Other than on the top of Mt Wellington, we didn't see any snow on either trip.

You might find more Cradle Mountain weather info on this site:

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

Suggest you take some waterproof clothing if you plan to hike. We got alot of use out of our waterproof hiking pants (worn over silk long underwear) during our March trip, but we didn't need them in October.

If you're just planning day hikes, I wouldn't worry about weather too much -just dress in layers and be prepared for changes in weather.

Personally, I'd go to Tassie in September in a New York minute.

Melnq8, thank you so much for all of your great advice. It is all very much appreciated.

And Eliza, I am sorry that I have sort of hijacked your thread. I'm going to start a new one to ask some more questions about Tasmania. This thread should be about the Ningaloo Reef (which, by the way looks fascinating)!!!

No problem caligirl56! This is why I like Fodors, and you asked some great questions. I was just reading your Tasmania thread and am interested to see your answers. Looks like you're doing some of the same flights we are...(Cains/Tasmania), of course, we're also doing that crazy flight west...how are you purchasing your airfare? Did you go for an Airpass? Trying to decide between an Airpass or getting domestic tickets via another airline...
Thanks!

Eliza26--Now you're going to laugh at me. We are actually planning our trip for Sept/Oct 2008, not 2007. So, consequently, while I've checked flight times and all, to see what is doable, I haven't purchased anything yet.

I'll start buying tickets and making reservations in September (I know that Lizard Island, for example books up fast). (I guess I have fun planning in advance--and this is a perfect example of how it pays off sometimes: until I read your thread, I had thought we couldn't include Tassie in our itinerary--thought it would be too cold!)

I am planning on getting an AirPass--but we are flying so many times, that I think we'll need to purchase some of the flights separately.

With regards to flying in and out of Tasmania--I think that Qantas and Virgin Blue both fly into Hobart. Jetstar and Virgin Blue fly into Launceston. We are flying out of Devonport (to save time, since we will only have 6 nights in Tassie). I think that Qantaslink is the only way to fly in and out of Devonport.

Yes, that Cairns to Hobart flight is a long one. I feel a little silly to be doing it this way--but, the whole trip just works better this way (except for that one long day!).

By the way, have you heard about Shark Bay (which I think is south of Ningaloo)? It sounds like a long drive out there, and of course, I have no idea what it's really like. But there's a marine reserve with a boardwalk there that has the world's best colony of stromalites (these were the very first forms of life!). They probably don't look like much, but on the otherhand, very few people get a chance to see them!

Re your flights in and out of Tasmania. Unless there is a true cost savings flying in and out of Devonport, why not fly into Launceston (lots more chocies with airlines and schedules) an spend 3 days or so doing the north, north east and maybe the north west of the state, and then head south (driving time from Launceston to Hobart is about 2-2.5 hours) spend the balance in the south of the state and fly out of Hobart. You get to do it all and and save back tracking. Devonport is very close to Launceston in terms of drive time (45-60 minute drive), I don't understand why you are limiting yoruself to just the one airline. You will find when you get here that nothing is any distance and there is hardly any traffic. ..so it never takes long to get from A to B. I hope this has been of some help to you.