RadioRoryThis is the hardest blog post I’ll probably ever write. Not for emotional reasons, but because I’m so intent on getting it just right.
This post answers the question that I’ve been asked the most since I started my trip. And still, I can’t quite explain my answer.
The question is, of course, “What’s been your favorite stop?” The answer is: Tasmania. (I’ll wait right here while you Google Map where the hell Tasmania is and flip past pics of the cartoon devil).
When I took the hour flight from Melbourne to Hobart, I had already booked the next leg of my trip to Sydney and that was a mistake. I wish I stayed more than a week to really get a better feel for the island that was once a British penal colony. In the early 1800s, settlers wiped out the native population and harvested most of its forests for shipbuilding Today, remnants of the old prison still stand and most of the island is protected nature parks and preserves.
The natural resources that were once exploited are now there for everyone to enjoy. The Tahune Airwalk is a series of elevated platforms running through the treetops, sometimes 150-feet above the floor of the forest.
The hour-long walking course also includes some swinging bridges sure to give you that “stomach in your mouth” feeling. Crossing the bridges by yourself is one thing, but when other people are also trying to cross the Huon River it gets very bouncy very fast!
Meanwhile, a trip up to the top of Mt. Wellington means you should prepare for all kinds of weather. When I went in November (which is well into their spring) it was a lovely 72 degrees at Hobart’s waterfront while there were gusty winds and a snow squall at the mountain’s peak.
It’s only about 4,000 feet up, but the weather contrast is severe. If you catch it just right, though, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Hobart out toward the Tasman Sea.
You don’t have to look up to find all of Tasmania’s attractions. There are several cave complexes located on the island, including Hastings Caves which were found about 100-years ago. The Newdegate Cave is the big one here and is pretty easy to navigate, even for a claustrophobe like me. I told our guide about my totally well-founded and very rational fear and tried to make light of it. She kept an eye on me and assured me the cave that’s been standing for millions of years wasn’t about to collapse. One tourist kept touching the stalactites and stalagmites (despite repeated warnings) and he was the focus of my attention. I guess I should thank the jackass for distracting me from my fear of suffocation!
And did I mention the apples? Who knew Tasmania was filled with orchards? I’ve been told that the Chinese have a deal to buy most of the island’s fruit production so whatever isn’t shipped out is turned into hard cider. You’re beginning to see why I like this place, right? Hobart has loads of bakeries, a fantastic waterfront and a few bars with trivia nights. Again, you see why I’m liking this place, right?
You do have a couple options for getting to Tassie. There’s a 12-hour ferry from Melbourne, but that dumps you in Devonport on the north side of the island. From there, it’s a three-and-a-half hour drive to Hobart. There are nonstop flights to Hobart from Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane too and it’s easy to find a deal in advance. They tend to be budget airlines, so pay attention to your baggage weight (carry-ons too!). They will weigh everything and charge you for it if you don’t pay in advance.
Of course, there are pluses and minuses to every destination. It’s remote location and the distance from family top the list.
I won’t say if that’s on the “plus” list or the “minus” list.