Hobart Tasmnia

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Rhapsody of the Seas was in the Hobart today.

[DrFUN]

We're in Hobart on 28th December (Friday) from the Mercury enroute from Sydney to Auckland for 14 nights. We have extensive excursions in most ports, and thought it would be nice to just wander around Hobart for the day.

 

We'd be grateful for info about far it is from port to city center (and if taxis are at the port) -- as well as suggestions of highlights in Hobart. We're not into hiking/tramping/climbing, but the city sounds very picturesque with quaint shops, nice lunch venues harbourside, etc. DH is thinking of a kayak rental in the harbour, and we've thought of doing the brewery tour. Can anyone comment on whether it's worth the time -- and if it's not TOO strenuous?

 

MANY THANKS!

Mary-Lou

"Dr. FUN"

Phoenix, Arizona

[Aussie Gal]

The city is just about where you dock. All you need to do is just walk into the city, approximately a 5 minute stroll. It is not a big city as the population is less than 200,000 people so don't expect exciting shops etc.

 

You can do a lovely walk which will take you around the oldest part of Hobart, Battery Point. It is not a strenuous walk and you start just where the ship will dock. I am sure that the tour excursion office on board the ship will hand out maps.

 

Here is a link to a website which can take you on an organized walk. We have done it on our own. http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2832860-battery_point_walking_tours_hobart-i

 

You will be able to pick up tours at the dock, there is a double decker hop on, hop off bus and there are lots of places selling harbour tours. It is great to just walk around the area of the docks and take in the sights. As you mentioned, there are lots of eating places as well.

 

Jennie

[kehlx2]

We will be onboard the Mercury stopping in Hobart on Jan 257am-6pm--but of course those times need to change as need to be on board earlier.

#1 ship tour is only 4 hours: Bonorong Wildlife Park & Wines

(now I am wondering just how many roos etc can we see--we certainly don't need them on each tour? So it is here & then it goes to Coal Valley & Meadowbank Wines

(now we plan to go to Sydney Zoo while there & to Featerdale Park on Blue Mt tour) so this may not be needed?)

 

#2 tour is 8 hours: Port Arthur's Colonials & Convicts:

Stop for a stroll in Richmond tour the 2 buildings in Port Arthur (Penitentiary & Separate Prisosn--then Government Gardens--then join a harbour cruise on 78 foot catamaran ferry to view harbour from another view.

#2 is sorta what we have picked--but I am questioning the 8 hours--is it worth the time & money? I figure we will see more of the country side?

 

I just need a "nudge" either way on this one--course the costs are also ALOT different--am taking the ship tour so not to be late & get left behind...:eek: We WILL be taking a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour 2 days before this--so having 1 sea day should not be too tiring to do another long tour.

[Missabby]

I am looking for sightseeing suggestions. I see Cadbury mentioned but plan on a factory tour in Dunedin NZ, so would probably be a duplication?? Anyway- am looking for independent suggestions, open to car rentals, public transportation etc. Scenery is a preference, museums less so, unless really good. :)

We were in Dunedin on a Sunday - the actual factory portion of Cadbury is closed on Sundays. Check your schedule.

[DrFUN]

THANKS, dear Jennie, for your tips about Hobart! Your advice is always so appreciated -- and we've saved and printed LOTS of it during this year and half since we booked our cruise, which is now just 6 weeks away (preceded by a week in Sydney on our own that's just FIVE weeks away)!! :D

 

Would you also advise us about your home town, which we're doing on our own?

 

Six of us have tickets for the first day of the test match at MCG, then one couple is leaving early to have lunch with nearby friends, and the four of us from Arizona are having lunch on the Colonial TramCar Restaurant. We have to leave MCG around 12 N to be at the tram stop by 12:45. That ends at 3, and we'd like to go up on the Observation Deck and its "cube." Then we'll probably be ready to go back to the ship, though it would be nice to walk along the Yarra a bit first....

 

My questions are:

---1: Do we need to hire a taxi to get from ship to MCG?

---2: Can we get a taxi to pick us up at MCG and take us to the tram stop for the lunch? We're leaving MCG VERY early, so I"m hopeful this is possible. (I'd contacted the water taxi company, but they advised this is not feasible.)

---3: Is it far from the tram restaurant ending point to the Observation Tower? What would you advise for transport there?

---4: Is the Yarra near the Observation Tower? Again, transport recommendations -- and back to ship. Is the free tram a possibility? We don't mind paying for the private taxi, but we'd also like to experience public transport to get a sense of the local people.

 

MANY THANKS!

Mary-Lou

---3:

[Aussie Gal]

We will be onboard the Mercury stopping in Hobart on Jan 257am-6pm--but of course those times need to change as need to be on board earlier.

#2 tour is 8 hours: Port Arthur's Colonials & Convicts:

Stop for a stroll in Richmond tour the 2 buildings in Port Arthur (Penitentiary & Separate Prisosn--then Government Gardens--then join a harbour cruise on 78 foot catamaran ferry to view harbour from another view.

#2 is sorta what we have picked--but I am questioning the 8 hours--is it worth the time & money? I figure we will see more of the country side?

 

I just need a "nudge" either way on this one--course the costs are also ALOT different--am taking the ship tour so not to be late & get left behind...:eek: We WILL be taking a Melbourne Great Ocean Road tour 2 days before this--so having 1 sea day should not be too tiring to do another long tour.

 

I would definitely do the Richmond/Port Arthur tour. Port Arthur is really the early history of Tasmania and it is a pretty tour. Richmond is a lovely town where you will be able to wander around. The actual drive from the ship to Port Arthur is only just over an hour so it is not a huge distance.

 

There is so much to see down there and you will be able to appreciate the hardships that the convicts had to suffer. Remember quite a few of them had only stolen a loaf of bread to stop them from starving!

 

It will be a completely different tour from the Great Ocean Road which has the most magnificent scenery, so go for both. The GOR was built by our returned servicemen from the 1st World War and they only used picks and shovels so you will appreciate how hard it was to build when you drive around the cliffs.

 

This may be your only time here in Oz so you want to see as much as you can and yes, you will see lots of wildlife when you are in Sydney at the zoo, which by the way has the best views of Sydney, and you may even see some, wildlife that is, on the way down to Port Arthur.

 

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

Mary-Lou,

 

You certainly are lucky getting tickets to the first Test. That is one of the most popular sporting events here in Melbourne. You are obviously going to be here on Boxing Day which is the 26th December.

 

I hope you realize that cricket is an extremely slow game and by the time you leave for lunch, nothing may have happened!! Still, you will have been to a test match and have sat in our MCG which is a big thrill.

 

You can get to the MCG without catching a taxi from the ship You want to get to the ground before the first ball which I think is at 11am. So I would leave the ship around 9.30am, buy an all day ticket for the light rail at the little kiosk beside the tram stop which is at the end of the pier. Once on board the light rail, put the ticket into the machine that validates it, and then go all the way into the city until you pass the Casino and get off at Flinders Street. You will be at the corner of Flinders and Spencer Streets.

 

Cross over the road and stand in Flinders Street at the tram stop and wait for a tram that says either Richmond, (28.29.41) Wattle Park (70) Surrey Hills (71) or East Burwood (75). The ticket you purchased will be fine for any of these trams.

 

You will get off at the far end of the Fitzroy Gardens which is about 8 or 9 stops after boarding. You will find everyone on the tram will be getting off at this point. Just follow the crowds to the ground. It is not hard and the MCG is very close to the city.

 

It will be harder when you leave the ground. What I would do, would be to retrace your steps back to the tram stop. You can either catch a tram back to the city or you can try and hail a taxi on the street. If you are desperate, then go across the road to the Hilton Hotel which is right on the corner of the gardens and ask the concierge to get you a taxi.

 

It is hard to describe where the Colonial Tram Car commences so a taxi would be the way to go. It is hard to pick up a taxi at the ground, because there is parkland all around and a main road runs along one side of it where cars are not allowed to stop that is why I am suggesting you retrace your steps back to the area where you got off the tram.

 

After you have had your lunch it is not a long walk to the Rialto building as there are bridges across the river and you will be down that end of town. Yes the Yarra river is only one block away from the street - Collins Street - that Rialto building is in. The Rialto is on the corner of Collins and King Street, just up from the Casino so it is not a long walk.

 

Once you have finished seeing the view you just need to walk down Collins Street one block to Spencer Street and catch the light rail back to the ship.

 

You do need a good map of the city and here is a link to where you can download one.

http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=94&pa=756&pg=955

 

I hope this has helped. Ask away if you have any more questions.

 

Jennie

[DrFUN]

As always, you are an ANGEL, dear Jennie! Can't thank you enough. I've printed out your marvelous info -- and the map.

 

We're excited having MCG tix for this very special match -- the first cricket for us, though we visit the UK every year. (For the match, the four of us WILL be with one other CC couple from the UK -- our tablemates -- who can explain the rules!) We're all just in the general admission, as we need to leave so very early for the tramcar luncheon (and the other couple has local friends to join for lunch), but we just wanted to get the flavor of this fantastic venue and the happy crowds. (I *AM* sorry to have to leave before seeing the players break for tea, however!!)

 

I'm worried about the ATTIRE. The MCG website seemed to suggest that we should be dressed up.... Yet we want to be comfortable for walking a bit after lunch and doing the tower, etc. Can you advise?

 

Again, huge THANKS for everything! If you're going to be in town that day, we'd love to buy you a drink or something....

 

Best,

Mary-Lou

[Aussie Gal]

Mary-Lou,

 

You should see what the locals wear to the cricket!!! There will be everything from shorts and T. shirts in the outer to ties, shirts and long trousers for the Members in their particular area. It will be a mixture of everything. It it is hot, wear a sun hat, take plenty of cream to rub into your exposed areas and bring along some water. Remember our sun is so much stronger than in the northern hemisphere - we have a hole in the ozone layer - so you may tan or go red a lot quicker than at home.

 

Of course if it is cool, then you may need to bring a windproof jacket. Boxing Day is a public holiday so other than the sales in the shops in downtown Melbourne and the cricket there is not a lot on. I too would love to meet you but doubt if we will get into the city on that particular day.

 

I just hope you enjoy our lovely city, you are seeing quite a bit of it and the MCG is where everything happens here, eg. Aussie Rules football, Cricket and of course our Olympic Games in 1956 and the Commonwealth Games last year, where Peter and I were at the Opening Ceremony. It can hold over 100,000 people and it will be pretty full the day you go. Peter suggested that you even leave a little earlier than I said, as there will be queues to get in and all your bags will have to be inspected so perhaps you should leave at 9am.

 

By the way, our water is very pure and we were taught when young that is the purest in the world so you can drink from any drinking fountain and not worry.

 

Jennie

[DrFUN]

LOVED your description of the dress code for MCG, dear Jennie! Cannot WAIT to BE there.

 

Thanks also for the heads-up about departing the ship by 9 a.m. Hope they will let us in with our water bottles, which we'll need for later in the day....

 

And thanks for the tip about the extra sun protection. We live in Arizona, so we're pretty careful, but I didn't realize about the ozone hole, which could be a problem if we weren't prepared.

 

Sorry we can't connect that day, but please know that we will raise a toast of thanks to you (more than once).

 

Gratefully,

Mary-Lou

[Annatoo]

We will be onboard the Mercury stopping in Hobart on Jan 257am-6pm

#1 ship tour is only 4 hours: Bonorong Wildlife Park & Wines

 

#2 tour is 8 hours: Port Arthur's Colonials & Convicts:

Stop for a stroll in Richmond tour the 2 buildings in Port Arthur (Penitentiary & Separate Prisosn--then Government Gardens--then join a harbour cruise on 78 foot catamaran ferry to view harbour from another view.

#2 is sorta what we have picked--but I am questioning the 8 hours--is it worth the time & money? I figure we will see more of the country side?

 

I just need a "nudge" either way on this one--course the costs are also ALOT different--am taking the ship tour so not to be late & get left behind...:eek: quote]

Be daring and take an independent tour. If available Richard at www.tasmaniandaytours.com.au will customise to suit. Luxury 4WD for 6 guests, morning tea and gourmet picnic lunch included. Choose your itinerary with his guidance. Far cheaper than Ships tours....and he'll get you back in plenty of time ;)

 

Graeme at www.ibustours.com.au operates a very reasonable tour to Port Arthur. If you have 12 pax he is able to pick-up shipside. If not you can join his regular tour departing 9.30am just a short stroll from the Wharf. Lunch own expense.....he'll get you back at least an hour prior to sailing. Both these tours are far superior to being with a group of 50 :p

Happy planning - smooth sailing :)

 

B E V

[Aussie Gal]

Mary-Lou,

 

By the way, you will love the Colonial Tram Car for lunch. They serve up a good meal considering it is on a tram and you will see how the majority of us live in this city, as you will be taken along the normal tram tracks and will visit suburbs such as Toorak, Malvern, St. Kilda. etc.

 

I haven't had lunch on the tram but have had a dinner and it was fun. By the way, the tram really is a tram that has been converted into a restaurant.

 

Enjoy and please let us know how your experiences were "down under".

 

Jennie

[DrFUN]

Dear Jennie:

 

So glad to hear that a native thinks the tram car will be good. It's always a question when you book something like this from halfway around the world -- so I do appreciate your endorsement. We did think it would be fun to eat while touring.:)

 

I forgot to ask you whether you think the Rialto or the Eureka is better for a bird's eye view of your wonderful city -- or if it's worth it to do both. I know the Eureka has "THE EDGE," which our husbands might enjoy (though it would probably make ME dizzy)....

 

THANKS!

Mary-Lou

[kehlx2]

I would definitely do the Richmond/Port Arthur tour. Port Arthur is really the early history of Tasmania and it is a pretty tour. Richmond is a lovely town where you will be able to wander around. The actual drive from the ship to Port Arthur is only just over an hour so it is not a huge distance.

 

There is so much to see down there and you will be able to appreciate the hardships that the convicts had to suffer. Remember quite a few of them had only stolen a loaf of bread to stop them from starving!

 

It will be a completely different tour from the Great Ocean Road which has the most magnificent scenery, so go for both. The GOR was built by our returned servicemen from the 1st World War and they only used picks and shovels so you will appreciate how hard it was to build when you drive around the cliffs.

 

This may be your only time here in Oz so you want to see as much as you can and yes, you will see lots of wildlife when you are in Sydney at the zoo, which by the way has the best views of Sydney, and you may even see some, wildlife that is, on the way down to Port Arthur.

 

Jennie

 

Jennie thank you so much for your information--the 8 hour tour it is...:D Sounds alot like the miners making the railway in Skagway Alaska--which we were just on in Sept..but you are correct in that we might not be back that way & see what we can. Yes I know the view from the zoo in Sydney is suppose to be good..we plan to take the tram? from the ferry landing to the front of the zoo & come thru it that way--so when we are done we will be at the ferry landing to come back to the Quay

[kehlx2]

We're in Hobart on 28th December (Friday) from the Mercury enroute from Sydney to Auckland for 14 nights. We have extensive excursions in most ports, and thought it would be nice to just wander around Hobart for the day.

 

We'd be grateful for info about far it is from port to city center (and if taxis are at the port) -- as well as suggestions of highlights in Hobart. We're not into hiking/tramping/climbing, but the city sounds very picturesque with quaint shops, nice lunch venues harbourside, etc. DH is thinking of a kayak rental in the harbour, and we've thought of doing the brewery tour. Can anyone comment on whether it's worth the time -- and if it's not TOO strenuous?

 

MANY THANKS!

 

Mary-Lou

"Dr. FUN"

Phoenix, Arizona

 

Be sure to take good care of the Mercury--for we take it the Mercury after it returns to Sydney from Auckland..we are SOoooo looking forward to this cruise.

[kehlx2]

We will be onboard the Mercury stopping in Hobart on Jan 257am-6pm

#1 ship tour is only 4 hours: Bonorong Wildlife Park & Wines

 

#2 tour is 8 hours: Port Arthur's Colonials & Convicts:

Stop for a stroll in Richmond tour the 2 buildings in Port Arthur (Penitentiary & Separate Prisosn--then Government Gardens--then join a harbour cruise on 78 foot catamaran ferry to view harbour from another view.

#2 is sorta what we have picked--but I am questioning the 8 hours--is it worth the time & money? I figure we will see more of the country side?

 

I just need a "nudge" either way on this one--course the costs are also ALOT different--am taking the ship tour so not to be late & get left behind...:eek: quote]

Be daring and take an independent tour. If available Richard at www.tasmaniandaytours.com.au will customise to suit. Luxury 4WD for 6 guests, morning tea and gourmet picnic lunch included. Choose your itinerary with his guidance. Far cheaper than Ships tours....and he'll get you back in plenty of time ;)

 

Graeme at www.ibustours.com.au operates a very reasonable tour to Port Arthur. If you have 12 pax he is able to pick-up shipside. If not you can join his regular tour departing 9.30am just a short stroll from the Wharf. Lunch own expense.....he'll get you back at least an hour prior to sailing. Both these tours are far superior to being with a group of 50 :p

Happy planning - smooth sailing :)

 

B E V

 

Bev thanks for the info--but if the tour is a LONG one then I must take from ship...as we were on another tour of the Princess ship & flew on a day tour to Chizen Nitza MX (spelling probably wrong)--but the ship & the airlines were on different times..now this was before they had the airport they now have--anyway make it short--there was only what looked like a road to land on & no restrooms or anything--it was starting to get dark (we waited a couple hours--or seemed like it)--of course no lights either & this was the last stop til back to the USA--none of us (40) had our passports with us either..anyway--the Capt of the ship knew none of us had come back (it WAS a ship tour)--he told them to get a plane out there to get us--so in the dusk they DID land & get us-coming back--they had taxis all lined up for us (this part was in Cozumel) got on our tender & now I know why they leave at tide times--they had us board the ship on the wrong side (as tides had changed) we'd crash to the ship & roll back & come again--we could hear the fiberglass cracking or at least straining...so we missed early dinner but they let us eat at late sitting..it was an experience--but I now if it is a long tour PAY the price to make sure the ship CAN'T leave without us (well usually if it is a ship tour they won't)--sorry for the long message here--had to explain the whys of taking ship tour.

We might come back (health willing) & take a month long land tour of your country--well AUS/NZ & Tasmania..not sure tho--just bide our time on this part.

[Aussie Gal]

Mary-Lou,

 

I completely forgot about the Eureka Tower. Of course go up that one as I believe it is the 34th tallest building in the world and certainly the tallest in Australia. It was only opened last year - it was built for home units - and I haven't been up there as yet.

 

It will be closer to the finish of the Tram Restaurant than the Rialto. It is in Riverside Quay which is down close to the river in our Southbank area where we have lots of restaurants. It is also close to Swanston St/St. Kilda Road and you will be able to walk back along the Yarra to Swanston St.

 

Once in Swanston Street walk another block north to Bourke Street and that is where you will pick up the Light Rail to take you back to the ship. The tram number you will need is 109 and it will be labelled Port Melbourne. Remember, the tram will be going west down Bourke Street so you will catch it on the corner closest to where you have come from which will be the Southern end of the city.

 

Sorry that this is so confusing but once here you will find it to be very easy. Our city is one mile by one mile and is in a grid pattern with very few hills.

 

Jennie

[Aussie Gal]

Jennie thank you so much for your information--the 8 hour tour it is...:D Sounds alot like the miners making the railway in Skagway Alaska--which we were just on in Sept..but you are correct in that we might not be back that way & see what we can. Yes I know the view from the zoo in Sydney is suppose to be good..we plan to take the tram? from the ferry landing to the front of the zoo & come thru it that way--so when we are done we will be at the ferry landing to come back to the Quay

 

You are correct in catching the sky train up to the top of the zoo and then walking back slowly enjoying the wonderful view and of course the animals.

 

My daughter and her family lived in Mosman, right opposite the zoo for many years before they returned back here, and I used to visit them every month. My little grandchildren always wanted to visit the zoo so I have been there many times.

 

Enjoy your time "down here". :)

 

Jennie

[kehlx2]

You are correct in catching the sky train up to the top of the zoo and then walking back slowly enjoying the wonderful view and of course the animals.

 

My daughter and her family lived in Mosman, right opposite the zoo for many years before they returned back here, and I used to visit them every month. My little grandchildren always wanted to visit the zoo so I have been there many times.

 

Enjoy your time "down here". :)

 

Jennie

 

Thank You Jennie---yes I am sure we will enjoy EVERY minute downunder--this is so what we have wanted to do for a long time. ah the days of having the grandkids oh & ah over things--everything...mine are now all grown--but we do have a GreatGrand daughter--but she lives 5 hours away--so don't see her too much

[DrFUN]

Mary-Lou,

 

I completely forgot about the Eureka Tower. Of course go up that one as I believe it is the 34th tallest building in the world and certainly the tallest in Australia. It was only opened last year - it was built for home units - and I haven't been up there as yet.

 

Jennie

 

Again, you are SUCH A DOLL, dear Jennie!!!

 

Thanks SOOOOO much for this very helpful detailed info, which I've printed out and will follow to the letter.

 

Many of us on these boards are singing your praises, dear friend. Cannot wait to see your beautiful city, and we'll be thinking of you all the way.

 

Fondly,

Mary-Lou

 

P.S. If you ever get to Phoenix, Arizona, you must let us know so we can entertain you royally. :D

[Aussie Gal]

Mary-Lou,

 

We met a lovely couple on the Tahitian Princess in June from Phoenix. They too have invited us to visit their lovely city but at the moment we are not planning a trip to the U.S. other than to Alaska next September. We were in the States in 2005, twice in 2006 and once this year and will be in Alaska in 2008. We have made the trip across the Pacific far too many times!

 

One thing I forgot to mention, if you happen to catch the tram that says Wattle Park on your way to the MCG, it will stop outside our Tennis Centre. Get off the tram there as there is a bridge that takes you over the train line right to the MCG.

 

Another way of getting to the ground, is to take any tram along Flinders Street to Swanston Street. Get off there, walk past our Federation Square and then turn left and just keep walking. A new bridge has been built (I only found out yesterday from my son) which takes you directly to the ground. It will take about 15-20 minutes to walk there. In other words, all roads or paths lead to the "Great Ground". You will see that all our sporting arenas are all within a short distance of our city.

 

Jennie

[DrFUN]

Again, my deepest thanks, dear Jennie -- and our invitation still stands! :)

 

Best,

Mary-Lou

[JAKE3337]

I have been reading this thread and need some help. There are 6 of us going to be in Hobart on Dec 12/08 on our Celebrity cruise. I was hoping that we could do both Port Arthur and Bonorong Wildlife park but now understand they are in different directions and I don't think we will be able to do both. We are there from 7am - 6pm. We are trying to decide on which to do and it sounds like most would pick Port Arthur. If that is the case, where would be the best zoo/wildlife park to go to see all the Austrailian animals up close? I love animals!! We will be in several other ports in New Zealand and Melborne for a day and Sydney for 3 days when we arrive.

 

Can anyone recomend any car rental companies in Hobart close to the port? We are trying to keep this as economical as possible by doing this on our own vs a tour as we have so many ports to visit in the 2 weeks and we are a group of 6.

 

Thanks for your help!:)

[wblevin]

Hi Jake - it is possible to do Port Arthur (abbreviated version) and Bonorong - we did them both with several other stops. Bonorong is probably the only place on your trip that you will be able to see the Tasmanian Devils - but other than that, it is a small wildlife sanctuary and can be skipped.

 

We also rented a car - keep in mind that the car rental companies don't open until 8am and even though we had a reservation with Hertz (they said they were close - in actuality, it is about a 25 minute uphill walk) they didn't have our car ready until after 9 - we were quite upset. Nice drive to Port Arthur - would have liked more time there - but can't get everything in in the short time you have in Hobart.

 

Enjoy your trip - if interested, email me and I will provide details of what we did - a lot of zoos. You will LOVE this trip!