Archive for the Category »Tasmania «

Launceston has a combination of outdoor adventure and history

Launceston This Australian city is the second biggest in Tasmania, and has plus/minus 105,000 residents. It is one of the country’s oldest cities, as can be seen by the many majestic 19th Century buildings. In recent years, Launceston has become a tourist Mecca with more than 400,000 visitors annually.

It was established by European settlers in 1806. Like a lot of Australian places, it was named after a British town – Launceston in Cornwall. The city boasts a number of ‘firsts’. It was the first place in the southern hemisphere to use anesthetic. It was also the first Australian city to install underground sewers, and the first Australian city to use hydroelectricity.

Launceston enjoys a temperate climate and the four seasons are distinctive. During mid-summer in February, 24C is the average temperature. During mid-winter in July, 12.5C is the average temperature. This beautiful cool weather allows visitors and residents to enjoy the outdoor life.

A three-hour city tour is the perfect way to get to know this city. A professional, friendly and informative guide will tell you about each attraction. You will find that the ambiance in Launceston is unmistakably Victorian and very hospitable. The wonderful architecture is immaculately maintained. The Cataract Gorge is a major attraction.

During the tour, you will see most of the other popular attractions. These include St John’s Anglican Church, the Princess Theater, Princes Square, City Park and The Mall. See the famous Albert Hall which now serves as a convention center, the Australian Maritime College, and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery.

Penny Royal World A definite highlight of the city tour is a stop-over at Penny Royal World. Here you will step back in time to the 19th Century in this functional ‘little town’. This area tells the story about an early pioneer, Andrew Gatenby, and his family. There are attractive apartments here for rental, close to the Cataract Gorge.

You can sample some fine Tasmanian wine in the Tamar Valley. This region is known throughout the world for its classical ‘cool climate’ vines. If beer is more to your liking, pop into Boags Brewery and enjoy a glass of cold James Boag’s Premium.

Take a stroll on one of the city’s attractive heritage walks and stop at Macquarie House. This is home to the prized Tasmanian Wood Design Collection. Walk on to the gift and craft shops on George Street, or spend some time at the National Automobile Museum. Take the George Walkway to the beautiful city park which is situated above the First Basin. The basin is a wide swimming hole that has a suspension bridge and a chairlift that is apparently the longest in the world.

To ensure the best Tasmanian experience, book your Launceston accommodation early.

Great Attractions in Historic Hobart

Customs House HobartAnyone with the slightest interest in history will be fascinated by the town of Hobart and its suburbs in Tasmania. Whether you want to check in on some places listed in the National History Register or start at Salamanca Market and improvise, you won’t be able to avoid countless picturesque and intriguing spots along the way. You have numerous Hobart Accommodation options available when you need a break. Here are some great attractions in the area.

Battery Point
Standing on the coast of Battery Point, it’s easy to imagine the days when great navies roamed the high seas and batteries protected the shores. Those days – and the cannons once used – are long gone, but Battery Point still has a distinct 19th century flavor. For an even closer look at the area’s early days, visit the Colonial Museum. Arthur’s Circus, which features some of Hobart’s oldest homes, should not be missed.

Female Factory
For women convicted and sentenced to a labor prison, ending up at the Cascades Female Factory was the worst case scenario. Begun in 1828 after expanding the site of a rum distiller’s factory, this prison camp has many original sections intact, allowing the visitor a glimpse into a long-departed piece of history.

The site ceased being the Female Factory as of the 1850s, but as different hospitals and other governmental institutions took its place, some of the yards were preserved. The entire site was left unused after 1904.

Parliament House
The John Lee Archer Parliament House in Hobart is the place to see history and modern government in action at the same time. Completed in 1841, the building was both Customs House and Parliament for Tasmanian officials until the early 1900s, when Customs offices were moved.

Still the seat of government for all Tasmania, Parliament House is open to visitors interested in parliamentary procedure or just excellent architecture.

History Tours in Historic Hobart
The History Tours of Hobart are an interesting and fun way to step into the past of this coastal area.

For a taste of the hard life of a Female Factory inmate, spend the afternoon on Louisa’s Walk, complete with live actors and a Cascades tour.

To enter the past of rum-running gamblers and lascivious women, take the Pub History Tour and stop in for refreshments at some of the old haunts along the way.

Australia’s Deadliest

People are just plain scared of certain animals, and rightly so in Australia! Use extra caution around these most dangerous Australian animals.

Irukandiji Jellyfish
This tiny but deadly jellyfish reaches only about 2.5 centimeters in diameter, but still causes various deaths each year. Symptoms of a sting can be delayed up to 24 hours, thereby increasing the danger.

Box Jellyfish
box_jellyfishThe toxin-covered tentacles of the Box Jellyfish can stop human cardio-respiratory function in about three minutes. Found around the Great Barrier Reef, jellyfish cause more deaths in Australia than snakes, sharks and salt water crocodiles.

Saltwater Crocodile
The ‘world’s largest reptile’ the Saltwater Crocodile can reach up to 7 meters in length. This protected species is difficult to see when its swimming, adding to the danger of a sneak attack.

Blue Ring Octopus
BlueRingFound in the shallow waters of Australia’s reefs, the Blue Ring Octopus has a golf-ball sized body, and venom that can cause motor paralysis leading to cardiac arrest and death for which there is no known antidote. The Blue Ring Octopus, so-called for its blue ring markings, is both beautiful and deadly.

Stonefish
StonefishLurking in the shallow waters of coastal Australia is the brownish-colored Stonefish, which appears to be a rock when in the water. Its thirteen sharp dorsal spines inject venom causing shock, paralysis, and even death.

Red Back Spider
RedBackFound across Australia, the Red Back Spider hides in common insect spots. Only about 1 centimeter long and recognizable by a red stripe down her back, the female Red Back’s venomous bite causes acute pain, but fortunately deaths by Red Spider bite are rare.

Brown Snake
BrownSnakeThe Brown Snake, found mainly in Eastern Australia, is famous for its deadly venom. Seeking treatment quickly is vital to survival after a Brown Snake bite.

Tiger Snake
The Tiger Snake’s venom when left untreated can result in death, but today deaths are rare because of widely available anti-venom. This non-aggressive snake is found in southern regions of Australia.

Taipan
The fast moving Taipan lives throughout Australia, and is famous for its extremely toxic venom, which could kill up to 100 adult humans with a single bite. A Taipan will attack aggressively when threatened.

Great White Shark
Along all Australian coasts watch out for the 3 Great White Shark and its 2,800 teeth. Great Whites attack by wounding their prey, then tracking the scent of the blood. The majority of human victims only suffer ‘test bites,’ not ‘full attacks’ …although they still hurt!

Australian and Animal Related Related
Australias Most Dangerous Animals on Hubpages
Australias Most Dangerous Animals on Squidoo

Swansea is a great destination for a relaxing holiday

SwanseaSwansea is a great destination for a relaxing trip fishing, swimming, and dining alongside the extremely pleasant Freycinet National Park. Of course, you won’t want to miss Great Oyster Bay, either.

Take a self-guided stroll through Swansea, passing historic landmarks like Schouten House, Meredith House, and Morris’ General Store. Keep an eye out for Spiky Bridge, an odd crossing just outside of town.

Swansea is renowned for its unbelievably fresh harvests, taken from both land and sea. At the Wine and Wool Centre, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the great local produce, including oysters, olives, and fish. Nestled around Swansea are as many beaches as you could ever ask for, as well as Shearwater (mutton bird) colonies that stretch as far as the eye can see. You’ll never get tired of afternoon walks along the coast.

Discovered in 1798 by Captain Cox, Swansea wasn’t converted to a military post until 1827. As the power of the fort grew, local Aborigines moved inland as more and more European whalers plied the coast.

Swansea is graced with great temperature all year long. In June, the coldest month, the average doesn’t dip below 14 degrees Celsius, while in January you can expect a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius. Only 135 kilometres from Hobart along the A3 highway, Swansea is only a pleasant day trip away, or stay over for the night in one of the comfortable Swansea Accommodation options.