Edited by anna.arol at 10-8-2015 01:39 PM
Getting to Tasmania: The best connections to Tasmania are via the majorAustralian international gateways of Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Many airlines have partner airline arrangements with the Australian domestic carriers to enable seamless connections onwards to Tasmania.
By air 1. Melbourne – Hobart (1 hour 15 minutes) 2. Melbourne – Launceston (50 minutes) 3. Melbourne – Devonport (1 hour 5 minutes) 4. Melbourne – Burnie (1 hour 10 minutes) 5. Sydney – Hobart (2 hours) 6. Sydney – Launceston (1 hour 45 minutes) 7. Brisbane – Hobart (2 hours 50 minutes) 8. Brisbane – Launceston (2 hours 40 minutes)
Airlines flying from mainland Australia to Tasmania include: 1. Jetstar 2. Qantas 3. Virgin Australia 4. Tiger Airways
Alternatively, travel by cruise ship on the Spiritof Tasmania with the estimated cruising time being 10 hours between Melbourneon the mainland and Devonport on Tasmania.
Getting Around: Tasmania is a very easy state to tour in a campervan or rental vehicle. Public transport is also available around the major cities and to and from airports. Looks can be deceptive, with so many tourist attractions crammed into Tasmania, don’t underestimate the time required to tour the island and appreciate all that it has to offer. Even in one week, most visitors only scratch the surface of what there is to see inTasmania.
Tasmania’s roads are mostly sealed and drivers drive in the left-hand side of the road as in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and UK. Four-wheel drive vehicle are available for those who want to be adventurous and explore the many off-road opportunities presented in the great Australian outdoors. Rental car companies require a current driver’s license and it is advisable to take out extra insurance. With so many cars on the road in Tasmania driving is always pleasurable but caution needs to be exercised around natural areas at dusk and dawn as native animals graze near the road.
Seasons: Tasmania enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons, each with itsown special appeal. 1. Spring Time September –November (Cool mornings becomebalmy afternoons) Average Low 12°C AverageHigh 19°C 2. Summer Time December –February (Warm sunny days,afternoon sea breezes and longer twilight) Average Low 17°C Average High 23°C
3. Autumn Time March – May (Sparkling, stilldays with blue skies followed by cool evenings) Average Low 12°C Average High 21°C
4. Winter Time June – August (The days arebright and crisp) Average Low 3°C Average High 11°C
Spring/ Summer Spring heralds the prolonged sunshine of typical summer days in Tasmania. Spring is when life begins to blossom leading to summer and the season of growth. The forests are in full bloom, the vineyards and orchards are bountiful with fruit, fish life is most abundant and the young of the native wildlife are born. It is a time of renewal all across this amazingly dazzling island.
Visitors to Tasmania can enjoy a pleasurable walkthrough colourful and accessible forests such as those lining Lake Fenton inMount Field National Park and the popular Loop Track which circles Dove Lake inCradle Mountain National Park. During autumn, the vivid reflections on the lake’s surface provide images that most want to photograph or simply to admire.
One of Tasmania’s unique endemic trees, the Leatherwood, springs into bloom in late spring to add colour to many forests scattered around the state. This brilliant display often extends through to theend of summer. The tree produces a uniquely Tasmanian taste sensation inLeatherwood honey which is recognised b the acclaimed international Slow Foodmovement as an ‘Ark of Taste’ and one of the most unique foods.
Autumn/ Winter Tasmania’s autumn days are calm, sunny and cool.This is the season most loved by the locals. Ancient oaks, elms, birched and Tasmania’s own deciduous beech provide a golden lustre to the landscape, Knownas, Nothofagus gunnii, the native beech exhibits the most brilliant golden hues during the ‘turning of the fagus’ in April and May.
It’s not only tourists who flock to witness this spectacular event but the locals are continually amazed at just howastonishingly beautiful Tasmania can be. National parks such as Cradle Mountainand Mount Field are the main locations for experiencing this but there are manyother smaller areas.
The onset of winter is also welcomed as it is an opportunityto enjoy fresh crisp apples from the Huon Valley or a candlelit dinner and theto relax in front of the glowing embers from a log fire as the temperaturescool off during the evening. Snowfalls at the highest mountain altitudes are not uncommon in winter.
Winter has as much charm as the other seasons andit is a perfect time to move indoors in search of hidden treasures ingalleries, antique or art and craft shops or to sample fine Tasmanian producein one of many inviting restaurants. While evenings are cool, the days can becalm, clear, crisp and bracing. Pull on jacket, head outdoors and enjoy a briskwalk in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C.
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