Sydney/Tasmania in August
Jun 23rd 2003, 2:13 pm
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Sydney/Tasmania in August
I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
be appreciated!
Thanks,
DP
don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
be appreciated!
Thanks,
DP
Jun 23rd 2003, 4:16 pm
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Sydney/Tasmania in August
DP wrote:
>
> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
>
> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
>
> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
>
> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
> be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> DP
Haven't been to SkidKnee for years but last year my wife and I went to
Tasmania in August.
Cool, you'll need a good coat and hat etc. Plenty of open fires and wood
heaters in the restaraunts and pubs, the Taswegians know how to eat well
and keep warm.
If you are on a tight budget try the Youth Hostels or caravan parks
(chains like Cosy Cabins etc).
Get hold of the Tassie Temptations booklet, this list nearly all the
accommodation along with tours and trips.
There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
Estate (Longford), Allandale garden (south of Stanley) the Salmon Ponds
at Plenty, many historic house such as Woolmers, Entally House,
Brickendon etc.
There are animal parks at Mole Creek (also two great caves), the Tasman
Peninsular (along with Port Arthur Penal Settlment and many other
convict ruins - the caravan park is alive with wallabys at night),
Bicheno.
You will see wildlife on just about any walk especially the walk to
Wineglass Bay, DoveLake, Weindorfers, Tahune airwalk river path.
There are museums all over the place, there are at least three within
walking distance of Salamanca Place (Hobart)- go to the Saturday market
here, there are historic towns such as Ross ond Richmond
>
> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
>
> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
>
> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
>
> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
> be appreciated!
>
> Thanks,
> DP
Haven't been to SkidKnee for years but last year my wife and I went to
Tasmania in August.
Cool, you'll need a good coat and hat etc. Plenty of open fires and wood
heaters in the restaraunts and pubs, the Taswegians know how to eat well
and keep warm.
If you are on a tight budget try the Youth Hostels or caravan parks
(chains like Cosy Cabins etc).
Get hold of the Tassie Temptations booklet, this list nearly all the
accommodation along with tours and trips.
There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
Estate (Longford), Allandale garden (south of Stanley) the Salmon Ponds
at Plenty, many historic house such as Woolmers, Entally House,
Brickendon etc.
There are animal parks at Mole Creek (also two great caves), the Tasman
Peninsular (along with Port Arthur Penal Settlment and many other
convict ruins - the caravan park is alive with wallabys at night),
Bicheno.
You will see wildlife on just about any walk especially the walk to
Wineglass Bay, DoveLake, Weindorfers, Tahune airwalk river path.
There are museums all over the place, there are at least three within
walking distance of Salamanca Place (Hobart)- go to the Saturday market
here, there are historic towns such as Ross ond Richmond
Jun 23rd 2003, 11:51 pm
#3
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,860
Theres a Lonely Planet specifically on Tassie, very useful & accurate.
A lot of the backpackers hostels are good and cheap, though basic; most of them have rooms as well as dorms.
Tasman Peninsula is a must - Port Arthur and the surroundings are really eerie, especially at night - go on a ghost tour if you get the chance.
Hobart's Botanical Gardens are really good - and this from me, who can't normally stand walking round gardens! Make sure you see the Antarctic one - amazing! Theres a small wildlife park (called Boonorong) at Brighton, just outside Hobart - get the chance to feed the wallabies!
Have fun - fantastic island!!!
A lot of the backpackers hostels are good and cheap, though basic; most of them have rooms as well as dorms.
Tasman Peninsula is a must - Port Arthur and the surroundings are really eerie, especially at night - go on a ghost tour if you get the chance.
Hobart's Botanical Gardens are really good - and this from me, who can't normally stand walking round gardens! Make sure you see the Antarctic one - amazing! Theres a small wildlife park (called Boonorong) at Brighton, just outside Hobart - get the chance to feed the wallabies!
Have fun - fantastic island!!!
Jun 24th 2003, 5:43 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Sydney/Tasmania in August
in article [email protected], Greenie LeBrun at
[email protected] wrote on 24/6/03 4:16 PM:
> DP wrote:
>>
>> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
>> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
>> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
>> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
>> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
>> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
>>
>> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
>> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
>> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
>>
>> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
>> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
>> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
>>
>> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
>> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
>> be appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> DP
> There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
> Estate (Longford),
Not much point going to a rose garden in August!!
However if you do go to Hobart don't miss Port Arthur - it must be on a par
with some of the Concentration Camps in Europe as one of the creepiest
tourist destinations on earth.
Also, while in SYD you can't miss the Blue Mtns - but get a car for a day
and include Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens - one of the most stunning displays of
GondwannaLand flora you'll see. Of course as Aust natives are evergreen &
many are spring flowering, later in August there'll be quite a few wild
flowers, although Sept is best for the Waratah. If you are reasonably fit &
the weather is fine, a day trip by ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena & a walk
into the Royal National Park for a couple of hours will also show stunning
coastal wildflowers. (Again, at its best in September).
Vicki
[email protected] wrote on 24/6/03 4:16 PM:
> DP wrote:
>>
>> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
>> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
>> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
>> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
>> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
>> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
>>
>> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
>> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
>> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
>>
>> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
>> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
>> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
>>
>> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
>> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
>> be appreciated!
>>
>> Thanks,
>> DP
> There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
> Estate (Longford),
Not much point going to a rose garden in August!!
However if you do go to Hobart don't miss Port Arthur - it must be on a par
with some of the Concentration Camps in Europe as one of the creepiest
tourist destinations on earth.
Also, while in SYD you can't miss the Blue Mtns - but get a car for a day
and include Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens - one of the most stunning displays of
GondwannaLand flora you'll see. Of course as Aust natives are evergreen &
many are spring flowering, later in August there'll be quite a few wild
flowers, although Sept is best for the Waratah. If you are reasonably fit &
the weather is fine, a day trip by ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena & a walk
into the Royal National Park for a couple of hours will also show stunning
coastal wildflowers. (Again, at its best in September).
Vicki
Jun 25th 2003, 4:05 pm
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Sydney/Tasmania in August
Vicki Steven wrote:
>
> in article [email protected], Greenie LeBrun at
> [email protected] wrote on 24/6/03 4:16 PM:
>
> > DP wrote:
> >>
> >> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
> >> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
> >> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
> >> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
> >> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
> >> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
> >>
> >> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
> >> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
> >> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
> >>
> >> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
> >> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
> >> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
> >>
> >> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
> >> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
> >> be appreciated!
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> DP
>
> > There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
> > Estate (Longford),
>
> Not much point going to a rose garden in August!!
Best time - none of those yucky coloured bits or leafy things to obscure
the pure beauty of the thorns, but Woolmers itself is worth a visit
>
> However if you do go to Hobart don't miss Port Arthur - it must be on a par
> with some of the Concentration Camps in Europe as one of the creepiest
> tourist destinations on earth.
>
> Also, while in SYD you can't miss the Blue Mtns - but get a car for a day
> and include Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens - one of the most stunning displays of
> GondwannaLand flora you'll see. Of course as Aust natives are evergreen &
> many are spring flowering, later in August there'll be quite a few wild
> flowers, although Sept is best for the Waratah. If you are reasonably fit &
> the weather is fine, a day trip by ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena & a walk
> into the Royal National Park for a couple of hours will also show stunning
> coastal wildflowers. (Again, at its best in September).
>
> Vicki
--
People with extreme views should be executed
>
> in article [email protected], Greenie LeBrun at
> [email protected] wrote on 24/6/03 4:16 PM:
>
> > DP wrote:
> >>
> >> I'm thinking about taking a 2-week trip Down Under in late August. I
> >> don't have a huge budget and Sydney and Tasmania are the places I'm
> >> keenest to see, so I'm wondering how to divide my time. I originally
> >> planned to just spend a few days in Hobart thinking that it would be
> >> too bleak in winter to explore much, but now I'm wondering if I
> >> shouldn't spend more time there and visit other parts of the island.
> >>
> >> I'm most interested in history and wildlife. I'm not much for roughing
> >> it, so I could be perfectly content with botanical gardens and zoos.
> >> Are such things operational and worth visiting in winter?
> >>
> >> Also, Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
> >> to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
> >> price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
> >>
> >> I realize this is vague, but I'm looking through the Lonely Planet
> >> guide to Australia and feeling rather overwhelmed--so any advice would
> >> be appreciated!
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> DP
>
> > There is a nice Botanic Garden in Hobart, a Rose garden at Wollmers
> > Estate (Longford),
>
> Not much point going to a rose garden in August!!
Best time - none of those yucky coloured bits or leafy things to obscure
the pure beauty of the thorns, but Woolmers itself is worth a visit
>
> However if you do go to Hobart don't miss Port Arthur - it must be on a par
> with some of the Concentration Camps in Europe as one of the creepiest
> tourist destinations on earth.
>
> Also, while in SYD you can't miss the Blue Mtns - but get a car for a day
> and include Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens - one of the most stunning displays of
> GondwannaLand flora you'll see. Of course as Aust natives are evergreen &
> many are spring flowering, later in August there'll be quite a few wild
> flowers, although Sept is best for the Waratah. If you are reasonably fit &
> the weather is fine, a day trip by ferry from Cronulla to Bundeena & a walk
> into the Royal National Park for a couple of hours will also show stunning
> coastal wildflowers. (Again, at its best in September).
>
> Vicki
--
People with extreme views should be executed
Jun 28th 2003, 1:36 am
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Sydney/Tasmania in August
On 23 Jun 2003 19:13:50 -0700, [email protected] (DP) wrote:
> Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
>to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
>price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
Airfares change almost daily, so it's worth subscribing to the emailed
newsletters of both Qantas and Virgin Blue to be kept up to date on
the latest specials for the dates you are interested in. The links to
subscribe are on the home pages of each airline.
The best deals are Internet-only and are often available for sale only
for a few days (and often sell out very quickly), though they are
sometimes sold well in advance for non-peak times.
Jean
http://www.avalook.com.au/
> Virgin Blue seems to have quite reasonable airfares from Sydney
>to Hobart, certainly relative to Qantas. Are they as good as it gets
>price-wise, or are there other sites I should be checking?
Airfares change almost daily, so it's worth subscribing to the emailed
newsletters of both Qantas and Virgin Blue to be kept up to date on
the latest specials for the dates you are interested in. The links to
subscribe are on the home pages of each airline.
The best deals are Internet-only and are often available for sale only
for a few days (and often sell out very quickly), though they are
sometimes sold well in advance for non-peak times.
Jean
http://www.avalook.com.au/
Jul 6th 2003, 3:06 pm
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Sydney/Tasmania in August
Wow--TONS of great tips here; thank you all so much!
I bought my big plane ticket--got one of those great deals from
Qantas--R/T from LA to Sydney with a free stopover in Auckland, so I
get to spend a little time in NZ, too. Haven't finalized the Tassie
plans, but they're coming. Life is too good!!
DP
I bought my big plane ticket--got one of those great deals from
Qantas--R/T from LA to Sydney with a free stopover in Auckland, so I
get to spend a little time in NZ, too. Haven't finalized the Tassie
plans, but they're coming. Life is too good!!
DP
