Tasmania has always been known for the natural beauty of the landscape and the convict past. Although the state had a reputation for being an inexpensive holiday destination, getting there was not. You had to either fly in and out, or catch the ferry between Melbourne and Devonport (more on that HERE) so until recently a visit remained just an idea. What we found was an island that’s beautiful and varied in what’s on offer, but now that the world has discovered it, not as inexpensive as what we’d heard. So here to start our series of the top things to do there with Tasmania : Mountains and Lakes …..
Mountains & Lakes
Cradle Mountain
Tasmania National Parks need a pass – there are nineteen National Parks in Tasmania including Marine parks and some classed as Heritage areas, as well as over eight hundred other Reserve areas. You do need to pay for entry and you can choose the type of pass you require depending on your needs. The easiest way to purchase your pass is online, as not all parks are manned – many only have a small booth at the entrance where you have to record your details. We purchased our pass when we arrived at Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, which shares a “Twin Parks” agreement with the World Heritage listed Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in the People’s Republic of China.
Mt Wellington – The mountain truly dominates Hobart, you really can’t miss seeing it, or at least the cloud that is often covering the top of the mountain. When it’s cloudy, you won’t be able to see very much, so be flexible with your timing as the clouds can reappear quite quickly even if it is initially quite clear. We stayed close to the base of the mountain, so when we woke up and could see the top of the mountain, we grabbed the opportunity. Be aware that the actual pinnacle is easily climbable to about 3 metres from the top. From that point on, you need to clamber over very uneven rocks, some of which may be loose. Sensible shoes are a MUST.
Getting there – If you have a car you can drive up to the lookout. Cyclists will also enjoy the challenge of the fairly steep climb ans there quite a few suitable resting places where you can stop and admire the changing view. The road is subject to closure in bad weather, fog and snow. Walkers may still access the climb – it’s a a 12km hike up the mountain from Bus Stop 26 at the base of the road up.
Would we stay longer?
We’d have happily stayed a lot longer, after all, our Park Passes were valid for 8 week to all the parks in the state. With all those wonderful parks, you could have a holiday just going from one to the next and experience the great variety of wilderness options in Tasmania. Check out the walking tours (some need to be booked beforehand and may be subject to weather conditions) or visit a marine park. You’ll also enjoy different experiences in the different seasons, so there’s a good reason to visit many times.
And if you do visit Tasmania and love it so much you want to live there and have your family and friends along as well – then why not buy a town? Tarraleah in the Central Highlands a couple of hours from Hobart, went on sale earlier this year for AUD 11million.
images ©LL
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