AUSTRALIA

Hobart | Cradle Mountain | Freycinet | Launceston I Mt William National Park

Tasmania

Separated from mainland Australia by the 240 km stretch of Bass Strait, Tasmania is a land apart - a place of wild and beautiful landscapes; friendly, welcoming people; a pleasant, temperate climate; wonderful wine and food; a rich history; and a relaxed island lifestyle.

According to experienced travellers who’ve criss-crossed the globe in search of excellence, Tasmania has one of the world’s ten best beaches (Wineglass Bay, US-based Outside magazine), the world’s best little town (Strahan, Chicago Tribune) and is rated as ’the best island in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific’ (Travel + Leisure magazine) and ‘the world’s best temperate island’ (Condé Nast Traveler magazine).

Tasmania is an island roughly the size of West Virginia, located 240 km off the south-east corner of mainland Australia. Next stop south is Antarctica, 2000 km away.

Tasmania is a natural island - a  land of dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, tall forests and sparkling highland lakes. Over a third of the state is reserved in a network of National Parks and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, a refuge and habitat for rare plants and animals, including survivors of the ancient southern super continent, Gondwana.

Tasmania’s historic past is no dead and dusty creature - it’s a living, breathing spirit that reaches out from its place in time, everywhere you tread.

So step quietly around Port Arthur - listen to the clink of convict chains and the shuffle of feet. Wander along Launceston’s graceful Victorian streetscapes; sip a latte by the sun-warmed stone of a Salamanca warehouse; gaze over the Tamar Valley from  Brady’s bushranging lair. Travel the Heritage Highway and feel echoes of the past in every bridge and cottage, their sandstone blocks chipped by convict chisels.

Tasmania has more than 2000 kilometres of world-class walking tracks, thousands of highland lakes and tarns, hundreds of clean ocean beaches, extensive underground caverns, large and small islands both remote and accessible, and enough peaks and crags to keep the keenest walkers and climbers busy.

With its vibrant local yachting community, internationally acclaimed sailing competitions, dazzling coastal scenery and high standard of facilities and services, Tasmania has everything you would expect from a modern maritime community steeped in traditions of boat-building, fishing and seafaring. Located between 40°S and 43°30’S, Tasmania is a temperate paradise for sailors.  Its capital, Hobart, is recognised by yachties the world over as the stunning finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Tasmania truly has an abundance of nautical history.

Wilderness, heritage, art & culture, wine & food - they’re waiting for you in Tasmania. 

Hobart

Tasmania’s capital lies in the south-east of the state, near the mouth of the Derwent River at the foot of Mount Wellington.

The 19th century waterfront warehouses for which the city is famous once bustled with whalers, soldiers, petty bureaucrats and opportunist businessmen. Now they house cafes, restaurants and studios and bustle with shoppers and visitors. Polished glass winks in the windows of settlers’ cottages, and brass doorknobs gleam in the lofty porches of colonial edifices.

Hobart is warm sandstone, bright spinnakers on the water, fish punts at the docks, the slap of halyards on masts, coffee under the striped sun umbrellas of Salamanca, an occasional frosting of snow on Mt Wellington, bush tracks and birdsong.

Square-riggers still put out on the river, tacking among the yachts and fishing boats. Parliament House looks out on its lawns, once the market garden for old Hobart Town, and historic Government House sits serenely in its park, where the Governor’s cows graze as they always have in their city-centre paddock.

Hobart ’s busy arts scene takes in art, craft, music and theatre. Here you can enjoy Irish jigs or pub rock, a flutter at the Wrest Point casino, street buskers and string quartets, and theatrical performances both classic and contemporary. In galleries and studios, artists and craftspeople make bold and beautiful statements in pigments, glass, pottery and fabrics. 

Somerset on the Pier - 4 Star

Location:

Somerset on the Pier is a unique 4 star all suite apartment-hotel stunningly located on the Elizabeth Street Pier, Hobart. It is just a few minutes walk from Salamanca Place, Battery Point, the Hobart city centre and Hobart's finest restaurants and cafes.

Accommodation:

Somerset on the Pier Hobart offer luxurious and spacious loft-style apartments. These apartments are fully self-contained, well decorated, and comfortable. Each apartment offers panoramic views of the Derwent River. Each of the 56 apartments has: air-conditioning, direct dial telephone, staellite TV, minibar, fully equipeed kitchen with dishwasher, refrigerator and microwave, iron & ironing board, 3CD stereo sound system and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• Gymnasium
• Sauna
• Business centre
• Conference rooms
• 24 Hour reception
• Dry cleaning
• Laundry services
• Complimentary DVD library
• Disabled access
• Room service

Dining:

• Restaurant
• Tavern bar
• Breakfast Cafe

Wrest Point Hotel & Casino - 4 Star

Location:

Wrest Point Hotel and Casino is located in a commanding position on a 4.5 hectare promontory overlooking the Derwent River and enjoying spectacular views of the nearby city and majestic Mount Wellington.

Accommodation:

All first class 4½ star Tower rooms provide an elegant experience in quality and comfort renowned for the best panoramic views in Australia. Each Tower room has 1 queen bed & 1 single bed whilst the Water Edge rooms are fully refurbished, overlooking the water.  Guest rooms offer comfort and amenities such as direct dial telephone, colour TV with in-house movies, minibar, toaster, tea/coffee making facilities, iron & board, radio & alarm clock, private bathroom and hairdryer.

Facilities:

• Heated indoor pool
• Spa
• sauna
• Health club
• Nine hole mini golf course
• All weather tennis court
• Beauty clinic
• Entertainment centre
• Casino
• Conference centre
• Laundry service
• Business bureau
• Car parking
• 24 Hour reception

Dining:

• The Point (revolving restaurant)
• Pier One restaurant
• Anchors
• Coffee shop
• Birdcage cocktail bar 

Rydges Hotel - 4 Star

Location:

Rydges Hobart is a place where the charm and grace of the old blends with the polish of the new. The hotel's heritage listed buildings capture the very essence of historic Hobart. Enjoy the intimacy and attention that only a small boutique hotel can provide.  Rydges Hobart’s heritage listed buildings and antique suites capture the essence of historic Hobart and provide the perfect base for exploring this cities spectacular sights.

Accommodation:

Rydges Hobart has 63 luxury suites, 44 Manor Suites, 19 Antique Suites, 1 Presidential Suite and 2 Trust Cottages.  All rooms feature direct dial telephone, TV with in-house movies, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, kitchen facilities and iron with ironing board.

Facilities:

• Heated indoor pool
• Spa
• Sauna
• Free access to Tattersall's Hobart Aquatic & fitness centre
• Business centre
• Meeting facilities
• Weddings
• 24 Hour reception
• Laundry facilities
• Parking

Dining:

• Brickfields Restaurant
• Manor cocktail bar & cafe 

Cradle Mountain

Spectacularly beautiful area in the heart of the island which is ideal for bushwalking. Located 144 km from Launceston and 83 km from Devonport, Cradle Mountain is the central feature of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, part of Tasmania's World Heritage area. The park covers an area of 124 942 ha which is characterised by a rugged, glaciated landscape with over 25 major peaks and a wide range of glacial formations - tarns, glacial lakes, moraine deposits, U-shaped valleys and waterfalls.

The area was glaciated during the last ice age (about 10 000 years ago) when a huge 6 km ice cap formed and glaciers flowed from its edges carving the landscape into dramatic shapes with their inexorable erosive powers.

The first human settlement of the region occurred when the local Aborigines moved into the highlands as the glaciers began retreating. The extensive button grass plains are a legacy of their extensive use of fire to clear pathways through the rugged terrain and to aid hunting by attracting animals to the tender shoots of the new vegetation.

Cradle Mountain was named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey who decided it bore a remarkable similarity to a cradle. It was first climbed by a European in 1831 when the explorer Henry Hellyer successfully reached the summit. Surveyor General George Franklin passed through the area in 1835 and he was duly followed by prospectors, trappers and settlers. As early as the 1890s there was some tourism in the area. Governor Hamilton had a house and boat shed built for visitors on Lake St Clair.

The man remembered as the founding father of tourism in the area was the Austrian born naturalist Gustaf Weindorfer who, in 1911, bought land in Cradle Valley where he built 'Waldheim' which he opened to guests who wanted to explore the region. When his wife died Weindorfer moved to Cradle Valley permanently. He died in 1932 and is buried near 'Waldheim'. Weindorfer is credited with naming Lake Dove, Crater Lake and Hansons Lake. He named Mount Kate after his wife.

Cradle Mountain Lodge - 5 Star

Location:

Cradle Mountain Lodge is a unique wilderness experience set right on the edge of the spectacular World Heritage listed Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park in north western Tasmania.

A superb escape, showcasing the best Tasmania has to offer with warm hospitality, sensational locally produced food and wine, breathtaking scenery and the magnificent wilderness experience that surrounds the Lodge. The Lodge itself is warm and inviting with open fires, comfy chairs and the many great spots for sitting and enjoying the views or just relaxing.

Accommodation:

Set discreetly within this wilderness setting, the Lodge has 90 private timber cabins, offering four grades of accommodation, from the Pencil Pine Cabins and Spa Cabins to Spa Suites and the luxurious King Billy Suites.

Representing the ultimate in accommodation, King Billy Suites are expansive featuring separate sleeping and living areas including king size bed and oversized bathroom with two person spa. The interior highlights a contemporary design scheme with premium appointments. Outdoors, a large deck area includes a private hot-tub. Port and evening canapes are also provided to be enjoyed fireside each evening. Additional in-room comforts include CD player, minibar, complimentary gourmet coffee & tea with homemade cookies.

Spa Suites
For those looking to enjoy extra indulgences Cradle Mountain Lodge's Spa Suites are the natural choice. Guests are treated to complimentary fire-side port and each evening a different selection of gourmet surprises arrives to delight your senses - a selection of canape's, perhaps chocolate fondue or a cheese & fruit platter. Cabins are styled with hand-made Tasmanian wood furnishings and feature king-sized beds piled with feather pillows and soft goose-down duvets. Of course a log fire and a deep spa are part of the attraction.

Spa Suites also offer a range of additional in-room comforts, a mini-bar and complimentary gourmet coffee and tea station with signature Cradle Mountain Cookies are amongst some of the extra treats included in this style of cabin. Enjoy music from your in-room CD or the silence of the bush. Each Spa Suite has a large private verandah with outdoor furniture and with views directed towards the surrounding wilderness, wildlife spotting in comfort is all a part of Cradle's natural charm.

Spa Cabins
Spa Cabins are located in natural bush setting and are private and peaceful. Verandahs offer views through the treetops or directly into the surrounding Myrtle forest and given the proximity to the National Park, Cradle Mountain's wildlife are regular visitors.

Inside, Spa Cabins are comfortable and well appointed. Large sofa chairs sit before a log fire and a spacious bathroom, which includes spa bath and separate shower, are some of the features. Spa Cabins also offer additional amenities including in-room CD Player and coffee and tea making facilities with a range of quality teas, plunger coffee and hot chocolate. Spa Cabins are also available in a Family Cabin style with two separate bedrooms.

Pencil Pine Cabins
Pencil Pine Cabins offer all the cosy comforts with close proximity to the Lodge, and offer commanding Lodge Lake and bushland views. Available in both regular and Family Cabin, Pencil Pine Cabins are simple in style but comfortable with queen sized bed and Tasmanian wood furnishings.

All rooms contain the following amenities and facilities:
Log Fire with ample cut wood & kindling, available electric heater, alarm clock, table & chairs, coffee table & arm chairs, tea & coffee making facilities, refrigerator, hairdryers, toilet & shower and daily housekeeping service

Facilities:

• Waldheim Alpine Spa
• Steam room
• Sauna
• Hot tub
• Massage therapies
• Nourishing body treatments
• Dove Lake canoeing (summer)
• Mountain bike hire
• Guided walks
• Horseriding
• Fly fishing (summer)
• Tobogganing (winter)
• Snow shuttle (winter)
• Weddings
• Pool table & darts
• Car parking
• General store
• Guest laundry
• Internet kiosk

Dining:

• Highland restaurant
• Tavern Bar & Bistro
• Weindorfer Lounge
• Guest Lounge Bar

The Freycinet Coast

One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal journeys, the Freycinet Coast road, initially passes through typical Australian rural countryside with some hilly sections including Bust-me-gall Hill and Black Charlie’s Opening, before a narrow, winding riverside road heralds the coast at Orford.

En route to Swansea, a steep, winding climb to the clifftops provides an exciting opportunity for those who enjoy classic drives.

Take time to savour the picturesque coastal vistas; first across to Maria Island and then further on across Great Oyster Bay to Freycinet Peninsula.

Both Maria Island and Freycinet Peninsula are detours from the highway. Each provides an exceptional experience not to be missed. Ideally spend a day for each. Neither can be properly appreciated in under four hours.

Mid-way on Tasmania’s East Coast, the National Park features dramatic coastal scenery of rugged red and pink granite outcrops and mountain peaks amidst sparkling white sands and crystal clear water.

Freycinet is popular with independent walkers and some of the best walks are to the Friendly Beaches, the Wineglass Bay Lookout, and Wineglass Bay, and the Hazards Beach.

Don't miss the Maria Island National Park, escape from civilisation! Take the 25 minute ferry ride for a fascinating mix of history, landscape and wildlife, including a protected marine environment. The ferry leaves the Triabunna at 9.30am and returns at 4pm daily, with some extra trips during high peak periods in summer. On weekends it leaves Triabunna at 9.30am and 1.30pm and returns at 12.30pm and 4.30pm.

Visit the remains of the 19th century Darlington convict settlement. Wander among the ruins of the messroom, miller's cottage, barn, hop kiln, chapel, prison cells and the religious instructor's house.

Here you can see native animals in a natural environment - Cape Barren Geese, possums, wallabies, at least 30 species of birds including the rare Forty Spotted pardelote, endemic to Tasmania.

Freycinet Lodge - 4 Star

Location:

Freycinet Peninsula projects eastward from the Tasmanian mainland and is mostly comprised of a National Park.  It is a unique and exciting wilderness containing a melting pot of natural habitats.  Craggy granite peaks thrust dramatically from the ocean, overlooking sandy white beaches and crystal clear blue water - a dramatic backdrop for an unusual variety of eco-systems ranging from wetlands through heathlands, coastal dunes, dry eucalypt forests to the underwater magic of these southern temperate oceans.

Accommodation:

Freycinet Lodge has successfully integrated superb comfortable accommodation with the environment. It has 60 tastefully appointed cabins thoughtfully located in a secluded bushland setting   inside Freycinet National Park to work in harmony with the natural beauty of their surroundings. 

There are 5 standards of accommodation:
Freycinet cabin is a large one-room cabin.  It is ideal for a couple or two adults and a child.  The lounge/sitting area is part of this room and a balcony is accessed via glass doors.  Bedding configuration consists of one queen-size bed and one double sofa bed.  Max: 4 people.  Main features are: ensuite bathroom with shower, private balcony, tea & coffee making facilities, refrigerator , ceiling fan/electric heating, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.

Oyster Bay cabin is a two-room cabin, ideal for families.   The main room includes the sitting/lounge area as well as the main bedroom.  The second room and bathroom are accessed from the main room.  Bedding configuration consists of one king-size bed in the main room and 2 single beds in the second room.  Max: 5 people.  Main features are: ensuite bathroom with shower, private balcony, tea & coffee making facilities, refrigerator, ceiling fan/electric heating, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and kitchenette.
 
Wineglass cabin is a one-room cabin ideal for a couple.   Bedding configuration consists of one king-size bed and one double sofa bed.  Max: 3 people.  Main features include: ensuite bathroom with a spa bath and shower, private balcony, tea & coffee facilities, refrigerator, ceiling fan/ electric heating, hair dryer and iron/ironing board.
 
Deluxe Wineglass cabin is a one-room cabin, ideal for a couple wanting a little extra comfort, especially if they are on their honeymoon or an indulgent holiday. Max: 2 people.  The cabin has the additional features: queen-size bed, CD player (CD library available at Reception), plunger coffee, comfortable bath robes and extra furnishing touches.
 
Premier Wineglass cabin - the latest addition to the accommodation range. These spacious open-plan cabins are for the discerning traveller and feature a fresh new style for Freycinet Lodge. They have quality fittings, a king-size bed, double spa bath, CD player, mini bar with high profile local beverages, and a complimentary welcome platter.  The ensuite bathroom includes separate shower and quality toiletries, hairdryer, fluffy towels and bathrobes.  They are located close to the main lodge building and have easy access to Richardson's Beach.

Facilities:

• Tennis court
• Boule court
• Library
• Barbeque
• TV lounge
• Laundry service
• Birdwatching
• Walking/hiking
• Local tours
• 4WD tour
• Sea kayaking
• Fishing charters
• Conference facilities

Dining:

• The Bay
• Richardson's
• Hazards Bar

Launceston

Tasmania's north-east is known for its fertile land and quality timber. Crops such as poppies and hops grow here, and grazing land for sheep is plentiful. A former mining area, relics of that era can still be found in north-eastern towns. Launceston, Tasmania’s second-largest city, is situated at the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers, where the Tamar River begins its journey to Bass Strait.  Often described as the State’s northern capital, it’s a city of graceful streets adorned by elegant Victorian and Edwardian facades and surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Self-guided walking tours present an excellent opportunity to see not only parks & gardens, but also Launceston's historic buildings. Macquarie House (1830), and the Old Umbrella Shop (1860's) are two examples. The latter, lined with Tasmanian blackwood, is classified by the National Trust. Buildings surrounding Prince's Square and its baroque fountain are worth a stop.

A short drive from Launceston are more historic buildings such as Entally House. Built in 1819, Entally house has fine silverware, Regency furniture, greenhouse, chapel, coach house and stables. Its regarded as the most historic of National Trust houses. Franklin House, south of Launceston, is a Georgian style home built in 1838 and named for Sir John Franklin, Governor of Van Diemens Land (Tasmania). During its life it served as a boys school, and like Entally House, is now classified by the National Trust.

Somewhat newer is the village of Grindelwald. It is modelled on a Swiss village, houses being built in traditional alpine style. Accommodation and facilities such as a nine hole golf course are provided.

One of the more relaxing activities in Launceston would be a visit to the Aquarius Roman Baths, with their marble facades and statues. In addition to the Tepidarium (warm bath), the Caldarium (hot bath) and Spa Alveus (therapeutic spa), the baths offer massages and a beauty clinic. The Launceston Country Club Casino, Tasmania's second casino, is on the city outskirts.

The Tamar has a rich heritage - the historic buildings of Beaconsfield recall the boom days of gold mining, while just beyond George Town, at Low Head, Australia’s oldest continuously operating pilot station still guides ships into the river.

Today, perhaps the Tamar Valley’s brightest gold is a swirl of delicious chardonnay, while some of tomorrow’s rich heritage rests in cellars, as precious bottles of pinot and cabernet age gracefully. The Tamar, part of the Tamar Valley Wine Route, is Tasmania's most productive and best-established wine region. Vines grow in tidy lines on gentle, sloping hills, and mellow autumn sunshine ripens the grapes, adding unique cool-climate complexities of flavour to these widely acclaimed wines.

Hatherley House - 4 Star

Location:

Australia’s newest and most outstanding 5 Star B&B private boutique hotel - winner Royal Australian Institute of Architects Award for Interior Design - Hatherley House in Launceston provides the travelling connoisseur with a highly individual and exceptionally stylish accommodation experience. It was also rated by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the top new 80 Hotels in the World in 2003.

Ideally situated within easy strolling distance of the city of Launceston, Australia's thrid oldest city, surrounded by its spectacular and beautiful parklands, rivers and waterways.  There's plenty to tempt you, with a cool shopping scene of boutiques, cafe bars, legendary restaurants and innovative Tasmanian art gallerys.

Accommodation:

Its interior has become an unexpected combination of the antique and the ultra modern - of gilded paintings, Eastern tapestries, Indian carvings, African sculptures, rare books, winding staircases, a colonnaded entry, a magnificent vestibule, secretive niches, hidden passages, surprise balconies and archways.

This magnificent 1830’s mansion has been transformed into a contemporary, intimate "Hip Hotel" with new high-tech stainless steel & glass, spa bathrooms juxtaposed against gracious European furnishings and modern works of art. All suites boast, lavish king-size beds and DVD, TV and CD.  There are a total of 4 superior suites with spas and 5 deluxe suites.

Facilities:

• Spa
• Stunning gardens (with views of Ben Lomond)
• Library with open fireplace
• Laundry service
• Non smoking floors
• Tour desk
• High speed internet access
• Parking

Dining:

• Bar/lounge

Mt William National Park:

Bordering the fine white granite beaches from Boulder Point to the Abbotsbury Peninsula, Mt William National Park's diverse vegetation is a haven for wildlife. This area is home to the largest population of eastern grey kangaroos in the state, as well as echidnas, brush-tail possums, wombats, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Birdlife too is abundant, with over 100 species occurring in the park, including many varieties of sea and shore birds. Many sites of significance to the Aboriginal community can be found in the park, which has recently been recommended to be returned to Aboriginal ownership.

Here, huge middens of discarded shells are a reminder of the days when tribes would migrate to the coast in winter to forage for shellfish, mutton birds and seals. Up to 10,000 years ago, these Aboriginal tribes would cross the land bridge that once connected Tasmania to the mainland. The Bay of Fires Lodge is open from October to June.

Bay of Fires Eco Lodge

Location:

Guests can get there only by walking for two days across some of Tasmania's most beautiful beaches.

Bay of Fires Walks takes you along the pure white sands of the island's northeast coast on a one and half day walk. You spend a night in a standing camp hidden in the sand dunes and the next day continue south passing Aboriginal middens, shell-covered beaches and Eddystone Lighthouse before arriving at the Bay of Fires Lodge. You are led by knowledgeable Tasmanian guides, trained in geology, botany or environmental science.

Set on a hilltop, 40 metres above the pounding of the sea and surrounded by National Park, Bay of Fires Lodge is the only building on 20 km of outstanding coastal wilderness. Enjoying views up and down the pristine white sandy beaches in an area of great significance to the Aboriginal community, a truly 'sus-tainable' building has been gently let into the landscape.

Accommodation:

Two long timber and glass pavilions allow maximum connection to the landscape with minimum impact on the environment: all building materials - Tasmanian hardwood and plantation pine - were lifted in by helicopter or hand carried to the site, and the lodge is autonomous in providing and managing its existence.

Guests can experience true communion with nature in accommodation that combines simplicity of design with comfort and warmth. In the magnificent living area with its large timber deck and open fire,  delicious meals are prepared with the freshest local produce, accompanied by fine Tasmanian wines. Solar power provides lighting and hot showers while comfortable hotel beds (in private twin share bedrooms with views to the sea or the bush) add a touch of luxury at the end of each day's activities.

The resort has won numerous awards and also featured on the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2006, under the category for best rooms.

Facilities:

• Ocean view deck
• Library
• Beach
• Hiking
• Nighttime safaris
• Sea kayaking
• Bird watching
• Fishing

Dining:

• Livingroom

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