Koosmien

Hi,

As part of our big trip to Australia and New Zealand we reserved 11 days for Tasmania. In this amount of days we would like to make a circle from Hobart to Strahan, Cradle mountain, Launceston/Tamar valley, Billabong bay, freycinet, tasman peninsula and back to Hobart. We are with two young kids (4 and 1) which means we are limited in long hiking trails and long drives. As I would like to prevent rushing around and driving every day, I have two questions:
- is this itinerary doable in 11 days without rushing? Or should we skip something?
- are we missing something which we should not miss?

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Kind regards
Mark

Melnq8

Hi Mark -

Good on you for allowing a decent amount of time. I once asked an Australian friend how long I should devote to TAS and he said "three days". A nutter that one.

We've visited TAS twice, making a circuit on both trips, and had hoped to get back before we left WA for good, but didn't manage to fit it in.

To give you an idea of what you can accomplish in your allotted time, on our first visit we did this:

Hobart - four nights - base for Mt Field, Huon Trail
Cole's Bay - two nights - base for Freycinet
Launceston - two nights
Stanley - two nights
Strahan - two nights - then back to Hobart for departure

This was a nice pace, we got to see what we'd set out to, but if I had it to do over again, I'd eliminate Launceston.

On our second visit we did this:

Hobart - three nights - base for Tasman Peninsula, Port Arthur
Lake St Clair - three nights
Binalong Bay - three nights
Tamar Valley - three nights

This was also a good pace for us, but we were hiking most days, and we prefer to stay a minimum of three nights in an area whenever possible.

I think you might be surprised how much you can fit into your 11 days if you plan well (although time of year is a big factor as the weather can be iffy).

I have detailed trip reports posted here from both of these visits - they're getting old (as am I), but they might give you some insight. Just click on my screen name and scroll way, way down

Have a great trip!

marg

I think your itinerary sounds doable. A few recommendations - we stayed at the Grindelwald Resort just outside Launceston in the Tamar valley, choice of motel rooms or cabins which are set in acres of lawn, shops and restaurants on site and very family friendly. In Hobart we stayed at St Ives - self contained apartments walking distance to the city and Battery Point (admittedly adult walking distance).
The Wall in the Wilderness between Hobart and Strahan was a highlight of our visit. Absolutely unbelievable carvings in huon pine - have a look at their website. Well worth visiting.