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22 April, 2016
Tassie driving holiday - Mark and Debbie
Discover the delights of Tassie’s north, with Mark and Debbie.
Day 1 itinerary
The fun-loving duo hit the hottest breakfast joint in town, Laneway, before driving to beautiful Stanley, where they rode The Nut Chairlift, visited the impressive Highfield Historic Site, enjoyed a Sea Cruise, and dined at Stanley’s on the Bay. Accommodation at Abby’s The Greenhouse.
Day 2 itinerary
Day 2 included breakfast at Moby Dick's Breakfast Bar, a Mole Creek Caves tour, lunch at Tassie Tiger Bar, tastings at Melita Honey Farm and 41 South Tasmania Salmon Farm, and dinner at Cataract on Patterson in Launceston. Accommodation at Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Day 3 itinerary
The final day included breakfast at Sweetbrew, wine tasting and lunch at Josef Chromy Wines, a Cataract Gorge cruise, and tasty tipples at Spreyton Cider near Devonport before their return sailing. Mark and Debbie were all smiles and cannot wait to return to Tassie shores.
Discover more Tassie road trips
Leigh and Ruth
Adorable, loved-up Leigh and Ruth took to the open roads to discover the cultural and culinary hotspots of Hobart and Bruny Island, including Salamanca Markets, Bruny Island Cheese Company and The Pancake Train. Yum!
See their journey
Gracie, Hannah, Subah and Elise
Best friends Gracie, Hannah, Subah and Elise, got up close with Tassie’s natural wonders—from canopy gliding with Hollybank Treetops, to marvelling at Hogarth Falls, cradling a Tasmanian Devil and witnessing the lush countryside from the warm, opulent interior of the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
See their journey
Mark and Debbie's top tips
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.
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