Accompanied by my nanna, I recently took a week long trip to Tasmania with DREAMTIME TOURS.It was my first trip to the state. Wednesday 20/11/02 (day 1) If you can call it a "day" I guess that's up to you, but all we did was board the Spirit Of Tasmania at 7 PM from Port Melbourne. The boat didn't leave til a little after 9 pm. We had a delicious meal on board before this. I went to bed at about 9.45 after being on the open deck to be in the excitment of it departing. The first part of the journey was very smooth and I was able to get to sleep soundly. I woke with a start at 11.30 (when I checked my watch). The ship was rolling and rocking and banging, and I did remember "they" said we'd be travelling through the heads at 11, so I presumed that was it, and I was pretty much right. 21/11/02 (day 2) Despite this, I did get quite a lot of sleep, still not complete, but good enough. My head was swimming though, and we got an announcement at 6of this morning that the ship will be docking in another "45 minutes", so I got up. It was smooth again for the first time. I Got ready and met up with the rest of the tour. A little after 7, we got off the ship at Devonport and got on our coach. We drove up a little way to a lovely clean beach spot and we then had our breakfast, (a packed box for each of us.) We then drove to the Seahorse World in Beautypoint where we had morning tea at the Cafe there, before going on a minny tour of their seahorse tanks and farm, and we watched a short video at the end about the Sea Dragon. After this we drove to Grindelwald, (Swiss Village) where we looked around and looked at the marvellous scultures made out of wood (which I felt.)I was also amazed at the waterwheel as well as the many other variety of fountains.) After this we drove to Launceston where we walked around, had lunch, etc. After two hours there we drove to Cataract Gorge and I went on the chairlift around there. Despite the scenery I missed, I loved the chairlift so much. It went on for ages which went down well with me! (Actually it is the longest chairlift span in the world today)! Then we drove to the Great Western motel where we are staying tonight. It's a cool motel room. Even though the majority of the people are older, I am enjoying myself as I came for the holiday really. As I'd only been on a Ferry in New Zealand between islands for about three hours, the ship last night was a great experience for me. It was real exciting! I haven't even been in this state for one whole day and I'm already singing its praises highly. It is certainly not the rat-race of Melbourne. Everyone is more relaxed. Even the services in shops and food stores is better I found. Small population means a lot I think. 22/11/02 (day 3) This morning after a great breakfast at 7.30, we left LC at 8.30. We drove for quite a while to Ross Town where we had a walk and a look around. Then after an hour or so, we drove to the wood Mill at Swansea and got a small guided tour about what they do (grind this unique Tasmanian bark - forget what it's called off hand - down to make powder which is good for animal skins because of the acid.) We then looked in the gift shop there and had lunch in the tea room. After this, we drove for a few hours (time to sleep) to the town of Richmond where we again looked around. From there we continued to Hobart where we went to our motel, and from The time of writing, have tea in 40 mins, (always 6.30.) The coach driver is good, he talks along the way, as they do, pointing out landmarks and giving us the History of the various towns and farming places. 23/11/02 (Day 4) Today we had a lovely breakfast at 8, then we drove up to the summet of Wellington Mountain where everyone looked down. (couldn't believe how long it took to drive up there - also, talk about freezing!) Then from there we went to the Selimanka market in the city of Hobart. We spent a few hours looking around there as well as eating (of course), Then we went to a lookout to get our photos taken as a group and now we're back to the motel. (refer to the Hobart link for my reference points.) (There are a lot of great radio stations in Hobart, unlike Lc where there was practically nothing for me. I listen to a radio station here called Magic107 fm which plays a variety from the 60's to today, even better than all the stations in Melbourne put together in my opinion.) 24/11/02 (day 5) This morning we left at 8.30 driving to Port Arthur stopping for several brief toilet, coffee, and look out points along the way; the town of Sorell,Eaglehawk neck, The blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasmans arch along the way. We had our lunch at the cafe there before going on the guided tour. It was amazing to hear the history of this famous settlement I had heard so much about. We went to explore the convicts cells as well as a couple of the houses belonging to the Governor, etc. We then went on a minny cruise to and around the Isle Of The Dead (spooky name.) I was disapointed to learn we weren't going on the famous ghost tour I'd heard so much about, but I will definitely have to come back at a future date. After the cruise we went to look in the gift shop, (of which I purchased a CD full of Australiana songs) then we left. We made our way back to our motel in Hobart. We have one more night here. 25/11/02 (day 6) This morning we left at an early 7.30 to go to the Cadbury Factory in Clairmont because we had an 8 AM slot (luckily we got that slot at all.) It was very interesting to learn how much goes into making my absolute fave brand of chocolate, (no, they didn't pay me or give me any gifts to say that!) We got free tastings as we went! Nanna explained as much as she could and I was greatful, though I had this real urge to be able to see it all myself, (I suppose given it's something I am real interested in.) Anyway as I say, I never imagine machinery at these factories. I was imagining all these people mixing potions, but not at all, even though they have 500 full time staff and about the same amount of casual workers. After our tour and delicious tastings, we went to the factory's shop where I got over 30 bucks worth (31.95 to be exact!) After this, we drove to Tarraleah where the sighties viewed the massive power station there. We drove for quite a way after that ending up at the Brontey Park village motel for lunch. After this, we drove to mt. Nelson falls where a number of us walked on a man-made track of the national park with all natural springs and waterfalls but at the end was a massive one which was described to me as "absolutely spectacular". I did enjoy it myself as I don't think I have walked amongst this sort of environment before; listening to the gentle waterfalls and tiny creeks along side us as we walked as well and breathing in the moist air. I was so surprised at how everything I touched was damp and cold! From here we drove a little way (sorry about my overly-powerful description :) to Queenstown where we had a little walk around the town. We viewed the small railway and train which is used for tourists. We then drove, literally two seconds to the motel where we spent our final night. 26/11/02(day7) We left Queenstown at 9, mainly driving through places for the visual stimuli (sorry, was stuck for words :) stopping at Tulleah. Before and after this stop we (they) caught glimpses of Cradel Mountain, as well as many other scenic sites (mostly forest and other small mountains.) We made our way finally to Shefield where we stopped in the town to eat lunch (at a lovely local bakery) as well as having a general squizz around the small country town. It was here that we drove to Devinport for a tour of the town and cheese tasting at the factory they have there. We then went for tea at the Agocy hotel not far from our ship. After this we drove our last two min journey to the peer and we finally boarded. and here I am about to go to bed. We will be arriving in Mel approx. 6.30 (half an hour earlier than last time.) That will be all from me until my next holiday (ha ha!) so long, fare well, it's been great but ... ... cheers!!! The journal was taken live from my brille note. However once I'd got home I added the links to hopefully liven your experience of my trip. Click here to return home.
Wednesday 20/11/02 (day 1) If you can call it a "day" I guess that's up to you, but all we did was board the Spirit Of Tasmania at 7 PM from Port Melbourne. The boat didn't leave til a little after 9 pm. We had a delicious meal on board before this. I went to bed at about 9.45 after being on the open deck to be in the excitment of it departing. The first part of the journey was very smooth and I was able to get to sleep soundly. I woke with a start at 11.30 (when I checked my watch). The ship was rolling and rocking and banging, and I did remember "they" said we'd be travelling through the heads at 11, so I presumed that was it, and I was pretty much right. 21/11/02 (day 2) Despite this, I did get quite a lot of sleep, still not complete, but good enough. My head was swimming though, and we got an announcement at 6of this morning that the ship will be docking in another "45 minutes", so I got up. It was smooth again for the first time. I Got ready and met up with the rest of the tour. A little after 7, we got off the ship at Devonport and got on our coach. We drove up a little way to a lovely clean beach spot and we then had our breakfast, (a packed box for each of us.) We then drove to the Seahorse World in Beautypoint where we had morning tea at the Cafe there, before going on a minny tour of their seahorse tanks and farm, and we watched a short video at the end about the Sea Dragon. After this we drove to Grindelwald, (Swiss Village) where we looked around and looked at the marvellous scultures made out of wood (which I felt.)I was also amazed at the waterwheel as well as the many other variety of fountains.) After this we drove to Launceston where we walked around, had lunch, etc. After two hours there we drove to Cataract Gorge and I went on the chairlift around there. Despite the scenery I missed, I loved the chairlift so much. It went on for ages which went down well with me! (Actually it is the longest chairlift span in the world today)! Then we drove to the Great Western motel where we are staying tonight. It's a cool motel room. Even though the majority of the people are older, I am enjoying myself as I came for the holiday really. As I'd only been on a Ferry in New Zealand between islands for about three hours, the ship last night was a great experience for me. It was real exciting! I haven't even been in this state for one whole day and I'm already singing its praises highly. It is certainly not the rat-race of Melbourne. Everyone is more relaxed. Even the services in shops and food stores is better I found. Small population means a lot I think. 22/11/02 (day 3) This morning after a great breakfast at 7.30, we left LC at 8.30. We drove for quite a while to Ross Town where we had a walk and a look around. Then after an hour or so, we drove to the wood Mill at Swansea and got a small guided tour about what they do (grind this unique Tasmanian bark - forget what it's called off hand - down to make powder which is good for animal skins because of the acid.) We then looked in the gift shop there and had lunch in the tea room. After this, we drove for a few hours (time to sleep) to the town of Richmond where we again looked around. From there we continued to Hobart where we went to our motel, and from The time of writing, have tea in 40 mins, (always 6.30.) The coach driver is good, he talks along the way, as they do, pointing out landmarks and giving us the History of the various towns and farming places. 23/11/02 (Day 4) Today we had a lovely breakfast at 8, then we drove up to the summet of Wellington Mountain where everyone looked down. (couldn't believe how long it took to drive up there - also, talk about freezing!) Then from there we went to the Selimanka market in the city of Hobart. We spent a few hours looking around there as well as eating (of course), Then we went to a lookout to get our photos taken as a group and now we're back to the motel. (refer to the Hobart link for my reference points.) (There are a lot of great radio stations in Hobart, unlike Lc where there was practically nothing for me. I listen to a radio station here called Magic107 fm which plays a variety from the 60's to today, even better than all the stations in Melbourne put together in my opinion.) 24/11/02 (day 5) This morning we left at 8.30 driving to Port Arthur stopping for several brief toilet, coffee, and look out points along the way; the town of Sorell,Eaglehawk neck, The blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasmans arch along the way. We had our lunch at the cafe there before going on the guided tour. It was amazing to hear the history of this famous settlement I had heard so much about. We went to explore the convicts cells as well as a couple of the houses belonging to the Governor, etc. We then went on a minny cruise to and around the Isle Of The Dead (spooky name.) I was disapointed to learn we weren't going on the famous ghost tour I'd heard so much about, but I will definitely have to come back at a future date. After the cruise we went to look in the gift shop, (of which I purchased a CD full of Australiana songs) then we left. We made our way back to our motel in Hobart. We have one more night here. 25/11/02 (day 6) This morning we left at an early 7.30 to go to the Cadbury Factory in Clairmont because we had an 8 AM slot (luckily we got that slot at all.) It was very interesting to learn how much goes into making my absolute fave brand of chocolate, (no, they didn't pay me or give me any gifts to say that!) We got free tastings as we went! Nanna explained as much as she could and I was greatful, though I had this real urge to be able to see it all myself, (I suppose given it's something I am real interested in.) Anyway as I say, I never imagine machinery at these factories. I was imagining all these people mixing potions, but not at all, even though they have 500 full time staff and about the same amount of casual workers. After our tour and delicious tastings, we went to the factory's shop where I got over 30 bucks worth (31.95 to be exact!) After this, we drove to Tarraleah where the sighties viewed the massive power station there. We drove for quite a way after that ending up at the Brontey Park village motel for lunch. After this, we drove to mt. Nelson falls where a number of us walked on a man-made track of the national park with all natural springs and waterfalls but at the end was a massive one which was described to me as "absolutely spectacular". I did enjoy it myself as I don't think I have walked amongst this sort of environment before; listening to the gentle waterfalls and tiny creeks along side us as we walked as well and breathing in the moist air. I was so surprised at how everything I touched was damp and cold! From here we drove a little way (sorry about my overly-powerful description :) to Queenstown where we had a little walk around the town. We viewed the small railway and train which is used for tourists. We then drove, literally two seconds to the motel where we spent our final night. 26/11/02(day7) We left Queenstown at 9, mainly driving through places for the visual stimuli (sorry, was stuck for words :) stopping at Tulleah. Before and after this stop we (they) caught glimpses of Cradel Mountain, as well as many other scenic sites (mostly forest and other small mountains.) We made our way finally to Shefield where we stopped in the town to eat lunch (at a lovely local bakery) as well as having a general squizz around the small country town. It was here that we drove to Devinport for a tour of the town and cheese tasting at the factory they have there. We then went for tea at the Agocy hotel not far from our ship. After this we drove our last two min journey to the peer and we finally boarded. and here I am about to go to bed. We will be arriving in Mel approx. 6.30 (half an hour earlier than last time.) That will be all from me until my next holiday (ha ha!) so long, fare well, it's been great but ... ... cheers!!! The journal was taken live from my brille note. However once I'd got home I added the links to hopefully liven your experience of my trip. Click here to return home.
Wednesday 20/11/02 (day 1) If you can call it a "day" I guess that's up to you, but all we did was board the Spirit Of Tasmania at 7 PM from Port Melbourne. The boat didn't leave til a little after 9 pm. We had a delicious meal on board before this. I went to bed at about 9.45 after being on the open deck to be in the excitment of it departing. The first part of the journey was very smooth and I was able to get to sleep soundly. I woke with a start at 11.30 (when I checked my watch). The ship was rolling and rocking and banging, and I did remember "they" said we'd be travelling through the heads at 11, so I presumed that was it, and I was pretty much right.
21/11/02 (day 2) Despite this, I did get quite a lot of sleep, still not complete, but good enough. My head was swimming though, and we got an announcement at 6of this morning that the ship will be docking in another "45 minutes", so I got up. It was smooth again for the first time. I Got ready and met up with the rest of the tour. A little after 7, we got off the ship at Devonport and got on our coach. We drove up a little way to a lovely clean beach spot and we then had our breakfast, (a packed box for each of us.) We then drove to the Seahorse World in Beautypoint where we had morning tea at the Cafe there, before going on a minny tour of their seahorse tanks and farm, and we watched a short video at the end about the Sea Dragon. After this we drove to Grindelwald, (Swiss Village) where we looked around and looked at the marvellous scultures made out of wood (which I felt.)I was also amazed at the waterwheel as well as the many other variety of fountains.) After this we drove to Launceston where we walked around, had lunch, etc. After two hours there we drove to Cataract Gorge and I went on the chairlift around there. Despite the scenery I missed, I loved the chairlift so much. It went on for ages which went down well with me! (Actually it is the longest chairlift span in the world today)! Then we drove to the Great Western motel where we are staying tonight. It's a cool motel room. Even though the majority of the people are older, I am enjoying myself as I came for the holiday really. As I'd only been on a Ferry in New Zealand between islands for about three hours, the ship last night was a great experience for me. It was real exciting! I haven't even been in this state for one whole day and I'm already singing its praises highly. It is certainly not the rat-race of Melbourne. Everyone is more relaxed. Even the services in shops and food stores is better I found. Small population means a lot I think.
22/11/02 (day 3) This morning after a great breakfast at 7.30, we left LC at 8.30. We drove for quite a while to Ross Town where we had a walk and a look around. Then after an hour or so, we drove to the wood Mill at Swansea and got a small guided tour about what they do (grind this unique Tasmanian bark - forget what it's called off hand - down to make powder which is good for animal skins because of the acid.) We then looked in the gift shop there and had lunch in the tea room. After this, we drove for a few hours (time to sleep) to the town of Richmond where we again looked around. From there we continued to Hobart where we went to our motel, and from The time of writing, have tea in 40 mins, (always 6.30.) The coach driver is good, he talks along the way, as they do, pointing out landmarks and giving us the History of the various towns and farming places.
23/11/02 (Day 4) Today we had a lovely breakfast at 8, then we drove up to the summet of Wellington Mountain where everyone looked down. (couldn't believe how long it took to drive up there - also, talk about freezing!) Then from there we went to the Selimanka market in the city of Hobart. We spent a few hours looking around there as well as eating (of course), Then we went to a lookout to get our photos taken as a group and now we're back to the motel. (refer to the Hobart link for my reference points.) (There are a lot of great radio stations in Hobart, unlike Lc where there was practically nothing for me. I listen to a radio station here called Magic107 fm which plays a variety from the 60's to today, even better than all the stations in Melbourne put together in my opinion.)
24/11/02 (day 5) This morning we left at 8.30 driving to Port Arthur stopping for several brief toilet, coffee, and look out points along the way; the town of Sorell,Eaglehawk neck, The blowhole, Devil's Kitchen and Tasmans arch along the way. We had our lunch at the cafe there before going on the guided tour. It was amazing to hear the history of this famous settlement I had heard so much about. We went to explore the convicts cells as well as a couple of the houses belonging to the Governor, etc. We then went on a minny cruise to and around the Isle Of The Dead (spooky name.) I was disapointed to learn we weren't going on the famous ghost tour I'd heard so much about, but I will definitely have to come back at a future date. After the cruise we went to look in the gift shop, (of which I purchased a CD full of Australiana songs) then we left. We made our way back to our motel in Hobart. We have one more night here.
25/11/02 (day 6) This morning we left at an early 7.30 to go to the Cadbury Factory in Clairmont because we had an 8 AM slot (luckily we got that slot at all.) It was very interesting to learn how much goes into making my absolute fave brand of chocolate, (no, they didn't pay me or give me any gifts to say that!) We got free tastings as we went! Nanna explained as much as she could and I was greatful, though I had this real urge to be able to see it all myself, (I suppose given it's something I am real interested in.) Anyway as I say, I never imagine machinery at these factories. I was imagining all these people mixing potions, but not at all, even though they have 500 full time staff and about the same amount of casual workers. After our tour and delicious tastings, we went to the factory's shop where I got over 30 bucks worth (31.95 to be exact!) After this, we drove to Tarraleah where the sighties viewed the massive power station there. We drove for quite a way after that ending up at the Brontey Park village motel for lunch. After this, we drove to mt. Nelson falls where a number of us walked on a man-made track of the national park with all natural springs and waterfalls but at the end was a massive one which was described to me as "absolutely spectacular". I did enjoy it myself as I don't think I have walked amongst this sort of environment before; listening to the gentle waterfalls and tiny creeks along side us as we walked as well and breathing in the moist air. I was so surprised at how everything I touched was damp and cold! From here we drove a little way (sorry about my overly-powerful description :) to Queenstown where we had a little walk around the town. We viewed the small railway and train which is used for tourists. We then drove, literally two seconds to the motel where we spent our final night.
26/11/02(day7) We left Queenstown at 9, mainly driving through places for the visual stimuli (sorry, was stuck for words :) stopping at Tulleah. Before and after this stop we (they) caught glimpses of Cradel Mountain, as well as many other scenic sites (mostly forest and other small mountains.) We made our way finally to Shefield where we stopped in the town to eat lunch (at a lovely local bakery) as well as having a general squizz around the small country town. It was here that we drove to Devinport for a tour of the town and cheese tasting at the factory they have there. We then went for tea at the Agocy hotel not far from our ship. After this we drove our last two min journey to the peer and we finally boarded. and here I am about to go to bed. We will be arriving in Mel approx. 6.30 (half an hour earlier than last time.) That will be all from me until my next holiday (ha ha!) so long, fare well, it's been great but ... ... cheers!!!
The journal was taken live from my brille note. However once I'd got home I added the links to hopefully liven your experience of my trip.
Click here to return home.