About the Tasmanian Region

Tasmania is a separate island located 240km south of Melbourne across Bass Strait. Roughly heart-shaped, Tasmania is 296km long, ranging from 315km wide in the north to 70km in the south. The island has a diverse landscape comprising rugged mountains (snow capped in winter) and lakes, dense rainforest, beautiful coastline and tranquil countryside. Approximately 40 per cent of the state is made up of National Parks, half of this area being World Heritage Listed temperate wilderness on the west coast.

Climate

Required clothes: Shorts, t-shirts etc are generally adequate for summer days but warmer clothes should be carried for temperature variations and cool evenings. Warm clothes and a hat are needed in winter and waterproofs are advisable all year, particularly in highland areas.

Places Of Interest

West Coast:

Mt Field National Park - is home to Russell Falls, a picturesque cascading waterfall surrounded by beautiful temperate rainforest and the 'Tall Trees' Walk (1 hr), which winds through gigantic Swamp Gums - the world's tallest flowering plant.

Lake St Clair - is heralded for its scenic beauty and great bush walking, it is also the deepest lake in Australia.

Strahan - is a picturesque and historical coastal town

Tullah - is a small but historic mining town. Tullah Lakeside Chalet is in a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Rosebury with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

Montezuma Falls - is the highest waterfall in Tasmania and the 5km walk to reach it passes through some of the most spectacular temperate rainforest in the world.

Cradle Mountain - Cradle Mountain National Park is famous for its superb peaks and lakes, of which Dove Lake is undeniably the most beautiful, especially on a clear day when the Mountain is reflected in the clear water.

Sheffield - is known as the 'town of murals' because of the painted scenes on many of the town's buildings.

East Coast:

Bicheno - The East Coast has a magnificent coastline of beaches and coves. It also has a little penguin rookery where tours are available (at own expense).

Freycinet National Park - We spend 3-4 hours in this beautiful National Park. Passengers can choose a number of walks of differing grades including the walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout followed by a swim at Wineglass Beach (weather permitting) or the challenging hike to the top of Mount Amos for fantastic views over Wineglass Bay.

Wineglass Bay (Freycinet) - Wineglass Bay is world famous and widely recognised as the most scenic spot on the East Coast.

Tasman Peninsula - This rugged but stunning coastline has a variety of beautiful sites that we may call in at including Remarkable Cave, the Tessellated Pavement and Devils Kitchen.

Beaches

Bicheno - has a great surf beach and is a renowned cold water diving spot.

Wineglass Bay - has a beautiful golden sandy beach and crystal clear water.

Hikes

Cradle Mountain - There is fantastic hiking in this stunning National Park and, on our all-inclusive trips, we offer a choice of walks to suit clients fitness level and inclination! (Those on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport can stay longer)

Freycinet National Park - We spend 3-4 hours in this beautiful National Park on our all-inclusive trips and offer a number of walks of differing grades including the walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout followed by a swim at Wineglass Beach (weather permitting) or the challenging hike to the top of Mount Amos for fantastic views over Wineglass Bay. (Those on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport can stay longer)

Long Distance Hikes available on the 'Hop Off-Hop Off' Guided Transport includes:

South Coast Track - Follows the ancient trail of the Aborigines into the South West National Park. From 5-10 days

Overland Track - Runs between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Parks. From 7 days +

Culture

Port Arthur - This is one of Australia's most significant historic sites as it housed Tasmania's major penal settlement from 1830-1877. We include an introductory guided tour of the site on our all-inclusive tours and there is also the chance to do the great fun "Ghost Tour" in the evening (at own expense) where you can learn all the spooky stories and myths about the site and it's past inhabitants!

Wildlife

Tasmania's isolation from mainland Australia has ensured the survival of many plants and animals that are rare or extinct in other states. As Tassie has no major problem with introduced predators, it boasts a high density of animals in a relatively small area and, in many areas even on a short bushwalk you can come across a pademelon (similar to a very small wallaby), wombat or possum. You may also see the famous and fearsome Tasmanian Devil (though you'll be surprised by how small they are!), koalas, kangaroos, Little Penguins, quolls, platypus, echidnas and some Australian Fur Seals.

Other Activities

Tullah - We provide canoes and mountain bikes so passengers can explore the lake or the surrounding countryside. There is also the option of a horse ride through the mountains (at own expense)

Strahan - There are several fun activities available (all activities are optional):

Cataract Gorge - just outside Launceston, has the longest single span chair in the world, take it across the gorge for a great views (optional extra).

Wildlife Park - just north of Bicheno, this is where passengers have the chance to get up close and personal with the native wildlife including Tassie Devils, Wombats and pademelons (little wallabies).

Hobart - There are many things to check out while in the capital (all activities are at own expense):

NOTE: No activities excepting canoeing and mountain biking at Tullah are included on the Tasmania 'Hop On-Hop Off' Guided Transport.