Launceston is right next to Cataract Gorge, a 150m cut into the rock with the river at the bottom. Literally 10 minutes walk from the city centre and you're in the heart of nature. The city has an adequate bus system during the week, based at St John Street. Always call taxis from payphones instead of mobiles as the numbers otherwise go back to Hobart! Some company runs a $35 Tamar River cruise which is worth checking out. All in all I'd say Launceston is a much nicer, more relaxed city than Hobart and with no shortage of things to see and do. I used Launceston as a start/stop point for the Under Down Under tour also.
Bicheno is the best place in the entire world. It's so peaceful, they have all they need.
Coles Bay is a very small town on the edge of water and next to a nature reserve. This is for the nature and ocean lover, and not a party and happening place like a big city. The Freycinet National Park has lots of hikes and nature and beaches to explore. Don't miss the hike to Wine Glass Bay, and even though the climb to the look out is uphill all the way and has lots of tourists, it is still worthwhile. But do ask for a list and map of other hikes in the area.
Hobart is a happening place, with old buildings, tourists, and locals. It has the usual city feel to it, and is lovely to walk around in. Salamanca place is a must. Hiding behind other buildings this is an outdoor area with restaurants and some shops and a big pond. On Friday nights there is the live music by locals in another hidden away courtyard. Here they start early (at about 4 p.m. to about 7:30 p.m.) and they sell some drinks, while you can listen to the local band and even enjoy dancing on the dancing floor if you like.
Maria Island … Camping is the way to go! Maria is such a wicked island! Camping really lets you get close to the wildlife, especially if you are quiet-- there are animals everywhere! This was truly my favorite wild place in all of Australia.
Bruny Island … Great place, wish we had more time there. Don't miss the penguins.
Queenstown … Go to all of the shops because they all sell cheese and fish.
Bruny Island … Bruny is gr8. I got a shack down there and the parties go off :)
Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers in Eaglehawk Neck … A very excellent place to stay. I was here in early 2002. The hosts are very kind and humorous. They rent you a bicycle for $5, and it is a great place to have a bike. There is Ping-Pong in the community center a few times a week. The Eaglehawk Neck Backpackers' facilities are a fascinating place for anyone interested in sustainable living.
HI - Coles Bay - Iluka Backpackers YHA Hostel in Coles Bay … The staff are amazingly helpful and courteous. We didn't stay in the hostel per se, but in a trailer in the larger campground. The grounds are well-maintained, the views are amazing, and for the large number of guests we saw, the campground is quiet. Can't say enough about the helpfulness and hospitality of the staff.
Bicheno Backpackers Hostel in Bicheno … Loved it. Just got back to England thanks and I recommend the hostel to anyone.
The Udda Backpackers in Triabunna … I stayed there several times (in 2000 and 2005). It's one of the loveliest places I ever stayed. The common area with its fireplace and big windows to watch the sunset nearly beat Fran's f(r)antastic cookies brought in every evening — I got hooked on them!!
The male sheep Ollie is the snuggliest sheep I ever met, and Jack (the dog) is mad about catching the ball. All in all, Don, Fran, Jack, Rupert and Ollie are unique!
Pickled Frog Backpackers in Hobart … I had two stays here in October 04. I had a great time here. The common area and bar were very pleasant (nice log fire) and the staff are very friendly and helpful, providing typical Tasmanian good hospitality. I found it homey coming back from exploring the south of the island. You can park your car around the back which was very handy and it's only a very short walk to the centre of Hobart and the harbour. The only drawback is that it's a bit far from the supermarket but I think that's the common problem for most of the other hostels so close to the centre.
Thumbs up guys!
Tasman Backpackers in Devonport … Fantastc, thanks to Denise and Trevor, they were great.
Strahan Backpackers YHA Hostel in Strahan … Great hostel. I was here for one night and ended up with a twin room to myself due to the fact that they weren't busy. The rooms are situated in a separate building to the bathrooms and kitchen/lounge area so are generally pretty quiet (until people start slamming their doors at 7 a.m.!). Linen and duvets are provided and my room even had a little electric heater to keep the cold at bay. Rooms and kitchen were spotless and you have the added bonus of free internet. Strahan is a cute little place even in the rain! Thoroughly recommended.
HI - Cradle Mountain - Cosy Cabins Backpackers & YHA Hostel in Cradle Mountain … This place was amazing. The bunkhouse is so cute! Very comfortable and lovely atmosphere. The kitchen is great and warm (maybe too warm)? Resident possums hung out on the porches at night. The only reason it doesn't get five stars is it's expensive (thirty-three dollars per night including linen rental). But I guess that's due to the location.
Stanley YHA Hostel in Stanley … Great place. Situated in the middle of a caravan park a short walk from the little town centre. Rooms are either twin or double so if you're on your own you may end up with a room to yourself! Facilities are fairly basic but there is everything you need for a comfortable night. I'd definitely recommend this place although i'd advise booking in advance as it's quite small and, being the only hostel in Stanley, is used by tour groups so fills up pretty quickly.
Dover Hotel in Dover … I was looking for a quaint, natural experience in my lodging, not tainted by the feeling of being touristy, when I visited South Tasmania. I found it at Dover Hotel. The accommodations for the price were an excellent value. My room (#4) was spacious and had a homey feel to it, as though I was family in for a visit.
The hotel is located on the main road and faces a harbored inlet just off the South Tasman Sea. Dover, being a fishing village, adds to the desirability of this hotel. The main building consists of a pub (smoking) and a family bar (non-smoking) alongside of a restaurant with fresh-from-the-water seafood with all necessary accompaniments and local wines and brews. The people of this town, especially the hotel staff, are very friendly and have no shyness about including you in their conversations, making you feel at ease.
Warning: Dover is not a large town with a lot of nightlife. It is a quiet, small town on Tasmania's southern end with all the charm of a small town…
HI - Highview Lodge YHA - Deloraine Hostel in Deloraine … A little cluttered and disorganized but such a wonderful spot that you don't even notice. Magic view!
Penitentiary Accommodation Units in Maria Island … I really enjoyed staying at Maria Island. The only downfall was all the goose poo everywhere and having to walk about 500 meters to get to the showers. I especially enjoyed the beach with the clear water. I would recommend this place to anyone wanting to have a holiday or just a school going on camp.
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