Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet Tasmania Road Trips (Travel Guide)

WELCOME TO TASMANIA

Tasmania has turned remoteness into an asset, with unique wilderness and hip arts and food scenes. If you look at a map of Tasmania, you could be forgiven for thinking that there are barely any roads at all. Think again. Thinly populated and yet home to some of Australias earliest settlements, Tasmania combines the human and natural worlds exceptionally well, and our road trips take you there. Hobart is the starting point for some fine journeys, not least to the sea cliffs and Port Arthur penal colony on the Tasman Peninsula, and the Heritage Trail that connects some fine old towns in the islands heart. Elsewhere, our drives connect the dramatic east coast and the thickly forested west coast, with Cradle Mountain and the Tamar Valley Gourmet Region in between. Little wonder that Tassie ends up being many visitors favourite corner of the country.

Produce stall, Salamanca Market ()
JODIE GRIGGS/GETTY IMAGES

TASMANIA HIGHLIGHTS

Crescent-shaped Cradle Mountain is the essence of wild Tasmania. Wildlife here is abundant, and there are many walks to all manner of beautiful corners.

MICHAEL RUNKEL/GETTY IMAGES

This string of stunning beaches, punctuated by lagoons and rocky headlands, is among the worlds most beautiful coastlines.

TIM PHILLIPS/GETTY IMAGES

CITY GUIDE

Hobart waterfront ()
ALBERT PEGO/GETTY IMAGES

Australias second-oldest city and southernmost capital, Hobart dapples the foothills of Mt Wellington, angling down to the slate-grey Derwent River. The towns rich cache of colonial architecture and natural charms are complemented by hip festivals, happening markets and top-notch food and drink.

Hobart is an easy city to drive around, but youll also find it compact enough to ditch the car and stretch your legs. All the big-name car-rental firms have desks at the airport and a city office. You may find that local firms offer cheaper rates.

Timed, metered parking predominates in the CBD and tourist areas such as Salamanca Pl and the waterfront. For longer-term parking, large CBD garages (clearly signposted) offer inexpensive rates.

For brunch and lunch, try classy city-centre options. In the evening, Hobarts waterfront is the place for quality seafood. Salamanca Pl has plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants. Further afield, Battery Points Hampden Rd restaurants and North Hobarts Elizabeth St eateries are worth a try.

Accommodation on the waterfront and Salamanca Pl will put you in the heart of the action, though youll pay a higher price for this advantage. The less atmospheric CBD offers convenient hostels and midrange hotels.

Dwarf (www.thedwarf.com.au) Online gig guide.

Hobart City Council (www.hobartcity.com.au) City-council website: parks, transport and recreation.

Welcome to Hobart (www.welcometohobart.com.au) Official visitors guide.

Trips Through Hobart:

NEED TO KNOW

MOBILE PHONES

European phones work on Australias network, but American and Japanese phones dont. Use global roaming or a local SIM card. Telstra has the best coverage.

INTERNET ACCESS

Wi-fi is widespread in urban areas, less so in remote Australia. For public wi-fi locations, visit www.freewifi.com.au. There are relatively few internet cafes; try public libraries.

FUEL

Unleaded and diesel fuel widely available. Prices vary from $1.20 in cities to $2.20 in remote areas. Distances between fill-ups can be long in remote areas.

RENTAL CARS

Avis (www.avis.com.au)

Budget (www.budget.com.au)

Europcar (www.europcar.com.au)

Hertz (www.hertz.com.au)

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Emergencies 000

International Access Code 0011

When to Go

Climate

High Season (Dec & Jan)

Accommodation prices scale lofty heights: book ahead.

Festival season hits its straps, and beaches are at their best.

Expect crowds at big-ticket destinations (and the cricket).

Shoulder (FebApr, Oct & Nov)

Easter is busy with Aussie families on the loose.

Book ahead for Easter camping grounds, motels and ferries.

April is harvest time, with brilliant produce statewide.