© 1996-2006 Focus on Tasmania - All Rights Reserved
CITIES
Tasmania has four major population centres. Hobart, the capital, in the south, Launceston in the north and Burnie and Devonport on the north west coast.
CLIMATE
Tasmania enjoys a temperate and comfortable climate - most of the time!! The average summer temperature is 21.5 (it has been known to hit the high 30Ħs) and the winter average is 12.5 (some days can be as low as 5!). But donĦt be fooled by the warm sunny days, the evenings, even in summer, can be cool. It is advisable to bring warm clothes whatever the season. If you wish to venture into highland areas, you must always be prepared for sudden changes, as itĦs not unusual to experience snow in the middle of summer!
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Tasmania enjoys the longest period of daylight savings in Australia. It begins on the first weekend of October and ends on the last weekend of March.
HOW TO GET HERE
Most travellers fly into either Hobart or Launceston, although it is also possible to fly into Devonport and Wynyard. The ferry "Spirit of Tasmania" sails from Melbourne every second day and docks in Devonport. The ferry service is overnight and carries vehicles and passengers.
TRANSPORT
Once you have arrived, you have the choice of the usual hire cars, campervans and 4WDĦs available from both local and national companies, or use the statewide coaching services. The statewide coach services have terminals in major centres as well as agents and pickup points in most towns around Tasmania. If you are staying in any of our cities we have a good metro bus service, along with numerous taxis. Many of our sites of interest are in walking distances of the city centres. For the more adventurous, there are four wheel motorbikes available for hire in some areas. If you are hiring a car, you will need a current interstate license, or overseas visitors will be required to have an international licence.
OUR ROADS
All our major cities and towns are joined by National Highways. Most of our roads are sealed and are of good quality. When venturing into remote or wilderness areas, the roads become narrow and twisty, and are usually gravel. All 4WD vehicles must stay on marked roads and tracks. As we have an abundance of wildlife, we ask you to take care on country roads, especially from dusk onwards. Although distances between towns may not be great, our roads tend to twist and turn, so what looks like a twenty minute drive could turn into a forty minute drive, especially on scenic routes.
Speed limits in built-up areas is 60kmh and 100kmh on the open road - note that some areas do have a 110kmh limit. Yellow advisory signs around the state indicate preferred speeds. Although these are not mandatory limits, it is advisable to observe them. Speed cameras operate throughout the state.
Please note that random breath testing does take place all around the state. The blood alcohol limit is .05. No learner or probationary driver is allowed to drive after consuming alcohol.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
For ambulance, police or fire dial 000.
There are hospitals in the following areas: Launceston, Hobart, Latrobe (Devonport), Burnie and St Helens. Most towns have doctors surgeries or medical centres.
SHOPPING
Hours of opening vary from shop to shop and city to city. As a rule, normal shopping hours are 9am to 5.30pm. Some shops are open to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Many of our shops are now open all day Saturday (9am to 4pm). There is limited Sunday trading. Supermarkets generally open 6 days a week, with small convenience stores usually opening 7 days and for longer hours.
BANKING
Bank hours are usually 9am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays banks generally close at 5pm. No banks are open Saturdays. Many of the banks have Automatic Teller Machines. Travellers to the east and west coasts should be aware that there are very limited banking facilities in those areas. To date there are no ATMĦs on the West coast.
NEWSPAPERS
South: The Mercury, Sunday Tasmanian
North: The Examiner
North West: The Advocate
CHURCH SERVICES
A listing of services, times and locations can be found in the local newspapers on Saturdays.
ACCOMMODATION
Camping Grounds - basic facilities, communal bathing and toilet. Basic cooking facilities, usually barbecue.
Caravan Park - most sites have power and water connected, communal bathing and toilet and laundry facilities. Some parks have holiday units or cabins with private facilities. There is usually a duty manager or resident manager on site. On site caravans may be available for hire, at some locations. Areas for tents and campervans provided.
Hostels/Backpackers - dormitory or bunkhouse style accommodation, shared toilet and bathing facilities. Communal kitchen and dining areas, no meals provided. Group or individual bookings available.
Hotels - can range from very basic backpackers style right through to 5 star luxury. Most provide meals or have licensed restaurants. Carparking is available in most cases. Entertainment, recreation and conference facilities may be available.
Motels - provides accommodation and meals. Rooms can range from basic to luxury, but all will have ensuite facilities. Most provide tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerator, telephone and colour TV. Breakfasts available either in room or in restaurant. Carparking provided. Some motels have a licensed restaurant.
Bed and Breakfasts - accommodation and breakfast provided. Basic to luxury, either communal or ensuite facilities, some carparking, other meals may be available. Most are converted private residences.
Holiday Units - ideal for families or groups travelling together. All facilities are provided, including fully equipped kitchen and access to laundry facilities.
Holiday Cabins - basic accommodation and equipment provided. Most have communal bathing, toilet and laundry facilities. Some means of cooking provided, linen, blankets, crockery, cutlery and cooking equipment provided in some instances.
Homehost/Farm Host - private homes/farms which have been converted to provide accommodation and breakfasts. Other meals available by arrangement. Usually private facilities provided, although some have shared. Fully self catering also available.
Colonial - accommodation provided in cottages or buildings which were built prior to 1901. Some have shared facilities but most have private ensuite. Some are fully self catering, while others are serviced.