet while the crew got ready to sail away.
After lunch it was up on deck ready for Sail Away and of course a cocktail as we meandered up the Brisbane River.
Cruising always makes me feel relaxed the minute we sail away from the dock. We enjoyed a few drinks as a family as Grandad and one of... view full story
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