Australia - Tasmania

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:06:39 GMT

floppy — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 01:06:39 GMT

vectorbiz:
Hi

I just bought mine via Qantas 3A2C $5900. Very sad, if I can make decision few weeks back I can get SQ with slightly cheaper. Well, just look forward and don look back

Have you done up your itinerary ? mind to share ? I am flying to Hobart and back fr Devonport (Devonport is an hr drive to Launceston)

Thanks

You can also take a look at my old itinerary in 4 parts:
- https://obliquetravel.com/2015/04/10/a-tasmanian-road-trip-part-1/
- https://obliquetravel.com/2015/04/16/a-tasmanian-road-trip-part-2/
- https://obliquetravel.com/2015/05/06/on-the-heritage-trail-a-tasmanian-road-trip-part-3/
- https://obliquetravel.com/2015/05/11/the-wine-route-a-tasmanian-road-trip-part-4/

Have fun!

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:15:34 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:15:34 GMT

vectorbiz:
Hi

I just bought mine via Qantas 3A2C $5900. Very sad, if I can make decision few weeks back I can get SQ with slightly cheaper. Well, just look forward and don look back

Have you done up your itinerary ? mind to share ? I am flying to Hobart and back fr Devonport (Devonport is an hr drive to Launceston)

Thanks

Hi vectorbiz,
You can refer to the itinerary and detail of our trip from page 12 of this forum. Happy planning.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Tue, 07 Mar 2017 10:02:16 GMT

vectorbiz — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 10:02:16 GMT

Hi

I just bought mine via Qantas 3A2C $5900. Very sad, if I can make decision few weeks back I can get SQ with slightly cheaper. Well, just look forward and don look back

Have you done up your itinerary ? mind to share ? I am flying to Hobart and back fr Devonport (Devonport is an hr drive to Launceston)

Thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Sat, 04 Mar 2017 19:29:34 GMT

Dnls_mum — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 19:29:34 GMT

vectorbiz:
Dnls_mum:
[quote=\"vectorbiz\"]Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

I am also going yr end, last 2 weeks of Dec to be exact. Have bought all our international and domestic tickets. As it is yearxrnd festive season, we note that cheapest fare for some flights are sold out! So my advice is book early once you have decided if going Year end.

Hi How much you bought ? is it advisable if arrive at Hobart and fly back fr Hobart? which airport you choose ? thanks[/quote]SG- Mel on SQ return -SGD780
Mel - Horbart on Virgin one way - AUD129
Launceston - Mel on Qantas one way - AUD120

Whether u fly Hobart return or one way Hobart and one way Launceston like us will depend on your itinerary, where you want to go. No difference in one way Air ticket prices and return ticket prices when I checked.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Sat, 04 Mar 2017 07:19:39 GMT

vectorbiz — Sat, 04 Mar 2017 07:19:39 GMT

Dnls_mum:
vectorbiz:
Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

I am also going yr end, last 2 weeks of Dec to be exact. Have bought all our international and domestic tickets. As it is yearxrnd festive season, we note that cheapest fare for some flights are sold out! So my advice is book early once you have decided if going Year end.

Hi How much you bought ? is it advisable if arrive at Hobart and fly back fr Hobart? which airport you choose ? thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:36:06 GMT

Dnls_mum — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:36:06 GMT

vectorbiz:
Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

I am also going yr end, last 2 weeks of Dec to be exact. Have bought all our international and domestic tickets. As it is yearxrnd festive season, we note that cheapest fare for some flights are sold out! So my advice is book early once you have decided if going Year end.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:36:00 GMT

Dnls_mum — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:36:00 GMT

vectorbiz:
Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:35:56 GMT

Dnls_mum — Fri, 03 Mar 2017 19:35:56 GMT

vectorbiz:
Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:21:59 GMT

vectorbiz — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:21:59 GMT

Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:21:55 GMT

vectorbiz — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 13:21:55 GMT

Hi Intend to go Tasmania year end , any advise when should I wait and monitor the air ticket or book now, seem like the price keep increasing, any advise ? Thanks

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Sun, 22 Jan 2017 15:40:59 GMT

doratheexplorer — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 15:40:59 GMT

Hi JR

I thought there will not be much o do in Tasmazia looks Like my kids will enjoy. Then I shall do the house of anger on the next day and will take away beaconsfield. will probably go for Anvers and cataract gorge on my 2nd last day and do a free n easy shopping packup coz my flight will be at 2 pm will be a rush to do last minute packing. Thanks so much JR I am done with my itinerary more often or less with all of u help. After my trip will update how my trip was. Thank u :udawoman:

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Sat, 21 Jan 2017 13:14:42 GMT

Dnls_mum — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 13:14:42 GMT

Thanks JR for all the detailed info.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:23:37 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:23:37 GMT

For Cradle Mountain, I would think the most suitable walk will be the Enchanted walk. You can take the shuttle bus to Dove Lake and hopefully have better luck with the weather. Do prepare some warm clothing and rainy wear too.

I am not sure what time you will be leaving Cradle Mountain to go to Tasmazia. We spent more than 4 hours at Tasmazia as we did all the mazes. For the elderly and very young, the village and embassy gardens will be good for a relaxing walk and photo taking. From Tasmazia to House of Anvers take about 45 minutes. It closes at 6pm. If you intend to do shopping, cater for more time. From House of Anvers to Launceston, that would be about 1 hour drive. So you have to figure what time you wish to arrive at Launceston and work backwards to decide if the plan is doable.

Personally I rather take it easy. To cater to the needs of so many people would not be easy, so be careful travel fatigue. If you want a more relaxed itinerary, spend a night at Devonport before going to Launceston. But that would add to cost and packing and unpacking…

I did not go to seahorse or platypus house, so I can’t comment. Beaconsfield mine require some walking/climbing of stairs if you want to explore the place. More suitable for those who are interested in heritage and machinery.

I suggest you do more research on the places and assess how suitable and interest level of your family. I read up on trip advisor for reviews and get advice in the forum there. They may give you better suggestions to do your planning. I have done a few free and easy holidays and I have learnt not to be too ambitious and ‘chiong’ everywhere. I don’t think anyone will enjoy the trip and end up wasting money and time. Best wishes!

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Thu, 19 Jan 2017 04:19:48 GMT

doratheexplorer — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 04:19:48 GMT

cradle mountain will go tasmazia and anvers chocolate before lanceston. is this doable or the journey too long? my 2nd last day I would like to visit beaconfield mine, seahorse and platypus. any other places u think must go ! thank you

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Thu, 19 Jan 2017 04:16:16 GMT

doratheexplorer — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 04:16:16 GMT

ya it is quite a challenge. just read up the freycinet bicheno area tours are all walks which I think not possible for the old folk n my tod so will drop that area. I will make a drive to mt wellington or bruny island before proceeding to curringa farmstay. like u said JR I will be doing double trip on the cradle mountain route so on my check out day from cradl

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:21:25 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 14:21:25 GMT

Hi doratheexplorer,

Looks like it is quite challenging to cater to both elderly and very young in the same holiday. Frankly, I won’t recommend travelling in and out of Cradle Mountain. The road in and out is quite winding. From your itinerary, you will be on that route 4 times. I see that you will spend a lot of time on the road…

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 03:50:26 GMT

doratheexplorer — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 03:50:26 GMT

hi thanks for the idea of a round trip I am rearranging my itinerary however I cannot do a roundtrip as the flights for departure are all at 6.30 am which is not convenient for my todd. are there restaurants or cafes nearby cradle mountain highlander coz I do have a 2 yr old and an elderly grandma tagging along so they will not walk too much. I don intend to drive so am taking private van with driver which he quoted $595 for 8 hr block booking. to places like cradle mountain and Launceston and bicheno I need to pay additional $110 for his accommodation and if we intend to have a rest on our second night just enjoy nearby surroundings at cradle we still have to pay $295 for the evan to stay with us regardless of usage.

09 dec 2017 - arrival at Hobart airport - airport transfer only
10 dec - port Arthur, tasman peninsula, tasman arch, devil’s kitchen and eaglehawk with lunch stopover ( we are not into a lot of walking so our stopovers are for viewing best scenaries and phototaking only) - hire minivan
11 dec -from Hobart off to freycinet, wineglass bay, coles bay or bay of fire, blowhole and check in bicheno overnight - driver staying
12 dec - from bicheno proceed to curringa farm overnight - can driver go back, is Hobart v far
13 dec - farm tour and overnight stay - again driver stay is wasted
14 dec - morning proceed to cradle mountain stop over Dove lake , overnight cradle mountain - driver needed
15 dec -proceed to tasmazia and return back to cradle mountain - trying to make use of driver for few hours instead of paying $295
16 dec - check out and proceed to Launceston make a stopover at anvers chocolate, proceed to Beaconsfield mine, seahorse and platypus full day overnight Launceston - driver can go back
17 dec - free and easy overnight at Launceston
18 dec - morning fly back to Singapore

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:55:58 GMT

Sel69 — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:55:58 GMT

JR:
doratheexplorer:
also pls help with accommodation suggestions and flight so far I am looking at Qantas. seems like no direct flight leh.

For Cradle Mountain, you may want to check out Cradle Mountain Highlanders. We like the cosy cabin that comes with full kitchen facilities. Also it is within walking distance to the Cradle Mountain National Park Visitor Centre where you can board the bus to Dove Lake etc. However if you do not intend to cook, you may want to check out Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, not sure about the accomodation, but it has restaurant.

Dear doratheexplorer,

We stayed in Cradle Mountain Highlanders too during our holiday in Nov 2015. We like the cosy cabin and the rustic feel. And we spotted wildlife near our cottage - wombat, pademelons, possum. A very nice 2N stay we had in Cradle Mountains. Do the tracks if you have time.

Enjoy!

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:14:03 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 00:14:03 GMT

doratheexplorer:
also pls help with accommodation suggestions and flight so far I am looking at Qantas. seems like no direct flight leh.

For Cradle Mountain, you may want to check out Cradle Mountain Highlanders. We like the cosy cabin that comes with full kitchen facilities. Also it is within walking distance to the Cradle Mountain National Park Visitor Centre where you can board the bus to Dove Lake etc. However if you do not intend to cook, you may want to check out Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, not sure about the accomodation, but it has restaurant.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:13:17 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:13:17 GMT

Hi doratheexplorer,

Here are my comments regarding your itinerary

a) Salamanca market is open on Saturday morning. That would mean that you have to arrive at Hobart Airport very early in the morning. Not sure if your family would have the energy to visit the market.

b) Not sure you want to consider taking up day tour package for Tasman peninsula and Port Arthur.

c) It takes about 3 hours to drive from Hobart to Freycinet and another 3 hours back to Hobart. To see Wineglass Bay, you need to hike at least 1 hour to the look out point and another hour back. to the car park. Bay of Fires is about 2 hours away from Freycinet. So it would be quite rush. You may want to consider staying one night out of Hobart?

Maybe you can consider starting your Tasmania holiday from Launceston instead and return back to Launceston for your flight back home. You can either go clockwise from Launceston to Freycinet to Hobart to Curringa to Cradle Mountain back to Launceston. Or the other direction. In this way, you do not need to travel up and down between Hobart and Freycinet.

I suggest you put your itinerary to Trip Advisor and ask for expert opinion from those who know Tasmania. Best wishes in your planning.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:58:42 GMT

floppy — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:58:42 GMT

doratheexplorer:
also pls help with accommodation suggestions and flight so far I am looking at Qantas. seems like no direct flight leh.

There is no direct flight. Whether taking SQ or QF, you will need to transit at either MEL or SYD. Alternatively, you can buy 2 separate tickets - 1 ticket to get you to MEL (EK usually has good promo rates, or JQ/TZ if you want to use budget carriers), then another to get you to HBA (can look at JQ, TT or VA).

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:21:16 GMT

doratheexplorer — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:21:16 GMT

also pls help with accommodation suggestions and flight so far I am looking at Qantas. seems like no direct flight leh.

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:16:49 GMT

doratheexplorer — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 03:16:49 GMT

dear people

I read all your posts on your Tasmania itinerary n trip feedback. thank you so much for all the ideas. I will be making my way for a holiday to Tasmania and here is my itinerary pls let me know if there is any places I need to add or delete. I m going with my family of 5 adults 2 kids aged 11 and 12 and a 2 year old. we r not driving there as my hubby wants to enjoy also. anyone has contact for mini van with driver for hire. I recently checked one from lets show you Tasmania its $700 for 8 hrs plus driver accom is 100. here is my itinerary

Below is my 10 day itinerary to Tasmania.

09 dec 2017 - arrival at Hobart airport, Salamanca market
10 dec - port Arthur, tasman peninsula, eaglehawk with lunch stopover ( we are not into a lot of walking so our stopovers are for viewing best scenaries and phototaking only)
11 dec -scenic drive off to freycinet, wineglass bay, coles bay or bay of fire. Back to Hobart
12 dec - off to curringa farmstay
13 dec - farm tour in the morning overnight at farm
14 dec - morning proceed to cradle mountain
15 dec -free and easy @ cradle mountain overnight
16 dec - check out and proceed to Tasmazia and house of Anvers. overnight @ launceston
17 dec - Launceston to Tasmanian gourmet sauce co, Tasmania honey co, shopping and back to launceston overnight
18 dec - check out in the morning fly back to Singapore

thank you

Reply to Australia - Tasmania on Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:53:06 GMT

kohbee2.06303gmail.06303com — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:53:06 GMT

Hi Dnls_mum,

Looks like you have a great deal. Happy for you.

Best wishes for your planning for this holiday.

A few observations which I have forgotten to mention in my earlier posts. Having been to both New Zealand and Tasmania, I do tend to compare the scenery of these 2 places. I must say that in terms of scenery, NZ South Island wins for sure. You don’t see nice blue lakes and snow-capped mountains together with lots of gazing sheep in Tasmania. So don’t expect too much in terms of scenery in Tasmania. But it does have pockets of nice scenery and drives.

What I do like about Tasmania is that it is a smaller place as compared to NZ. (of course still bigger than Singapore) and distances between attractions are relatively nearer. We normally do not need to drive more than 2 hours to reach our next destination. Just need some research and give allowance in planning of time. I also like that most heritage sites are preserved and the guides are very professional and take their work with pride and passion. I meet friendly and helpful staff at accommodation and service counters.

I was a bit disappointed about limited opportunities to see the wildlife in Tasmania. I don’t mean visiting zoos. I know I would see them there. I was hoping to see more wallabies, wombats etc at the national parks. Maybe I wasn’t at the right place or time. Instead I was sadden to see dead animals lying at the side of the road killed by traffic when they attempted to cross the road during dawn and dusk. At times, we have to drive to avoid them. I wished I had seen them alive instead. I did see I think it was an echidna crossing the road when we drove past. That was the only time I saw a live one. Mostly it was scenes of crows pecking on animal carcass left on the roads.

There are some places in Tasmania which we did not visit due to lack of time. The western part of Tasmania is more remote. For us, we decided it is not worth going through winding roads just to satisfy ourselves that we have been there. We also try not to back track when we plan our itinerary so that we can save time and petrol. We also get to see different things on different routes.

The driving experience was quite ok. I do hope that the authorities install rest stops along the popular driving route like those in NZ. I don’t see any in Tasmania. The roads are quite clear most of the time except in the towns. Drivers do follow speed limit most of the time. Generally they are quite patient and won’t overtake recklessly. The road signs are quite clear. Do be careful of the lane markings. There was once, we accidently drove on the wrong side of the road when we turn out from a farm to the main road. That was because there are no cars at that time. Luckily, we discovered the mistake and moved to the correct lane. There are also many turns which can be dangerous if the car overshoot the lane if you do not follow the speed limit.