This is Part 2 of the Melb-Tassie Grad Trip Guide. Read Part 1 here.

I fell in love with Tasmania at first sight. It was a breath of fresh air, especially when you live in a city like Singapore. I loved the natural surroundings and access to wildlife. I was able to relax and take it slow.

To prove my point, here is a (non-exhaustive) list for the mania over Tasmania!

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Things to do in…

Tasmania

1. Ho Ho Ho, Merry Hobart

Given that the two Tasmanian airports are at Hobart and Launceston, Hobart is a must-visit. I was quite pleased to see multiple attractions located in this small town, including a Cadbury factory.

• 1.1 Salamanca Place/Market/Square

Salamanca Place is a cobblestone square at Hobart’s waterfront, a five-minute walk from the city centre. During the weekend, a market is set up along the street to sell local produce. Besides the Salamanca Arts Centre, there is a supermarket in one of those cool-looking brick houses. (Supermarkets are always exciting when you are on a budget.)

Rest or grab a bite at Salamanca Square. There are small local stores at the Square. I remember we visited a book store, filled with books to the brim, and at really affordable prices. Some may be second-hand but in good condition. I love these types of shops.

Tip: Try out the Hobart specialty, the scallop pie.

• 1.2 Brooke Street Pier

If you are interested to head to MONA, you can purchase the tickets and board the ferry at the pier. If not, you could enjoy the artsy products in their souvenir shop (which is also pretty cool).

While we did not visit MONA the Museum of Old and New Art, I thought it had unique and though-provoking exhibitions, which is definitely worthwhile to visit!

We had a good time just relaxing and enjoying the view by the pier.

• 1.3 Mount Wellington

At 1,271m above sea level, it was an incredible view off the whole city and harbour. Along the way up, we saw many bikers cycling up and down the roads to the lookout. Kudos to them cause I would not have the tenacity to do that, it took us about 30 minutes to drive up by car!

It gets cold and very, very windy at the peak, so do wear warm clothes.

We only went to the lookout but there are also other activities at Mount Wellington, which includes bush walking, horse riding, and rock climbing.

• 1.4 Hobart Rivulet Trail

We walked along the Hobart Rivulet Trail, which passes by historic landmarks. We started along the river stream, set against a backdrop of autumn leaves and cool weather.

Many houses and schools were built along the stream, making the environment more personal and cosy. I suppose the stream is a source of food and livelihood for them over time.

Along the way, we visited World Heritage Listed Female Factory, an institution used to house convict women and their children, and the Cascade Brewery. (They had a old school pinball and game machine inside, as you try out their local brew. I just played the games, of course.)

The flowers growing along the streets were also a plus point.

2. Get drunk on views at Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National Park had my favourite view of all time in Tasmania. There is no better way to look at the world from the top of Mount Amos and seeing the wonder of land, air and sea co-existing harmoniously that is Wineglass bay.

But the heart-pumping views had to be earned from a 3 hour return trek not meant for the faint-hearted.

The Trek

They had a long list of walking trails. For us, we wanted one that is within 3-4 hours duration to fit our schedule.

We had difficulties choosing between the Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach circuit VS the Mount Amos track. The Wineglass Bay circuit is an easier track which leads your directly to the beach itself, while Mount Amos is up a mountain to see the full view of the beach from the top.

We decided on Mount Amos. I was tense throughout the whole climb because there were some steep areas, and I slipped here and there. You also had to travel on all fours sideways at some parts to get to the next part of the trail.

We were really lucky to have met a group of school boys who were there for an educational field trip. Their teacher adopted us and led us during the ascend and descend of Mt Amos.

Not to forget, they even shared their digestives biscuits while enjoying the view of Wineglass bay, albeit the sweat, cuts and abrasions!

Tip: Wear sport shoes, boots, or shoes with good friction. As I used my Superga shoe, I slipped a few times, especially with the unleveled terrain.

So, how was Wineglass Bay formed?

The Freycinet Peninsula is essentially two eroded blocks of granite linked with sand isthmus. This natural phenomenon is the highlight, which features a narrow piece of sandy beach in between the two sea blocks. Wineglass Bay has been rated as one of the world’s ten best beaches.

Freycinet is also a hot spot for animals including padamelons, lizards like White’s skinks and mountain dragons, green and gold fogs, Tasmanian froglets, eagles, and wallabies who casually hop around ANYWHERE. We frequently saw wallabies on the way to the park.

Pop by any of the beaches along the road. We popped by Muirs Beach as we were staying at Coles Bay YHA Hostel. As expected, sunrise and sunsets in Australia is always something that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

3. Catch the hottest sunrise at St Helen

Some of Tasmania’s beautiful coastlines can be found at Bay of Fires. The Bay of Fires stretches about 50km starting from Binalong Bay in the South, up to Eddystone Point.

We stayed a night at St Helen to catch the sunrise at Binalong Bay. Known as a fishing town, you can expect to find a range of coastal accommodation and many white sand beaches to explore. Also heard they have really good seafood dishes. Alas, we were on a budget, so we ate (high quality) canned seafood instead.

I remembered the sun rose really fast, but I still enjoyed the peace and calmness of Binalong Bay. There were only a few people that were there.

We also spotted the famous orange lichen-covered boulders.

While the sand was really nice and smooth to walk on, there was so much seaweed, sticks, shells and dead fishes (!!) washed ashore.

Best Accommodation!

This was my favourite accoms cause it was comfy and affordable. Check out BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park. It is like a trailer home, but with ample space (4 single beds and a king-sized bed). The only thing was that we kept driving past it at night. We also had a fun time putting on our Pokemon masks here.

4. Fielding a variety of views at Mount Field National Park

The park has glacier landscapes, some of the word’s tallest eucalypt forests, and a network of walking trails (which include disabled access!). We went on two tracks.

Russell Falls/Horseshoe Falls/Tall Trees Circuit/Lady Barron Falls

2 -2.5 hrs return

The most popular attraction of Mount Field is Russell Falls, which I’ve read as the prettiest three-tier waterfall in Tasmania.

If you walk further ahead to the Lady Barron Falls, there is a long flight of stairs which made it slightly tiring.

I enjoyed this walk, especially the tall trees circuit as they are huge, and gives off this mystical vibe with the surrounding fog. Realization dawned on me that nature is indeed a force to be reckon with (cue broken trees, fallen trees and leaves).

Snow Gum Track

1.5 – 2 hrs return

After a long drive along luscious green trees to Lake Dobson, we then walked along the Pandani Grove Nature Walk, to head to the Snow Gum Track. Unfortunately, we went around 4-ish, and it was drizzling and foggy. While we could see the lake, the mountains surrounding it was covered. How mysterious.

Tip: Best to explore in the day, so you can appreciate the view of the lake better. At around 5pm, it was already cloudy and getting dark.

We actually got lost, as it wasn’t a paved road to get to the lookout. There were not enough markers to guide us, or we simply missed them as we made a wrong turn, and no one in sight to ask for help. We eventually gave up halfway as the sun was setting, and when we returned to Lake Dobson again, it was night time.

5. Cradle Mountain like it’s your baby

Cradle mountain is huge, so there are many trails and circuits which can last from 20 minutes to a week! There is a wide variety of terrains – an alpine lake, a mountain summit, a rainforest, and even a grassland, and the world’s largest count of Tasmanian devil, which is why they have a Tasmanian devil conservation centre there as well. Fitting to be called a world heritage site.

Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest lake has an artist-in-residence program since it made such an impression on the Aboriginal people, Europeans like Governor Franklin, and artists including Glover.

Accoms: Discovery Parks – Cradle Mountain

A hostel located right next to Cradle Mountain, with the carpark in front of the room. The toilet was relatively clean, but super duper cold at night. They have a variety of room options, but we booked the dorm rooms (for 4 pax) and it is tiny, with no space to place your luggage comfortably. The shared kitchen and hangout area was pretty comfy though. We made small talk with a few of them there till late night, with some interesting conversations about life experiences, and really random jokes haha.

6. My milkshake bring all the boys to Sheffield

Specifically chose to visit this town because it is known as a mural town. I suppose they have a strong arts culture, with art studios, and even desert shops selling paintings and handmade goods on the side.

The other important thing is – they have really good milkshakes! I think the milkshake was also extra sweet because it was the day I received a call telling me that I got the job (still serving the same role till this day :’) ).

A relatively small town, you can explore the area within a few hours. You can also have a gorgeous view of Mount Roland from the town. Urgh, wished Singapore has such natural geography.

7. Lounging around Launceston

By the time we reached here on our last day in Tasmania, we were dead beat after all the adventures.

I think we didn’t book the hostel in advance, and decided to just roll with whatever was available. We also visited a club, but it was empty and seemed more like a pub (lol I sound like I’m so familiar with such things, but I’m not). We also had fun cooking and just chilling at the common lounge and played board games.

We had a panic moment as we were also supposed to return our car, but they were closed on Sundays, and we couldn’t reach them over the phone. Luckily, when we returned the car at the airport the next day, there were no extra charges.

We also had a mini fight, because I dropped Alanna’s coat as I was taking the luggage out from the car. It was raining and it got wet. (Thankfully, she forgave me. What would I do without such a kind friend!) Perhaps travelling with a friend was still awkward for me at that point of time, and my reflexes and thought processes were just really slow.

We ate brunch at Bryher Cafe, and just relaxed and hung around town. We also visited a museum (YAY thank you for giving me a chance to visit one, my friend!). We popped by Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Apparently it is the largest museum in Australia not located in the capital city.

It was fun (for me at least) because I got to learn a bit about Australia’s history through the wars, and a lil bit of geography. We also discovered the different animal species in Aussie (which we don’t see in SG) and finally found the difference between a kangaroo and a wallaby. There was also a planetarium!

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There you have it. Honestly, Tasmania is such a big island, and their booklet on Tasmania’s national parks and reserves alone is 55 pages. There are still lots of other things to do in Tasmania, and I’ll be sure to visit again!

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Some tips when following circuits and trails:

• Walk safely. Watch your step, know your route. Walk with friends, or make new friends, like we did up Mount Amos.
• Watch the weather. Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, especially when you are up the mountains. During out trek up Mount Amos, it kept getting hotter, and when we were exploring Mount Field and Cradle Mountain, it suddenly rained so it was slippery, and their rain (i have no idea why) hurts when it hits you haha. So bring weatherproof jacket, sunscreen etc.
• Be prepared to turn back or change your plans if weather deteriorates or walk is more difficult than expected. On our track near Lake Dobson, we got lost, and couldn’t reach the lookout. We kept being scratched by the bushes. And the sun was setting, and no one was in sight. We decided to quickly turn back.
• Leave no trace. Minimise your impact by disposing of waste properly, leave what you find, and respect wildlife. While we were on the Enchanted Walk at Cradle Mountain, we saw a few ignorant walkers who stepped on vegetation area just to take a close up photo of the wallabies, when there were clear signs not to step there. We may not see the effects immediately, but there are environmental impact, which is a one-way street.
• Disabled Access. I love the fact that there are disabled access areas for its national parks, which is a great step at being inclusive. Spotted one at Mount Field National Park, Freycinet National Park, and Cradle Mountain.