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Lonely Planet Tasmania | 
 enlarge | Author: Paul Smitz
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Category: Book
List Price: $17.99
Buy New: $9.95
You Save: $8.04 (45%)
New (2) Used (8) from $7.46
Avg. Customer Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 538206
Media: Paperback
Edition: 3rd
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 5.1 x 0.7
ISBN: 1740592301
Dewey Decimal Number: 919
EAN: 9781740592307
ASIN: 1740592301
Publication Date: October 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
With spectacular coastlines, rugged mountains, serene rainforests and sleepy villages, Tasmania offers a wealth of possibilities for outdoor escape, discovering convict-era history, or just lazing on a beach. - complete national parks and reserves coverage
- 58 detailed maps, including bush walking routes
- tips for diving, fishing and rafting
- local cuisine including Tasmanias famous seafood and wine recommendations
- the best cafés and shopping, as well as entertainment for kids
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| Customer Reviews:
 It's better than nothing April 7, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
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.
 Recommended April 4, 2004
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
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.
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