| Tips and photos of unusual, out-of-the-way State of Tasmania attractions, posted by real travelers and locals. Map |
 | State of Tasmania Off the Beaten Path | Tips 1 - 10 of 78 |  |
 Fabulous views by iandsmith
Other than the waterfall shown previously, you are continually assailed by magnificent views such as shown here.
In the rocks you are walking on are abundant fossils and, if you see any chipped off or lying loose, pick them up and you may be surprised to see crustacean remains from a long ago seabed.
If that's not enough of the sea for you then below you lies one of the world's great dive sites. Rated by an American marine biologist as the best kelp forest dive site in the world it is indeed a special place. It is in such an environment that one of the world's most amazing sea creatures, the weedy sea dragon, lives (see Seahorse Farm page elsewhere) along with hundreds of lobsters and other interesting species.
The company that does the dive tours supplies you with "dry" suits as the water, at times (most), can be a tad chilly (around 11 degrees in winter).
As I've already said, this area is one of Australia's special places and, should you go there, you'll have it all to yourself.
As an addendum, the warm currents have caused sea urchins to migrate here and they're eating the kelp at an alarming rate, thus destroying the habitat. See it before it's too late. Leave a Comment
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 Beaconsfield by ATXtraveler
The museum is built on one of the former buildings that the mining company used to house the shafts which they were excavating gold from. The museum holds historical equipment, models of the current and past museums and one of the most impressive 3-D depictions I have seen of the shaft.
The whole place took a little less than 2 hours to tour, and would be an excellent starter on your trip through the Tamar Valley.
Beaconsfield is located on the Western side of the Tamar River, and is roughly 45 minutes north of Launceston. It is also easily accessible from Devonport if you are coming in on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Location :
West Street, Beaconsfield.
Admission :
Adults $9.00,
Pensioners and Students : $7.00,
Children 5 - 17 years : $4.00
(Must be accompanied by an adult).
Children under 5 years - Free of charge
Family ticket (2 adults & 2 children U16) : $24.00
Open Daily from 10.00am - 4.00pm Leave a Comment
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 Lake Plimsoll on Tasmania's
West Coast by ATXtraveler
The most impressive portion of the Tasmanian lake systems are located in the middle of the state, and they have actually created a touring route for you to get the most out of your time there! We started out from Cradle Mountain prior to taking the River's Run itinerary.
Either way, make sure you take some time and add the central region of Tasmania to your tour if Nature's lakes and streams impress you like they do me! Leave a Comment
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 Lovely sandstone building at
Jericho by iandsmith
This town also has an historical significance that very few Australians are aware of for it is here that the grave of John Hutton Bisdee can be found.
John who?, I hear you ask. Well, Mr. Bisdee happens to be the first Australian born winner of the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest award for bravery. Beneath the cross are the simple words, "For Valour".
I found the experience poignant, I hope you will too. Leave a Comment
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 Marine park at Bicheno by iandsmith
It's just the nicest setting beside the ocean and so relaxed you feel like you could just stop here and not leave for a week. Sadly, you itinerary probably won't allow that but, my advice, for what it's worth, is stay at least one night.
That way at least you'll get to see the best penguin parade anywhere in Australia. How's that for a big call!
Why I rate it is that you are walking around on the trails and they come right past you, almost brushing your legs. At other places you are sat on seats or behind barriers (such as the famed Phillip Island). Here it's just a local guy who is just in love with the creatures and does it all out of caring for them. I thought it was great.
One little waddler actually got under our mini-bus and wouldn't leave because it was safe and warm. He had to be ever so slowly coaxed out but eventually he went on his way.
Much better than the normal touristy sites.
I also recommend walking by the sea or fishing, both pursuits you can enjoy here.
I also remember our night in the motel with gale force winds pounding the picture windows constantly. Sitting in the room waiting for the glass to shatter. Not very helpful for your sleep! Leave a Comment
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 Offshore Paradise by IntrepidduckLeave a Comment
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 Brady's Lookout by ATXtraveler
It offers a great view of the Tamar River and the Valley that surrounds the river. It is named after the infamous Tassie convict/bushman Matthew Brady, who is notorious for escaping from Sarah Island, and vowing to go back to take over the island and release all the convicts.
His plans were foiled, but it is still interesting to see how he lived and one of those spots to learn more is the Brady Lookout. He used to roam here to pirate ships coming up and down the Tamar River. Leave a Comment
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 Pix of Kate by Rachelynn
You have to try her berries ice cream! It's really one of the best i ever tasted. After all the way there, pls do not just settle for one scoop...take 3 scoops! My fav is the blueberry ice cream. So out of this world. And ohhh the jams, i really like the raspberry jam that i brought back to Singapore.
Address
Swansea
Addison St; Open: 7 Days 8am-8pm, Closed: Xmas Day; , Seats Outside 40
http://www.tasmania.worldweb.com/Tasmania/SwanseaTAS/Shopping/FineFoods/
It's really a pity that i did not snap a shot with this woman! Cos i was all shacked after the freycinet hike...yes we stopped at Kate's Berry Farm after a 4 hr hike and rewarded ourselves with her amazing ice cream and coffee.
This picture is not take by me, but i scanned in from the brochures. Leave a Comment
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 Nice, but not nice enough to
eat! by iandsmith
It's usually growing on dead trees just beside the track and, if you keep you eyes open and your camera handy, you too can get pictures like this, shot on the way to a lookout not far from Lake St. Clair.
The other picture was taken in the controversial Upper Florentine forest that was listed to be logged but a rearguard action being undertaken by greenies was holding it up when I visited in 2009. Leave a Comment
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 King Solomon's Cave by iandsmith
There are however, lots of interesting other cave experiences you can have and the Mole Creek area in northern Tasmania is as good as any place to see some. Both Marakoopa and King Solomons Cave are open to the public and you get the feeling walking through that these are about as pristine as you are going to get when it comes to visiting tourist caves.
King Solomons is more intimate and Marakoopa is more large. Both have something to offer and are worthwhile. You can see glow worms in one of them as an added bonus. Leave a Comment
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