2024 Tasmania List

Itinerary

• Saturday Dec 7 - SYD-LST on Virgin

• Dec 7-9: Peppers Silo in Launceston

• Dec 9-13: Cradle Mountain Wilderness Retreat @ Cradle Mountain

• Dec 13-16: Horizon Apartment in Stanley

Saturday Dec 7

We flew to Launceston on the afternoon flight - the only direct flight on Virgin. We arrived on time, collected our hire car, and checked into Pepper Silo. Since we were only here for 2 nights we did not unpack much. We had our free welcome drink in the bar sitting outside in the sunshine. We had dinner at Grain, Peppers fine dining restaurant - it was excellent.

It was a nice sunny day so we drove up to Caterack Gorge where we did a big walk - in the afternoon we did another walk along the Tamar River right outside our hotel. We had another excellent dinner at Grain.

Sunday Dec 8

It was a nice sunny day so we drove up to Caterack Gorge where we did a big walk - in the afternoon we did another walk along the Tamar River right outside our hotel. We had another excellent dinner at Grain.

Monday Dec 9

Off to Cradle Mountain today - the weather forecast was pretty dismal for the 4 days of our stay and it lived up to expectations. We arrived around 1pm and were able to check-in early which we had pre-arranged for $30. After unpacking we checked out the nearby visitor center and bought one senior annual park pass which covered Dieter and up to 6 additional family members - much cheaper than the regular daily pass.

It was cold and drizzly, as forecast, but we did a few short walks. We had dinner at the lodge and it was fine.

Tuesday Dec 10

Another cold and drizzly day - we still did the Dove Lake walk which is mostly boardwalk with the final part gravelly and a bit rough - but still classed as easy. We finished off with lunch at Pepper's Bistro - a shared burger. We tried out the 4-5pm happy hour at the lodge and had dinner there again.

Wednesday Dec 11

Same again weather-wise - we did the long walk from the ranger station to Dove Lake - 3 hours then the bus back. We finished off with lunch again at Pepper's.

Thursday Dec 12

Worst day for weather so we did a shorter walk to ... then headed back to the lodge for a banana for lunch, happy hour and finally dinner.

Friday Dec 13

We left the mountain fairly early for the drive to Stanley arriving at Horizon Deluxe Apartments around 1:30pm as we had to stop along the way to stock up on groceries and grog. We had a late lunch at the pub - a shared grilled chicken sandwich which was excellent - a pleasant surprise. We walked around the very scenic town visiting a few shops and the local museum. We had dinner at home - pasta and salad, one of holiday apartment standbys.

Friday Dec 13

We left  Cradle Mountain fairly early for the drive to Stanley arriving at Horizon Deluxe Apartments around 1:30pm as we had to stop along the way to stock up on groceries and grog. We had a late lunch at the pub - a shared grilled chicken sandwich which was excellent - a pleasant surprise. We walked around the very scenic town visiting a few shops and the local museum. We had dinner at home - pasta and salad, one of holiday apartment standbys.

Saturday Dec 14

Hip hip hooray - a fine and sunny day. We kicked off by climbing the "nut" and doing the circuit around the top. The climb was short (450m) but very very steep - most people took the chairlift - but not us old fogeys. Afterwards we drove to Smithton, the closest big town to get advice from their tourist information center.  The lady advised a full day driving circuit of the Tarkine visiting many points of interest - but since it was already noon she advised we drive to Marrawah, some 45 minutes away, and have lunch at their famous pub - but urged us to book first since it was so popular. Marrawah itself hardly counts as a town but it is home to a well know surf spot. The lunch was most unremarkable - not really worth the drive. The best part of the drive is that at the driveway to the many farms along the way, the owners had a wonderful Santa display - see photos.

Sunday Dec 15

Another fine day so we did a bit of a roadie around the Tarkine stopping at Boat Harbour Beach for lunch - the beach is rated one of the 10 best in Australia - it's certainly off the beaten track. After lunch we slowly headed back to our apartment. We had decided not to complete the Tarkine tour as most points of interest are accesses by dirt roads - not permitted in our hire car.

Monday Dec 16

So it was off home today - we woke up to howling winds and driving rain on and off so we left a bit earlier than planned. On the way to the airport (3 hour drive) we stopped at a winery just 10 minutes from the airport for a light lunch - Josef Chromy Winery is considered on the best in Tassie - it has a fine dining restaurant but we opted for the charcuterie plate in the bistro accompanied by a glass of their wine (at least I did, Dieter had a beer). Then it was off home - and off to Ventuno with Judy when we arrived around 6pm.