We were there in Febuary had some very cold days and some hot days . Brother in law was there this year from January to June and had the four seasons . But don't let the weather stop you it's a great place to visit at any time . To do the island justice you would need min 12 weeks max 6 months ,so much to see and many free camp sites to stop at .Enjoy Dhutime
-- Edited by Dhutime on Sunday 18th of October 2015 03:58:19 PM
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Keep your eyes open so you can see where you are heading
We went to Tasmania quite a few years ago leaving mid Jan until April and not nearly long enough. So much to see - it's a beautiful island. We plan to return early Jan 2016 to catch up on all the things we missed the first time. Most of the time the weather was close to perfect, with a few very hot days thrown in. Because of the cost to get across with the van you have to stay a decent time to make it worth the while. Enjoy your time there. Maybe we will see you somewhere along the way.
We took the van over and had 6 months there Oct-April. Don't feel we saw it all, even in that time.
We did a lot of day walks, which we were into then.
Tended to park the van and explore area out around it for a week or so, then move on to the next spot. Though stayed longer at the really great places.
Dealt with the Xmas period by staying in a caravan park in a Hobart suburb. Fewer crowds than on the coast. We got to see the finish of the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in that time, and the great Taste of Tasmania festival.
I think that was a good time to go. We did not have much bad weather at all. By the time we were making our way towards the ferry, in early April, could tell that autumn was happening - real chill in the morning air and chilly at night.
We did a complete circle of Tasmania plus Cradle Mtn. 15 nights staying in cabins in March this year, the weather was kind to us. The roads are so up, down, winding & narrow that we said that we would never take our caravan over there. On the other hand we saw some great low cost/free camping areas along our way. We reckon at least 4 months would be required to see it properly. It's a BIG little island.
We're sure that you'll have a great time.
PS. We hated the ''bun fight'' lining up for hours to get our car on & off the boat. We also made the mistake of doing a day sailing to Tassie, what a boring trip!
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Cheers Desert Dweller.
Our land abounds in Natures gifts. Of beauty rich and rare.
We are currently thinking of going to Tasmania, towing a van. At this stage we are looking at March 2016.
My question is: What is the best time to go? Mid January to mid April is best, this year is already great with no rain
How long do you recommend we go for? 6 weeks plus, 3 months or more would be ideal
This will be a one off, so we would like to see as much as possible, time is not a issue. Stay away from coastal while kids are on holidays if going in January
Your help would be appreciated. Roads are OK if you take your time, just let the traffic behind you get past. Slow down on overtaking lanes and let the traffic past if you are towing. As a truck driver in Tassie this would be my biggest bugbear. Tourist taking their time on unfamiliar roads and as some as they see a straight bit of road, they speed up and not allow a truck to pass. I leave Devonport around 6.30am when on dayshift and usually get to follow caravans coming off the boat heading east. It makes for some interesting driving at times.
We are currently doing the lap of Tassy. We arrived on 2nd Oct - returning on 20 March 2016, approximately 6 months. As we have previously had a "three week taster" we really want to feel the island, and know that anything less is just a teaser.
Few points of note on the ferry crossing:
We booked online 11 months ahead and apparently got a better price that if we had booked more recently
For a night sailing, we booked recliners, but upgraded to a 4 berth, (two people exclusive use - inside cabin) at the last moment. Cost us another $125.00 but at least we had a good night sleep and a shower and toilet
Inside cabins are cheaper than outside cabins - you don't see anything anyway at night
Dinner meal is reasonably priced, comparable to most club prices.
Our return has been booked, also 11 months ahead online, day sailing, so no accom is required. Have taken on board what Desert Dweller has to say, remains to be seen what it will be like.
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Pay it forward - what goes around comes around
DUNMOWIN is no longer on the road and still DUNMOWIN!
I would endorse most of what has already been posted.
If possible you could consider coming over a couple of weeks earlier, perhaps even in February. Leave your departure date as is.
Your booking of a twin share inside cabin for a night time crossing and a day sailing is what we usually do. For the night sailing you could consider an early dinner before boarding and having breakfast after dis-embarking. If you use your van you will probably save the best part of $100 as compared to costs of eating on board. For the day time sailing get yourselves a couple of novels to read, other wise the time does drag and also consider what you will do when you dis-embark into Melbourne at about 6.00pm.
Consider travelling around the state in a clockwise direction; it will give you the best views of the coast and the descent into Queenstown will be quite dramatic.
You need at least 6 months to really say you have covered Tassie, August And September are the coldest months however views and the mood of the landscape can be so dramatic at that time with silhouettes and fog and snow in some areas i.e. the west coast. a beautiful time! Any time onward from October through to late June will usually reward you with nice weather. After 18 years here I still find new and exciting places also during the period October to May there is always a town festival or event on somewhere each week. Its 5 O'clock somewhere in Tassie!
We are currently doing the lap of Tassy. We arrived on 2nd Oct - returning on 20 March 2016, approximately 6 months. As we have previously had a "three week taster" we really want to feel the island, and know that anything less is just a teaser.
Few points of note on the ferry crossing:
We booked online 11 months ahead and apparently got a better price that if we had booked more recently
For a night sailing, we booked recliners, but upgraded to a 4 berth, (two people exclusive use - inside cabin) at the last moment. Cost us another $125.00 but at least we had a good night sleep and a shower and toilet
Inside cabins are cheaper than outside cabins - you don't see anything anyway at night
Dinner meal is reasonably priced, comparable to most club prices.
Our return has been booked, also 11 months ahead online, day sailing, so no accom is required. Have taken on board what Desert Dweller has to say, remains to be seen what it will be like.
If you are going to Scottsdale check out the tree carvings opposite RSL (POI on Wikicamps), then Legerwood tree carvings, Derby free camp and and fish on rock painting.
If going to Launceston check out Old Macs Farm $10 night and Myrtle Park $6 night
I will be in Scottsdale, Legerwood tommorrow in a milk tanker
We are currently doing the lap of Tassy. We arrived on 2nd Oct - returning on 20 March 2016, approximately 6 months. As we have previously had a "three week taster" we really want to feel the island, and know that anything less is just a teaser.
Few points of note on the ferry crossing:
We booked online 11 months ahead and apparently got a better price that if we had booked more recently
For a night sailing, we booked recliners, but upgraded to a 4 berth, (two people exclusive use - inside cabin) at the last moment. Cost us another $125.00 but at least we had a good night sleep and a shower and toilet
Inside cabins are cheaper than outside cabins - you don't see anything anyway at night
Dinner meal is reasonably priced, comparable to most club prices.
Our return has been booked, also 11 months ahead online, day sailing, so no accom is required. Have taken on board what Desert Dweller has to say, remains to be seen what it will be like.
If you are going to Scottsdale check out the tree carvings opposite RSL (POI on Wikicamps), then Legerwood tree carvings, Derby free camp and and fish on rock painting.
If going to Launceston check out Old Macs Farm $10 night and Myrtle Park $6 night
I will be in Scottsdale, Legerwood tommorrow in a milk tanker
Thanks Chris, we did Scottsdale a few time in the past two weeks, and legerwood on Saturday.
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Pay it forward - what goes around comes around
DUNMOWIN is no longer on the road and still DUNMOWIN!
Having lived there I say avoid the winter months. 6 weeks will scratch the surface - 6 months you will see a lot more. 12 months will get most of it. Book early for cheaper prices on the ferry (we got an inside cabin for just the two of us, and our 9m long, 3.5m high bus across for $400) and have fun!
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The Mobile Madhouse: me (Rosie), him (Troy), a kelpie, a kelpie-dingo, a husky & a rainbow lorikeet.
TheBeginning wrote:This will be a one off, so we would like to see as much as possible, time is not a issue.
If it's a one time visit then take as much time as you can. The peak ferry rates seem to have been extended from mid December to mid February. I would suggest going early December and coming back late the next year. For Christmas, several people I have spoken to have said Christmas day in Longford caravan park is great.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Trip 17/01/16 to 03/04/16 Spirit of a Tasmania late departure due to the incident in Melbourne hitting the wharf during 130 - 150 Klm wind storm. Quarantine at Melbourne very strict, do not take fruit and vegetables and no fish, remember No fish this was also any bait you may have in the freezer / fridge they confiscated the bloody lot. Gas bottles attached and locked on your van ok bbq bottles they get those and return them at Devonport 1/2 hour to 1 hour after docking when the caged trailer comes off the ship. Petrol container jerry cans are emptied prior to boarding and you have lost the fuel sorry. Even when booking your return fare and paying for your voyage, vehicle (tug),your caravan,cabin and people travelling your agreed value can be compromised by overzealous people who will rip you off for up to $200 extra because of the length of the overall length of combined vehicles, so your contract is not worth anything.
Tasmania was expensive fuel and dining out allow for this but the produce is tasty and fresh. The people of Tas make you feel welcome and are very friendly met some bonza people that are now our friends. The whole experience of Tasmania the beauty of the land coastline and lakes was great, this was our 4th trip here but the previous ones one week or two weeks was surpassed by this 13 week epic and towing a 20 foot caravan was hairy at times worst roads Scotsdale to St Helens, Bicheno to St Mary,s through the elephant pass, The road from Hobart to Queenstown, and the road from Burnie to Strahan via Hellyar gorge. The trip and stay at Stanley you have to go to the Knut was good but the winds were rough on the annexe.Cradle mountain was good on a good day and go to Tasmazia near Sheffield.
Overall trip Devonport - Port Sorrel, George Town east beach caravan park at Low End, Bicheno, Coles Bay, Sorrel, Queenstown, Strahan, Stanley, Burnie, Ulverstone, we drove to Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Southport, Hobart, Launceston, Devonport and humour ours other places. The only problem we had was the weather and although the mainland had the heatwave we got very cold and could not buy a heater as this was a winter item. I am afraid we will not be back and those contemplating the journey make sure you have a return booking and also make sure your driving licence is all up to date as you cannot renew interstellar down there, Come on Australia Licence.
