Travel

Just Visiting

Tasmania's north-west coast is one of the state's most prosperous farming areas and a popular tourist destination. The rich, volcanic soil is ideal for the major agricultural activities - vegetable growing, prime beef and dairy cattle. Tasmania's north-east is known for its quality timber and grazing land. Several historic sites evidence the role mining played in Tasmania's history. Launceston, the second-largest city in Tasmania, is on the north coast's Tamar River. The east coast is known to have the finest weather in Tasmania, and is often called "Tasmania's Suncoast". It has white sandy beaches, popular national parks, convict ruins and fishing ports which can serve as a base for diving and sea fishing. The historic Tasman Peninsula is a "must see" for visitors to Tasmania. Along with the Port Arthur convict ruins, the area has museums, a popular wildlife park and several spectacular natural features. The most populous region of the state, the south has many bushland areas and natural wonders. Hobart, Tasmania's state capital is in the south-east and boasts historic buildings as well as proximity to regional attractions. Western Tasmania is known for its mineral and wilderness value. South-west Tasmania has some of the most pristine and beautiful wilderness in the world, rewarding bushwalkers as well as more leisurely tourists with spectacular sights. The lakes and mountains of the central highlands are a popular destination, offering superb fishing and camping. The midlands is a prime wool-producing area, and Tasmania's major highway passes by many historic towns.

Things to Remember

There are several things you should remember when packing for a trip to another country, and Tasmania is no exception:

Season - What season are you visiting? Make especially sure that you pack the right clothing and gear for the weather. For instance: I will be visiting next August. But it's not summer in Tasmania, like it is here in California: it's late winter, and still very cold. So, instead of packing my shorts and sandals, I'll be packing warm winter clothing, a big coat, warm shoes and socks, etc.

Location - Are you mountain climbing or walking the beach? Your location means as much as what the weather is going to be. You want to be properly prepared with hiking boots if you're walking the trails or a swimsuit if you are hitting the beaches.

"Attractions" - What are you going to see, and will it be open/available to you when you get there? Also, what do you need to attend the entertainment? For example, if you care to visit the Roman Baths, you'll probably want to pack your swimsuit, even if it's winter time.

Lodgings - Where are you staying?

Travel Check List

Here is a basic check list you can use when packing for your trip:

*Clothing (Seasonal clothing especially)

*Proper footwear

*Important Documents (Visas/passports, medical card, insurance etc. DON'T FORGET THESE!)

*Medications (Enough doses to last the trip, obviously, so you have to think ahead on ordering prescriptions)

*Camera, film and batteries for it, and mempory chips if it's a digital

*Money in some form (Traveler's Checks, bank card with a spending limit, etc) Be very careful with cash, though.

*A Pay as you Go mobile phone or a calling card number (it's doubtful that your regular cell phone will work in other countries, so be prepared)