Lisa's Tasmania Famil Report

Tuesday  – I had not checked in with Qantas at terminal 4 before and found this very easy. Even though our flight was full, there was not a long line to stand in and it was quite relaxing. Qantas’ service is by far superior to any of the American carriers and still one of the best.

Thursday – When we arrived into Sydney we were to connect with our Qantas code share, Jetstar flight to Hobart. This sounded easy enough, but getting from one terminal was a little challenging as the directions were not very clear. But I have to say the Jetstar staff and service were great. They remind me of Southwest here in the State but the planes are not so ugly!!

Finally we arrived in Hobart. The airport is very small so it is not hard to get your luggage and find you onward transportation. One person on the famil took a shuttle and said it was very easy. We had 2 Maui motor homes and they well equipped to just hop in and go. In Tasmania you can pretty much stop anywhere and camp. Great for our clients that just want to wing it.

The drive from Hobart airport to town is approximately 20 minutes. We arrived at our first stop the Henry Jones Art Hotel for 2 nights. A beautiful hotel with a fantastic location in the newly restored and very trendy wharf area. All the rooms are different as it is a heritage listed building, but it is all very “Hip, Cool and Sexy”. Each room we saw was more beautiful than the next and the suites were amazing. The bar attracts a lot of the locals in the evening. And Henry’s Restaurant has won many awards. This is perfect for our 5 star clients. The other hotels I would recommend is the Sommerset on the Pier for our families and Lenna of Hobart for our more price conscious clients. The Hotel Grand Chancellor is in the same great location. These are all in the wharf area and close to the Salamanca Market which happens every Saturday morning. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and the walk to the shopping is about 2 blocks.

I would recommend a drive up to Mt. Wellington where the views are spectacular and you get an idea of the adventure you are about to embark on. There are also some great hiking trails to enjoy.

Friday – We headed off for a scenic 2 hour drive to the Huon Valley and the Tahune AirWalk. I loved the air walk. It was like being a bird and floating in the trees. It was so quiet and peaceful. There are some great walks in this area and nice picnic areas too. Could easily spend the day there, but we were off to the Home Hill Winery Restaurant. I would definitely recommend this for lunch. The food was incredible, the wine delicious and it overlooked one of the most beautiful vineyards I have seen. After lunch, we were treated to the Huon River Jet Boats. This was fun and the driver was hilarious but not quite as thrilling as the jet boats in New Zealand.

Saturday – We left my beloved Henry Jones and headed to Port Arthur. I was really looking forward to learning about the history of Tasmania. As were all the drives in Tassie the scenery was breathtaking and the driving was easy. Port Arthur is a must do. The historical walking tour really gives you sense of what went on here and how it was to be a prisoner. The Harbour Cruise takes you around the harbour to the boy’s prison and Isle of the Dead where the cemetery is located. But the real fun begins at night with the ghost tour. You are led on a lantern lit walk around Port Arthur and your guide provides spine chilling stories. It is good fun.  There are only 2 hotels in the Port Arthur area. Both are 3 star but the Comfort Inn has access to the grounds with your room key. This property has been bought by Federal Hotels and should soon be upgraded.

Sunday – Off to Freycinet Lodge. Along the way, stop at Kate’s Berry Farm for some delicious ice cream and some excellent jams to bring home. Freycinet Lodge is lovely and is set on beautiful Richardson’s Beach. The cabins are very cute. At night there is wildlife everywhere. I scared an opossum as much as he had startled me. The little wallabies are always around your cabin. It was amazing! I always thought the lodge overlooked wine glass bay but it doesn’t. To get to Wine Glass bay you need to hike. The hike to the lookout is relatively easy, about 45 minutes and a must do. The hike down to Wine Glass Beach is another ½ hour down and then it is about an hour back up again. I found this to be a bit more difficult that I had anticipated but totally worth it.

Monday – Today was ATV riding with All4adventure ATV tours. This is also highly recommended. For the inexperienced they do a little training course that builds your confidence before they take you on an incredible ride through the forest and then on to a magnificent beach!! Tonight we headed to Diamond Island Resort Bicheno. Unfortunately, the resort was full so we did not get to see any rooms but they looked really cute and a great alternative for our more price conscious travelers. The penguins actually come up from the beach and past the hotel to get to their nests for the night. This is a real one on one experience. There were about 20 people in our group and about 200 penguins waddling past us. WOW!! What an experience!!

Tuesday – Launceston here we come! Peppers Seaport Hotel is 4.5 star and in a beautiful location in the marina. It is about a 5 minute walk into town and is also within walking distance to Cataract Gorge, a great park in the middle of the city. Launceston has some great vineyards just outside of the city reminding me of Napa.

Wednesday – Cradle Mountain. I’m sorry did you say SNOW?!! I don’t know if I am prepared for that. We stopped at Lemonthyme Lodge for lunch and a quick inspection. Lemonthyme Lodge is 30 minutes from Cradle Mountain Valley and about 4 miles on an unsealed road off of the main highway. The main lodge is a huge log cabin with lots of ambiance. The on site manager is quite a character and has lots of hilarious stories to share. The individual lodges are fantastic. Newly refurbed with Jacuzzi tubs. A really great place. Cradle Mountain Lodge was gorgeous. The snow falling everywhere. The cabins have all been newly redone and are bright and gorgeous. Lots of hiking trails and a spa to die for. I thought I was in heaven. After dinner we went and spotted wildlife and actually saw a Tassie Devil in the wild. That was really cool.

Thursday – We did a site inspection of Cradle Mountain Chateau. They say they are 4.5 but I would say they are 4 star. The split level kings are great and have spectacular views. This property would be good for our more price conscious clients who would still like to enjoy the Cradle Mountain area. 

Friday -  A quick drive up to Devonport and onto the Spirit of Tasmania. For our 12 hour crossing departing at 7:00pm and arriving into Melbourne at 7:00am. This ship is huge!! The deluxe cabins are the best way to go but the porthole cabins were not too bad either. The cabins are small but sufficient as the only thing you do in them is sleep. There are 2 restaurants on board. One of them is fine dining. Our crossing was very rough so it was hard to sleep but it was great to wake up in Melbourne.

Saturday – The Langham Hotel. Very opulent and a great place for our 5 star clients. Beautiful views of the Yarra River. A Great alternate to the Crown.

Tasmania is an amazing state with wonderful options for all clients. I really enjoyed it!!

If you'd like to hear more about Lisa's adventures through Tasmania, call us at 866.447.7746

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