Tasmania Help
Oct 10th, 2011, 07:06 AM
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Tasmania Help
We are planning a visit to Tassie in mid February, 2012 and will have 9-10 nts there. We have previously visited Hobart and Port Arthur. I'm hoping for some words of wisdom that I usually get from the Fodorites regarding our route and any recommendations for B&B lodgings. Will arrive into Hobart late morning and plan on spending 3 nts. (one day trip to Bruney Island (any suggestions as what to see) and one day to Mt Field NP; Then off to Strahan (via New Norfolk, Franklin River nature, Nelson Falls nature walk, Queenstown (has anyone done the Wilderness Railway tour) and onto Strahan for 1 nt. (will do the Gordon River cruise the next day-comments?) and then drive onto Cradle Mt via Zeehan, Rosebery, Tullah where we will spend 2 nts. From here, we plan on heading to Devonport for 1 nt but thought we would do a scenic drive first up to the NW coast and visit Stanley, Smithton (is this route a worthwhile detour?). Next, we'll head to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park . Here's the next question: We can either go the shorter route (4 hrs per mapquest) south thru Deloraine or the longer route (6 hrs) taking us up near the NE coast thru George Town, Pipers River, Bridport, south to Scottsale and the A3 to St. Helens, St. Marys. Has anyone done this drive?? Is it worth doing the longer version? Last, we'll head to Launceston for 2 nts. Sorry, I'm being so wordy. Hope I haven't lost everyone.
Thanks in advance. If you think we should cut out anything, let us know and we'll just add the time onto the mainland portion of our journey.
Thanks in advance. If you think we should cut out anything, let us know and we'll just add the time onto the mainland portion of our journey.
Oct 10th, 2011, 03:12 PM
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A wordy reply for a wordy question.
Sounds like you are well planned. I would allow time for a trip to Maria Island (see below). We stay in a campervan so we can't recommend accommodation. I think there are better places to go than Bruny Island, unless you do the boat cruise adventure.
It is worth going to the North East there are a couple of lovely waterfalls and Blue Tier is lovely. The Cheese place is good as well. There is not much at Georgetown but the area is great. Go to Low Head and do the Penguin Tour and you will get within arms reach of the penguins in a small tour group of only half a dozen or so.
It depends on whether you prefer scenery/nature or buildings/history. The central area is open sheep country but with lots of old buidings especially at Oatlands. It has a working flour windmill to visit and the largest collection of pre 1837 buildings in Australia. You could do a day trip From Hobart.
Deloraine is a short drive from Launceston and is worth it for the caves and the Honey at Chudley - 50+ types and HOMEMADE ICECREAM and Nougat. The Alum cliffs is worth the short detour and short walk.
Below is my comments from another recent thread on Tasmania - with some extra comments for you.
Cradle Mountain is always crowded and if you do not get there early you will need to take the shuttle bus. Unless you have some deep desire to see it specifically, Hartz Mountain National Park and and Mt Field National Park are similar glacial environments without the crowds.
At Mt Field allow a full day to do the waterfall and go to the top and do one of the walks you will need at least 2hrs for this walk. The walk from the top carpark is steep but then you get onto a plateau and things are a lot easier. Stunning scenery - every bit as good as Cradle Mtn.
Freycinet is also crowded. The walk to Winglass bay lookout is relatively steep and there is no water available on the track.
Bicheno is lovely, be sure to do one of the Penguin tours to see the Fairy Penguins. Quite often you will see their nest on rocky beaches - just follow the white droppings!
Maria Island is well worth a visit. We did the all day trip which took us to a seal colony and to the island. A fantastic day not to be missed! The painted cliffs and the fossil cliffs are superb. Penguins nest near the fossil cliff.
http://www.eastcoastcruises.com.au/t...-on-maria.html
The Tasman Island Cruises -Just remember YELLOW BOATS - are also extremely good. The trip can be a bit rough so take some quells etc. They will kit you out with warm and waterproof clothes as it is an open boat. The scenery is worth it! The tallest sea cliffs in the world. They take the boats into sea caves and to waterfalls. You will see seals etc. The service was the best I have had the young lads were constantly checking on people, caring, professional and knowledgeable. They dealt with sea sick passengers so calmly and gently that most people would not have noticed that others were sick.
http://tasmancruises.rtrk.com.au/?sc..._id=5381400465
The west coast is stunning and the Arthur River Cruise is great. Both companies do much the same but this one has old fashioned boat and brilliant host. They both have trained the sea eagles to come close to feed.
http://arthurrivercruises.com/
I would skip Roseberry and Tullah. Roseberry is just a mining town. Instead turn off at Zeehan and head west to Savage River and the Pieman and Arthur Rivers and come back via the Western Explorer to Stanley via Cradle. Smithton is again just mining/logging town but The Nut at Stanley is well worth a visit - use the chair lift! Dismal Swamp on the way - now called Tarkine Adventure or some such is lovely but does cost abit to enter. It was run by Forest Tasmania but is now a private business.
There is a ferry at the Pieman but it only takes cars not caravans etc. so should not cause a problem. It runs on demand during daylight hours and costs $20.
The north west and west coast are our favourites.
Hellyers road distillery near Burnie is well worth a visit.
http://hellyersroaddistillery.com.au/
There are others as well. Lark in Hobart is good as well, but a bit more expensive (I think).
Tasmania is fantastic and is an island of contrasts. Nine days will give you a good taste. We have spent more than seven weeks there in two trips and have not seen all of it yet.
If you are interested in Geology get Peter Manchester's book -Created From Chaos. You will need to get it from direct as this is easiest. Book stores will get it in for you as well.
Tasmania and Scotland have the most diverse geology for their size of anywhere in the world.
WEATHER - expect all seasons on any given day. The mountains can and do get snow in summer. eg Cradle Mountain on Christmas Day!
I have done a trip report if you are interested.
I'm happy to answer any other questions.
Sounds like you are well planned. I would allow time for a trip to Maria Island (see below). We stay in a campervan so we can't recommend accommodation. I think there are better places to go than Bruny Island, unless you do the boat cruise adventure.
It is worth going to the North East there are a couple of lovely waterfalls and Blue Tier is lovely. The Cheese place is good as well. There is not much at Georgetown but the area is great. Go to Low Head and do the Penguin Tour and you will get within arms reach of the penguins in a small tour group of only half a dozen or so.
It depends on whether you prefer scenery/nature or buildings/history. The central area is open sheep country but with lots of old buidings especially at Oatlands. It has a working flour windmill to visit and the largest collection of pre 1837 buildings in Australia. You could do a day trip From Hobart.
Deloraine is a short drive from Launceston and is worth it for the caves and the Honey at Chudley - 50+ types and HOMEMADE ICECREAM and Nougat. The Alum cliffs is worth the short detour and short walk.
Below is my comments from another recent thread on Tasmania - with some extra comments for you.
Cradle Mountain is always crowded and if you do not get there early you will need to take the shuttle bus. Unless you have some deep desire to see it specifically, Hartz Mountain National Park and and Mt Field National Park are similar glacial environments without the crowds.
At Mt Field allow a full day to do the waterfall and go to the top and do one of the walks you will need at least 2hrs for this walk. The walk from the top carpark is steep but then you get onto a plateau and things are a lot easier. Stunning scenery - every bit as good as Cradle Mtn.
Freycinet is also crowded. The walk to Winglass bay lookout is relatively steep and there is no water available on the track.
Bicheno is lovely, be sure to do one of the Penguin tours to see the Fairy Penguins. Quite often you will see their nest on rocky beaches - just follow the white droppings!
Maria Island is well worth a visit. We did the all day trip which took us to a seal colony and to the island. A fantastic day not to be missed! The painted cliffs and the fossil cliffs are superb. Penguins nest near the fossil cliff.
http://www.eastcoastcruises.com.au/t...-on-maria.html
The Tasman Island Cruises -Just remember YELLOW BOATS - are also extremely good. The trip can be a bit rough so take some quells etc. They will kit you out with warm and waterproof clothes as it is an open boat. The scenery is worth it! The tallest sea cliffs in the world. They take the boats into sea caves and to waterfalls. You will see seals etc. The service was the best I have had the young lads were constantly checking on people, caring, professional and knowledgeable. They dealt with sea sick passengers so calmly and gently that most people would not have noticed that others were sick.
http://tasmancruises.rtrk.com.au/?sc..._id=5381400465
The west coast is stunning and the Arthur River Cruise is great. Both companies do much the same but this one has old fashioned boat and brilliant host. They both have trained the sea eagles to come close to feed.
http://arthurrivercruises.com/
I would skip Roseberry and Tullah. Roseberry is just a mining town. Instead turn off at Zeehan and head west to Savage River and the Pieman and Arthur Rivers and come back via the Western Explorer to Stanley via Cradle. Smithton is again just mining/logging town but The Nut at Stanley is well worth a visit - use the chair lift! Dismal Swamp on the way - now called Tarkine Adventure or some such is lovely but does cost abit to enter. It was run by Forest Tasmania but is now a private business.
There is a ferry at the Pieman but it only takes cars not caravans etc. so should not cause a problem. It runs on demand during daylight hours and costs $20.
The north west and west coast are our favourites.
Hellyers road distillery near Burnie is well worth a visit.
http://hellyersroaddistillery.com.au/
There are others as well. Lark in Hobart is good as well, but a bit more expensive (I think).
Tasmania is fantastic and is an island of contrasts. Nine days will give you a good taste. We have spent more than seven weeks there in two trips and have not seen all of it yet.
If you are interested in Geology get Peter Manchester's book -Created From Chaos. You will need to get it from direct as this is easiest. Book stores will get it in for you as well.
Tasmania and Scotland have the most diverse geology for their size of anywhere in the world.
WEATHER - expect all seasons on any given day. The mountains can and do get snow in summer. eg Cradle Mountain on Christmas Day!
I have done a trip report if you are interested.
I'm happy to answer any other questions.
Oct 11th, 2011, 02:10 AM
#4
I loved Stanley, be sure to make time to walk to the top of the nut.
I also loved the A3 route via the Blue Tier and Weldborough Pass Scenic Reserve. Those skinny roads make NZ roads look like a super highway. St Helens & St Mary's are well worth the extra drive time IMO.
I also loved the A3 route via the Blue Tier and Weldborough Pass Scenic Reserve. Those skinny roads make NZ roads look like a super highway. St Helens & St Mary's are well worth the extra drive time IMO.
Oct 11th, 2011, 02:12 AM
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Oct 11th, 2011, 06:15 AM
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PeterSale: Told you I would have more questions. If we did the NE route from Devonport to Coles Bay stopping along the way per your suggestion at the Blue Tier (doing the forest walk), cheese factory, etc. where do you suggest we spend the overnight. I'm assuming that with these stops, it would be too far to make it all the way to Coles Bay. Next question regards the wine route out of Launceston. Is the scenery worth the drive (we're not wine drinkers, sorry) and could we combine this route with also going to Deloraine all in a day trip from Launceston?? Can't resist the icecream you mentioned. When you did the all day trip on Maria Island, where did you spend the overnight? Last (I think), any idea of the time it would take if we did your suggested route from Strahan to Cradle Mt via Zeehan and up thru Pieman River and Savage River. Where does the ferry you mentioned in Pieman actually go? How much rain do you think we should expect in February? Thanks for all your info.
Melnq8: Your trip reports have proved invaluable to us on other Australian adventures.
Melnq8: Your trip reports have proved invaluable to us on other Australian adventures.
Oct 11th, 2011, 11:50 PM
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En Route to Coles Bay you could stay at St Helens.
The wine route along the Tamar is pretty but not spectacular. You will not regret missing it. We are not into wines either but if you like something different try Hartzview south of Hobart. They make berry wines, mead and fortified berry wines like port. http://www.hartzview.com.au/
Combineing the Tamar with a trip to Deloraine would be easy. According to Google Maps it is only about 20minutes longer to come back from Deloraine via Exeter. I would do it on the way back to ensure you have enough time for the honey at Chudley and the caves at Mole Creek.
All Day on Maria Island is a bit of a misnomer. We were back by about 4.30 and had plenty of time to drive to Hobart with a couple of short stops, have a walk around, have dinner, have another walk and an Iceream and then stand for half an hour or waiting for the 9.00 fireworks for New Years Eve. Wethen drove down to the Tasman Peninsula and were well in bed by Midnight! So in Short you can stay wher you like. You could make a base somewhere and stay a couple of nights in the area. Triabunna is a very small town but does have accomodation. We stayed at a lookout in a forest reserve. We don't stay in commercial accommodation.
From Strahan to Middlesex according to Google is about four hours driving time,but the Western explorer is rough in parts so I would add another hour just to be safe. The ferry is the Only way to cross the Pieman at Corinna, otherwise it is the long way around. A boat trip runs up the river and you can hire canoes. There is a Hotel and some accommodation at Corinna. http://www.corinna.com.au/
Rain - anytime, anywhere, any amount. Here is the theory. East coast is drier than the west coast - Hobart being the second driest State Capital after Adelaide. The west coast get 4 Metres, yes METRES of rain a year! Summer is drier than winter.
The facts are different. At the end of January this year the North and East coast suffered major flooding with St Helens and/or St Mary's being isolated for a day or so. Three or four low pressure systems crossed in a row - not a usual thing. So it is really up to luck. You should have by far more clear sunny days than rainy days. It is how I would bet. Also, it will not get very hot. It is rare to get over 30 in Tasmania and then would be on the East coast.
We were there for a month from just before Christmas. We wore shorts most days, sometimes with a light jacket/jumper. The coastal winds are quite cool.
You will have a great time. If the weather turns foul there are plenty of cosy cafes, bookshops, antique shops, museums etc. Anvers Chocolate near Devonport does wonderful hot chocolates and fantastic cakes. They are open for breakfast for people getting off the ferry. The chocolate is good but not great, according to my wife the resident expert in such things.
http://anvers-chocolate.com.au/
It will also be Berry season, there are many roadside stalls selling them quite cheap.
Feel free to ask any more questions.
It is truly a lovely place and a well kept secret, especially when you get away from the four or so main attractions. You don't have to go far to find something special.
The wine route along the Tamar is pretty but not spectacular. You will not regret missing it. We are not into wines either but if you like something different try Hartzview south of Hobart. They make berry wines, mead and fortified berry wines like port. http://www.hartzview.com.au/
Combineing the Tamar with a trip to Deloraine would be easy. According to Google Maps it is only about 20minutes longer to come back from Deloraine via Exeter. I would do it on the way back to ensure you have enough time for the honey at Chudley and the caves at Mole Creek.
All Day on Maria Island is a bit of a misnomer. We were back by about 4.30 and had plenty of time to drive to Hobart with a couple of short stops, have a walk around, have dinner, have another walk and an Iceream and then stand for half an hour or waiting for the 9.00 fireworks for New Years Eve. Wethen drove down to the Tasman Peninsula and were well in bed by Midnight! So in Short you can stay wher you like. You could make a base somewhere and stay a couple of nights in the area. Triabunna is a very small town but does have accomodation. We stayed at a lookout in a forest reserve. We don't stay in commercial accommodation.
From Strahan to Middlesex according to Google is about four hours driving time,but the Western explorer is rough in parts so I would add another hour just to be safe. The ferry is the Only way to cross the Pieman at Corinna, otherwise it is the long way around. A boat trip runs up the river and you can hire canoes. There is a Hotel and some accommodation at Corinna. http://www.corinna.com.au/
Rain - anytime, anywhere, any amount. Here is the theory. East coast is drier than the west coast - Hobart being the second driest State Capital after Adelaide. The west coast get 4 Metres, yes METRES of rain a year! Summer is drier than winter.
The facts are different. At the end of January this year the North and East coast suffered major flooding with St Helens and/or St Mary's being isolated for a day or so. Three or four low pressure systems crossed in a row - not a usual thing. So it is really up to luck. You should have by far more clear sunny days than rainy days. It is how I would bet. Also, it will not get very hot. It is rare to get over 30 in Tasmania and then would be on the East coast.
We were there for a month from just before Christmas. We wore shorts most days, sometimes with a light jacket/jumper. The coastal winds are quite cool.
You will have a great time. If the weather turns foul there are plenty of cosy cafes, bookshops, antique shops, museums etc. Anvers Chocolate near Devonport does wonderful hot chocolates and fantastic cakes. They are open for breakfast for people getting off the ferry. The chocolate is good but not great, according to my wife the resident expert in such things.
http://anvers-chocolate.com.au/
It will also be Berry season, there are many roadside stalls selling them quite cheap.
Feel free to ask any more questions.
It is truly a lovely place and a well kept secret, especially when you get away from the four or so main attractions. You don't have to go far to find something special.
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