Tasmania (Lonely Planet Tasmania) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

I just got back on a trip from Tasmania where I used this book. Given that there aren't many tour books just on Tasmania, and the only other option would have been to carry around a huge Australia book with a little section on Tasmania, this was the best option. This not too shabby book proves there is enough to talk about in Tasmania, and so I think more tour book companies should publish single editions.

When I look at a tour book, especially Lonely Planet, I feel overwhelmed at all the information. And I think that's what LP does best - get the facts across. It's always good to have a second book about the same place for a second opinion. So as this book did fine at informing me, I also like to have a book that is more of an editorial, I don't think it's bad if in a tour book the author will give his/her personal opinion of something. This is what makes Rick Steve's so popular. Unfortunately he seems to only do Europe.

Rough Guides are good at giving opinions, and I think they are laid out in a much more accessible way. Also Fodor's just has one page where they list the big important "to do's" in one area; and I don't think that's a crime.

As a traveler I wasn't very selective because I went all over the island and saw just about everything.

So here's my little editorial:

Launceston: A nice town, smaller than Hobart. I think it's best to know someone here; otherwise I wouldn't spend much time.

Hobart: A great town, rich in history and activities. Try to be near the Salamanca boardwalk. The fantastic flee market happens there on Saturday mornings and it's also the general center of commotion. If you happen to be around during the "10 Days on the Island" festival, (early April) there will also be a lot happening there too.

Bruny Island: Skip it.

Tasman Peninsula: This large promontory sticks out of the south western part of the island, and along with great (bush) walking, also contains the islands premier tourist attraction, Port Arthur. This is a famous jail where the worst British convicts were sent. It has impressive buildings and a church, but probably wouldn't rank up with what you've seen if you have been to Europe. For history however, it is a great stop. I just went on the ghost tour, which was a waste of time. Go during the day.

Also in the Tasman Peninsula was the best hike I took on my stay. It was to Cape Raoul, just south of Port Arthur. Really impressive sea cliffs and you're looking straight at Antarctica from the view. You may want to spend one night on the peninsula, but keep in mind it's the countryside, so not the center of it all. The Comfort Inn is surprisingly nice, and has a good restaurant.

And of course, go to the devils park, seeing them fed is priceless.

West Coast: Strahan is a tourist rigged port, but still a trip up the Gordon River is worth it. Stay at the Gordon Gateway, eat at Risby Cove.

Cradle Mountain: A necessity, this is the big nature attraction in Tasmania. The walk around Dove Lake (which sits below the mountain) is unforgettable.

Mt. Field Park: Here I did the most strenuous hike, straight up to an alpine plateau. Great scenery but I wouldn't do it unless you really want your ass beaten.

Freycinet: Interesting mountains, and seeing Wineglass Beach makes you think you're in the tropics, wish it was warmer.

On a recent trip to Tasmania I refered often to this book and found it a useful companion. Like all Lonely Planet books it has good coverage of contexts such as political, historical, natural. There aren't too many guidebooks specifically devoted to Tasmania, and this one does the job admirably.

The Lonely Planet city guide to "Tasmania" is a very useful travel guide authored by Carolyn Bain, Gina Tsarouhas, and Paul Smitz. With 19 national parks which cover over a third of the territory, it will come as no surprise that a good portion of this guide is focused on outdoor activities. However, if you are headed to Tasmania for other reasons, as I am, there is still plenty of good information about sites to see, places to go, things to do, and places to eat. This review is based on the 4th edition of this particular travel guide, which was published in October of 2005.

The book opens with several sections about the state as a whole. There are sections on the history, culture, environment, the outdoors, national parks, and food & drink. It then follows with 12 more specific sections covering the major cities and different regional areas of the island, including a small section covering the Bass Strait Islands. The book then has a very useful section titled "Directory", which covers a large assortment of odds and ends which are useful for a traveler, such as business hours, climate, customs, embassies, festivals and events, holidays, insurance, money, and so on. There are then two more sections which cover transportation and health. The book then closes with a glossary, some information about the Lonely Planet books, a section for some notes, and an index.

I am fortunate enough to have friends there, so the main thing I used the guide for was to look at the descriptions of things to do, and to see what looks interesting. That blended well with my friends' suggestions, and I think it will prove to be useful to me in my trip. In particular, the "Directory" section is good to go through, as it can often serve as a checklist for things to think about and to take care of while you are planning your trip.