Tasmania - Where To Go?
 

I have been to Tasmania a couple of times and am looking for new adventures. I mostly like outdoor activities - such as hiking. I have been to:

Cradle Mountain
Freycinet
Strahan - Franklin River

What now?

I asked around and people seem to think that the Morella place on Bruny is nice but its just that you are stuck there on Bruny that is the problem. People who live there can get cheap ferry tickets or they have a boat or they have a car sitting in Kettering ( where the ferry goes into on the mainland) so they does not cost anything. You can join up with the Bruny Adventure boat in Kettering that goes around Bruny and I have heard lots of good things about that tour.
What about doing a flight to Bathurst Harbour and spending a couple of days there exploring the Wilderness. Google par avion tours. I have not done this but was going to last winter but then they phoned to cancel because of winds and snow and we have not had the chance since to fly there. Our neighbour used to fly in there ( he is a pilot) and says it is magnificent. Then of course there is the Freceynet area to explore or the Huon Valley area which you don't have seemed to have been to - again google Huon Vallay for information on what is available. I try and find you a website that is good.

http://www.discovertasmania.com/

Sorry I now see that you have been to Freycinet so have a look at Huon and very south West around where I had said. Of course it goes without saying that you should see port Arthur and from EagleHawke Neck en route to P.A you can get another great boat trip that goes around that southern end of Tasmania which is good too.

Here is the web site for all the things to do in the Huon Valley

http://www.huontrail.org.au/

I live about 8 minutes from Kettering where the boat goes over to Bruny. There are many, many places to stay and I do know about most of them. When deciding on accomodation DO NOT take too much notice of the star ratings because most people in Tasmania do not get star ratings because of the cost and of the peculiar way it is worked out. So do not be put off if some place does not have any stars or are self-rated. Just ask on this site and we can tell you if its nice or not.

It would be entirely untrue to say that "most people" in Tasmania don't get star ratings. There are plenty of both AAA star rated and self rated properties. AAA ratings are not always predictable because they are focused on facilities rather that appearance or quality but the criteria is no different in Tasmania than anywhere else in Australia. There seems to be contention between the two types of owners. A few B&B owners (the more prominent properties) in Tassie a couple of years back formed a complaint to WOtif and similar sites demanding the self rated properties be removed or at least not be given the same status. Some of them had shares in Wotif and I think they thought that would help (it didn't). The self rated properties seem to deride those that go with AAA. Same old stuff...Anyway, keeping on topic, if you are looking at accommodation or sight seeing in the Huon Valley, stick to the Grove-Huonville-Franklin-Geeveston side of the river. It is prettier and there is more there (you can drive over to the Cygnet side on the way to Bruny Island if you decide to do that). I would be very suprised if you found "bad" accommodation in that part of Tasmania!
South on the Huon Highway will get you to the Airwalk which is well worth doing. You can hike some beautiful trails at the Hartz Mountains and the far south (Cockle Creek) will see you at some popular walking also. In between there is the Hastings caves and springs - the caves are amazing. Heaps more to do of course but if you check out the Huon Trail site you were given then it's all there. What time of year were you planning to travel? That could decide some things also.
Happy planning!

Have you considered Lake St Clair? We love to hike and we've been to TAS twice, first time we visited Cradle Mtn, second we visited via the Lake St Clair side - enjoyed both trips - plenty of hikes in the area.

Then there's Mt Field National Park,
Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park (which you might have seen) and the Strathgordon/Gordon River area - the name of the National Park escapes me, perhaps Lizzy can help.

We really enjoyed hiking around Binalong Bay/Bay of Fires too.

I'm partial to the Blue Tier, Weldborough Pass Scenic Reserve and the Bass Forest near Scottsdale - we've not yet explored the hiking there, but there's bound to be some...

We also visited Badger Head (Narawntapu National Park), from the Tamar Valley - nice hikes up that way too.

I think its the South West National Park that Melnq8 was talking about.
From Blackjack, quoting me:
It would be entirely untrue to say that "most people" in Tasmania don't get star ratings".
WRONG Blackjack, most B&Bs, Pubs with accommodation are NOT AAA star rate ( and self-rating is not counted in this) because of the cost and absurd rating system based on facilities which are compared with 5 star hotel facilities which offer a totally different form of accommodation to that of B&Bs for instance.
I think I know who you are Blackjack and you are a Johnie come Lately on this board who has got self interest at heart, particularly in suggesting that people stay on the Grove/Huonville/Franklin/Geeveston side of the Huon River as people would not find "bad accommodation in that part of Tasmania". It is prettier than the other side - I don't think that I would agree with that particularly if people happen to be there when the Houn River from Grove through to Geeveston is shrouded in fog all day. But each to his own. I myself are on neither side of that river so am not biased in my comments. In fact I would go as far as to say that there is not more accommodation on the side of the river that Blackjack mentions compared to the other side and the Channel side. Everywhere is accessable in Tasmania and the good thing is that nothing is too far so your choice in accommodation location has more to do with the sort of accommodation that the tourist wants and not so much where they want it.

Wow LizzyF! I am a little stunned to say the least. If you know who I am, then well done - I am flattered you would take the trouble to be concerned and you would certainly be one up on me.
A "Johnny-come-lately"? I have been reading the posts here for a long time but have only started posting recently. I am genuinely sorry if new posters are not encouraged or it is a problem if their opinions are different to the long term posters. Self interest is not correct, sorry to disappoint you. I gave my opinion because I honestly feel that (given many people would not realise that the Huon Trail has the river between the two sides) one side is much nicer than the other. I didn't say there was more accommodation there, I said there was "more" generally. I happen to like that side of the river, and things like the airwalk, the caves, Forest and Heritage centre, boat building centre, Ida bay railway (and so on and so forth) are there. I don't want to type out a whole list of what is there to justify my post, really! I think it is far prettier than the other side because it is generally wetter being in the actual valley (which means greener), the architecture is nicer, the river is stunning and the drive from Grove down to Dover is absolutely beautiful (and I have never seen that entire strip shrouded in fog all day - that's a lot of miles to be covered by fog ALL DAY!)That said, the mist looks very pretty when it sits on the river in the late mornings or rolls in over the hills.
When I said I'd be suprised if you found "bad" accommodation I meant in the HUON. It didn't read well and I am sorry for any confusion you have suffered but my meaning was that you could ignore all of my advice and you'd still be right because it's not really possible to find bad accommodation in the Huon.
I won't even argue the AAA rating point because I think it would be very boring for everyone reading, only to say that advising people to not take too much notice of star ratings could sound like self interest too.
I am not bothered by what your movitaion is, but mine was to be helpful and give my HONEST opinion of how I see the different parts of the Huon region and southern Tasmania (I love northern Tasmania too but that is a different thread). You are right, everything is definitely accessible in Tassie and you could spend your entire holiday in Hobart and still see everything the south has to offer from that point. I was just giving another point of view and I really am sorry that you find this so offensive. Sometimes a fresh look at things can be good, especially for someone visiting a new place - this look is obviously in direct conflict with yours but that doesn't mean it is invalid. Hopefully you feel better now that you have had your outburst.
To the original person who asked the question, I am sorry for the road this thread has taken and I do genuinely hope you enjoy your time in Tasmania, wherever you stay or visit :)

I am not unhappy that new people join this forum we all welcome new and enlightened input. Had you been reading much of what has been written over the years you would have discovered that I have just about covered every inch of Tasmania and in particular the Huon Trail and Channel area. I am not saying that I have said it all or that anyone could not say it better but I do not like being pulled up over something that I do actually know a lot about because I am in the tourist industry in the Huon/Channel area of Tasmania - ergo if I didn't know what I was talking about I should shut up. During that time I have never self promoted and neither do I choose between areas of Tasmania either when I write about it because all areas have their merit and what people like is an individual thing. I would be surprised if anyone actually knew what I do. If they do then that would not have come from me. So in case you are wondering what my point is - it is that I would prefer you not to nit-pick but stick to giving helpful information only AND you could start with 1/ the new name for what was Little Bondi at Port Huon and when it will be open again and if it still sells those wonderful crayfish and salad rolls for $8. 2/ is the food at Petty Sessions in Franklin still as good as it used to be and 3/ why people should take a closer look at Geeveston's Southern Heritage Centre and also what is the name of the place that makes the beautiful furniture and accessories from the gorgeous forest woods and 4/ is The Enchanted Woods still open now that it was sold???????

BLACKJACK-
Do not despair. I have had the same thing happen to me with Miss LizzyF (formerly Liz F something). We are all entitled to our opinions as the original poster is looking (I would assume) for a variety of opinions, but some people take great offense when THEIR VIEW is opposed. Just because someone is in the tourist industry doesn't mean their tastes/interests are always right or informed, but then again in this case it's just a matter of dealing with someone who doesn't or can't hear other people's opinions because she views them as an attack on her own.

So sad. Good thing I didn't read YEARS of posts when I was going to Tasmania earlier this year. I don't subscribe to the "LizzyF way or the highway!!!"

Good luck-Tassie was wonderful, as you already know. My friend and I loved the Tamar Valley Wine Route-have you been there yet? It was lovely! We also went to Cradle Mtn. and Freycinet-both also wonderful adventures. Have a great trip!

Another vote for Lake St Clair, the cabins on site are great value. You can cook yourself, there's also a nice restaurant with a view of the lake.

There is a longish walk up to Mt Rufus and many other walks around the lake, plus a ferry service with two drop off points as well as a tour. It's a great spot for seeing echidnas and poteroos, wallabies etc.

Yes LizzyF, we have all heard you cover "every inch of Tasmania" but that doesn't mean someone else may not have another view on something and it may contradict with yours. Of course we all know what you do, I have been reading for long enough - I have seen you say you live in the Huon Valley several times (although you said today you actually live in the channel area) and if your situation is the same as just about every other mainland person who has moved to Tasmania, it would not be difficult to sum it up. Please don't ever make the assumption that the person you speak down to knows less than you. I was not nitpicking either, just pointing out that one of your broad, sweeping, not-terribly-accurate statements was untrue. I apologise because this has obviously been your domain for some time and to coin a Tasmanian phrase, I have upset your apple cart.
Would love to answer your questions about the Huon Highway businesses LizzyF, but that darn fog that has been shrouding the river from Grove to Geeveston ALL DAY is blocking my view. I told that comment to my friend (a 5th generation local) and he giggled himself silly, so thanks for the laugh.
You have a wide audience reading these posts, and many will be silent. But it is made very obvious how short a time you have lived in Tasmania when some of these comments are made - never assume no locals, or no one in the tourist industry is reading.

In all the fuss I forgot to post this link to the person who mentioned they liked walking and outdoor attractions:
http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.php
Not sure if it has been posted before but may provide some walking ideas for you.
Hope that is helpful :)

"I have seen you say you live in the Huon Valley several times (although you said today you actually live in the channel area) and if your situation is the same as just about every other mainland person who has moved to Tasmania, it would not be difficult to sum it up".
Is it too difficult for you Blackjack to understand that perhaps I might have moved from the Huon Valley to the Channel area? I had a property at Wattle Grove if you really need to know that. Also do please tell everyone what you mean with your purile and insular statement above when you say that " if my situation is the same as just about every other mainland person who has moved to Tasmania" I know what you are referring to , but then I have always avoided the Tasmanians who still live in pointy head la la land.
As for you Skiergirl, you are obviously a troll who has never written anything about travel but haunts the Fodorite Lounge with great Dear Dorothy Dix answers to questions like: "Romance Q, what would you do"? and "Annoying habits of House Guests", and "Purely cosmetic query - eyelid makeup base"?
If either of you wish to insult me you will both have to be better than you are doing now.

Back to the subject of my planned travels in Tasmania... I am considering the following itinerary.

10 Jan - Bruny Island - Hotel: TBD
11 Jan - Bruny Island - Hotel: TBD
12 Jan - Fentonbury - Hotel: Hamlet Downs
13 Jan - Derwent Bridge - Hotel: Derwent Bridge Chalets
14 Jan - Strahan - Hotel: Risby Cove
15 Jan - Strahan - Hotel: Risby Cove
16 Jan - Cradle Mountain - Hotel: Cradle Mountain Lodge
17 Jan - Cradle Mountain - Hotel: Cradle Mountain Lodge
18 Jan - Coles Bay - Hotel: Edge of the Bay Resort
19 Jan - Coles Bay - Hotel: Edge of the Bay Resort
20 Jan - Port Arthur - Hotel: Stewart Bay Lodge
21 Jan - Port Arthur - Hotel: Stewart Bay Lodge

Based on the suggestions of the forum this would allow me time to do hikes on Bruny Island, Mt. Fields NP, Lake St. Clair, Cradle Mountain, Freycinet, and in the area of Port Arthur. I would also go for a boat trip out of Strahan and perhaps in the Port Arthur area.

It seems like one night near Mt Fields and Lake St. Clair should be enough to allow a good hike in those areas.

I still have not decided on where to stay on Bruny Island and am open to suggestions on other locations that I might visit.

Could I suggest that you have two nights at Derwent Bridge? With late check in ( I think it was 2) and early check-out (10 AM) you wouldn't have a lot of time for a decent length walk with one night.

Also if you are a nature person, its a much nicer place to stay than Strahan which to my taste was a bit too touristy. The boat up the Gordon river from there is fantastic, but there's not a lot else in the immediate environs.

Agree with Susan - we didn't care for Strahan, and could have put our two nights there to better use.

Thanks. I will make it a two night stay in Derwent. I also agree about Strahan. The main reason is the boat trip. I expect to spend the day I would go there hiking and show up late in the afternoon. The next day would be the boat trip and then onward the next day.

Any suggestions of where to stay on Bruny Island. That is the only major outstanding item.

AlwaysOnTheRoad- promise to keep on topic (big conversation starter around here today with this thread!)
Firstly, Hamlet Downs comes very highly recommended to me recently so I am sure you will enjoy it there
(love that area in fishing season).
Bruny Island - I know of a B&B called Wainui and self contained "more rustic" style accommodation called Morella Island Retreats. I know you probably want recommendations from people who have been to specific places, so forgive me. This site may be helpful:
http://www.brunyislandaccommodation.com.au/
It's a start at least.
Best of luck.

If you love outdoor activities and hiking, then you really have to visit Bruny Island. Bruny Island has lots of great day walks and hiking acivity to do. Spring or summer is the ideal time for a short break on Bruny Island to get away from it all and enjoy the tranquil Tasmanian outdoors.
A more detailed list of activities to do whilst on Bruny Island can be found at http://www.bruny-island-accommodation.com/bruny-island/