My husband Malcolm and I visited Tasmania last year for our 25th wedding anniversary. After five days in the beautiful sunshine of Melbourne the weather was a bit of a shock. Most people think Australia is t-shirts and shorts weather all the time. But Tassie’s cool October climate made us glad we’d brought our fleeces.
Tasmania is not often on a tourist’s itinerary. Maybe that’s part of its appeal. The island is still relatively unspoilt and it has the most amazing scenery and wildlife.
Hobart is a city full of history and culture. Our Hobart highlight was a drive into the mountains where, in just fifteen minutes, we met sun, snow and hail! At Port Arthur we visited a wildlife park at night, a not-to-be missed experience. On the way back we stopped the car on a causeway. It was pitch black. There was not a sound, just the most amazing night sky we had ever seen. I felt you could reach out and touch the stars.
En route to Strahan across the centre of Tasmania, we took a jet boat river ride - not for the fainthearted - and walked through a national park. All the national parks are kept well with walks to suit all standards carefully marked out.
Cradle Mountain was the highlight of our trip. We stayed in a log cabin with open fire and a terrace overlooking a stream and wood. It was chilly but the sun shone and the sky was clear blue. Cradle Mountain looked magnificent. The local guides’ knowledge is invaluable when you are out walking. We learnt about native animals, trees and plants and how man is slowly destroying a lot of Tasmania’s natural beauty by cutting down forests and not replanting. Night is the best time to spot animals. And we were lucky enough to see a Tasmanian Devil - something very few people get to see in the wild – as well as possums, wallabies, kangaroos and, my favourite, the wombat.
Pat's Top Tip The best way to see Tasmania is by hire car. The roads are almost empty and you can stop wherever you like to admire the views.
Pat’s verdict Six days in Tasmania is not nearly enough time to see and do everything this island has to offer. I am sure that some time in the future we will return.
Tasmania is not for everyone. But if you like adventure, rugged coastlines, history and wildlife with stunning scenery and some of the friendliest people you could ever meet Tasmania should be a must do on any holiday in Australia.
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