Sally Simpson

We are off to explore Tassie for 12 nights towards the end of January.
Any suggestions of places we really must see or things we should do?
We have two boys, & my youngest will turn 11 whilst we are there. Would like to plan something really fun for his birthday.
We have a hire car booked & I will book accom in the next week or so.

So, care to share expats in Tasmania?

GillyG

Wineglass Bay is absolutely beautiful! It is a fairly hard climb up but perfectly do-able for an 11 year old. Have fun!

mohogony

Wineglass bay was my favourite place in Tassie. The best time of year to go to Tassie is in summer, it does'nt get too hot in summer like mainland OZ, but Tassie is very cold in winter,

NickyC

Make sure you're in Hobart on a Saturday morning. Salamanca Market is great - the best market in Australia, I reckon.

Also Lake St Clair is seriously scenic and definitely worth stopping at.

I'd also recommend Queenstown for the moonscape and Port Arthur - because it's the most atmospheric place I've ever been to (for more reasons than one).

siamsusie

Lol thats where my husband was born. As my husband says its a very unusual place for newcomers to see, the damage was caused by dreadful pollution. Atmospheric mmmm I am pleased you enjoyed yourself susie

Pomster

we also enjoyed Stanley in the North- the Nut is a great viewpoint and a head-clearing walk up!

siamsusie

We are up in the north of Tasmania on the River Tamar (where it doesnt get unbelievably cold!), You have Cataract Gorge & Basin chairlifts, stunning for the kids, Launceston Aquatic Centre, Grindelwald Swiss Village mini golfing, Tasmania Zoo (Riverside), Narawntapu National Park & Beach near me (Beauty Point Greens Beach), Seaworl & Playpus House Beauty Point, Old Mac Farms & Fisheries (wonderful for the children), thats a tiny part of the North, beaches are amazing all over! enjoy your holiday Susie

Sammy T

Hi

Here goes:

Freycinet National Park, you can walk to Wineglass Bay, really stunning, you can also do boat trips, kayaking etc. Coles Bay has plenty of accomodation, we always stay at Freycinet Lodge, cabins are fairly basic but at dusk the possums and wallabies come out, we love it! The breakfasts are pretty good too and the restaurant is nice for a special meal
http://www.freycinetlodge.com.au/
http://www.colesbay.com.au/
http://www.freycinetadventures.com.au/ They do really good kayak trips for beginners or more experienced
http://www.freycinetseacharters.com/

Cradle Mountain, not been there yet but looks fab, especially if you are into walking.

Port Arthur, a really interesting and sad place, definitely worth a day out. There are also boat trips that go from Eaglehawk Neck or Hobart, good chance of seeing seals etc.
http://www.portarthur.org.au/
http://www.tasmancruises.com.au/

Hobart, nice atmosphere around the Salamanca area, lovely old Georgian warehouses, plenty of places to eat, good market on Saturdays. Lots of boat trips go from the harbour area, varying from quiet and sedate to a bit more speedy. The views from Mt Wellington are fab on a clear day
http://www.brunycruises.com.au/
http://wildthingadventures.com.au/
http://www.peppermintbay.com.au/

If you like your wine, there is a great choice of wineries both in the North and South of the state, here are some nice ones in the South but we have only just touched the surface so far!:

http://www.meadowbankwines.com.au/ (nice spot for lunch too)
http://www.puddleduckvineyard.com.au/
http://homehillwines.com.au/main/ good for eating too
http://www.miltonvineyard.com.au/
http://www.winetasmania.com.au/ (for info on all wineries around the state)

Bay of Fires is well worth looking at, not stayed up there yet (another one on our list) but have spent a couple of hours there on journey elsewhere. Beaches to die for, warmer sea than most of Tas.

Launceston Cataract Gorge, nice for an afternoon picnic, can recommend the Basin Cafe, great spot for lunch.

Tahune Airwalk in the South - http://www.forestrytas.com.au/visiti...tahune-airwalk
Treetops in the North - http://www.treetopsadventure.com.au/

Penguin spotting at Bicheno, Lowhead, or Stanley
http://www.penguintours.lowhead.com/
http://www.bichenopenguintours.com.au/

Also have a look at Discover Tasmania website for more ideas
http://www.discovertasmania.com/
http://www.festivale.com.au/ This is held in Feb, not sure of your dates, might be too early for this food and wine festival

I'm sure some of the Northerners can suggest more things as well!

Shout up if you need more info.

Sam

Sally Simpson

Thank you everyone!
Some great links to look at.
Now need to go & plan itinerary...not something that I have done for a hol before but think it is a must for a tour around an island,

Swerv-o

Tasmania is fantastic - I love my time there. If you are into adventure, I recommend organising abseiling down the face of the Gordon Dam.

Aardvark Adventures


S

moneypenny20

Well there's his birthday treat

Sally Simpson