Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Travel & Transport’ Category
Tassielink: Testing the Tassie Bus Service
For my brief visit to Tasmania at the end of June, I have been considering bus travel as an alternative to hiring a car. I have a good idea of where I want to go and have found that the coach line, Tassielink, can take me there at low cost.
Tassielink: Budget Bus Travel
Words by Roger Findlay and Photos by Dan Fellow
Tassielink has a good website featuring routes, timetables and cost. Frequent services cover most of the state making it an ideal form of travel for the student or backpacker on a low budget. I will be arriving by air in Hobart and, after most of the weekend, I want to visit places close-by including Triabunna, Dunalley and Franklin where I will stay for at least one night at each.
At the end of my stay in Hobart, I am planning to catch the bus to Launceston for a one night stay before flying back to Melbourne.
TassieLink: Don’t Miss the Bus!
Believe it or not, I can do all of this bussing around for the grand total of $106.10. Even less if I qualified for the concessions! For a bit more money, if I had more time, I could visit Bicheno, Dover or Strahan. Tassielink has them covered as well as all of the towns on the way.
Looking at the timetables, everything should run like a Ferrari; even the tight connection in Hobart on my journey between Dunalley and Franklin.
I’m looking forward to my Tassielink holiday and reporting on the service but before then I have an appointment with Flinders Island and the islanders. Until next time…
Roger Findlay spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.
Dan Fellow is a professional tourism photographer. By using his services, not
only do you get an amazing selection of images showcasing your property, but
you also receive additional exposure for your business with Think Tasmania.
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Map: Tassielink Holiday, Tasmania…
Roger Goes Crazy for Tasmania!
Sounds to me like Roger is going a little crazy… for Tasmania!
Thankfully his trip to Flinders Island is only a few weeks away.
Not long after that, he’ll be touring mainland regions of Tasmania.
When you read this article, you’ll realise just how crazy for Tasmania
the man really is… and what his lovely wife Jeanette has to put up with!
A Week in the Life of Roger
by Roger Findlay
Because of my location here on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, it’s bothering me that I’m not spending enough time in Tasmania. I must confess that I envy all the Think Tasmania writers who live in the state; especially those who have settled after moving from elsewhere.
Nikon: Capturing Tasmanian Food and Drink
My current frustration is caused by my redundant camera that is yearning to snap the indescribable scenery in Tasmania. As a substitute, images of the fabled Irish and Tasmanian Scallop Pies will be a treat for Nikon! Yes, today is St. Patrick’s Day where Jeanette has spent countless hours preparing the pies to appease her husband.
Jeanette: Roger has been away with the fairies reading books on Tasmania,
visiting Tasmanian websites, researching holiday accommodation and travel
costs. He’s considering a short trip at the end of June but he doesn’t know
whether he should fly or sail. I found one of his notes with the sums:
Tasmanian History Books
Yes, she’s right, my mind has been elsewhere, going crazy for Tasmania. I’ve been reading two books at the same time. One is about the whaling fleet that operated out of Hobart and the other is a first-hand account of the activists that live in the Tasmanian forests.
At this point I am reminded of the news clip that covered the success of Sea Shepherd that sent the Japanese whaling fleet limping home from the Southern Ocean almost empty handed. Seeing the Bob Barker docked in Hobart and hearing the words of the courageous, young skipper was the highlight of my week.
I’ve been on eBay looking for books. There’s always a bargain especially as I seek out some of the older publications. A good find was Tasmanian Journey written by Stanley Brogden in 1948 when he travelled by coach through much of Tasmania. I was saddened to read of Tasmanian Devils being hunted and killed. At that time, they were seen as a major threat to sheep. If only those people had known of the current plight to prevent extinction.
Brogden mentions the intention of Pioneer Hotels on several occasions. He sees them in the same light as the Federal Group where they would control a good portion of the tourism and hospitality sector. I can find no record of Pioneer Hotels today.
Fly, Drive or Sail to Tasmania
Sharp Airlines will be taking us to Flinders Island and they’ve finally got my money after telling me that there were only three seats left on the flight! It struck me as a convenient way of getting the money early. Yes all $912 of it for a 50 minute flight for two people. The following day, I received their newsletter advertising specials at $99 one-way. They’re sharp alright! Maybe we’ll be sitting next to the pilot with complimentary drinks and live, in-flight entertainment. It had better be good.
To promote deportation of wayward children, the Spirit of Tasmania has a special where children travel free. The only catch being that they have to be accompanied by an adult. Jeanette may pass off as child if she wears baggy pj’s and carries a pillow.
Scallop Pie Challenge
Nikon is just moments away from action. Just like Ian Thorpe, he’s making a comeback and wants to succeed. The scallop pies will be a major test and a late decision will be made on the aperture. Close to the oven, conditions will be difficult but there will be slight relief as the fridge door opens frequently.
Guinness is also ready to go. His one ball is poised for carbonation. Premature carbonation has been a problem in the past but tonight he’s expecting a good head. The ball has shown restraint on the long journey from Dublin and will enjoy his empty can being crushed in the morning. The pictures tell the story and I’m thankful that the Scallop Pie Challenge is over!
So what do you think? Is Roger crazy for Tasmania… or maybe just crazy?
Either way, Roger spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.
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Map: Flinders Island Tasmania…
Adventure Cruise: South to Bruny Island
Would you like to join an Adventure Cruise and write about the experience? That was the question posed to us by the marketing manager at Bruny Island Cruises. Here at Think Tasmania we love to cover award-winning tourism ventures, and for the last four years this one has been voted the best tourist attraction in Tasmania. That category has some pretty hot competition so this mob are obviously good. My problem was this: when sea-legs (and maybe even bravery) were handed out, I was obviously holding the door!
Adventure Cruise: Pennicott Wilderness Journeys
Avoiding this adventure cruise just because I’m a big chicken, would have been seriously negligent. We are dedicated to writing about all things Tasmanian, after all. So we booked ourselves aboard. And I’m very happy to report that I survived the day with the contents of my stomach entirely intact. Not only that, I found the experience exhilarating and truly worthy of all the accolades.
Originally, I planned to give you my “top five” features of the Bruny Island Adventure Cruise. But I honestly couldn’t narrow the list down to only five. So here’s my thoughts about the day…
The Staff ~ these guys are first class! You won’t ever meet a group of people more considerate and caring; funny and friendly; or passionate about their jobs than the team who work for Rob Pennicott. He’s chosen his staff very well. Everyone from the check-in counter and the cafe; to the boat and the bus drivers… they’re all 100% committed to providing efficient and competent service with a really big smile.
The Bus Tour ~ joining the full-day tour meant boarding a bus at the docks in Hobart. Immediately, we were on a journey rather than just a drive. Matt, our completely gorgeous 23-year-old driver, was upbeat and knowledgeable, pointing out features and giving us insights into Hobart. The “best Italian restaurant” and a “cool maritime pub” as we drove through Battery Point; then Wrest Point Casino over in Sandy Bay. People were included in the conversation, and it seemed like a day out with friends rather than strangers who’d just met.
Kettering ~ we arrived at the Huon Valley ferry terminal 20 minutes before the Mirambeena was scheduled to leave for Bruny Island. That gave us time to grab our first coffee for the day and check out the marina. Not a bad little collection of boats!
Bruny Island ~ after a 15 minute, smooth-as crossing, we began our drive to Adventure Bay on the cusp of South Bruny National Park. Along the way, Matt gave us details of food producers, wildlife, farming, fishing and beaches. We saw enough to know it’s somewhere we need to visit again as soon as possible.
Rob Pennicott ~ once we’d been served our morning tea in the cafe, we joined with other adventure cruise customers. Some had arrived under their own steam and others had joined the bus convoy in Kettering. Rob thanked us all for coming, gave an amusing talk and wished us an exciting time. It was a joy to meet the current Tasmanian of the Year, widely known as a philanthropist and pioneer of the eco-tourism industry.
The Boats ~ we made our way to the Adventure Bay jetty and boarded the bright yellow machines, ready to take on the adventure cruise. Our skipper for the day, Mick Souter, (who was also utterly gorgeous) was joined by Matt, Malcolm and a mixture of young, old, excited and nervous passengers; about 45 in total. Everyone had a terrific view, and it didn’t take long to realise the engines were pretty powerful as we zipped out into the bay.
The Adventure Cruise ~ fed a brief safety talk, some ginger tablets and a few jokes, our three-hour tour to the Southern Ocean was then underway. “It’s not meant to be easy” were Mick’s exact words as he took the wheel with a glint in his eye. At that moment, I considered jumping off and swimming back to the safety of the cafe. But I would’ve missed one of the best things I’ve done in Tasmania so far. The cliffs, the caves, the wildlife, the ocean. All mesmerising and breathtaking, and something you have to see for yourself to really appreciate.
Seals ~ if I had to choose a single highlight from the day, it would be the Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals. Friar Rocks, at the southern-most point of the Bruny Island adventure cruise, host a huge colony of the mammals. They weren’t in the least perturbed by our presence or the insane amount of photographs we were taking. Some seals swam around the boat; others continued to laze on the rocks. Amazing! But here’s a challenge for you: imagine the smell of 1000 roomies; all blokes! Soon to be launched as a signature scent… not likely!
Lunch ~ unfortunately, we returned from Friar Rocks without a dolphin sighting. Apparently the calmer the day, the less likely the sighting. But I’d take a calm day anytime! And we were treated to chocolate biscuits as a consolation prize, so that’s not so bad. Hot soup, gourmet salad rolls and drinks were ready for us back at Adventure Bay, and we had another chance to mingle and compare photos as we enjoyed a lovely lunch.
Bonus Points ~ giving people more than they’re expecting… often the difference between a good business and a great one. Chocolates with lunch (the way to my heart), and then the hint of more surprises to come as we boarded the bus for the homeward drive. Between the cafe and the ferry, we stopped ever-so briefly at Get Shucked Oysters and Bruny Island Smokehouse with just enough time to buy a few goodies. And as one last considerate gesture, Matt offered to take a detour in Hobart to deliver passengers directly to their accommodation. What a gem!
Bruny Island Cruises: Other Important Details…
This report wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention seasickness. My advice would be: plan ahead for the possibility of rough weather. Remember Mick’s words about making it to the Southern Ocean! I took my own tablets with morning tea, and then took two ginger tablets (provided by Bruny Island Cruises) on board. Stay calm, keep cool and embrace the awesome experience… if I can do it, anyone can do it! Remember my scardy-cat credentials?
Keeping cool shouldn’t actually be a problem. The weather was calm and the temperature 28C when we joined Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, but the boats go really fast and you are in southern Tassie. Naturally, it’s going to get cold. Pack a jumper! And if you’re a really cold frog, also pack a beanie and some gloves. There’s room on board to carry a small backpack with warm clothes, sunscreen and a drink bottle. Each passenger is provided with a red spray jacket. It’s a long, poncho-style number (so if you were determined to wear a dress on an adventure cruise, you’d still be covered).
Follow the Yellow Boat Road
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the good work of Rob Pennicott, Mick Souter and their cameraman Zorro Gamarnik. After my three-hour eco-adventure cruise, I have a renewed appreciate for their 2011 endeavour: the first-ever circumnavigation of Australia in an outboard-driven boat. Between June 2nd and September 11th, they travelled around the entire cost of Australia… in two dinghies!
That might seem a little crazy, and maybe that’s true; but the Follow the Yellow Boat Road campaign was devised to raise money for the world-wide eradication of polio. 92% of proceeds from the journey were donated to Rotary for this cause, and the rest will continue the important conservation works of the Pennicott Foundation. Inspiring.
Think Tasmania travelled as guests of Bruny Island Cruises.
For more information, visit their website or phone (03) 6293 1465
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Map: Bruny Island Adventure Cruise…
Cataract Gorge: Any Way You Can!
Cataract Gorge. There’s absolutely no escaping the fact that “The Gorge” is one of the most loved Tasmanian attractions. Locals and tourists to the island state all rave about it. But why? What makes it so popular? We take a closer look and offer some insight into that popularity.
Cataract Gorge: The Basin Chairlift
Firstly, the Cataract Gorge is home to the Basin Chairlift. Since 1972, the 450-metre ride has been gently transporting people from one side of the Reserve to the other. And as Harry and his buddy demonstrate, catching the chairlift is child’s play!
The views from the chairlift are always spectacular, and the ride is smooth enough to take photos. But at certain times, when northern Tasmania is receiving heavy rainfall, the river system floods and the waters raging through the Cataract Gorge provide a real show.
Climbing, Cruising and Walking in The Cataract Gorge
While the Basin Chairlift provides enough adrenalin for many people, there’s always some that want more. Rock climbers for instance, who scramble up and down the face of the cliff. The photo collage below shows the climber on the left; his location is circled on the right hand side. Scary stuff!!
Kings Bridge is an iconic landmark in Launceston and marks the start of the walking trail into the Reserve from the city centre. We cruised underneath the bridge on our Cataract Gorge Cruise with Tamar River Cruises and the construction is amazing.
Walking into the Cataract Gorge possibly provides the best experience of all. The Reserve is very close to the centre of Launceston, and the track is straight forward in terms of access and makes for quite an easy stroll.
The path follows the edge of the river, passing the gatekeeper’s cottage (another building often photographed for tourism brochures). The cottage is now leased out by the council to artists working on projects in the region.
And why wouldn’t artists be drawn to the area with so much natural beauty right on the doorstep? No matter what mode of transport you use to enjoy it, the Cataract Gorge is definitely a must-do experience in Tasmania.
Thanks to Jo Kuchel for providing some of the photos for this article.
See her guest article about Sheffield in the state’s north west, too.
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Map: Cataract Gorge, Launceston Tasmania…
Water Skiers Breaking Records in Strahan
Water Skiers: New World Record
by Mike Fry
At 7.20am this morning, The Eagle towed 145 water skiers into the record books. They set a new world record for the number of water skiers towed behind a single vessel.
The Powerful Tasmanian Eagle
This was a picture perfect morning with a clear sky and glassy waters on Macquarie Harbour as The Eagle slowly pushed the throttles forward. World Heritage Cruises own and operate The Eagle which is the only vessel in Tasmania capable of pulling this amount of water skiers. Even then they had to fit special propellers to provide enough power to lift the 154 skiers that started off.
The Eyes of the World: Record Set in Strahan
The water skiers gripped their tows and braced themselves for the ride of their lives. And they managed to break their own record of 114 skiers set two years ago at Strahan. There was a mighty cheer as the helicopters buzzed overhead. Many people around the world were able to watch the water skiers breaking the record live by logging on to Strahan’s live webcam.
145 Water Skiers: A Day on the West Coast
After one nautical mile 145 water skiers were still standing and a new world record was created. Today, in the early morning, on a pristine day on the west coast of Tasmania.
Mike Fry is the owner of Ormiston House bed and breakfast
accommodation in Strahan Tasmania
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Map: Water Skiers World Record, Strahan Tasmania…
What is So Attractive About Tasmania?
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
by Roger Findlay
If you asked me to name ten things that attract me to Tasmania as a holiday-maker I would come up with the following:
- Beauty of the island, breath-taking scenery and clean air.
- Temperature and climate, most suitable for a Pommy!
- Unspoilt places. Slow to exploit tourism through changes.
- Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania. It’s a great experience every time.
- Salamanca Market and any farmers market that we find along the way.
- Food: especially seafood, cheese and beef.
- Pubs: Knopwoods, Shippies and the Royal Oak. Gunners Arms – R.I.P.
- Fish punts, Tassal and the Wursthaus.
- Walking on the deserted beaches. Douglas River springs to mind.
- People we’ve met and friends we’ve made…
The Madsden family, Patricia, Eddie & Dulcie, to name a few.
That’s ten things that attract me to Tasmania but there are so many more.
People often ask me why I choose to travel and holiday in Tasmania so much. They often ask whether I get tired of visiting the same place year after year. My answer is always the same; but I don’t have to change my lifestyle to suit them or anyone else.
I must confess that in recent weeks, I have been toying with the idea of a first visit to New Zealand. I’m sure it is a very beautiful country with the South Island being exceptional, but for now I have unfinished business in Tasmania so NZ will have to wait until I retire in a few years’ time.
I first visited Tasmania in the mid 80’s. I was chasing a job at the ACL plant in Launceston but it didn’t lead to anything except a brief look at the island. The drive north and then down the east coast to Hobart convinced me that this was the place for me and I’ve been obsessed ever since.
Beware: Sub-Standard Accommodation
There is only one criticism that I have to make and that is the rapidly increasing price of accommodation. Some of it is mediocre and we have found a few of our hosts unsuited to the hospitality industry.
Beware! Don’t be fooled by some of the places you find on the internet. The photos and write-ups published by the owners themselves can make the accommodation look most attractive; when in reality it can be well below expectation. If you do get caught out, don’t put up with it. Let the owner know of your objections and demand a refund. Then take your business elsewhere.
Beware Tasmania! Don’t price yourself out of the market. It is a fact that I can holiday in Vietnam or Thailand cheaper than Tasmania but that’s not for me. However, when it comes to the decision of others, the attraction of a cheap overseas holiday may be their choice.
To attract the tourist keep the price reasonable, ensure good quality and make it so that the visitor wants to return.
Photos that accompany Roger’s article titled
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
have been taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.
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Bruny Island: A Collection of Memories
Bruny Island: An Introduction
by Roger Findlay
Bruny Island Ferry: Kettering
Bruny Island can be accessed by regular ferry service from Kettering in the Huon Valley region. Kettering is a comfortable 45 minute drive south of Hobart on the southern outlet via Kingston. To make the journey a bit more interesting, we usually travel along the coast road through Sandy Bay and Taroona where you may wish to visit to the Shot Tower.
Before you commence your journey, check out the Bruny Island Ferry departure times so that you don’t have to wait for too long.
The ferry boat is of drive on-drive off style and the cost for a return trip is between $28 and $42 depending on the season and length of the vehicle. The good ship Mirambeena sails at a steady pace for twenty minutes before docking at Roberts Point south of Barnes Bay right at the start of the Bruny Island main road. The crossing can be a bit blowy but I don’t think you need to take tablets for sea sickness!
Isthmus: Memorial to Truganini
Now for those of you that don’t know what an isthmus is, I can tell you! It is a narrow strip of land between two seas. Bruny is almost like two islands (north and south) joined by an isthmus just wide enough for the road. With the sea either side, it makes for a very different drive. Half way across the isthmus is a lookout and a memorial to Truganini who was born on the island and was married at the island’s mission in 1829.
Lookout for Bruny Island Residents…
Before we went, I read there are more snakes on Bruny Island than anywhere else in Tasmania. This didn’t stop us from staying a few days and we’re glad we did as there’s so much to see and do. The coastal views are breathtaking especially at Kelly’s Lookout.

Breathtaking coastal views abound on Bruny Island
We stayed in a small house in Lunawanna (South Bruny). It was fairly close to the Cape Bruny lighthouse where we spent time walking the surrounds. For those interested in history, you can visit the location of Captain James Cook’s 1777 landing at Adventure Bay.
Bruny Island Foodie Paradise!
For the foodie, Bruny Island is paradise. I am told the Bruny Island Smokehouse (BISH) is a must. We chose a cheese platter and fresh baked bread from Nick Haddow’s cheese factory but you may choose to source freshly caught fish or oysters. The Hotel at Alonnah serves hearty pub food and you can sit outside drinking a cleansing ale right beside the sea.
We’ve been to Bruny Island twice now and it’s a place we would visit again. Three days on the island makes it worthwhile and reduces the odds of seeing one of those snakes I told you about!
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Map: Bruny Island Tasmania…

























































