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Tasmania A BUSHWALKER’S NIRVANA, WITH UNIQUE WILDLIFE AND ARGUABLY THE COUNTRY’S FRIENDLIEST LOCALS, TASSIE IS STILL A WONDERFUL SECRET
Photo: Tourism Tasmania/George Apostolidis
The craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain
First things first... Australia’s very own Emerald Isle, Tasmania has a very different flavour from what locals call “the North Island”. More than 20 per cent of the island state is World Heritage-listed national park. It’s a magical wilderness of mossy forests, rugged mountains and cascading waterfalls, and home to many a rare and unique species. Natural wonders aside, Tassie is renowned for its colonial history. Sandstone relics still stand proud and picturesque today. The state is easy to cover, and – with super-friendly locals, backpacker-friendly prices and few tourist crowds – it’s rapidly becoming de rigeur among travellers in the know.
Getting to Tasmania Tasmania is well serviced by air, and the Spirit of Tasmania ferries run from Melbourne to Devonport daily; you can also take vehicles across on the ferries. Your arrival point could be Hobart, Launceston or Devonport, depending on how you get there. Air: Shop around for the best price. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all fly from the Australian mainland to Hobart and Launceston. Qantas also has connections to Devonport and Burnie through Qantaslink. For schedules and prices, see qantas.com. 80
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au, jetstar.com, virginaustralia.com or tigerairways. com. Regional carrier, Regional Express (REX), operates services to Burnie and King Island, with special deals for backpackers (see rex.com.au). There are also a couple of smaller state-based airlines that operate on local routes. Sea: The over-sea route to Tassie from Melbourne is covered by two superfast ships, Spirit of Tasmania I and II. These vessels offer an overnight service in both directions to Devonport seven days a week, year round, with additional daytime services in the high season (December-January). The ferry also takes cars over for $83, motorbikes for $57 and bicycles for $6. Check spiritoftasmania.com.au
Getting around Tasmania Coach services link all the main towns (some services close during winter), as well as bus tours geared for independent travellers. Cycling is an option for fit legs. See discovertasmania.com.au
Hobart Australia’s most picturesque city has a rich heritage, Georgian architecture, an expansive harbour and beautiful nearby areas to visit.