Judy

On our return trip to Austalia, have boiled down (and not easy) our trips to these cities. We are doing Kangaroo Island in Adelaide, a wine country tour in Melbourne, and Port Arthur and Richmond tours in Hobart. While overcoming jet-lag do want to see Manley Beach in Sydney (having been in Sydney before and hopefully not missed much). Any ideas as to what we might be missing?? Especially want to know what we should see in Tasmania since that is really my "once in a life time" experience. Many thanks for all replies, Judy

john

Just got back from Tassie. My brothers live in Adelaide. I lived in Sydney but now am a green card (it's not green you know) holder in the US. Rent a car in Tassie and see everything you can! What a beautiful place. 57 years in Oz and it took my American wife to get me there. I am thinking it's a great place to retire.

Marg

note only is Tassie a great place to retire it is one of the cheapest places on this planet to live - and live well. If you noticed the real estate prices there you would see that you could sell your garage anywhere else and buy a mansion in Tassie. Apart from that, the food is fantastic, there is plenty to do and beautiful countryside to see. <BR>Tasmania is the BEST PLACE on this planet. And no - I do have my house on the market and when it is sold I will be going to Tasmania for the good life, with plenty of money left over to do everything else that I have ever wanted to do.

Laurie

I agree with the above posts. I've been to Tassie twice. We rented a car and drove from Hobart to Launceston the first time, stopping in some of the national parks. (Don't miss Russell Falls). Port Arthur is a good day trip from Hobart. The state is beautiful and driving is easy, even if you've never driven on the left before. Not much traffic. The second time, we drove from Hobart to Cradle Mountain and stayed at Cradle Mountain Lodge for a few days. We even saw a playtypuss (sp?) in the wild, and Tasmanian Devils and tons of wombats. Do a night tour from the lodge as devils and wombats are nocturnal. By the way, the devils are very shy and there is no reason to fear them as long as you don't get too close and threaten them. During the day, you'll see lots of wallabies and they will hop right up to you. Adorable! Lots of possums as well. If you like wilderness and wildlife, don't miss Cradle Mountain. We then drove to Launceston and then back to Hobart, covering a good area. I can't say enough good things about Tassie. Fresh, delicious food, great wine, friendly people and reasonable prices, not to mention it's like heaven on Earth. I, too want to retire to Tassie. I love N.Y. and the U.S. but Tasmania is where I want to spend the rest of my life!

Gliadrachan

Judy,<BR><BR>You didn't say how long you have in Tassie. There is lots to see and how much you will be able to fit in will depend on the number of days you have.<BR><BR>Let me know and I will give you some info on places to visit.<BR><BR>G

Liz

I try and get to Tassie once a year as I regard it as my R&R place. In the 6 times I have been there I still have not seen it all and I agree with everything the above writers have said. <BR>One of the best places to stay is - I hope I have this right - is Oakland on the Pier which is right on the water and only feet from Fish Frenzy which is a terrific place to get your fresh fish and chips etc. Also only 100 mtrs from Salamanca Place where they have a wonderful market every Saturday ( a must do) <BR>Richmond is a lovely little village which was built by convicts but there are other villages which are equally nice too i.e. Ross and Campbelltown.<BR>My advise would be to rent a car in Hobart and do these places yourself - Tassie is so easy to drive around and you need to have the time to explore areas that the tours don't go to. The Huon Valley being another lovely drive.

Gliadrachan

Liz - nearly right! It is the Oakford on the Pier. The phone number is 1800 620 462. It is about $200-240Aus per nightfor an apartment with a balcony overlooking the water. You have kitchen facilities - but there are lots of restaurants around. Try the Retro cafe in salamanca fro a great breajfast watching the world go by....<BR><BR>G

wayne

I'll be in Tassie for 8 days in Dec going to Cradle Mt(lodge), Launceston, Freycinet (lodge) and Hobart. Can anyone recommend me a nice place to stay in Launceston and Hobart? I like personal boutique-like resorts and eco lodges, a little luxury is good as I'll be bringing my 1 yr old. Also where is a nice place to stay between Cradle Mt and Freycinet?Need to break journey as the trip is too long for my baby. Thanks!

Liz

G'day Wayne<BR>Longford just outside Launceston is a nice place to stay or Ellendale which is just south of the Launceston airport and is a nice little village. Pennyroyal in Launceston is nice as is York Apartments, both of these places have their own websites. If you look at the posts above I have made a note of the place that I think is terrific in Hobart ( and thanks to the person who corrected me to the name). There are some lovely lodges in the peninsular itself and I think its Freycinet Lodge that has a great reputation.

Pablo Durissimo

I will be going to Hobart, Tasmania and Sydney next week. (Also, I might go to Melbourne and Canberra). Would anyone know about any aboriginal wildlife shows in those areas? Any place where one can have contact with the aboriginals and learn about their lfe, culture, etc? Also, any recommendations for an inexpensive place to stay in Hobart for a middle aged guy traveling alone (so I don't need an apt w/kitchenette)? Same question for Melbourne and Canberra. Also, an inexpensive place to rent a vehicle in Hobart? Do they have REnt-a-wrecks there? MANY thanks for all replies. <BR><BR>Pablo<BR>

Liz

Pablo:<BR>In Tasmania there are no "tribal Aboriginies" as such but if you contact the Tasmanian Tourist Bureau I am sure that they can give you the information you require about that as well as accommodation.<BR>In Canberra all you need to do is go to the Old Parliament Building and directly opposite is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy (the powers that be were trying to get rid of it a few weeks ago without too much success as its been there for years) I have no idea about Melbourne though.<BR>Rent a dents are just about everywhere and I think they are in Hobart too - or something like them.

Pablo Durissimo

Thank you Liz!

kathy

I'm only going to comment on Manly Beach. I was there in '99 and unless it's dramatically improved in my opinion it's the pits of a place. I lived in Sydney some years ago and used to enjoy going to Manly but oh, what a disappointment. On arrival half the shops on the wharf were closed and shuttered, the main street was full of $2 stores and other rubbishy stores. The foreshore along the beach is nothing else but cafes and restaurants and they are over priced. You can hardly recommend the architecture as a lot of the apartment buildings which dominate the landscape are in dire need of a facelift. Can anyone suggest a better alternative to Manly, I can't think of any right at the moment.

landy

Kathy, there are plenty of wonderful places around Sydney that are better than Manley as you would well know. Not to be able to think of any at the moment just shows your blinkered state of mind. I suppose you would suggest people waste their time on the Coramandle ( whatever the spelling) Peninsular as a fantastic place?

Melodie

I was in Tasmania in April, and have now added it to my "favorite places" list. Everything that the previous posters have mentioned is all true! The resort I'd like to add to the list is Lemonthyme Lodge.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Melodie<BR>Tassie Specialist