We'll be celebrating an anniversary late March/early April 2005 in Australia. Does anyone have suggestions for a B&B on the Great Ocean Road near the 12 Apostles (within 15 minute drive in any direction)? Also looking for scenic B+B in both North & South Tasmania Thanks, D

Well, I don't know about "scenic" as such Mahalo2 (well, there's a nice park about 20 metres away!), but I DO know of a charming B & B in Launceston, Nthn Tasmania called "The Edwardian" (www.theedwardian.com.au).

I'm a little bit biased though, as I REALLY should disclose that the owner, 'mine host', chef & raconteur, Nick, is a personal friend of mine!

That aside, if you really want to experience the very best that Tasmanian hospitality has to offer, what have you got to lose ?!

Hi Mahalo2, As far as the 12 Apostles goes, there is a very nice place in Port Campbell - the closest town to the 12 Apostles - called Waves that has contemporary boutique accommodation with an on-site cafe (it isn't actually a B&B). If I was going to stay within 15 minutes of the 12 Apostles, that is where I'd choose. There are some lovely B&Bs in Apollo Bay, but that is much further along the GOR back towards Lorne. Good Luck!

For Tasmania here are some B&Bs that I have either stayed at or visited when I had my own B&B and regard them as some of the best I have ever been to. In a couple of cases the photos do not do them justice.
http://www.tasmanianbedandbreakfast....property_id=76

http://www.tasmanianbedandbreakfast....property_id=55

http://babs.com.au/tynwald/

http://babs.com.au/hawleyhouse/index.htm

There are other of course which are equally lovely but I could not find their websites. One in particular as you come into Port Arthur on the right hand side of the road with about 4 dormer windows and views over a little bay - quite exquisite. Another, but without views, is anyone of the 4 cottages in Hamilton owned by one lady and cottages which were built by convicts and she has furnished them out in furniture of that era. There is another lovely homestead near the road that leads into Cradle Mountain and which is just about 12 Klms outside of the town, Sheffield. It is nice and has lovely views as far as the ocean. However wherever you go in Tasmania there are beautiful and well run B&Bs and I am sure that you will find many a B&B that will be suitable for your needs wherever you go.
I particularly liked the one in New Norfolk and the one in Stanley - both were run to a standard which is nothing short of exceptional.
Enjoy your trip there.

The B&B and boutique hotel guide that I use can be accessed on the web at www.beautifulaccommodation.com. It covers both Victoria and Tasmania. I have stayed at a number of places in their guide (not in any areas you are looking at) and have always been happy - the reality was in accordance with what was advertised. Each listing will have a website address to the actual estalishment so you can find out more information, check out prices and vacancies.

I stayed at Coal Valley Vista just outside of Richmond (a nice historic town) about three months ago and can say that it was charming. You can access it from www.discovertasmania.com.au

Hope you find what you are looking for.

Chocolate Gannets at Apollo Bay is highly recommended www.chocolategannets.com.au., although I've not stayed there and it is more than 15 mins from the 12 Apostles. In Strahan, Tasmania we stayed at www.wheelhouseapartments.com and it was sensational. Can also recommend Hawley House in Devonport.

Thanks to all who replied! Mahalo! D