Taking the car on the ferry was a wonderful new experience, and enjoying driving around Tasmania in our own car.
Tasmania Bound
A trip to Tasmania beckoned, and so we had our own car to drive it was decided to take the ferry, The Spirit of Tasmania. We did the day crossing for something different, and it’s a long time on a ferry (more than ten hours).
There is a cinema, but this is extra at full cinema prices. There is also an electronic games room and TVs are everywhere, plus many different lounges to explore. Plus, there are a number of eateries, but the best food is the main cafeteria. Other choices include a small grocery shop (sandwiches) and a handful of bars (mainly sandwiches).
The boys found “Disco Bingo” to be quite fun, and I found a few songs I’d never heard of, including Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep by Middle of the Road (1971).
We got to Devonport at around 8pm. Then we drove to Launceston. One drawback of a day sail is that you miss out on the nearby scenery. Our return is an overnight run on the ferry.
Launceston
The first part of the holiday after Devonport is a drive at night to Launceston. This is one disadvantage of day sailing, you miss out on the scenery.
En Route to Bicheno
A quick stop at Launceston to look at the Tamar River and park, then onto Bicheno doing the sights and walks as they come along.
Bicheno and Freycinet National Park
As we had missed the day’s cruise, we had a look around Bicheno and Freycinet National Park.
Freycinet National Park Cruise
Just loved this place. Beautiful scenery and Wineglass Bay is amazing. The lookout gives a great view of it, but also take a cruise. It’s well worth the money. Accommodation is scarce during school holidays and is mostly holiday house rental and not overnight. We ended up going back to Bicheno to stay. Not too far and it’s much cheaper.
Time for a cruise. We did walk up to the lookout to view Wineglass Bay the previous day but the cruise is much easier plus you get a lovely lunch provided.
Port Arthur
Many changes since we were here in 1991, including the sad mass shooting in 1996. The memorial is a fitting tribute to the lives lost.
The penitentiary has had reinforcement done to prevent further decay, and there is now a large visitor centre along with a much larger admission cost. The added exhibits make it a worthwhile and interesting place to visit.
Richmond and Hobart
Staying a night at Richmond. I just love this town with its many beautiful heritage buildings and shops.
Cadbury and Queenstown
No visit to Tasmania is complete without a stop at the Cadbury factory! Factory tours are no longer run unfortunately, but there’s plenty of cheap chocolate. Must do plenty of walks later to work it off.
West Coast Wilderness Railway
A beautiful ride from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril. Very steep grades for a railway, the locomotive uses a rack to climb. Amazing views too.
Cradle Mountain
A visit to the beautiful Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. With an overnight stay at Cradle Mountain Lodge with a delicious buffet breakfast, didn’t need to eat for the rest of the day!
Sheffield and Don River Railway
Our last day in Tasmania started with a beautiful morning at Cradle Mountain Lodge, sightseeing around Sheffield, and one last railway attraction, the Don River Railway.
Homeward Bound
On the ferry home and ready to be rocked to sleep by the Spirit of Tasmania.
