Travel and driving in Tasmania

[yeocolin]

Hi,
I'm planning a trip to Tasmania this Dec and am inviting those who had experience with travel in Tasmania to give any recommendation and tips, especially since I'll be planning a trip driving by myself with a friend.

Thanks in advance.

 

[petetherock]

The distances are far, make sure you don't plan more than 200 km or so. The roads are winding and single lanes. Best to break up the journey.
Tasmania is v beautiful and you can spend 1-2 weeks there. Go to their website and download maps and brochures for free. Make sure you have fuel and it gets expensive away from the big cities.
I would suggest at least 2 nights in cradle mts, esp if you hike, 3 nights isn't too much. Wineglass Bay is nice. Hobart is ok good seafood, and Lauceston is ok too. Port Arthur is kind of touristy but alright.

A nice place all in all.

 

[terryansimon]

do yourself a favour and rent a 4WD if you can. allows for greater accessibility off the beaten track, and some roads on Tasmania... you'd be wishing you had 4WD capabilities.

dare I ask if your friend and yourself... and any driving contingent... above the age of 21 / 25?

 

[yeocolin]

Yes, both of us are above 25 years old. Why?

 

[terryansimon]

Yes, both of us are above 25 years old. Why?

that makes vehicle rental in Australia a whole lot cheaper and easier. if you're below 21, you can forget about renting a vehicle, and if you in between the ages of 21 and 25, say hello to an under-age daily vehicle rental excess (figures are around $30 per day on top of existing rental agreement).

hence my question.

 

[dkuan88]

Make sure yr petrol is always topup!
Best not to drive out of city at nite bocos of the k'roos.
Almost stuck in the middle of nowhere years ago with very low fuel.
Drove over 200km w/o a station in sight.
Was really :sweat::sweat::sweat:

Nite time very quiet. Was with my wife so we still hv great time:bsmilie:
Enjoy yr trip!

 

[FilterFunk]

went there around this time last year.
roads are winding as mentioned, some of which are not paved roads, have a couple of close calls even keeping within the speed limits. :sweat: also agree with the fuel suggestion, was forced to drive until almost running empty (the low petrol meter came up) before reaching a petrol station..

prepare to walk/hike alot, some hikes can take up to 10km (or more) return. the hike up Wineglass Bay is a steep 300 steps hike. do make some 'preparations' before you go.
if you like chocolates, Cadbury's factory is in Hobart, requires booking in advance though.

Tasmania is like a step back in time, compared with the rest of Australia

 

[k3nn3th03]

went there around this time last year.
roads are winding as mentioned, some of which are not paved roads, have a couple of close calls even keeping within the speed limits. :sweat: also agree with the fuel suggestion, was forced to drive until almost running empty (the low petrol meter came up) before reaching a petrol station..

prepare to walk/hike alot, some hikes can take up to 10km (or more) return. the hike up Wineglass Bay is a steep 300 steps hike. do make some 'preparations' before you go.
if you like chocolates, Cadbury's factory is in Hobart, requires booking in advance though.

Tasmania is like a step back in time, compared with the rest of Australia

best to get a 4WD ...

Cadbury's factory is in Hobart :thumbsup:

sometime they will upgrade ur vehicle to higher 'class' cos u r over 25...
please remember to buy ALL insurance.. should be ard plus minus 100 per day...

correct me if i am wrong...

 

[yeocolin]

Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. I certainly look forward to the trip.

 

[foxwagon]

http://www.discovertasmania.com.sg/

Check out this website for info
Enjoy Tas!
Loved it & hope to return again.

 

[nuts]

Wow, when did that .sg domain come from?
My thread posted in 2003 is still there!! In it, I also recommended the http://www.discovertasmania.com/ website for research, but now it seems the site include both the .com and .com.sg domain! Looks like they expecting lots of Singaporean interests...

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067

http://www.discovertasmania.com.sg/

Check out this website for info
Enjoy Tas!
Loved it & hope to return again.

 

[foxwagon]

Wow, when did that .sg domain come from?
My thread posted in 2003 is still there!! In it, I also recommended the http://www.discovertasmania.com/ website for research, but now it seems the site include both the .com and .com.sg domain! Looks like they expecting lots of Singaporean interests...

http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49067

From Google dude. Is there something wrong or is it out of date? Pardon me.
I was looking for some info on Tas as two colleagues are going at the end of the year & they asked me for some info. I went many years back, so was hoping to get some new info from Google. I was surprised myself when the website ended with .sg but what the heck it still gave good info.

Can't remember exactly which town it was but I roughly remember visiting the following, Grindlewald Swiss Village, Salmon farm cruise, Apple Museum, Gasworks Distillery, Salamanca market, & the unforgettable Cradle Mt Lodge which I regretted not staying for more nights.

 

[petetherock]

If you like nature, you won't regret more nights in Cradle Mts. Spoil yourself and get a nice lodge there.

 

[yeocolin]

If you like nature, you won't regret more nights in Cradle Mts. Spoil yourself and get a nice lodge there.

Sounds good. Will certainly take note.

 

[foxwagon]

If you like nature, you won't regret more nights in Cradle Mts. Spoil yourself and get a nice lodge there.

Awesome place!
Timber lodge house come with a timber fire place!
So cool!
The wallabies come to your door step every morning hoping you would feed them.
That's why they have nets over the windows/doors.
Dove lake, Lake St Clair. Bring along tripods.
Talking about this & during lunch with colleagues who have already confirmed going to Tas makes me just want to go back again. Dec is summer time, good for long day lights! & wont be so cold. I remember going to the Cradle lodge for dinner at early evening, still warm, watched the feeding of the Tas Devils, back to the dining area took a slow meal. By the time we walked back to our own lodge, it was freezing as we didnt bring our coats out for dinner.

 

[yeocolin]

Awesome place!
Timber lodge house come with a timber fire place!
So cool!
The wallabies come to your door step every morning hoping you would feed them.
That's why they have nets over the windows/doors.
Dove lake, Lake St Clair. Bring along tripods.
Talking about this & during lunch with colleagues who have already confirmed going to Tas makes me just want to go back again. Dec is summer time, good for long day lights! & wont be so cold. I remember going to the Cradle lodge for dinner at early evening, still warm, watched the feeding of the Tas Devils, back to the dining area took a slow meal. By the time we walked back to our own lodge, it was freezing as we didnt bring our coats out for dinner.

Do you need to prebook lodging in advance? Cos if driving from place to place and if I need to prebook in advance, then it means no last minute decision to spend 1 day more in a particular place as I'll need to move on to the next destination to fulfill booking obligation of the particular date.

 

[petetherock]

Good Cradle Mts lodges book out months in advance. You will end up with either the super expensive ones or the hostels for young kids / back packers.

 

[FilterFunk]

Can't remember exactly which town it was but I roughly remember visiting the following, Grindlewald Swiss Village, Salmon farm cruise, Apple Museum, Gasworks Distillery, Salamanca market, & the unforgettable Cradle Mt Lodge which I regretted not staying for more nights.

note that Salamanca market is on Only on Saturdays.