Tasmania

We spent a month there in feb and loved cockle creek and mt field national park - the weather was a lot warmer though...

Hi Ken

It all depends on your and your lady's tastes. Do you like bushwalking, waterfalls and views? Towns and restaurants? Lakes and hydroelectricity plants? Old buildings and history of the convict era?

In My Blogs from 2006 you can see a summary of the highlights we saw. If anything appeals you are welcome to ask me more about it.

My daughter who once spent a year in Tasmania worked out a ten day tour to see highlights, but again, it all depends on what you like to see.

I cannot advise about what to expect in the weather in August so hope we have some Tasmanians reading, but I expect you will meet cold weather and even rain over much of the island.

However our brother and sister in law toured Tasmania last winter with just a tent. They struck some very wet weather and sodden campground, but also fine weather. My husband's brother is over 70 and s.i.l has mobility issues from a car accident. Overall they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Motherhen

The main thing not to miss is the Ferry back to Melbourne.

LOL

Could not help it.

Boobook very real possibility as they will still be sight seeing at 5pm on the last day.
We went in Feb 2011 and again this year 8 weeks each time, just finished seeing most things this year we are planing on going back to veg out and take our time in 2015.So what to see Port Arthur ,all the east coast Coles bay ,Wineglass Bay,St Helens Cosy corner is awesome , Strahan, Sheffield Bruny Island,The nut ,Cradle Mountain,Levan canyon,Beaconsfield mine museum, Richmond, Ross,Campbell town Last but very much not least "The Wall".
You can free camp Tasmania and from your base do day trips as everything is close compared to the big island,and they do distances in time not kilometres ie, Hobart is 40 minutes away not 40 kls
Enjoy IMHO don,t rush just to see something plan another trip for latter to finish it.

G'day Ken
Hope that's 3 weeks down there. If so you'll see enough in that time.
We were down there last year in September and it was cold and windy and wet most of the time. But we still enjoyed it and saw heaps.
Don't worry about the retirees who can take all the time they want and stop to check out every nook and cranny - for someone on a limited timeframe the 3 weeks you have planned will be OK.
Go to the Tassie tourism site and you'll work out for yourself what you must see - depends on what you like doing. But here's a few:
If you're lucky like we were you'll cop a snow fall up in the highland lakes area.
Wall in the Wilderness - some people are just so skilled
Trowunna Wildlife Park is great if you want to see some critters and get an alternative view on the plight of Tassie Devils.
Cradle Mt walk (we struck a clear day - one of few).
Bruny Island - speed boat trip down the coast - wonderful experience
Boags Brewery Tour - even my missus enjoyed that and she's not big on beer
Just make sure you take plenty of warm and wet weather gear, otherwise I doubt you and your partner will enjoy it.

You'll enjoy the contrast between the European heritage of historical buildings and Towns, majestic natural landmarks and the dramatic coastline. But if you're lucky, you'll get to experience the quick change between hot sunny days and sudden cold wind and snow. Mt. Wellington's summit, a short drive from Hobart city centre, is a must if you want to witness the chill of a blizzard even in the middle of summer.

Montezuma falls is good short 4wd to a great waterfall
the book 4wd tracks of tassie is very helpfully
The wall is must see all carved in h/pine
The pub in the paddock is great place for lunch or dinner
Pancakes at elephant pass
It tassie so many things to see an do & all so close
Regards

If you find yourself on the east coast at St Helens the area is spectuliar with numerious free camping spots both north and south of this brillant town.The pick of these sites on the bay of fires would be swimcart beach with cosy corner worth a look as well.You will not be disappointed where ever you choise to go we spent eleven weeks there and did not see it all Safe and exciting travels Mick B