http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/6397_ts-australia.htm Check out some of the recently updated travel & vacation listings on RealAdventures. Be inspired, go explore! en-us Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:51:30 GMT Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:51:30 GMT http://RealAdventures.com http://RealAdventures.com/vacations/6397_ts-australia.htm 100 100 http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1040700_White-Water-Rafting-Expeditions-on-the-Franklin http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1040700_White-Water-Rafting-Expeditions-on-the-Franklin Rafting Australia Sun, 24 May 2009 21:05:43 5, 7 and 10 Day White Water Rafting Expeditions on the Franklin River in the Wilderness World Heritage area of South West Tasmania. - US $1,700 Per Trip
5, 7 and 10 Day White Water Rafting Expeditions on the Franklin River in the Wilderness World Heritage area of South West Tasmania.


The Franklin River flows around Frenchmans Cap and through the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers National Park in the Wilderness World Heritage Area of S.W Tasmania.

Rapids range from grade 1 to 6 though the most difficult paddled are usually up to grade 4
Details & Reservations: White Water Rafting Expeditions on the Franklin
RealAdventures | Australia Rafting

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1129775_historic-luxury-Woodbridge-Tasmania http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1129775_historic-luxury-Woodbridge-Tasmania Hotels & Resorts Australia Thu, 19 Feb 2009 20:02:29 Woodbridge, Tasmania's only Small Luxury Hotel, is an 1825 Heritage listed convict built Georgian Mansion on the banks of the River Derwent. It combines historical authenticity with modern furnishings & comforts to create totally memorable experience - US $370 Per Night
Woodbridge, Tasmania's only Small Luxury Hotel, is an 1825 Heritage listed convict built Georgian Mansion on the banks of the River Derwent. It combines historical authenticity with modern furnishings & comforts to create totally memorable experience


Woodbridge is in the heart of the Derwent Valley. The river has great trout fishing, and rafting and jet boating are available. Beautiful farmlands and orchards make for spectaculatr drives, and the wonders of Mt Field National Park, Russell Falls, Something Wild Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tall Trees Reserve, site of the tallest hardwood trees in the world, are a short drive away. Vineyards with tastings, breweries making local farmbrewed beers, and cherry orchards offer gastronomic interest, and antique shops are a welcome diversion. Spectacular scenery, Australian history, wildlife and wilderness and food and wine from the freshest air and cleanest water on the planet make this valley one of the few unspoiled places left to enjoy.
Details & Reservations: historic luxury Woodbridge, Tasmania
RealAdventures | Australia Hotels & Resorts

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184660_Motorhome-Mission-Down-The-Heritage-Highway http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184660_Motorhome-Mission-Down-The-Heritage-Highway Articles Australia Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:10:33 The run from Launceston in the north down to Hobart in the south of Tasmania is a brief two hour affair down the Midland Highway if done without stopping. This is an impossibility for campervan travellers though our exploratory minds and our lust fo -
The run from Launceston in the north down to Hobart in the south of Tasmania is a brief two hour affair down the Midland Highway if done without stopping. This is an impossibility for campervan travellers though our exploratory minds and our lust fo


The run from Launceston in the north down to Hobart in the south of Tasmania is a brief two hour affair down the Midland Highway if done without stopping. This is an impossibility for campervan travellers though our exploratory minds and our lust for new sights and sounds just cannot fathom a drive down the centre of Tasmania without gleaning some kind of appreciation for the scenery we are passing through. And so we stop and we look and we take it all in and it is harder to find a deeper sense of satisfaction than the one instilled in us by this drive known as the 'Heritage Highway'. The expansive valley it passes through is a tapestry of fields, quaint historical settlements and crisp, clear rivers slowly knitted together over time and presented to you in its present form to explore, enjoy and file under 'exceptionally beautiful' in your scrapbook of campervan travels.

Heading south from Launceston the first stopworthy village is reached after just 20 kilometres Evandale. A strong theme of this drive is the heritage classified, Georgianstyle buildings that dominate the settlements you will drive through, and in this department Evandale is an exemplary starting point. There are over 38 gracious buildings in the town, many of them on the treelined main street. A half day in the town is a good time period to appreciate the diversity of heritage it contains, and will also give you the opportunity to take a stroll down the banks of the South Esk River. If you happen to be in town on a Sunday then you will be fortunate enough to experience the Evandale Markets, a great place to pick up a souvenir and some local fare.

Just a few kilometres south of Evandale is one of the best preserved Georgianstyle buildings in the country, Clarendon Homestead. Lying on the banks of the South Esk River it was built in 1838 for a wealthy wool and grain dealer, and besides the large porticoed main building there are a number of farm buildings that have been superbly maintained. Its beautiful gardens are great for a picnic or a long walk, and if you find you have some extra time on your hands then pay a visit to the nearby township of Nile. This collection of heritage buildings on the banks of the River Nile is most notable for the impressive tower of St Peters Church, which was built in 1839.

There is an interesting story about the Racecourse Hotel in the next town south, Longford. In this hotel a thieving woman who stole two gold sovereigns from a pair of farmhands was tracked down by them and murdered for her crime. A dark piece of history that should not be allowed to detract from the beauty of the town, but rather add to its rich heritage. The most striking thing about Longford is not the Racecourse Hotel, it is the Brickenden National Estate. This is an historic working farm that has been owned and run by the same family for over two hundred years. With seven miles of river frontage it is a popular destination for trout fishermen, and bushwalkers love making their way through the thick and lush bush that covers most of the estate. Speaking of trout fishing, the nearby town of Cresswell is seen as the trout capital of Tasmania because its waterways run thick with the popular sport fish. Every August the Annual Tasmanian Trout Exposition of Australia takes place, so if you are keen on your angling then coincide your motorhome adventure down the heritage highway with this large festival.

The next town as you head southwards is considered the historical heart of Tasmania, and there are over one hundred buildings in the town that exceed a century in age. Stop and savour the many attractions in the town, which are spearheaded by the Convict Brick Trail. This trail is dedicated to the nearly 200 000 convicts that came to Australia over a 100 year period. Each brick is dedicated to a convict, and has their name, their birth and death dates and a bit of information about them. Another popular spot to visit is the Fox Hunters Return, a pub that has been serving the public since 1840. Dont miss The Grange either, a large manorstyle building standing in the centre of town.

Continuing south, Oatlands is worth a look because of the large collection of colonial sandstone buildings it is home to (the largest number in a village environment in Australia). Walking down the main street is like stepping back into time there are over 87 of the sandstone buildings on the street alone, and a total of 138 in the town boundaries. From Oatlands its a leisurely 79 kilometres down to Hobart. You can complete this in one hit, or if you have time call into Pontville. 35 kilometres north of Hobart, this was once an important stopping point and one of the main suppliers of stone to Tassy. Today it is another quiet town on the Heritage Highway, remarkable for the vestiges of its past rather than for any importance it has today or in the future.

And then its on to Hobart. With the spellbinding Mt Wellington dominating the skyline here you can see Hobart as the cherry on the cake of your journey, a journey whose short distance takes in a great deal of the past and gives a stunning portrayal of the Tasmanian countryside. You cant go wrong with this campervan trip.


Details & Reservations: Motorhome Mission Down The Heritage Highway
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184318_Holidaying-in-the-Huon-Valley http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1184318_Holidaying-in-the-Huon-Valley Articles Australia Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:09:01 Its spring time in the Huon Valley in Tasmania and there is that brisk chill in the air, enough to stand your arm hairs up but not enough to freeze you to the core. The heater in our hire car stabilises the temperature, and we can comfortably watch t -
Its spring time in the Huon Valley in Tasmania and there is that brisk chill in the air, enough to stand your arm hairs up but not enough to freeze you to the core. The heater in our hire car stabilises the temperature, and we can comfortably watch t


Its spring time in the Huon Valley in Tasmania and there is that brisk chill in the air, enough to stand your arm hairs up but not enough to freeze you to the core. The heater in our hire car stabilises the temperature, and we can comfortably watch the stunning scenery float past the window. On a holiday to Hobart, we just couldnt resist a couple of days checking out the Huon Valley. No one seems to have anything bad to say about these southerly parts of the island, and driving through it now I can see why. The landscapes remind me of fairytales my grandmother used to read to me as a child, and looking at the low lying clouds swirling around the tops of the thick forest Im filled with a strange sense of nostalgia, despite never having visited these parts before.

Its just a 30 minute drive from Hobart to Huonville, the commercial capital of the Huon Valley. Driving into this small town of 1700 people is like taking a step into the past, and we soon notice that about all the settlements in the Huon Valley. While Hobart is a modern and vibrant city, towns like Huonville and Geeveston seem to have retained the elements of their past very faithfully although they have incorporated elements of modern life with these. Its a good combination, as you get a feel for the history of the area whilst having all the conveniences one may need to be comfortable.

For many years the apple industry of Tasmania has been one of the biggest in the world, and the Huon Valley has always been at the forefront of this. The towns here were the centres of production for the industry, and a lot of the heritage buildings are associated with apple growing and producing. To really see what the apple history here is all about we paid a visit to the Huon Apple and Heritage Museum. Set up in an old packing shed, you get a good feel for the evolution of the apple industry here an evolution that is inextricably tied in with the history of the Huon Valley. There are a host of old machines on display, as well as other associated artefacts, plenty of photographs and over 500 different species of apple. The insights into the lives of settlers in the early 1800's I found particularly interesting.

Another major element of the Huon Valley are its forests. Huon Pine is a much sought after softwood timber that produces exquisite furniture, and it is very important to the economy of the region and of Tasmania. For a tourist such as myself it is the forests that are simply breathtaking, and to cut them down seems such a shame. But a visit to the Forest and Heritage Centre in Geeveston shows how the harvesting of the timber is done in alignment with conservation and preservation policies. The centre is a fun place to take kids, as it has a large collection of antique machines and an especially interesting sculptured log truck.

To really appreciate the forest we took a trip to the Tahune Forest Reserve, a beautiful reserve on the banks of the Huon River. This is a must see for tourists because of the Tahune Airwalk, a 600 metre walking platform built through the trees, 20 metres above the ground, that provides stunning views of the surrounds. In the centre of the walk there is a cantilever that rises 48 metres above the ground, and somehow I overcame my fear of heights to reach the peak of this. Majestic views of the confluence between the Picton and the Huon River were my reward, so its one climb Im thankful I took!

We overnighted in a cosy little town called Franklin, which again had that feeling that time seemed to forget it behind. Built on the River Banks, it has hung onto a village atmosphere and many of the buildings are made from the local pine, which gives it a very alpine feel. We were told by many that a visit to the Hastings caves were in order, and indeed the 40 million year old chambers took mine and my familys breath away. Stalactites and stalagmites rise and fall in a rich tapestry of colour and light, making it easy to picture oneself being on another planet. A visit to the caves was topped off with a swim in the warm thermal springs, and conveniently there are picnic and barbeque facilities there as well.

We left the Huon Valley satisfied. It is an area that has managed to avoid the pitfalls of mass tourism, yet at the same time it provides the beautiful countryside and the secluded escape spots that any visitor may want. Being so close to Hobart it is very easily accessible, and I would have to say that a driving holiday through the valley is the way to go. Just pick up a rental car in Hobart, and you have the freedom to explore the Huon at your leisure.
Details & Reservations: Holidaying in the Huon Valley
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1183979_St-Helens-Tassy-Game-Fishing-Capital http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1183979_St-Helens-Tassy-Game-Fishing-Capital Articles Australia Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:07:22 St Helens has a resident population of about 200 people, making it the largest town on the north east coast. Its reached by a scenic coastal drive from Hobart (250 kilometres), or an 150 kilometre drive east from Launceston. It was a fishing port -
St Helens has a resident population of about 200 people, making it the largest town on the north east coast. Its reached by a scenic coastal drive from Hobart (250 kilometres), or an 150 kilometre drive east from Launceston. It was a fishing port


The north east of Tasmania is rich in romantic sentiment, an area whose natural beauty is offset by its long history and and established cultures. Driving through the countryside the most striking thing you will notice is the depth and the variation of colour in the sky, in the vegetation and in the soil itself. Vineyards and farmlands merge into tall green forests in the countryside, and when you near the coast the deep blue of the ocean will spread out before you, bordered by stunning white beaches, and red rocky headlands. A town in this region which is favoured by visitors because of its seaside location and its proximity to many of the natural attractions is St Helens.

St Helens has a resident population of about 200 people, making it the largest town on the north east coast. Its reached by a scenic coastal drive from Hobart (250 kilometres), or an 150 kilometre drive east from Launceston. It was a fishing port initially established as a whaling base in the 19th Century, and ironically today it is still large marine creatures that attract people here. Across the sand bar the waters are rife with gamefish such as Albacore Tuna and Yellowfin Tuna, and the town is recognised as the game fishing capital of Tasmania, a title cemented by its hosting of the 'St Helens Classic', a deep sea fishing competition that draws over 100 boats every March. St Helens is essentially a fishing port, with fishing being its chief source of income alongside tourism. So whether its reef, coastal or deep sea fishing you are after, you'll find it here or if youd rather enjoy the fruits of the ocean instead of catching it yourself then sit back in one of the restaurants and enjoy some of the freshest seafood around.

Built on the shores of St Georges Bay, the town is sheltered by the long headland of St Helens Point, a large portion of which is a public conservation area. The headland is popular amongst bushwalkers, as are many of the nearlying regions. To the south there is a stunning coastal reserve where high sand dunes lie next to thick wooded forests on one side and a magnificent white beach on the other. Immaculately clean, it is perfect for long romantic walks! Nearby lies Diana's Basin, where you can see an amazing example of geological folds, the peak of which offer stunning views of the ocean. The hinterland is just as appealing to bushwalkers. At St Mary's, which is a 25 minute drive inland, there is a large rocky hill known as St Patricks Head which is popular amongst hikers. The views are stunning, although there is a fair degree of effort required to see them, as some parts of the hill are so steep there are chains to heave yourself up with.

To the north of St Helens lies one of the most popular tourist regions in Tasmania, the Bay of Fires. The town of Binalong Bay, ten minutes drive north, is the gateway to the Bay, and is home to a pristine beach of its own. The Bay too is characterised by extremely white sands (a result of the large presence of granite in the ground), azure water and large red boulders. The area is very popular amongst scuba divers because of the waters clarity and the large underwater caves they explore. Extensive kelp forests are also a unique feature, which help contribute to the large array of marine life under the surface. As a result rock and surf fishing are very popular around the Bay.

Just a little further north of this bay is Mt William National Park, a place that constantly fascinates and delights. Teeming with animals and birdlife, the park is a haven for marsupials including the Forester Kangaroo, the second largest marsupial in the world. The beautiful beaches of the park complement its rugged interior, where you can find the 216 metre high Mt William. Another spot worth visiting is Eddystone Point, primarily because of its large granite lighthouse. The three houses at the station are the oldest surviving lighthouse quarters in Australia, and in the secluded bases close at hand there are numerous crayfish and abalone. There are a few sheltered camping areas that have been developed in the park, mostly around Stumpy's Bay towards the north. Another one lies close to the Musselroe Bay township.

Whatever kind of holiday you are looking for in the north east of Tasmania you will find it. St Helens is in a fortunate geographical location where the surrounding hills and the warm ocean currents have produced a micro climate of plenty warmth and sunniness. With the friendly people and lots of nearby attractions to explore in your rental car, this is as good a place as any to spend a few delays relaxing and rejuvenating.
Details & Reservations: St Helens Tassy Game Fishing Capital
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156925_St-Helens-Pieces-of-the-Past http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156925_St-Helens-Pieces-of-the-Past Articles Australia Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:06:47 A tour through the north east of Tasmania is a journey through a kaleidoscope of colour. Inland there are the lush green rolling fields and the dark pine forests, punctuated by the purples and yellows of the fields of poppies and lavenders that flowe -
A tour through the north east of Tasmania is a journey through a kaleidoscope of colour. Inland there are the lush green rolling fields and the dark pine forests, punctuated by the purples and yellows of the fields of poppies and lavenders that flowe


A tour through the north east of Tasmania is a journey through a kaleidoscope of colour. Inland there are the lush green rolling fields and the dark pine forests, punctuated by the purples and yellows of the fields of poppies and lavenders that flower in the spring. The blue sky overhead is complemented by the bright azure tones of the sea when the coastline comes into view, and it's the pristine white sands of the beaches that demarcate the boundary between land and sea. A colourful and lively town in its own right, St Helens is a coastal resort town tucked into the north east corner of the island, surrounded by the inimitable Tasmanian coast and country.

Its a great place to base your campervan and explore the surrounding attractions from. The largest town on the north east coast with a population of 2000 people, St Helens is a quaint settlement that has the historic charm and character of a Cornish fishing village. Essentially a fishing port, it is perched upon the still waters of Georges Bay which are sheltered by the long headland of St Helens Point. Most of the town is dependent on fishing as an income, and it is a large pull factor for tourists in the region, with St Helens being known as the game fishing capital of Tasmania. In March each year the town population swells with visitors partaking in the St Helens Game Fishing Classic, a renowned fishing competition.

Fishermen have the pleasure of fishing from one of the world's most spectacular coastlines, with rugged rock formations and golden sandy beaches lying side by side. Driving north from the town in your motorhome within fifteen minutes you will be in Binalong Bay, a tiny village built on a serene and calm bay that is a great spot for a relaxing day in the sun. If you continue north you reach the Bay of Fires, which has been voted by a reputable travel magazine as having the second best beach in the world. Upon arriving there you can see why its sandy expanse is strewn with giant granite boulders, creating a picturesque effect that is intensified by the blue ocean and the abundance of birds that call the bay home. The underwater attractions are just as impressive, with divers flocking to the bay to explore its underwater caves and kelp forests.

If its a break from the madding crowd that your after then the north east of Tasmania is the antidote you are looking for. An especially remote, but exceptionally beautiful, area is the Mount William National Park. Beginning at the top end of the Ansons River and ending at Musselroe Bay, this rugged park will astound you with its scenery and provide you with the natureoriented break you crave. Expect to bump into all forms of wildlife, from wombats to kangaroos and a myriad of birdlife. There are camping areas through the park, but no shops and few facilities, so be prepared to rough it a bit. Some places provide drinking water but its best to come prepared with your own supplies its the perfect escape into an unchanged world!

If you're a bushwalker than the area around St Helens will excite you no end. There is the magnificent coastline to explore along with the lush forests and rolling hills of the hinterland. At Diana's Basin, to the south of the town, you will find an amazing example of geological folds (an ancient rock formation) that make for great hiking, and the views of the ocean here are stunning. At St Mary's, which lies about a 25 minute drive inland from St Helens, there is an impressive rocky hill known as St Patricks Head which is a favourite amongst hikers. It is quite challenging however, and in some sections there are chains to assist you on the way up. You will agree that the panoramic views from the top are just reward for your efforts!

When you hire a camper and go on a tour of the north east of Tasmania you are stepping into another world, one where the everyday problems of your life simply melt away. It is not unheard of for holidaymakers to pack everything in and move here after their vacation to the region, unable to leave the laid back lifestyle and the stunning vistas behind them. So why don't you give it a try? At the very least you will leave refreshed and reinvigorated, and who knows... it could be your new home!
Details & Reservations: St Helens Pieces of the Past
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156919_Strahan-Raw-Beauty-on-the-Tassy-West-Coast http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156919_Strahan-Raw-Beauty-on-the-Tassy-West-Coast Articles Australia Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:06:19 The World Heritage area that covers some 20 per cent of Tasmania is at it's most wild and beautiful on the island's West Coast. Here the thundering waves of the Southern Ocean and the uninhabited rocky shores meet each other head on, as unpredictable -
The World Heritage area that covers some 20 per cent of Tasmania is at it's most wild and beautiful on the island's West Coast. Here the thundering waves of the Southern Ocean and the uninhabited rocky shores meet each other head on, as unpredictable


The World Heritage area that covers some 20 per cent of Tasmania is at it's most wild and beautiful on the island's West Coast. Here the thundering waves of the Southern Ocean and the uninhabited rocky shores meet each other head on, as unpredictable as the rapidly changing weather of the region. As it is largely uninhabited, a journey down the West Coast is like a trip through an ageold landscape, through ancient rainforest and past steep sided gorges. Just one town exists on this coastline, a historical village called Strahan. Strahan is seen as holding the keys to the World Heritage Area, and a visit here will unlock for you sights, sounds and experiences you would never have thought existed!

Three hours drive from Devonport (where the 'Spirit of Tasmania' docks), and four and a half hours from Hobart, Strahan is in an isolated position on the northern edge of the Macquaire Harbour. This is a large shallow inlet that the Gordon River and the King River empty into, and all three are the basis for much recreational activity in Strahan. On a still day the waters of the harbour create a mirror image, and boat cruises down its 50 kilometre length are a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. These will take you past the salmon farms, where the still waters are churned into a froth by 60 000 kilograms of Tasmanian Salmon!

Strahan has a rich history it was initially a base for businessmen seeking the Huon Pine that proliferates in the region. Just off shore on Sarah Island a penal colony was established, and it gained the reputation as the worst colony in the country. Convicts would have to row to shore through the notoriously dangerous entrance to the harbour known as Hells Gate, and then harvest the Huon Pine before rowing back. Its convict past and its port heritage gives the town a sense of character and atmosphere that most others just do not have, and a walk down the main street, the Esplanade, is likely to provide interesting insights into Strahan's history.

The Esplanade is also lined with numerous gift shops, and many of the products in these are crafted from Huon Pine harvested from the region. This wood is in high demand because it creates its own protective oil that makes it very durable, so you anything you buy here is likely to become a family heirloom! A tour of Morrisons Huon Pine Mill will teach you more about the product, and also about its importance to the area. The mill is located next to the visitors centre in Strahan, and is renowned for being one of the few of its kind to still cut with a reciprocating saw mill.

The Huon forests themselves are simply beauiful, and well worth a drive through in your rental car. A more thrilling way of seeing them however is to jump on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, a steamoperated train that runs between Strahan and Queenstown, which is inland. This 35 kilometre guided tour takes you along a railway that is over 100 years old, through rainforests that are over 2000 years old and over a mountain range that is, well, as old as the hills! Its a journey past some amazing sights and a journey into the history of the area too.

Another popular way of seeing the sights, this time from a water based vantage point, is to take a river cruise up the mighty Gordon River. Its dense banks are home to copious amounts of bird and wild life, and the evening times are a particularly good time to see these. The smooth flowing waters are also a prime surface for canoeists and kayakers to ply their sport, and if you fancy joining them then equipment is for hire in the town.

For an experience like no other you have to visit Ocean Beach, a 40 kilometre long stretch of hard sand which has the crashing Southern Ocean on one side and tall sand dunes behind it. A walk on the beach really does make you feel as if you are on the edge of the world, especially when you consider the waves here have not seen land for many thousands of kilometres. The beautiful sunsets seem out of this world, and are a fitting end to a busy day exploring the wild Strahan Coast.

A visit to Strahan is certainly not your usual type of holiday. Sun baskers and surfers are not your standard fare here, but the beautiful environment and the rich history provide a different sense of enjoyment, relaxation and satisfaction. Why not pick up a hirecar and give the region a go? Thousands of others do it each year, and none have left disappointed...
Details & Reservations: Strahan Raw Beauty on the Tassy West Coast
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1021206_Keswick-by-the-River http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1021206_Keswick-by-the-River Vacation Rentals Australia Sat, 03 May 2008 21:05:58 A spacious, comfortable selfcontained unit, comprising large, sunny lounge room, queen sized bedroom, bathroom, self contained kitchen, T.V., gas and electric heating, laundry facilities if required. Breakfast provisions provided. Undercover parking -
A spacious, comfortable selfcontained unit, comprising large, sunny lounge room, queen sized bedroom, bathroom, self contained kitchen, T.V., gas and electric heating, laundry facilities if required. Breakfast provisions provided. Undercover parking



Details & Reservations: Keswick by the River
RealAdventures | Australia Vacation Rentals

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156636_Exploring-the-West-Coast-of-Tasmania http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1156636_Exploring-the-West-Coast-of-Tasmania Articles Australia Wed, 16 Apr 2008 02:04:35 The beauty of the Tasmanian countryside is the feeling of isolation you get there. Gazing out over some of the mountains, forests and lakes its hard to remember that we live in an industrialised world filled with billions of people. -
The beauty of the Tasmanian countryside is the feeling of isolation you get there. Gazing out over some of the mountains, forests and lakes its hard to remember that we live in an industrialised world filled with billions of people.


The beauty of the Tasmanian countryside is the feeling of isolation you get there. Gazing out over some of the mountains, forests and lakes its hard to remember that we live in an industrialised world filled with billions of people. Nowhere is this feeling more prevalent than on the West Coast, an area whose raw beauty may not lend itself well to human habitation, but certainly lends itself well to a touring motorhome holiday. Not only do the rocky coastline and the raging southern ocean clash here in a mighty display of land versus sea, but inland the mountains and valleys have a lush cover of ancient rainforest that gives the region a mystical quality that you would expect from a fantasy novel. Prepare to be transported to a place very, very far away as you enter West Tasmania!

Most people would travel here from Hobart, a journey that takes you through the FranklinGordon Wild Rivers National Park along the Lyell Highway. The Park is simply sensational, protecting the great rivers of the west including the Franklin, Gordon and Olga Rivers, around which lush and green rainforest provides a home to an amazing array of wildlife. There are a number of bushwalks that you can take from right by the highway, with the one that leads to the base of Nelson Falls an especially popular one. The more adventurous may be inclined to get involved in some white water rafting down the Franklin River, with some trips going for as long as fourteen days!

The largest town of the West Coast is Queenstown, a mining town of 2300 people. The best thing about this town is its surroundings, as the town itself looks something like a deserted moonscape because of all the mining activity. Of course there is lots to see in the National Park surrounding the town, and the coastline lies not far away either. The small but characterful settlement of Strahan sits on the shores of the Macquarie Harbour about a forty minute drive from Queenstown, and is normally the next stage in a campervan journey.

The immense pine forests that you have passed through to get here are the reason for Strahan's existence, as it was initially a base for the businessmen coming to seek out the Huon Pine that grows in these parts. A penal colony was created at Sarah Island which lies offshore, and convicts would have to row to the mainland through the notorious 'Hells Gate' of Macquarie Harbour to harvest the pine. Huon Pine is still in high demand because it is extremely durable, and there are a number of shops in Strahan where you can buy goods manufactured from it. A tour of Morrisons Huon Pine Mill will teach you more about the wood and its importance to the area.

In Strahan because of the large harbour and the Gordon and King Rivers that empty into it much of the recreational activity is water based. When the weather and the elements are calm the waters of the harbour become so perfectly still they are like a mirror, and on days like these a sunset boat cruise up and down its 50 kilometre length are especially special. These take you past the salmon farms, where 60 000 kilograms of live salmon churn the waters into a white froth. Canoeing and kayaking are also a popular pursuit, and the ubiquitous fishing also has its place in Strahan!

For a beach experience you wont get in many other places pay a visit to Ocean Beach near Strahan, a 40 kilometre stretch of hard white sand bordered by high dunes behind it and the rough waves of the Southern Ocean in front of it. In wild weather the water droplets off the waves can give the impression of fog, and often whales get stranded on this shoreline. Dont expect bikini clad babes or beach volleyball, but do enjoy this taste of nature at its most raw.

With its rich history and its wealth of real natural attractions, any journey you make through the west of Tassy is going to be an inspiring and interesting one. If you are coming south from Hobart then you can always continue north through to Devonport, a three hour drive from Strahan. This is where the ferry from Melbourne docks, so you could drop off your camper and head to the mainland that way. Or else you could just continue your way through Tasmania... theres lots more to see!
Details & Reservations: Exploring the West Coast of Tasmania
RealAdventures | Australia Articles

]]> http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1020103_TC-Tours http://RealAdventures.com/listings/1020103_TC-Tours Sight-Seeing Tour Australia Sun, 19 Mar 2006 00:03:00 Small personlised Tours tailored to suit your interests - US $100 - 1500
Small personlised Tours tailored to suit your interests


T. C. Tours offers personalised day and extended tours from Hobart. Our tours give clients the chance to experience Tasmania's natural beauty and history in the comfort
of a modern vehicles. Groups are small with a maximum of five passengers on day tours
and four on extended tours (all tours run on demand with a minimum of two passengers to operated)

Details & Reservations: T.C. Tours
RealAdventures | Australia Sight-Seeing Tour

]]>