National Geographic described Tasmania as being the world's greatest holiday secret. <BR>Over 20% of this island state of Australia is World Heritage Wilderness area and access can be tricky. <BR>Tasmania Tourism Dept has excellent site on http://www.tas.gov.au/ <BR>If you would like an online guide to Tasmania please respond accordingly and I will be pleased to keep you informed. I will return to this site occasionally. <BR>This is a great place. <BR>

hoping to go toAust. and Taz. in Oct. Only have 2-2 1/2 weeks. What do you suggest we do in Tasmania. Info I have found so far makes me think Taz is the place. What should we do there if we have 3 days? Where to stay economically? How to get around? <BR>Thank you for your help. Have a good day.

Hello MsVan: <BR>October is early Spring in Taz and the place is green all over, lovely time to visit. <BR>There's a large ferry across Bass Strait from Melbourne for about $100 Australian $65 US fare. Domestic flights from Sydney or Melbourne (Qantas) have returns over three day from about $200 Australian $130 US. <BR>Definitely do the Gordon River Wilderness Cruise out of Strahan in deepest South West Tasmania - a comfortable tour of a pristine harbour and wild river aboard large motor yacht with licensed bar, meals etc. Leaves Strahan about 10 am, returns about 2pm. Stay in Strahan but cheaper at a wild west-style minig town called Zeehan or misty mountain village of Queenstown. All fascinating stuff. <BR>I suggest you rent a car - about $35 Australian - the roads are excellent if rather windy and steep on the west coast. (Exchange rate is currently 63 cents Australian for $1 US, making Aussie a very cheap visit at present) <BR>If you are athletic type, mountain bikes for hire everywhere for about $80 per week. All gear and tents available for hire. <BR>If you are rich, "colonial accommodation" available from $100 Aus per day or, if not rich, lots of backpackers and youth hostels. <BR>October is out of tourist season, so prices down. <BR>If I was a visitor (I'm a resident) I would visit: <BR>1: Launceston - the island's second biggest city of about 68,000; very English feel; very clean and colonial; nearby vineyards and wine making region in Tamar Valley which you may fly over with Tamar Air for $40 Australian or cruise the Tamar River for $48 Australian. <BR>2: Drive to Deloraine and across the Cradle Mountain range, take in the Pieman River region before going on to Strahan. <BR>3: The Lyell Highway to Hobart has to be the most scenic and varied route in Australia (Don't drive from Launceston to Hobart - it's flat and boring) <BR>Everything is cheap and lovely - you'll have a great time. E-mail me if you want more detail. <BR>Regards <BR>Lyell <BR>If you are the outdoors type.

I noticed I left incomplete e-mail address. Wanted to correct. Hope you check this soon. I'm quite taken with Tasmania and would like to learn more about it. Thank you.

MsVan: <BR>Have your second message at Fodor Forum. <BR>Ask away. <BR>Lyell