Sheila

Hi,<BR><BR>I'm planning a trip to Tasmania for mid to late April next. I do not have a limit on the length of my trip but am not sure how long I need to take everything in.<BR><BR>If anyone has any tip or experiences out there it would be great to hear from you, how long you spent out there, the best places to go etc.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Sheila

ALF

We spent a week in Tazzie last year, and regretted not allocating at least 2-3 more days. In hindsight, I would allow about 10-12 days to see everything without feeling rushed.<BR><BR>Highlights for us:<BR>Cradle Mountain<BR>Gordon River Cruise (Strahan)<BR>Cadbury Chocolate Factory (Hobart)<BR>Lake St. Clair<BR>Antarctic Experience (Hobart)<BR>Salamanca Street Market (Hobart)<BR>Port Arthur Historic Site<BR>Bush Mill Pioneer Reconstruction<BR>Tasmanian Devil Wildlife Park<BR>Eagle Neck/Tasman Arch/Devil's Kitchen<BR>Bonorong Park Widlife Center<BR>Walls of Jerusalem<BR>

CC

What is Tasmanian Devil?

ALF

A Tasmanian Devil is a little ferocious Ozzie marsupial, looks sort of like a dog-sized bear (http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.ns...AN-5358KH?open).

Sheila

ALF....Thanks for your response, I'll definately look into these. Did you selfdrive around and if so how did you find this? I'm thinking of using the buses.<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>Sheila

ALF

Yes, we drove around ourselves, hiring a car at the Devonport ferry terminal. Tasmania is not that big, and the roads are generally good, so driving was quite easy and enjoyable.

margo

I'd agree that 10 days is a suitable time frame - it'll never be enough. Tassie is good just to wander around.<BR><BR>If you're from the UK, used to the left hand side of the road, driving is easy and pleasant. As you're travelling a bit off season you may be able to get good package deals. I'm not sure just how good or convenient the buses are.

Melodie

Hi Sheila,<BR><BR>You're going to love Tassie!<BR><BR>ALF and Margo are so right....you should self-drive and you won't have any problem. Tasmania is very small and easy to get around, not alot of traffic, roads are well marked and you can see quite a bit in a short amount of time.<BR><BR>I was there for 10 days in April on business and loved it so much I'm planning on going back next month and taking my husband, as I know he'd love it.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Melodie<BR>Certified Tassie Specialist

Larry

Lucky you. This is one of the most beautiful spots to visit. We just got back from an Australian vacation that included 5 days in Tasmania, so there are obviously many places we missed. However, I'll suggest a few that you should definitely not miss. We stayed in Hobart, so did not get to the extreme north or west. Best idea is to rent a car and have the freedom to stop anywhere. Around every bend is a sight worth photographing, so be flexible as you travel. <BR><BR>Our longest trip was 2.5 hours north to the Freycinet Peninsula (Coles Bay). There you will see the Hazards (mountains) and Wineglass Bay, which you will find on every Tasmanian postcard rack. Go to the Freycinet Lodge for a scenic lunch or elegant dinner. From the lodge there are several tracks to walk ranging from 1 hour to 5. This is hilly country, so be in excellent condition or take your time. The ultimate view is worth it.<BR><BR>Most people travel southeast about an hour to Port Arthur, but we were not impressed. However, on the way there is the Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen. Bring a fully loaded camera and walk the easy paths that wind through this area. <BR><BR>The town of Richmond is a short trip north or Hobart, and is worth the effort if you like quaint towns with very artsy shops. Plan on stopping there on the way to or from somewhere else.<BR><BR>Now for the best place of all. We were urged to go here by a local family we met by chance. It is a 1 hour drive west from Hobart. The town is called National Park and it is on the edge of Mount Field National Park. Route B61 will take you to the entrance to the Park where you will stop at the lodge. From that point you can trek along any number of trails. The first one you take is 15 minutes through an absolutely gorgeous rain forest to the base of Russell Falls, which is spectacular. You can then hike to the top of the falls and on to Barron and Horseshoe Falls. But the best is yet to come. Within 1 kilometer there is a Tall Trees trail through the most amazing rain forest you are likely to ever see. It is filled with Eucalyptus trees that are second in size only to the Redwoods, and they're only about 10% smaller. If you ignore everything else above, do not miss this visit. We even had a delicious lunch at the base lodge.<BR><BR>Of course, there's much more to Tasmania than I described, but there is one last thing worth noting. If you like heaping cones of soft vanilla ice cream, be sure to stop at any one of countless McDonalds, where you can buy this treat for 40 cents Australian, the equivalent of 22 American cents.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR>Larry<BR><BR>