xx

Hello.<BR><BR>I am interested in visiting Tasmania for a week and am hoping for some advice regarding the following:<BR><BR>1. Is it more economical to take the ferry from Sydney or to fly?<BR><BR>2. Wherelse does the ferry depart from, except Sydney? <BR><BR>3. How long is the ferry ride?<BR><BR>4. Is it a rough or relatively smooth ride? Just wondering as I tend to get motion sick.<BR><BR>5. What are your top recommendations of activities and must-see things to do in Tasmania? I am particularly fond of the hiking and nature activities but would like some city activities and sightseeing to break it up.<BR><BR>Cheers,<BR><BR>XX

liz

Try doing a search of the web for Tasmania tourist authority because they should have the site with all the information about the ferries etc which go from Melbourne to Devonport or just north of Launceston. There is a fast cat which takes about 6 hours - I think but don't know why I think its that timeing - and there is a ferry which takes you on an overnight trip. If you arrive in Devonport then you are on the right track to get to Cradle Mountain which could be the start of your hiking/riding part of the trip. There are wonderful areas to hike around, taking up to 5 days if you want to. Plenty of animals but make sure that you have warm clothing as you can never rely on the weather in that area at any time of the year. There are guides as well there to make life easy. From CM make you way across to Launceston and that area before heading south through the midland convict villages to Hobart. Here again you have lots of wonderful things to do. It is a small city and easy to get around so try and find somewhere to stay around Salamanca Place. The main tourist information centre is down there as is the Salamanca Markets on a Saturday and which are a must do thing. From Hobart you can radiate around and do all sorts of things.<BR>It is probably cheaper to fly to Hobart if you get an internet ticket but first see if you can find the web site for the ferries. The body of water between the mainland and Tassie can be as rough as a ........ not always but sometimes and if you are prone to sea-sickness you will either need * Kwells * over the counter medication or you could decide to fly. Spend some time down at Port Arthur and do some hiking around the Frecinet Peninsular - which is some of the most fabulous countryside you can find. <BR>There you are now, that is for starters.

liz

Here is a good site for information about Tasmania and this does include the Tourist Authority site as well with the ferry information etc. <BR>http://www.salamancainn.com.au/tlinks.htm<BR>for other information about accommodation try www.wotif.com and click * Tas *<BR>Enjoy Tasmania it is a lovely place to spend time in especially if you like great food, nice people, and nice little places to see.

Aussie

The fast cat no longer runs.<BR>There are 2 new ships which depart every day, one from Melbourne & the other from Devonport.<BR>Last Saturday morning it took 6 hours to berth in Tas. due to strong winds.<BR>It costs $100.00 (aust.) one way per person. Cars are travelling free.<BR>I get motion sickness & I would advise you to fly from Sydney.

Nick

FLY you cannot depend on storms, winds, or heavy seas. Don't gamble.<BR>