Wonkyknee

I am going to Tasmania on 8th to 15th March 2009. I would like to stay in B&B's while there - have no idea about them. I arrive in Launceston by air from Melbourne. Do I need to hire a car? Should I go on guided walks - wish to see Cradle Mountain and Wineglass Bay if possible. Do I go by bus to places or go on a guided walking tour? Help, please!!!

Bushranger

Have a look at http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1315 and you may find that the NPs can have some guided walks but the walks will be well signposted and defined.
Commercially guided walks are usually of the longer overnighting durations and hellishly expensive.

Yes, you'll want to organise a hire car to get around to the walks locations.

Melnq8

I highly recommend renting a car and going it alone. I love to hike and I've never understood the concept of guided walks - why pay someone to show you a trail???

Its' easy to get around Tassie. There are some great hikes at Cradle Mountain - suggest you spend at least two nights there.

The Wineglass Bay hike is nice too, but don't stop after the lookout - keep hiking - cross the isthmus to Hazards Beach, and follow the coastline around the base of Mt Mayson - nice 11 km trek.

We enjoyed our stay at Pelican Bay B&B in Coles Bay - a great base for seeing Freycinet.

Skiergirl

I just went to Tassie this past March! It was beautiful and a lot of fun. We went to both Cradle Mtn. and Wineglass Bay. Gorgeous!!! For Wineglass Bay because I have issues with breathing when going uphill we just did the hour long hike up to the viewing point. It was still lovely and good exercise. For Cradle Mtn. we stayed at the Cradle Mtn. Lodge (loved it) and did the walk where you walk around the lake. It was a few hours and a few miles-not too difficult but again a great exercise and I personally was tired in the end (and I am in pretty good shape). You should just rent a car and drive around yourself. We did that and found it easier rather than being trapped on a bus, not on your own schedule, and with a bunch of strangers. You will meet people but remember that in Coles Bay (Freycinet area) there are few restaurants and reservations are recommended. Have fun!!!!

oasisguy

I would also recommend renting a car. I was in Tassie 2 weeks back. No need for guided walks as someone else already mentioned.

When in Cradle Mountains, if you don't want to do Summit walk then at least go up to Marion's point lookout. It was spectacular. It was snowing yet it was amazing. When we reached at the top (It took us almost 1.5 hours to reach there from one of the car parking area), the weather cleared for 5 minutes and presented us with lovely picture taking opportunities. It is not very difficult hike (choose an easier route than the harder one; you can find information about this at the visitor center).

Definitely do wineglass bay lookout hike. If you are not short on time, do that 11 km walk. However, if you are short on time, at least go down to the beach. It was secluded (only I and my wife had the whole beach to us) and had soft white sand. It takes half an hour to go up to the lookout point and then half an hour to go down. (Just to give you an idea!!)

Enjoy!!!