Romantic drives … Devonport to Cradle Mountain to Strahan in Tasmania

PUT simply, anywhere you drive in this delightful little state known as the Apple Isle has romance written all over it. Best to allow a good 10 days at least to appreciate a full dose of romantic journeys, but for a trip with a difference, an idea might be to grab a DriveNow campervan from Melbourne and let it float a little while as you wine and dine in preparation for a tantalising Tasmanian road trip. By float we mean the Spirit of Tasmania, a charming overnight ferry trip across the Tasman. The value here is remarkable and to take your Camper it only costs from around the $80 mark most seasons.

Upon reaching Devonport, we made the decision to head for the hills – straight to Cradle Mountain and the Discovery Holiday Park which boasts powered sites for campers, pop tops and caravans, set in earthy little bush alcoves. It really is a drive of no more than 2 hours (heading there direct), but once settled in it’s time to give your campervan a rest before some serious road-tripping around the state as you burn some energy yourself with  the most amazing walks in and around Cradle Mountain. Some of the highlights include walks through parts of Cradle Mountain National Park including Marion’s Lookout, Dove Lake, Cradle Circuit and portions of the Overland Track. Be sure to get a parks pass from Parks & Wildlife Service Tasmania (03 6233 2621). All these walks will work up a hearty appetite for fine wine and food back at the Lodge.

From here, the range of romantic drives is neverending, but one that we really enjoyed was from Cradle Mountain to Strahan in the north-west region via the mysterious Queenstown where groans and creaks of the mountain’s old mines might just prompt an extra cuddle or two for lovebirds!  The trip is winding and a little slow (but who’s racing when in this beautiful remote, isolated part of the world with stunning views everywhere you go?).

Strahan truly is a postcard perfect coastal hamlet in Tasmania. We lobbed at Strahan Holiday Park and set up camp for a few days to take our time exploring, walking and dining at some quaint little eateries and other establishments. A cruise on Macquarie Harbour is a must, as you pass through Hells Gates and head for Sarah Island to enjoy a tour. Then spend a little time up the Gordon River to Heritage Landing to check out a grove of ancient Huon pine.

Campervanning in Tasmania has never been so romantic – better still, you get enjoy some amazing views and wine and dine in class at the same time.

AUSTIN BONHAM

Driving holidays – Hobart, Richmond, Port Arthur (Tasmania)

Competition is running hot with the budget airlines in Australia, so keep a close eye on Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Tiger by signing up for their e-newsletters – there are hot deals being bandied around almost every week and you will generally find a beauty somewhere among them for Tasmanian destinations.

My wife and I snapped up return flights from Melbourne to Hobart for around the $150 mark – extraordinary value. Even better, we also discovered a ridiculously good rate with DriveNow for a 4 berth camper. From there it was a breeze. A quick one-hour flight to Hobart, we then grabbed our camper and hit the Tasman Highway, onto Richmond Rd and within half an hour we arrived at our favourite destination in Australia, the quaint village of Richmond and all its cobblestone, cottage and old world charm. This gorgeous township has some delightful treats: serene atmosphere around historic Richmond Bridge (pictured); go back in time at Grannie Rhodes’ Cottage; and explore Richmond Maze and Richmond Gaol.

After staying two lovely days and nights in Richmond we ventured south east along the Tasman and Arthur highways, glorious little drive mind you, to Port Arthur for an eerie-yet-fascinating day at the historic penal settlement exploring ruins, and later in the evening a spooky guided ghost tour. Chilling, thrilling stuff.

From there we headed back to Hobart for a bit of shopping and set up camp at Discovery Holiday Park, which we couldn’t recommend highly enough. Wonderful service, great location and plenty to see and do nearby.

AUSTIN BONHAM

Driving holidays – north east coast (Tasmania)

The brochure promised pristine beaches, wide open skies and the dream of forgetting civilization for four days – an ideal getaway for two busy mums. In reality, the Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania ticked all those boxes and more: no meal preparation for four days while exploring one of Tasmania’s remote coastlines, kayaking along beautiful Anson’s River and enjoying gourmet food soon proved why this is one of the world’s most popular holidays.

For us, this was a chance to experience the best of both worlds. Firstly, a beautiful drive in one of Australia’s best states for breathtaking views for a couple of days, and, secondly, to experience one of the world’s great walks.

Our week started the moment we landed at Launceston airport. After a swift collection of cases sans little folk, we hopped in our Hyundai Getz thanks to DriveNow with Avis offering the best deal this time around.

Some great short drives

As a precursor to our walking adventure, we decided to spend a couple of days relaxing at historic Ashton Gate with a couple of short drives out of Launceston for some R&R before our hard work by foot. An easy drive south of Launceston led us into the heart of the northern Midlands where the first settlers built their country residences and nurtured wonderful plants, hedges and farmed the land. Next day another short drive took us to Devil’s Heaven Wildlife Park home to native and exotic animals including, Tassie Devils, wombats, eagles, alpacas, roos and emus.

A walk to remember

Day 1 of the Bay of Fires Walk was part preparation of our gear and backpacks and then travelling by mini bus to our starting point at Stumpy’s Bay. The adventure started off with a relatively easy four hour walk along Cod Bay and around the coves off George’s Rocks to the Forester Beach camp for the first night’s accommodation in twin share floored tents. The camp was clean, well organized and environmentally sound: clever Australian made-composting toilets by Clivus Multrum, rainwater tanks and carrying out any rubbish means minimal impact on local ecosystems. Day 2 started early and was the hiking highlight of the trip – with a mix of rocky headlands, ridge lines and sand dunes the day’s sightseeing was diverse and a joy. After seven hours we arrived at the Bay of Fires Lodge. The warm shower on arrival was heavenly and the three course meal prepared by our guides was welcomed with open arms… and mighty apetites! Day 3 started with a sumptuous hot breakfast before hiking out to a collection point for a day of kayaking along Anson’s River. The day was capped off with a leisurely walk back to the lodge from the South along Abbotsbury Peninsula before enjoying another beautiful meal at the lodge. Day 4 commenced with a gentle walk away from the Lodge through a gorgeous forest of Peppermint Eucalypts before enjoying our last picnic lunch before returning to Launceston.

Returning to civilization

After unpacking at the Bay of Fires Walk base at Quamby Estate and sharing a bottle of bubbly with our guides and the rest of our group, we hopped back on the mini bus to return to Launceston and this time put ourselves up at Kurrajong House. Hosts Julie and Graeme showed us to our room and suggested some local eateries – well aware that we may be seeking some basic fare after our gastronomical adventure.

The choice for eateries in Launceston on a Monday night surprised us. After a bit of a scout around we settled on Toro’s on York – a Spanish restaurant with a beaut offering from tapas to light entrees and more substantial mains. After a good graze and few sangrias we hiked back up York Street to Kurrajong for our last night in Tassie. After returning our DriveNow hire car back to Avis at the airport, we hopped on our on-time Virgin Blue flight and were greeted at Tullamarine by two happy husbands and the young ones.

In short, this escape is ideal for busy people. 10 out of 10. Just beautiful.

ROSETTA BAKER