Want to go to Tasmania?
 Overview
Tasmania and The Lost Art of Hitchhiking
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I couldn't have chosen a better place to escape a failed love affair in Melbourne than the isle of Tasmania. The beautiful island is just south of the mainland. There are frequent and affordable flights from many major cities. From Melbourne, the flight is under an hour, but doesn't deliver you directly to Hobart, the main city of the island. Tasmania is a nature-lover's paradise. The landscape takes on epic proportions of forests, mountains and bodies of water. The flora and fauna are so distinct and diverse that Tasmania doesn't even feel like a part of Australia. While the island was initially used by the British government as a prison for the worst of the country's convict forefathers, it is now a thriving tourist attraction for hikers and adventuresome artists.
This is probably not a great place to for young children who might not be inclined to appreciate the natural splendor of Tasmania or be physically equipped to take on the many hikes or long car rides. Nor is this a place for travelers intent on fine dining or upscale living. Tasmania is a refuge from this and is best suited for the rugged explorer. Also, it can get painfully hot in the Australian summer months (Dec-Feb.). The best time to go would probably be in the spring. Bring all the supplies you think you will need, as shopping is sparse on much of this untouched island. I also advise reading up on some of the Tasmanian history. Topics such as its Aboriginal extinction, the convict years and recent mining efforts can be fascinating to the intellectually curious visitor. If you're traveling in a group, I recommend renting a car. Don't worry about it if you're traveling alone, though. Tasmanians are notoriously friendly people and don't hesitate to pick up someone with an outstretched thumb. I went by myself and had no troubles hitchiking to and from the National Park I wanted to visit.  Hotels
Central City Backpackers[hotel info]
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Located right in the middle of the city, this hostel is a good deal and a smart choice to the budget-minded traveler. Rates are between AUS$18 and 24, depending on the size of the dorm. Rooms and linens are clean and everything is well-aired. My only compaint is that there is no kitchen. The common area is big, furnished and full of books, board games and other things to do. Check out the bulletin board here too. It's huge and cluttered with various notices and opportunities for the open-ended, free wheeling traveler-- there are lots of notices for ride-shares and useful items for sale. The staff is extremely helpful with lodging and information about Hobart and the surrounding area. As with any hostel, this is a great place to meet people, so introduce yourself and see where it takes you. I met some cool Korean guys, who I’ve remained in touch after two years.
After my wearisome hike, I slept like a baby on opium. Although any bed would have seemed like heaven, this bunk-bed was comfortable and clean. The area is great for exploring the central business district of Hobart and the doors never lock so enjoy yourself out in this sleepy little town.  Attractions
Freycinet National Park
I chose Freycinet because of its relative closeness to the airport. I also love that name-- phonetically, fray-si-nay-- it's just fun to say. Try it.
It was almost as fun just getting there. It took four seperate rides (all friendly Tasmanians) and I never waited longer than 5 minutes for my next ride. The route took me over lush mountains, through woods and around huge lakes. I caught the view of Freycinet Peninsula from the mainland and it looked so long that I could barely believe that it was even connected to Tasmania. The park is a popular destination for day-hikers and over-nighters alike. Take your choice of trails of varying difficulties from easy to expert, to "you must be crazy to try that." The terrain is mountainous and rocky inland and sandy by the beach. The park's most visited attraction is Wine Glass Bay . It is a short walk from the parking lot up and down a steep, but manageable and well-defined path. Walking down from one rim of the wineglass shaped bay to the other, you can find a large campsite that often sees groups of students for single night stays. Make sure to hang your food from a tree, as there is a meandering wallaby who likes to raid the campsite for food at all hours of the night. This strange and mangy animal is nothing to fear, though. Despite his feral appearance, he is completely harmless. On the other side of the campsite is the beginning of a trail that will take you to the to the highest point on the peninsula where you are garaunteed one of the most majestic and breath-taking views of a lifetime. It's well worth the rigorous climb up some seriously steep inclines. Getting down can be a test too, as the path degenerates into huge stones that you must negotiate in in treacherous leaps. At the end of the descent, you are back in the woods and on the other side of the peninsula where you can find a beach to soak your feet in and remember the amazing hike you just took. From here, it is only another 30 minute walk back to the parking lot. If you are engaging on this kind of hike, it's always important to leave your name in the book at the lodge before you embark, and to cross it off when you are through. This is especially important for anyone hiking alone, because the trails can be deserted for long stretches of time.  Restaurants
R. Takagi Sushi
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  This is the real deal. None of that avante guarde-- surrealist- experimental sushi that's more about aesthetic than taste. This sushi bar is traditional right down to the old head chef at the bar, making his spicy tuna rolls with deliberate care and a sustained passion that has kept him at his job for what I guess to be some 50 years of sushi making. The seafood is fresh caught, and served that day-- and the presentation is simple and to the point-- Plenty of ginger and wasabi on wooden sushi trays.
You can find R. Takagi in Hobart's central business district near battery point. This is the perfect restaurant for any sushi lover who is fed up with the pretentious direction that most sushi bars are going. The place is decorated with traditional Japanese adornments--- wood everywhere, and even Japanese style sliding doors. A great place for a date or just to get a Califonria role. The service is fast and courteous without the phoneyness. And while the prices may be on the expensive side, you won't find a a more devoted sushi chef or fresher fish in all of Hobart |
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