By AINSLEY KOCH
Tasmania is the perfect destination for students to travel on a tight budget. With so many natural wonders to see, a bulging wallet is not needed for a trip to Australia’s smallest state.
Whether you arrive by plane into Hobart or Launceston, or sail into the state’s northwest via the Spirit of Tasmania, there's something in every corner of the state that won't stretch the wallet too much.
Cradle Mountain
Pack your hiking gear and visit one of Tasmania’s most infamous and scenic natural wonders. The World Heritage area is famous for the stunning Lake Dove and Lake St Clair National Park, where you will find an array of unique flora and fauna. Spot wallabies and wombats that live among the native bushland as you stroll through the various forest trails. Better still, take a walk through the world famous Overland Track that takes you through Cradle Mountain National Park to Lake St Clair. This track is not for the weak or faint-hearted, taking around five to six days to complete. The track is free to visitors outside the peak walking season of October 1 to May 31, when a $160 fee for students applies.
East coast – Binalong Bay, St Helens, Freycinet, Coles Bay
Tasmania’s east coast provides the best coastal experience within the state, offering the most spectacular beaches, lagoons and forest reserves with picturesque views. Only a short two-hour drive from central Launceston, St Helens is the largest town on the coast and is close to Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires. Here you will have access to some great outdoor activities, including bush walking through the Bay of Fires Conservation Area and snorkeling and fishing among the striking lichen covered red rocks. Nearby in Coles Bay and Freycinet, you will find some of the most impressive views of the coastline, with challenging rock climbs along the Freycinet Peninsula. The Freycinet National Park is home to the stunning Wineglass bay and Mt Amos, both known for their regular appearances on tourist postcards and other Tasmanian memorabilia. Eat some of the freshest seafood in Australia at a beachside cafe, or better still, eat fish and chips sourced from local waters along the beach.
Northwest Tasmania tasting trail
Northwest Tasmania is a food-lover’s retreat, best known for the luscious berry farms and fresh local produce. On the way back from Launceston, start your food journey at the nearby Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, just 30 minutes from Launceston CBD in Elizabeth Town. The café will satisfy all of your raspberry cravings, offering everything from raspberry pancakes to chicken burgers with pesto and raspberry mayo. Drive another 14 minutes north to Ashgrove Cheese Farm where you can sample award-winning cheese and buy milk, cream and other dairy products all made at the factory. Next up, in a small location 10 minutes from Devonport, in the town of Latrobe, you can find the Anvers Chocolate Factory. This chocolate-lover’s dream features a café where you can have the full chocolate experience. Choose from the extensive range of cakes and chocolates available on the menu. If your sweet tooth hasn’t been satisfied, head to the gift shop where you can purchase Anvers’ signature truffle and chocolate range –and even sample some free fudge! Foodie tip: the hot chocolates are to die for.
Hobart – MONA and Cascade Brewery
The city of Hobart is known for being Australia’s second-oldest capital, but is more famous now for the world-renowned MONA museum. The museum is most accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride from the CBD, providing an entertaining and scenic trip along the way. Experience the current works of Mathieu Briand ET IN Libertalia Ego, Vol. 2, running from September 2, 2015 to July 11, 2016. While you’re there, take a look at the museum’s cinema, Cinemona, or buy some memorabilia at the MONA shop. Afterwards, take a tour of Australia’s oldest brewery, Cascade Brewery. The student price of $20 will score you a 1.5-hour tour through the brewery and gardens, including tastings of the local brews – did someone say free beer?
Tahune AirWalk
While down south, check out the small town of Geeveston, a one-hour drive from Hobart, where you will find the adrenaline-pumping Tahune AirWalk. At 20-30m above the ground, the walk offers a stunning view of the forest floor below. The last section of the walk is about 48m above the ground – not for the faint-hearted. The 619m trail takes about 50 minutes to complete, with plenty of opportunities to take some impressive photos to show family and friends back home. Concession tickets are $25.20. If you are not one for heights, sit and relax at the café and take a look around the gift shop. The café offers free wifi and the menu includes plenty of Tasmanian produce and local beer, wine and cider. Barbecue facilities are also available if you are looking for a casual, less expensive lunch in between the shrubs of lush forest.
For more information on Tasmania’s history and the best places to travel around the state, visit http://www.discovertasmania.com.au.