weiwei22

Hi Everyone,

My parents (60+) and I are doing a 17 day trip in Australia, not going to GBR this time, we would like to visit Tasmania instead. In 6 days, how should we plan our time in Tassie? We cannot drive, so would have to rely on organized tours. Is it a good idea to fly into Hobart and fly out of Launceston? Any recommended tours? Many thanks!

ivenotbeeneverywhere

I don't believe that there is any advantage in flying into Hobart and out of Launceston mainly because flights are limited out of Launceston and much more expensive because of that. If you do not have transport your best plan would be to stay in Hobart where you can take tours and just soak up the atmosphere.
You will be able to get a metro bus to places like Richmond ( I think) and also around the Huon Valley which is better than not going at all and that will be done at a small cost. The bus is not that frequent but at least its a nice drive.
Look at staying at Salamanca Apartments, The old Wool Store Apartment hotel or the apartments which are on the end of the pier right on the water. I will look that one up for you - then look on www.wotif.com for what you could expeect to pay.
Also look on www.discovertasmania.com for more ideas and tours etc.

ivenotbeeneverywhere

Just had a look on Wotif and its Somerset on the Pier that is right on the water. Both Salamanca Inn and Salamanca Terraces have great positions and are apt hotels. There is also One Davey Street or Davey One but you would have to make sure that you didn't have a room facing the road otherwise it would be noisy. Its only about 50 mtrs from The Henry Arts Hotel but its on the wharf zone which is a great position as are the other ones with the exception of The Old Woolstore which is one street back.
Try and be there for a Saturday so that you can stroll around Salamanca Markets how and when you like.
My choice, all being equal, would be to stay in one of the Salamanca places because there are lots of nice restaurants in that area together with bakeries and cafe's and a little supermarket so its very convenient.
All this is not far from the tourist information place, the Museum - both the maritime and the main one and of course the boats which will take you on cruises.
I think that you can get a cruise down to Port Arthur which would be terrific. Don't know what time of year you are thinking of so that maybe the determining factor.

peterSale

Tasmania is well set up for tourism of all sorts. We have just returned from a month there. (read my trip report)

There are day trips to just about everywhere from Hobart, even I think, to Cradle Mountain which would be a very very long day.

East coast cruises out to Maria Island are wonderful as is the Tasman Island Cruises (just rember YELLOW boats). There are day trips up to Mt Wellington.

Wrest Point Casino has a revolving restaurant and was quite good the last time we visited 10 years ago.

A new art Museum opened in January is is reportedly world class.
http://mona.net.au/

There are lots of boat cruises as well.
Great Food and great wines. Lark distilleries has great whisky.
Cascade Breweries have tours and great beer.

Here is your starting place.
http://www.discovertasmania.com/

weiwei22

Thank you so much! So I guess it is better to stay put in Hobart and do trips outwards! Thank you ivenotbeeneverywhere for the accomodation recommendations too!

manlygirl

Make sure you go to Oatlands. It is a small historical town between Hobart and Launceston. Apparently it has the largest number of Georgian buildings in Australia. It really is very lovely. Visit the Callington mill. This is a restored flour mill which is just off the main street. You can see the mill from the highway; Further up the road is Ross which is another really pretty historical town. These places are serviced by buses.

manlygirl

Another nice place and the scenery is beautiful is Bothwell.

weiwei22

I really like the Tasman Island Cruise company for the Port Authur destination, the eco focus and quality looked higher than the others. Is there an equivalent tour company for other destinations like Freycinet national park and Cradle mountain? I only seem to find the ones with accomodation in hostels so far.

ivenotbeeneverywhere

Cradle Mountain is a long way from Hobart and you would need to stay overnight there as well plus a day of hiking so really 2 nights. Apart from being expensive for accommodation there, getting there is a problem unless you have a car.
If you don't have a car and would like to experience the Wilderness area of Tasmania then I would highly recommend the tour that flys into Bathurst Harbour, lands on the beach and then takes you on a boat trip into the pristine forest wilderness region then flys back later that day going a different route so that you get a better view of the area. Check them out at:
http://paravion.com.au/
The cost looks expensive but when you consider that you don't need a rental car and you will get to see some areas that people take a day there and back ( to Strahan that is )plus a day for the cruise it puts the price in perspective a bit.
There are also day trips ( cruises ) around Bruny Island but I think that I would look out for one that goes to Maria Island in preference to the Bruny Island trip - though the latter is regarded as a great one.
When is it that you are coming because if its in the off-season then the prices will be much less as well as less frequent.
If you can get to places like Oatlands and Bothwell ( not sure about the latter actually being that interesting ) on public transport then do those trips but remember that if there is only one bus in and one out during the day there will not be a full day of interesting things to do and you will not be able to get out of the place. On the other hand the village of Richmond is near to Hobart and most probably reachable by a number of bus trips during the day and has a lot to offer in terms of interesting things i.e. the convict jail.

weiwei22

I like your suggestion but my parents vetoed the small plane!

MaryD2

I am not good on small planes either but I am sure that you will find plenty of things to do and see while in Tasmania without getting on small planes. Perhaps your parents could do one thing while you go off on a small plane?