1. What was your favourite Spirit of Tasmania onboard experience?
Debbie: It’s so hard to choose. There are so many good things and places to enjoy. Both day and night sail departures from the deck were a must, but probably the comfort and relaxation of our porthole cabin (and the ensuite that you can return to during your trip).
Mark: Sitting back in the new deck chairs, having a drink, looking out to sea.
2. What was your favourite experience on the day sailing?
Debbie: Exploring the whole ship from front to back and the different decks. Catching a movie in the cinema and playing disco bingo with Dolly.
Mark: Catching the new Star Wars movie in the cinema.
3. What was your favourite experience on the night sailing?
Debbie: Definitely the Terrace Lounge Bar with a wine while watching the sunset. Though there were many other great locations all around the ship to relax and do the same.
Mark: Watching Spirit of Tasmania manoeuvre out of Devonport.
4. What/where was your favourite place in Tasmania (on this trip)?
Debbie: Every experience was unique in itself and so different. I did enjoy the town of Stanley. Lots to do and see with beautiful views, great beaches, restaurant, cafés, local pub, seal cruise, Highfield Historic Site, chairlift and more!
Mark: The Nut in Stanley – breathtaking views from the chairlift and [lookout].
5. What was your favourite activity and why? (Please feel free to include up to 3 activities/experiences from the trip)
Debbie:
(1) Seal Cruise at Stanley: This wonderful boat ride which you can move about on, and get up close and personal for a seal viewing. Awesome to watch them come down and jump in the water in front of you and are playful and show off. But hold your nose! There’s a whiff in the wind of something sealy?
(2) 41° South Salmon Farm: Fabulous personal tour on an awesome property sharing the journey from start to finish. Highlights included the growing pens, smokehouse, tastings and even a waterfall.
(3) Josef Chromy Winery: Informative winery tour and tasting. Fabulous dining experience and top-class wines
Mark:
(1) Seal Cruise at Stanley: The actual boat ride, plus you got to see the seals up close.
(2) A night out at the Stanley pub. Great band, friendly locals and visitors made for a memorable night.
(3) The Caves at Mole Creek: Beautiful and interesting, good tour guide.
6. Where was your favourite place to dine? And what meal would you recommend to others?
Debbie: I can’t split the dining experience between Xanders in Stanley and Cataract on Patterson in Launceston. I had two exceptional meals: fresh tempura fried cocktail abalone, pan-seared blue eye trevalla, and salted caramel panna cotta at Xanders, and Tasmanian oysters, Atlantic salmon (cooked on a hot stone), dessert and cocktails at Cataract on Patterson.
Mark: Xanders in Stanley: All the food we ordered was awesome, and we enjoyed good friendly service with a great view. I enjoyed the Cape Grim beef scotch fillet.
7. Is there a Tassie hot tip or must-do that you would recommend?
Debbie: Take your car on the Spirit and go visit Tasmania!” – there’s plenty to see and do. Enjoy! You’ll want to go back and back again.
Mark: I enjoyed everything. Don’t forget to book a nice peaceful relaxing cruise at Cataract Gorge. If you yell out to the visitors up on the cliff “My wife bought a Jeep!” it echoes and you DO get an answer.
