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Wednesday, 28 Mar 2007

Strahan to Hobart - Ross & Jo, Bill & Carol, Dave & Rose tow their caravans the Scenic Tasmanian route

Ross & Jo Bill  & Carol Dave & Rose Heritage cruise at Strahan
Ross & Jo Bill & Carol Dave
& Rose Heritage cruise at
Strahan

From: Ross & Jo Whitty 
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 11:16 AM
To: garth
Subject: Fw: Strahan to Hobart

Hi Garth,

the run from Strahan to Hobart was probably a little easier than, Waratah to Strahan there are a couple of huge hills around the Roseberry area that were a bit more challenging and I had to give the Geist brakes a rest after one long downhill run.

The Geist (630 caravan) has mechanical brakes and of course when you are driving downhill with the car in low gear the van brakes are still working. Was not a problem but it hadn't occurred to me until then.

The run from Strahan highlight was the infamous climb out of Queenstown, (99 bends), but that is only 5 kms and we were on the "safe" side of the road.

Back to Strahan. We were only able to get 3 nights there, at Strahan Holiday Park and although it was hot, 31C, on arrival, the weather cooled down and we got some of the typical wet west coast weather.

Next day we all went on the World Heritage Cruise on Macquarie Harbour, which included a guide tour of the old penal colony of Sarah Island and a rainforest walk in the Gordon river area.

Ross & Jo Wilderness Railway
Ross & Jo Wilderness Railway

The following day four of us did the West Coast Wilderness railway trip to Queenstown, which was an excellent day out. If other travellers have the time I would suggest they do both, trips but personally if time was short I would recommend the train trip over the cruise.

I should "introduce" our fellow travellers. Billy and Carolyn Judd and David and Rose Motbey all of Sydney.

The next day we were on the road again. Strahan to Tarraleah is only around 135 kms, which is about our average so far. When travelling we do not drive in convoy as a rule but agree to meet for a coffee or lunch stop or at the next destination. We all have UHF and keep in touch and it is up to each couple if they want to stop or keep going.

That way each driver drives at his own pace and is not held up or pushed to drive out of his comfort zone.

We stayed at Tarraleah for four nights which is probably longer than most but we enjoyed our time there. First day we went to Lake St Clair, the following day the boys took of for a spot of fishing in the local rivers and lakes without any luck. We should have taken our gear to Lake St Clair as we saw plenty of trout jumping there.The third day was a golf day on the highest course in Tasmania.Then it was on the road to Snug Beach where we are stopping until Easter Monday.

I want it Salamanca Market. Tourism Tas and Nick  Osborne
I want it Salamanca Market. Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne

Saturday, the girls dragged us off to the Salamanca Markets, which wasn't so bad once we found a pleasant spot to wait and rehydrate.

On Sunday we were joined by friends of Billy and Carol, Barry and Cheryl Warwick from the Central Coast NSW, they are staying with us at Snug for nine days.Monday we all headed off to the Tahune Airwalk, stopping on the way at Huonville for a caffeine hit.

We plan do something every other day while here and our next trip is to the Cadbury factory tomorrow.

Will give you another update in a couple of weeks.

Regards

Ross & Jo, Bill & Carol, Dave & Rose

Hi Ross and Jo, Billy and Carolyn, Dave and Rose.

Snug Beach is a good choice. Only 29km south of Hobart and you are only about 8km from the Bruny Island Ferry. Ask about who planted the first apples in Tasmania.

I used to fish around there years ago in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel when I worked for the Hobart Mercury. Good cod catches at the time.

Good on you the way you handled the hills and brakes. There are some serious hills in that section and you do not want the tail wagging the dog. Good that the Geist is a relatively lightweight caravan and the Prado has the weight and gearing to handle the job.

When Tourism Tasmania says "OK for caravans" I guess it is rather like our recent motorhoming experiences in North Island of NZ. When something is described as “scenic” by locals we now know that means high, hilly and winding.

At Huon River the Whitty Touring Team grows to include Barry and Cheryl
At Huon River the Whitty Touring Team grows to include Barry and Cheryl

I like your approach to not pushing each other. We have that problem in our own GoSeeAustralia group when travelling and handle it with UHF and checks and meeting points like you. 

The Cadbury factory is an icon in Tassie and sets the pace in world terms. It used to be like a family firm. I lived at Claremont on the hill behind the factory for about a year. Sweet as! Try the Huon cider. Thanks for the pictures and update. Garth

Here is some information from GoSeeAustralia's touring experience and Tourism Tasmania on Hobart, the Huon and surrounding attractions.

Salty sailors town Hobart blends Australia's past and present

Hobart hugs the winding Derwent and city buildings cluster around its docks. Hobart is arguably Australia’s most historically intact city. Australia’s southernmost capital is the second oldest city in the nation after Sydney.

It has a colonial past that shows everywhere, from the heritage buildings of the city and the cottages of Battery Point to the “sailors city” atmosphere of the wharves. A cruise, or drive to the summit of Mt Nelson or Mt Wellington, reveals the maritime focus.Hobart blends heritage, lifestyle, scenery and culture.is shaped and defined by water.

On regatta days bright sails crowd the Derwent River that laps at Hobart’s doorstep. Mount Wellington stands sentinel overall, its peak often snow capped in winter.

The best way to see central Hobart and the immediate surrounds of this seafaring town is on foot.

Driving is a pleasant surprise with light traffic and good roads. But be aware that many of the city street are one-way and put in some planning before setting off.

Bus services are excellent and allow easy access to the city, and suburbs on both sides of the Derwent.

Hobart’s busy arts scene takes in art, craft, music and theatre. Enjoy Irish jigs or pub rock, a flutter at the Wrest Point casino, street buskers, string quartets, and theatrical performances both classic and contemporary.

In Hobart’s galleries and studios, artists and craftspeople make bold and beautiful statements in pigments, glass, pottery and fabrics.

Working for a wind. Bay Charters. Tourism Tas & Ben Lincoln
Working for a wind. Bay Charters. Tourism Tas & Ben Lincoln

Hobart is a city of fine restaurants, bustling markets, fun, festivals and entertainment. It’s a city of history, where Battery Point’s first cottages peep shyly at each other across a circle of green in places

Like Arthur Circus and graceful old trees shelter the manicured lawns of heritage parks and gardens.

On Saturdays, Salamanca Market is must do. Call in to the galleries and cafés of Salamanca Place. Cruise the Derwent River or enjoy the short drive to the Signal Station on Mt Nelson or the Shot Tower at Taroona.

The 1271 metre Mt Wellington, is only 22km from the city centre. Visit the historic town of Richmond and explore the Coal River Valley and its boutique wineries.

The Botanical Discovery Centre at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens intrigue children and adults and the National Trust’s Old Hobart Gaol in Campbell Street links to penal history.

Chocoholics should visit the Cadbury factory at Claremont – and beer lovers will appreciate the Cascade Brewery inSouth Hobart. (There are guided tours, but bookings are essential).

Hobart must see & do

Biking to the top Mt Wellington. Tourism Tas & Nick Osborne
Biking to the top Mt Wellington. Tourism Tas & Nick Osborne

Take in superb views of Hobart from Mt Wellington, Mt Nelson Signal Station and Rosny Hill, just across the Tasman Bridge.

Visit Richmond, with Australia’s oldest preserved colonial convict gaol, Australia’s oldest bridge, Australia’s oldest Catholic church,

Old Hobart Town Model Village, antique shops, art & craft galleries and charming tea rooms.

Get close to Tasmanian devils, quolls, echidnas, wombats, koalas and more at Bonorong Park Wildlife Centre, Brighton.

Visit Salamanca Market and Salamanca Place (Saturday market, 9 am – 3 pm; 9 am – 2 pm in winter). The 1830s sandstone warehouses are home to galleries, studios, restaurants and cafés.

Experience Antarctic Adventure in Salamanca Square and visit the Australian Antarctic Division at Kingston.

Admire the Georgian cottages of Battery Point – stroll around Arthur Circus, where Hobart’s oldest houses stand.

Take a coach tour of Hobart by day. See the lights of Hobart from Rosny lookout or the summit of Mt Nelson on an evening coach tour.

Quirky Arthur Circus Battery Point Hobart. Tourism Tas & Geoff Murray
Quirky Arthur Circus Battery Point Hobart. Tourism Tas & Geoff Murray

See Hobart’s heritage buildings with a self-guided walking map or on an escorted Historic Hobart walk.

Stroll through Hobart’s parks and gardens – St David’s Park,

Waterworks Reserve and Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.Take a Ghost Tour at The Old Hobart Gaol in Campbell Street.

Taste Hobart – tour Cascade Brewery, Tasmanian Distillery and Gasworks Village, Cadbury chocolate factory and Island Produce fudge factory.

Wander around Hobart’s waterfront – the working port, the Old Wharf and Hunter Street, Sullivan’s Cove and Constitution Dock.

Visit museums – Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Transport, Maritime and Allport museums, Narryna Heritage Museum and the Moorilla Museum of Antiquities.

Take a spectacular scenic flight from Cambridge Airport over the Tasman Peninsula, East Coast, Port Davey and Tasmania’s Southwest wilderness.

Hobart and its surrounds have plenty to do free or at low cost.

The Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race fills the docks with yachts and salty characters at New Year.

The Royal Hobart Regatta in February is a spectacle of graceful yachts and hard driving racing crews.

Hobart’s interesting shopping arcades are a good window – shopping experience.

Hobart is interesting on both sides of the Derwent River. Bellerive has the Bluff Historic Site Fort, complete with cannons. Bellerive Village is historically interesting. Along Cambridge Road are buildings dating from 1842. Get a historic walk brochure from the local newsagency.

The Hobart Town Hall Tour in Macquarie St. is free. It is a Tasmanian treasure.

In Hobart the State Library of Tasmania at 91 Murray St., displays fine arts, porcelain, glass and silver, rare books, manuscripts, prints and maps.

The W.L. Crowther Library has salty scrimshaw and other whaling and nautical artefacts, historical medical instruments and Tasmanian art works.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery at 40 Macquarie St., has Colonial and Contemporary art, there is a Tasmanian aboriginal collection.

Fossils, coins, zoology, anthropology, history, botany are covered.

There are free tours. The museum is an excellent introduction to Tasmanian cultural and natural heritage.

Walk through Battery Point, Hobart’s oldest area.

Shipwrights Arms Battery Point. Tourism Tas & Garry Moore
Shipwrights Arms Battery Point. Tourism Tas & Garry Moore

See Hobart’s heritage buildings with a self-guided walking map.

Visit nearby Richmond, 27 km away - cross Australia’s oldest bridge.

The nearby suburb of Sandy Bay has excellent walks along the Derwent.

The John Elliott Classics Museum University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Sandy Bay has ancient art and artefacts of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Etruria and Rome. Check opening times.

Australian Antarctic Division on the Channel Hwy (B68), Kingston. There is a public display of Antarctic artefacts, photos and maps.

Mount Nelson Signal Station at 700 Nelson Rd., Mount Nelson has superb views of the Derwent Estuary. The Truganina Reserve adjoins the signal station.

The 1271 metre Mount Wellington, which is the backdrop to the city, demands a trip to the summit. In winter there is snow. There are a number of walks ranging from easy to demanding.

Seven Mile Beach is a good spot for a swim in the summer. Cross the bridge over the Derwent and head for Hobart Airport. Pittwater Road leads to a 127 hectares reserve. Horse riding, swimming and windsurfing are popular. There is a visitor information centre.

Hobart has many antique, art, museum, market, festival and heritage experiences at low or no cost.

The Taste of Tasmania and Hobart Summer Festival entertainment link to the annual classic Sydney-Hobart Yacht race at New Year.

Around Salamanca Place and Square there are many galleries like, Salamanca Arts centre housed in five Georgian Warehouses on the waterfront, Handmark, Gallery in the Square and DaDaTa Gallery.

Richmond etches fine Georgian images

Park the caravan in one of the parks in Hobart's suburbs. The are between about 14km to 7km from the CBD and day tour to Richmond,about 30 minutes from Hobart. Richmond etches images of the past for visitors with its fine Georgian architecture.

Richmond Arms Hotel Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne
Richmond Arms Hotel Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne

The idyllic Coal River meanders alongside the village and underneath Richmond Bridge.The bridge is the oldest in Australia. Convicts built it out of locally quarried sandstone in 1823.

Once Richmond was a key military post and convict station between Hobart and Port Arthur, but the Sorell Causeway bypassed the town and left it mostly undeveloped for more than a century.Now the value of its streets and buildings count as “Heritage Gold”.

In the narrow cells of Richmond Gaol, Tasmania’s convict past seems real.The gaol is a 'must see'. It is the oldest penal settlement standing in Australia, older even than the Port Arthur penal settlement. The gaol is much the same as at the height of its development in 1840. The gaol’s history from 1825 involved bushrangers, the gaoling of local aboriginals, without charge, overcrowding, escapes and floggings.

The freestone cottages, which line the village main street, are the galleries and cafés of today, with the glow of watercolours and ceramic glazes, or the warm waft of fresh baking. Baking is seriously skilled in Richmond with preparation starting at 9pm the night before for next days baking.

Saddlers Court  Richmond Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne
Saddlers Court Richmond Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne

Saddlers Court Gallery, built in 1846 has seen service as a shop, grocery store and saddlery. It is now a Tasmanian fine art and craft gallery showing the work of more than 100 Tasmanian artists and crafts people.The gallery aims go further than presenting what is fashionable or sells best. 

It reflects Richmond, and selects and displays items that speak of Tasmania. Studied or spontaneous, each work interprets an aspect of the island. Collectively they say something about Tasmania.

There is an old-fashioned lolly shop glass jars filled with the colours of traditional confectionary from Tasmanian, Australian suppliers and around the world wait to whet the palate. Ice cream rounds out the sweet experience with more than 30 flavours - mostly Tasmanian.

A fun thing to do is dress in period costume and add the results to the "wall of honour" at home.

Millhouse on the Bridge B&B, on the east bank of the Coal River, overlooks the historic six-arch Richmond Bridge.

Richmond Bridge Tourism Tas and Tom  Keating
Richmond Bridge Tourism Tas and Tom Keating

The B&B, with its massive rough-hewn eucalypt beams and convict-made bricks, was originally a steam mill - one of four mills in Richmond, which in the 19th century was the granary for Australia's first two colonies: Van Diemen's Land (later to become Tasmania) and New South Wales.

Both the National Trust and the National Estate classify the property. It is the only mill still standing in Richmond and its position adjacent to Australia's oldest bridge gives it unique appeal.

Built 30 years after the historic bridge was completed, Millhouse sits in a romantic garden of majestic old trees and colourful perennials with a private river frontage shaded by huge silver poplars.

Australian landscape painter John Eldershaw was so attracted by the mill he converted it into his own private residence and studio in the 1920's.

Over the road from Millhouse is St John's, the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. In the Coal Valley, on both sides of Richmond, are some of the finest boutique wineries in Australia, specialising in cool climate varieties such as pinot noir, riesling and chardonnay.

There is an authentic model of Hobart as it was in the 1820’s at multi-award winning Old Hobart Town Historical Model Village. More than 60 buildings and about 400 period figurines give an immediate insight into the way things were.

The attention to detail, which has come from modelling from original plans, extends to Beech trees, which have been grown in Bonsai style.

Old Hobart Town provides an excellent introduction to Hobart and Tasmania’s early years Mrs Currie’s House (c1820) is one of Richmond’s treasurer chests of early colonial buildings and homes. The house is a mix of 1820s rammed earth colonial cottage and 1850's Georgian elegance. The house exudes history, heritage and hospitality.

Peppercorn Gallery Richmond Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne
Peppercorn Gallery Richmond Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne

The Tasting House offers exquisite Tasmanian flavours.They include a range of local Coal River Valley wines, oils, sauces, mustards, cheese, jams, fruit wines and vinegars.The Tasting House is in the Bridge Inn Mews, behind Saddlers Court Gallery. 

It has been established in what was the original coach-house for the Bridge Inn. Cheese, bread, wine, octopus, olives and other gourmet products make the ideal ingredients for a picnic by the river. Or take the eat-in meal alternative.

The diverse Huon Trail experience begins south of Hobart, and leads through the Huon Valley, to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island in the Far South. One of the most attractive routes from Hobart to the Huon Valley is on the coast road through the Hobart suburb of Taroona, where the world’s oldest round shot tower looks down on the blue waters of the Derwent Estuary.

The Shot Tower, situated on the Channel Highway (B68) just past Taroona, 11.26km from Hobart, is one of the State’s most historic industrial buildings and visitor tourist attractions - having a National Trust ‘A’ classification.

The Shot Tower Tourism Tas & Richard Eastwood
The Shot Tower Tourism Tas & Richard Eastwood

Completed in 1870 by Joseph Moir, a native of Kelso, Scotland, the Tower is the only circular stone shot tower in the southern hemisphere.

Travel south of Hobart, along the D'Entrecasteaux Channel Coast section of the Huon Trail, through Taroona, Kingston and Margate exploring the beauty that is the D'Entrecasteaux Coast. (Pron, don-tra-cast-o)

Travel around the peninsula with the D'Entrecasteaux Channel on the left through the picturesque little towns of Snug, Woodbridge, Middleton, Gordon and Cygnet to the Huon River, Huonville and the Huon Valley. (Round trip only 140 km.)

Cygnet is a small rural town south of Hobart. To the north is the Huon Valley and to the east the D'Entrecasteaux Channel coast.

Cygnet is the centre of the apple industry in the state. Its rolling farmland is rich in wineries small fruit farms throughout the area are craft shops, wood turners, weavers, and potters

It is an area of waterways and wilderness; art, craft and heritage; apple blossom and vineyards; succulent salmon, salt-sweet oysters and fragrant jams and preserves; farmers, foresters and fishermen.

There are superb sea views of Storm Bay and Bruny Island. South of Kingston is the little port of Kettering. Cruising yachts and fishing boats ride their moorings in the sheltered harbour, and the busy Bruny Island car ferry plies its trade to the island just offshore.

Huon Valley must see & do

Visit arts, crafts and antique galleries, studios and shops such as The Deepings Wood turner at Nicholls Rivulet, at Cygnet, and Frogmouth Gallery in Franklin.

Explore the waterways from a jet boat, raft, and historic yacht or cruise boat. At Kettering try sea kayaking or charter a runabout, yacht or cruise boat.

Drive south to Cockle Creek and take the four-hour return walk to South Cape Bay overlooking the Southern Ocean in the far South.

Fly from Cambridge near Hobart to land at Melaleuca, in the Southwest wilderness.

Take an underground cave tour at Hastings Caves, swim in the thermal pool.

Discover Tasmania’s apple-growing heritage at the Apple & Heritage Museum at Grove, near Huonville.

Enjoy mountain scenery and walks in the Hartz Mountains National Park.

Visit Avi-Fauna & Flora Gardens at Margate, the Magnus Garden at Woodbridge, Morella Gardens on Bruny Island, the Scented Rose garden at Glaziers Bay and Jackson’s daffodil farm at Geeveston.

Hook a trout at the Snowy Range Trout Fishery; cruise from Port Huon and Dover to view salmon farms.

Visit the Forest & Heritage Centre in Geeveston – displays and interpretation, specialty timbers and quality woodcraft, information, base for Arve Road Forest drive and Hartz Mountains

Stop at a roadside stall to try berries and apples in season.

Visit Doran’s Jam Factory near Huonville. Taste cool-climate wines and fruit liqueur at nearby vineyards, part of the Southern Tasmanian Wine Route.

See the penguins at The Neck Reserve, Bruny Island, and explore Bruny beaches from Great Bay.

Discover Bruny’s rich maritime heritage at the Alonnah History Room and the Bligh Museum, Adventure Bay.

Visit the South Bruny National Park, especially Cape Bruny lighthouse.

Walking through the treetops

The Tahune Forest AirWalk offers visitors to Tasmania’s Southern forests a thrilling walk through the tree tops only 70 minutes south of Hobart. Since opened by Forestry Tasmania in 2001, the AirWalk has quickly become one of Tasmania’s most popular tourism attractions.It has also received numerous awards.

Tahune Airwalk in the Huon
Tahune Airwalk in the Huon

The AirWalk is set in the Tahune State Forest Reserve, offering a 600 metre long walk through the forest canopy, and a birds eye view of the bush from an average of 20 metres above ground. 

The end of the 24 metre long AirWalk cantilever provides a spectacular vantage point to view the confluence of the magnificent Huon and Picton rivers, with Mount Picton in the background. There is disabled and wheelchair access to the AirWalk.

Other activities for visitors include a 20 minute loop walk offering the easiest place in Tasmania to see young and mature Huon pines growing in their natural riverine rainforest environment. 

People can also visit the Arve Big Tree, one of Tasmania’s biggest trees, off the Arve road on the drive to the AirWalk. The area is also a popular venue for 4WD driving, rafting, bushwalking and fishing.

After a walk through the tree tops, the AirWalk Visitor Centre provides a warm and inviting venue for lunch or a snack, specialising in local Tasmanian produce. 

While enjoying a meal, visitors can admire an art quilt entitled “Southern Forest Threads.” The quilt is a window into Tasmania’s forests, depicting a waterfall flowing into a stream, majestic gum trees and delicately embroidered fern fronds. It is the result of eight months and more than 700 hours of handiwork by 22 women from the

Huon Valley.

The popularity of the AirWalk led to a $650,000 expansion of facilities in early 2003. The external dining area on the deck of the Visitor Centre was extended, the kitchen area redeveloped and the Blue Stone Shelter expanded to cater for bus groups and small conferences. Campervan and camping facilities are also available.

The scenic drive to the Tahune Forest AirWalk is through the beautiful Huon Valley and the timber town, Geeveston. A series of sculptures evoking the history of the town and its close links with the timber industry are in town’s main street.

Here are the routes recommended by Tourism Tasmania:

Huon Trail

This is a journey through fertile valleys, waterways, old growth forests, and mighty rivers.

Many of the island’s gourmet food producers are in this region.

Vineyards also abound and in the sparkling waterways the circular frames of Atlantic salmon farms can be seen.

Visitors can walk on top of the trees in the Tahune Forest AirWalk, and take the car ferry at Kettering across to the spectacular Bruny Island.

Silence  shared at Lake St Clair
Silence shared at Lake St Clair

From Hobart the (A6) heads for Huonville. The Huon Highway continues through Geeveston to Dover and Southport. From Southport thermal springs and Hastings Caves are reached via (C635) and Lune River, and Ida Bay via (C636).

From Huonville the Channel Highway (B68) leads through Cygnet, Kettering, Snug, and Margate to Kingston.

The (A6) can be rejoined but a beautiful drive is available via Taroona and its famous shot tower following the shores of the River Derwent to the city.

Hobart’s suburbs are seen at their best on this route.

Approaching the Huon Trail from Hobart driving via Taroona is an option many prefer.

Convict Trail

The Tasman Peninsula is a place of breathtaking seascapes, some of the tallest sea cliffs in the world, wonderful walks, and wild ocean views.

The road passes through rolling farmlands, thickly forested hills and valleys, little villages and past vineyards, artist’s studios and sweeping bays.

From the convict built road to the Port Arthur Historic Site, this fascinating journey is also steeped in convict history.

From Hobart the trail is over the Tasman Bridge to Sorell and via the Arthur Highway (A9) bound for Port Arthur.

An alternative is the interesting diversion at Cambridge via (B31) to historic Richmond, its living heritage and Australia’s oldest bridge.

From Richmond (C351) leads to Sorell (about 14km) and the Arthur Highway.

From Sorell, Copping and Dunalley are passed on the way to Eaglehawk Neck and the Tasman Peninsula.

From Port Arthur (B37) is an interesting circuit through Nubeena and Premaydena. A diversion onto (C341) reveals Saltwater River and its historic convict coal mines site.

The Arthur Highway is rejoined at Taranna.

Parks protect a great outdoors

Tasmania has 17 accessible national parks, from mountains to the coast.More than one third of Tasmanian is protected in national parks and reserves, so there are plenty of dramatic and spectacular locations to enjoy and explore the great outdoors.

At Huon River the Whitty Touring Team grows to include Barry and Cheryl
At Huon River the Whitty Touring Team grows to include Barry and Cheryl

In western Tasmania, a group of national parks – Southwest National Park, Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, and Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park – protect the world’s last great temperate wilderness, the Tasmanian World Heritage Area.

There are extensive forest areas– many are within the national parks, while in Tasmania’s working forests there are dozens of forest reserves, visitors can paddle a kayak, ride a bike, bushwalk or even walk the dog.

There are marine reserves, where Tasmania’s delicate and beautiful underwater environment is preserved for the future.

Tasmania has more than 2000km of world-class walking tracks, thousands of highland lakes and tarns, hundreds of clean ocean beaches, extensive underground caverns, large and small islands both remote and accessible, and enough peaks and crags to keep the keenest walkers and climbers busy for a lifetime.

Unlike mainland States where travel distances can be large, Tasmania is a compact place.

Natural area tips

There are information centres at major national parks and key destinations (for example Cradle Valley, Lake St Clair, Strahan, Geeveston, Maria Island). These centres give up-to-date information on weather and track conditions, and also provide informative interpretation displays explaining the natural history and cultural heritage of the area.

A fee is charged for entry to Tasmania’s national parks – all money raised protects and maintains the parks for the future. Passes are available at most National Parks and Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres.

Tasmania has a network of forest reserves within the working forests, where areas have been set aside for recreation and environmental reasons – for example, to protect the habitat of birds and animals, to safeguard forest waterways, to preserve culturally-significant sites, or to provide areas for activities that aren’t always possible in national parks, such as horse riding and mountain biking.

If you are not geared-up to arrange your own trip, commercial tour operators can help you enjoy Tasmania’s natural areas in safety and comfort. Whatever the outdoor pursuit: bushwalking, wildlife observation, white water rafting, caving, wilderness photography, rock climbing, trout fishing or cycling – going with an experienced and skilled guide makes the experience enjoyable and informative.

When in Tasmania collect Tasmania’s National Parks, Forests, Walks & Waterways, A Guide to Natural Areas, at a Visitor Information Centre. 

Editor's Note: Also see -

Ross, Jo and Friends head their caravans into Tasmania's Wild West

By Spirit to Devonport, Launceston, North-East and East Coast

Around Australia via Victoria and Tasmania - Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Route

Salty sailors city Hobart blends Australia's past and present

For more information
contact: Garth Morrison
Editor Go See Australia Directory
Phone:  02 6294 1941
Fax:     02 6284 9275
Email: garth@contact.com.au

Cascade Brewery. Tourism Tas & Richard Eastwood
Cascade Brewery. Tourism Tas & Richard Eastwood
Douglas Mawson statue Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne
Douglas Mawson statue Tourism Tas and Nick Osborne
Festival of Voices Hobart Tourism Tas & Peter Whyte
Festival of Voices Hobart Tourism Tas & Peter Whyte
Hobarts Wooden Boat Festival Tourism Tas and  Roger Lovell
Hobart's Wooden Boat Festival Tourism Tas and Roger Lovell
Machine Laundry Cafe Hobart. Tourism Tas & Nick Osborne
Machine Laundry Cafe Hobart. Tourism Tas & Nick Osborne
Royal Tas Botanical Gardens Tourism Tas & Andrew Ross
Royal Tas Botanical Gardens Tourism Tas & Andrew Ross
The catch  comes ashore form a fishing boat Hobart Tourism Tas &  Loic Le Guilly
The catch comes ashore form a fishing boat Hobart Tourism Tas & Loic Le Guilly
Wrest Point Casino Hobart. GoSeeAustralia pic.
Wrest Point Casino Hobart. GoSeeAustralia pic.

Tourism Tasmania
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Tarraleah Highland Caravan Park
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On the Hobart – Strahan touring route, 2 hrs from Hobart, on the edge of the wild Tasmanian wilderness.
Waterfall walks, unique wildlife, stunning Holiday cottages,  serviced van park, fuel, general store and a luxury Lodge on 300 acres.
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