Message to AndrewDavid: Firstly a disclaimer - the previous Samwise post was from my son not from me; the real Samwise Gamgee!!! However my son and I agree on most things.

I have been to Tasmania many times and I love the place. There is nowhere on that beautiful island that I dislike, even the industrial areas such as Burnie on the north coast have a degree of charm.

However in my opinion the most overrated tourist spot in Tasmania is Strahan (pronounced Straawn in Oz accent.

I beleive that to get the most out of this fantastic place is to take it easy, go slow, go for a walk (like 4-6 days from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair) or a "stroll" through the World Heritage area called the South West National Park. (I do realise that you are on a tight schedule and cannot do this - maybe when you come back next time).

The comments about the Huon Valley and retirement villages is at best inaccurate. The area has developed an "alternative" sort of craftsman culture that I actually envy. I would love to live in that area.

I don't think anyone mentioned the historic central northern towns such as Hadspen, Westbury, Deloraine, Mole Creek, Longford etc all of which are worth at least a quick walk down the main street. If you drive straight through these towns you will get no appreciation of them at all; they will appear to be like any small inland town in the US or Aus, but they are not so.

Hobart, Salamanca Markets, Arthurs Circus, Mount Wellington, docks, Mures Seafood Restraunt - excellent!!

The "property boom" someone mentioned is still some years away, property in Tas. is still at bargain prices. Hobart is very inexpensive compared to any other capital city, esp Sydney (which is a world class city and harbour but expensive by Ozzie standards)

Last point - do not be afraid of the dirt roads - there are hardly any on your plan, if any at all, and all roads in Tas. are well maintained - try the north of South Aus or western Qld for real dirt roads.

Very last point - Tasmania is fantastic - wet (mostly) but that's why its so green and beautiful - I have never been disappointed in my many trips and I hope you will share my enthusiasm during and after your trip.

Relax and enjoy.