ON TOUR: Tasmania
Sheila Randall is a regular contributor to ABTN. A Brit, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida she earns her living as a tour organiser. At the end of last year she took an educational trip to Tasmania, part of the Australian Commonwealth.
http://www.travelinstyle-online.net
The island state of Tasmania is very easy to get to from mainland Australia. If you want a more leisurely pace, take an overnight ferry from Melbourne or Sydney to Devonport on one of the Spirit of Tasmania ships. The ships sail daily to and from Melbourne and three times a week on the Sydney route.
There are direct flights operating frequently from Melbourne to Hobart and Launceston, from Brisbane to Hobart and from Melbourne to Devonport.
The population of Tasmania is 483,000 with 200,000 living in Hobart, the capital city. Launceston, the other major city, has a population of 98,500. The average summer temperature is 21C dropping to 12C in the winter.
Tasmania boasts of having the purest air in the world and it reflects in the abundance of wonderful fruits and vegetables that are grown there, as well as fantastic seafood from its waters. If you plan to visit over next Christmas stay on for the New Year and sample the ”Taste of Tasmania” festival.
Hobart (left) is home to one of the world”s finest small symphony orchestras based at the Grand Chancellor Hotel, a five-star property overlooking the beautiful harbour. Take a walk along the quay and stop in at one of the many lovely cafes for a wonderful lunch of fresh local fish and chips. After lunch stroll along to Salamanca Place and enjoy the craft and art shops lining the streets. There are wonderful nooks and crannies to investigate. If you happen to be there on a Saturday, spend time in Salamanca Market, which is famous for its arts and crafts, local food and souvenirs. On the other side of the harbour is the Henry Jones Art Hotel. Developed from the shell of an old jam factory, which is a listed building, it is a unique luxury hotel exhibiting local works of art, which are on sale to guests and visitors.
Take a 22km drive up to the summit of Mt Wellington and view Hobart from above. You should be able to see up the Derwent Valley, down to the Southern Ocean and over to Port Arthur if the weather is clear. There are remarkable rock formations and, if you are visiting in the winter, snow will be on the ground.
Port Arthur Historic Site is a never to be forgotten experience. About 12,500 convicts were transported and imprisoned there between 1830 and 1877. Many of the buildings have been preserved and walking amongst them is a very sobering experience. The visitors” centre houses a museum, which accurately depicts the life of the prisoners (left).
Another magnificent area not far from Launceston is Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. It is breathtaking. The track to the top of the mountain, which is 1,545m above sea level, is an eight-hour return walk, but there are also shorter walks such as the two-hour walk around Dove Lake. Cradle Mountain Lodge offers five-star accommodation with lovely discreetly built cabins dotted around their grounds and if you happen to be watching out of your window at dusk you may be lucky enough to spot a wombat waddling by or a pademelon grazing. All Tasmanian animals are nocturnal and the best time to view them is at dawn or dusk. Cradle Mountain Lodge has a world-class spa, cosy public rooms and great food. Lemontyme Lodge is another very pretty hotel in the area. Launceston is also known for its beer, James Boag, which claims to be one of the best beers brewed worldwide.
Do not miss a visit to Cataract Gorge when you are in the Launceston area. The scenery is spectacular and so are the flowers. Cross the suspension bridge and walk back to the city on the other side of the river. For the more adventurous there is also whitewater rafting and rock climbing in the gorge.
For wine enthusiasts take a tour to the Tamar Valley. You can spend two or three days visiting individual vineyards. Besides luxury accommodation there are also B&Bs and cottages full of charm and interest. It is not recommended that you self-drive when on the winery trail for obvious reasons.
Animal lovers must not miss a visit to Trowunna Wildlife Park at Mole Creek, not far from Deloraine, the arts and craft centre of Tasmania, and visit the Tasmanian Devils. You will be most entertained by these unusual little animals that are not as fierce as their reputation. You may also have an opportunity to cuddle a wombat, visit kangaroos and view beautiful birds that are being rehabitated.
Also nearby is the pretty little town of Ross which has a convict-built bridge decorated with carvings depicting animals, birds, insects and plants, friends and enemies including the Governor at the time it was constructed, George Arthur. You can spend two days being lectured on all the meanings of the carvings.
Tasmania is a fabulous destination where you should plan on spending at least seven to ten days. There is so much to see and do. There is Sheffield, famous for its murals, Freycinet National Park, the port of Strahan or a three day cruise up the Gordon River, great walks short and long, climbing, fishing, golfing, diving, cycling, food and wine, history, art and crafts and culture. Driving yourself is the best way to see the island, the traffic is light and the main roads are good. Just allow a little more time because the roads are winding.
Treat yourself and take an unforgettable holiday. You will never forget the glorious experience of visiting Tasmania.
http://www.discovertasmania.com.au