clearjoy

I'm from Malaysia, visiting Australia for the first time. I chose Tasmania because I'm a little adventurous and quite keen on walks in the mountains and seeing nature, but my fitness level is only average. I have 7 nights accommodation at an apartment in Shearwater, near Devonport. I'm on a limited budget, so I need some advice and suggestions on how best to move around Tasmania, where to go, and what to see and do. Thank you.

Melnq8

This site might help get you started:

www.discovertasmania.com.au/

clearjoy

Thanks Melnq8, for pointing out this website. I have been looking through it, and there is just so much to see & do in Tasmania!! I think the most I can manage is as far west as Stanley/Smithton, as far south as Cradle Mt. and as far east as Launceston/Tamar Valley. I think there are places to see along the way, so is it possible to drive out to these places and return to Shearwater the same day, or do I have to stay the night at Stanley and Cradle Mt? How safe is it for a solo female to self-drive? I also read that I need passes to the national parks and reserves... how much does each cost? Thanks.

alice13

Hi clearjoy,
I can't help you with up to date info on how much passes cost to visit the National Parks. But that info will be on the web somewhere.

Re self drive for a female - no probs f a

alice13

Hi clearjoy,
I can't help you with up to date info on how much passes cost to visit the National Parks. But that info will be on the web somewhere.

Re self drive for a female - no probs - I had a fantastic time. Just be aware that many roads are narrow, and quite likely a hire car will be manual. If you are not familiar with, or feel uncomfortable with, a manual, then be sure to say so when booking. But the cheap hire car companies probably only offer manual.

To be honest - a day trip to Stanley or Cradle Mt is do-able as long as all you want to do is drive there and drive back. You are severely limiting your options by wanting to return to the same place each night.

I know it will hurt - but why not accept that the accommodation included in your package is best used for first and last night only. Get yourself on the road. If you are on a budget then check out the hostel network. It's often only dorms but some places may have private rooms.

You don't say exactly what on a budget means. But when you consider how much you have spent to get there, you might as well spend a little extra to use your time well.

To start you off

www.yha.org.au
www.hostelworld.com

Tassie is beautiful - enjoy - and hope this helps.

Melnq8

Clearjoy -

When we visited Tassie in October 2004, we paid $33 for a National Parks Pass - there were two of us in a car - I think it was good for a month or two. While we were there, we noticed that the price had gone up to $50 - this happened on Nov 1. Not sure if this was just a seasonal increase or a permanent one.

The following site provides details on passes:

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/current_fees.html

Have fun!

KayF

Another idea, especially good for a female solo traveller, is to stay at B&Bs. You usually have breakfast with other people and can chat about where you are going and where you've been. Often the hosts will give you ideas of what to do, road conditions etc. There are a few sites but one we have used is www.babs.com.au
We stayed at Barton Cottage in Battery Point, Hobart and would recommend it though the hosts are not there during the day. Even if you don't stay in Battery Point, it's a lovely area for a walk and a coffee. I agree with the others, if you have to make it back to the Shearwater each night it really limits where you can go.
Kay

alice13

It sort of depends on budget. B&Bs -there are plenty in Tassie, and usually great places to stay but not on the whole cheap. I mean, they may be cheaper than a 4 or 5 star hotel, but a lot more expensive than a pub or a hostel.

I just mentioned hostels because sometimes visitors don't consider them as an a option.

They are also great places to meet people, and most hostel managers are well informed.

It's down to how much you want to spend.

clearjoy

Thanks, alice13, for giving a boost to my confidence about self-driving. I also appreciate your pointing out about driving cars with manual...I'm ok with manual, so I can get some savings on the car hire. From the YHA website you gave me, I found I can manage my budget better with the hostels' prices. I have seen the prices on B&Bs and Motels, and they are more expensive, though they do look tempting. Thanks Melnq8 for directing me to the park fees, and my thanks also to KayF. I agree with all of you about not making it back to Shearwater every night. I think I will stay a night in Stanley and another night (or should I make it 2?) in Cradle Mt. Any suggestions what I see and do in the drive from Shearwater to Stanley to Cradle Mt back to Shearwater? Also what to see and do on day trips from Shearwater to Deloraine and Launceston/Tamar Valley? I intend to enjoy Tassie, and I look forward to having fun!!

clearjoy

One more question...which is a better option in terms of cost, time and stress....make my own arrangements for getting to Tassie from Melbourne, car hire & accommodations through the internet or engage the services of travel agents in Australia? Anyone have experience with Australian Discount Travel & Tours? Thanks.

Melnq8

Can't help you with your last question Clearjoy. We always make our own bookings via the Internet. Jetstar has very reasonable rates from Melbourne to Tasmania and www.wotif.com is a great resource for hotels and B&Bs.

Good luck.

KayF

You can book a cheap flight on the internet with Jetstar or Virgin Blue. Not sure if Qantas fly there any more. I've found car hire a bit more fiddly on the net but try www.bestflights.com.au for cost ideas, I think they give you a cost for each car hire company which saves time. A nice place for a snack or lunch is the Raspberry Farm, it's in Sassafras, on the main road between Devonport and Deloraine, watch for the sign.
Kay
(have you thought about catching the ferry to Devonport - Spirit of Tasmania - most trips are overnight, you can get a cabin or a seat similar to a airplane seat.)

Lea_Lane

Hi Clearjoy,
I'm hosting a forum on solo travel this week (see my new Fodor's book, Solo Traveler). Check out the Solo Traveler site.
Although I have never been to Tasmania (it's on my short-list), I can tell you that you can easily plan ahead to make sure that you do what you want, when you want during your visit. You'll find groups of "average level" walkers I'll bet, as well as marked routes if you want to go it alone. Also, since you're on a limited budget, spend on what you like the most--food, or photos, or souvenirs, and cut back on other things. With some advance work you'll make the most of your week. Enjoy the soloing!

clearjoy

Was away, and drowning in work since my return.
Thanks Melnq8 & KayF for the websites. I will look out for the Raspberry Farm, KayF, and yes, I will be taking the overnight ferry between Melbourne & Devonport...saves me 2 nights accommodation!
Sorry I missed the forum you hosted, Lea_Lane, and I am taking your advice about doing advance work. But I still don't know how to choose what to see and do. I can only take in the Northern regions...any suggestions on what not to be missed?