Self drive in Tasmania- order of destinations?
 

We are planning a full nine days in Tasmania plus two travel days to and from.
We are thinking of the following order of destinations, but if you have suggestions let us know.
Hobart
Freycinet National Park and north a bit maybe to Bicheno
Cradle mountain
Launceston- fly out to Melbourne

That looks logical to me. Just bear in mind the roads are quite slow, often with a single lane in each direction so traveling times are often longer than you might expect.

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.

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/

The north west and west cost 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.

Thanks to you both. Peter, we will be flying from the US west coast and need to stay in a park that has facilities since we will not be camping or have a motor home. Any other suggestions other than Cradle Mountain? I have read you trip report and thank you for the above suggestions.

I would change Cradle Mountain, it's absolutely stunning and there are lots of walks so that even in high season you are soon on your own. Also the shuttle service is very efficient, you don't need to take a car into the park and they prefer that you don't.

Whoops, that should say: I wouldn't change/omit Cradle Mountain.

Mt Field is an easy day trip from Hobart.

Everywhere in Tasmania is lovely.

Zinfanatic, if you live the SF Bay Area and you get the PBS television station, KCSM, next Saturday's half-hour episode will be on Tasmania. I watched tonight's show on Victoria and it was good. Here is how it is listed on their schedule:

Travelscope
Tasmania, Australia #403
Air: Saturday, October 15, 7:00 pm
Joseph continues his Aussie adventure in Australia's island state -- Tasmania. From the capital of Hobart and its harbor, markets and elegant neighborhoods he heads out across the state and traces Tasmania's convict origins in the prisons of Port Arthur, hikes Cradle Mountain National Park, rides out the ups and downs of a fast paced eco-cruise along Tasman National Park's spectacular coastline and meets the devil -- the Tasmanian Devil, that is. Along the way he samples the best of the local food and wine and gets to know Tasmania's colorful and multi-cultural inhabitants.

I failed to say next Saturday's episode of "Travelscope" will be on Tasmania.

Diamantina: Any idea of the broadcast onr the Tassie portion for the east coast?? Planning a trip for Feb, 2012 and didn't see it listed. thanks

Thanks, Sorry I missed most of the programs.

Sorry, lovingretirement, I do not know when the Travelscope episode on Tasmania will air on the East Coast PBS stations.
Here is a link to the show's website:
http://travelscope.net/episodes/main/category/season_4/

There are quite a few short videos available for viewing on You Tube. I just looked at the site and these are just a few of some interesting ones I found (there are so many, you could spend many hours looking at You Tube videos):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_2kT...feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eht8Sw3_B8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2Eb9...feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzQRv-WSLws
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3sHaIlQTek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOzEG6E9NxQ

Thanks, Diamantina. I am home sick and these will be fun to watch as I am planning my March, 2012 trip.