Christina and Peirce prayerfully set the date of Sunday, Dec 30, 2007, in hopes that many of their US friends and relatives
might be able to attend. The hopeful thinking was that between Christmas and New Years' is a period when the most Americans
simultaneously have time off. It's also summer here, and a trip to the Southern Hemisphere would be a nice reprieve from
short, dark, cold days.
That time of year is a busy one in Hobart, Tasmania. Christmas and New Year's Eve in the midst of long summer days is an
entirely different experience and Australians make the most of it.
Just after Christmas, the famous Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race participants begin to arrive into our harbour (with much jubilation!)
The "Taste of Tasmania", a huge gourmet food/wine event, takes place on the waterfront; and there's the Summer Festival: music,
street theater, etc. In Hobart, you are 10 minutes away from white sandy beaches as well as mountain walks with ferny glades
and amazing views, 20 minutes from English-style green rolling hills and quaint tea rooms, 30 from the more typically-Australian
sun-browned sheep "stations" (ranches) or Georgian stone cottages in rural villages...and just a little further to World-Heritage-listed
wilderness areas and major historic sites. Even the names of the various areas are intriguing, "The Tarkine", "The Styx Valley",
"Wineglass Bay", "Mole Creek Caverns", "Tahune Airwalk"... Tasmania (so far more well-known to Europeans than to Americans)
is home of the world's cleanest air and water, has the best angling (trout fishing) in the world and many excellent vineyards.
Many American note an almost "50's feel" to much of Tasmania...lack of crime, close extended families spending time together;
even some of the architecture will "take you back".
You need to make reservations for accommodation, car rental and any side trips in Tasmania immediately due to
the busy time of year. Many of the best hotels (and cars) are booked very early (now).
Some of our family and friends are planning to make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip, stopping in nearby New Zealand and wherever
else they've "always wanted to go". This is your opportunity!!!
Naturally, we will do whatever we can to help with
your plans. We can tell you where to see white wallabies (smaller kangaroo), Tasmanian devils...wombats...cockatoos...and
more. Or you can stay a few weeks longer and accompany Margaret on the Overland Track: the 8-day wilderness walk where Peirce,
Christina and Margaret really got to know one another.
getting to Tasmania
You probably know by now that Tasmania is an island state of Australia, a couple of hundred miles south of Melbourne.
Getting on and off an island can be a challenge at a busy time of year, so make your reservations a.s.a.p.
You
have the option of flying in or taking the ferry from Melbourne, an overnight or all-day trip. Our guests will find the Hobart airport the closest option to our activities.
If you choose to take the ferry, The Spirit of Tasmania, you will disembark in Devonport, a 3+ hour drive from Hobart.
where to stay?
You may have gathered by now that tourism is a big industry on a relatively small island. In
looking for a place to stay, be wary of descriptions like "luxury accommodation" - these things are so relative. Have a good
look at websites and photos: decide for yourself.
If in doubt, email Christina or her mother, Margaret. We want to help in any way we can! Keep in mind special requirements, like internet access. The "?" indicates properties
that we don't know and that have questionable-looking photos online... Just ask and we will do our best to personally check
out your prospective accommodation for you.
you will most likely need to rent or share a car in Tasmania
All well-known rental car companies
are represented at the airport or downtown Hobart. The airport is a 20 min drive outside the city and therefore may be the
best time to rent a car. Click for information on the Hobart Airport Shuttle
gentle reminder: book your car now! Very busy time of year and if you delay, there may be literally no cars available...
something for everyone
Whatever your interests, you are likely to find others that share them in Tasmania.
Watersports or angling (best in the world!)? Sailing? Mountain biking? Rock climbing? Whitewater rafting? Investigate some
of the tourism links, at right, for more information.
Or perhaps museums and art galleries, theatre and music, are more to your liking.
We would enjoy helping you with advice as you plan your itinerary.
View, first day on the Overland Track
Sonnemann Family long-haul-flight recommendations
1. We have made this trip dozens of times and find the flights between the USA and Australia much easier if you fly direct.
This sector is much more pleasant than taking several short US domestic flights.
3. Try to stay awake the first 3-4
hours of the flight - then sleep for 8 hours...and you will arrive adjusted to the correct time-zone.
3. Drink lots
of water and decline the complimentary alcohol.
4. Compression stockings will prevent ankle/feet swelling, help prevent
DVT and leave you feeling more refreshed. One of many sites for ordering them
"Tasmania is a wine lover's and foodie's paradise sponsored by a farming culture which values clean, green and genetically
unmodified produce. The island produces orchard fruits and berries which are sold fresh and also made into ciders and fruit
wines. A wide variety of vegetables and herbs are grown and in recent times a black truffle industry has spawned with truffières
near Launceston and Hobart. Many species of fish, and seafood platters of abalone, scallops, oysters, mussels and crayfish
are harvested from the Southern Ocean. Fish farms produce top class Atlantic Salmon and the rivers are bountiful in trout
for those who enjoy the quiet repose of fly fishing. The island produces wonderful cheeses, milk and cream and also has fine
meats including farmed venison and game.
The Tasmanian wine industry which formed in earnest in the 1970s and grew rapidly in the 1980s is very much a boutique industry
with the focus on handcrafted wines. In the 1990s many in the industry began to embrace wine tourism with a number of wineries
providing accommodation and sponsoring cultural events as well as establishing fine restaurants along with their cellar doors
further enhancing the island's reputation for great cuisine.
events
To celebrate the wine and food culture of Tasmania the island hosts many great events throughout the year, including the Royal
Hobart Wine Show held at the Royal Showgrounds in Hobart. It is a 7 day event with public tastings.
As the Sydney to Hobart yachts cross the finish line on 28 December, Taste of Tasmania kicks off a 7 day festival of wine
and food held down on the Hobart harbour front."
Tasmanian fine food, wine, produce and entertainment staged right on the Hobart waterfront
a local celebration of Summer
The Hobart Summer Festival celebrates what Tasmania is all about an open community where people come together to toast the
arrival of summer, welcome friends and visitors, take part in arts events, share good food, wine and conversation.
The Hobart Summer Festival also welcomes the crews arriving from their often grueling journey in the blue water classic ocean
race, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
The Taste of Tasmania forms the heart of the Festival you can wander from stall to stall sampling succulent seafood, juicy
berries and thick cream, great cool climate wines and innovative new food flavours prepared by some of Tasmania's top chefs.
The waterfront around Salamanca Place buzzes with activity as yachts come and go, buskers, musicians and performers entertain
the crowds. The festival is family friendly and affordable for everyone.
From November each year, visit the Hobart Summer Festival website and explore the exciting range of events and activities. In addition to a full listing of events, you'll find a useful guide
to Sullivans Cove, ticketing information including links for on-line purchasing and a comprehensive guide to The Taste, including
all the stalls, buskers and performers you can experience at this fantastic free waterfront celebration.
