Before arriving in Tasmania I was thinking it was just a small island with lot of wine and apple and nothing much to do except hiking. But after one week driving around the island with 1264.1km, I have to change my mind ^_^Our journey started from Launceston and we drove to Hobart via Heritage Highway and then toward the west coast staying at Strahan and Cradle Mountain and back to Launceston
Heritage Highway was the most interesting part during this journey. Along the drive we came to many small towns and villages. All the villages were built during 19th century by convicts from Great Britain and they are all maintained very well with lot for tourist to see.
Hobart: After 200km drive through the country side we arrived in Hobart and I felt it was like coming back to civilization. Hobart is capital of Tasmania and is located at south of the island. The interesting part of this city is Mt Wellington. The Mountain is only 7km away from the city and you can drive up to the peak. From the top you can see the whole city with fantastic views and landscape ^_^ when we were on top they will still lot of snow on the mountain.
Port Arthur: Used to be a convict jail in 19 century and now it become a heritage place for sightseeing. It is 97km away from Hobart. It is an interesting place and you can spend a whole day to explorer the 19 century history of Tasmania. The entrance fee is including visit to 30 buildings and a 20 minutes cruise trip around Port Arthur area.
My personal suggestion for cost saving you should take a day trip (Port Arthur ghost trip) from local travel agency cost AUD100 that depart from Hobart and included some other sightseeing and the Port Arthur entrance fee.
Port Arthur entrance fees: AUD35
Ghost tour - AUD25 (additional)
Additional tour (Island of the Dead & Juvenile jail) - AUD15 each
West Coast: We were a bit disappointed with our west coast trip, because we purposely went there to take the heritage steam train between Queenstown and Strahan. But unfortunately the train was not in service :-( Due to winter time a lot of activities were closed. But we spent 2 relaxing days in Strahan and went to a beautiful restaurant next to waterfront call 'Risby Cove'.
Cradle Mountain: We had a lovely drive to Cradle Mountain but it was a very cool and cloudy day which made it difficult to drive in the cloud. We were only able to complete a trekking route around Dove Lake and 2 easy treks to waterfall in the drizzling rain with 0°c. After a long cool walk it was lovely to open the door and spend the night in a little cottage in the forest with a lovely wood fire to make it cozy and warm ^_^
Cradle Mountain national park fees: AUD16.50
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Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia, it is suppose to be warm but when we arrive the temperature here was as cool as Melbourne.
In Melbourne everyone is crazy with Aussie rules football and you will see football everywhere. This is not my 1st visit Melbourne, I was here 2 years ago with family and most interesting places I have covered during my last visit.