Marilyn April 10th, 2007
GETTING STARTED:
Kathy at Lets Travel in Brisbane is our travel agent (3857 1444) and highly recommended.
Jan/Feb/March is the best time to go, or if Tasmania is still in drought, Oct/Nov is also an option (Spring however normally can be very wet –) because then you get to see the lavender & poppy fields and berry season is on. Even in summer you will need wet weather gear (for the west coast) and jackets.
Tasmanian Tourist Bureau has excellent (free) maps and brochures on everything, so do your homework before going and you will get a lot more from the experience. These notes will only give you an overview so that you can hone in on what interests you. Tasmania is small (though to do it in a relaxed manner you need at least 2 weeks) and is conveniently divided into regions:
- South East — Hobart, Huon Trail, Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Freycenet
- Heritage Highway — Hobart to Launceston
- Tamar Valley — wine/berries/lavender 30 minutes out of Launceston
- Central Wilderness — around Cradle Mountain
- North West Wilderness — centred around Strahan
We like the historic B&B or cottage accommodation because Continue Reading »
Marilyn April 6th, 2007
If you have limited time or just want to have a small taste of Tasmania, a good starting place is www.puretasmania.com.au The focus here is on 3 unique destinations: Freycinet, Cradle Mountain and Strahan. Contact Pure Tasmania for brochures and prices.
This image is of the West Coast Heritage Railway from Strahan to Queenstown.
Marilyn March 31st, 2007
This is a guarded secret and you are jolly fortunate that I am letting you in on it. The Kabuki was an unexpected find, perched on a cliff overlooking the Freycinet Peninsula — on a recent trip to the gorgeous east coast of Tasmania. The owners don’t seek publicity but have survived for over 15 years, despite the remote location and the puzzlement of the locals (they prefer the RSL).
Refugees from the Sydney restaurant scene, owners Michi Nakanishi and partner Terry Lanning, have found their nirvana. Incredibly they are open all year (though only for lunch in winter). The food is exquisite and the prices incredibly reasonable — our lunch with wine cost under $30 pp.
They also have 7 clifftop cabins which make a perfect overnight stop between Hobart and the Freycinet. Kabuki can include their Oriental room service dinner when you stay overnight.
Marilyn April 25th, 2006
Istanbul, says Tyler Brule (founder of Wallpaper), is the new black. It’s the new Barcelona and Turkey is now the emerging hot spot for edgy food, cool design and early-adopter of premium tourism that Spain was 10 years ago. (Australian Gourmet Traveller, May 2006).
Aussie backpackers who have been visiting Turkey in large numbers for 20 years will be unimpressed by this news (see story on Istanbul below). What do you think?
Marilyn April 20th, 2006
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Whirling Dervish Dancers in Istanbul
For years friends have extolled the virtues of holidaying in Turkey. Cheap, exotic, and the Turks just love Aussies. Finally an opportunity presented itself recently and Francis and I spent 6 days in Istanbul. But had we left it too late? Well, yes … and no. You can easily spend a week in this fascinating oriental city. The shopping of course is legendary and even if you are not besotted with history as I am, you cannot help but be impressed by the Ottoman Empire and the astonishing legacy left by the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Arabs.
But truthfully most visitors’ first priority is to visit the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and the countless shops offering jewellery, carpets, caviar and leather goods — often excellent knock-offs of classy Italian designers. The Grand Bazaar is reputed to be the world’s largest market with around 4,000 shops. In this roofed labyrinth of passages you can easily become lost. Bargaining is the go here, but what is the formula? I asked our consierge at the hotel and several guides. All gave me different answers. Aussies are generally far from comfortable with bargaining so I was determined to find out the truth. Finally, I latched onto the following, which I think will serve you well, anywhere in the world: Continue Reading »
Marilyn March 16th, 2006
Over the years various friends have raved about Lord Howe Island but it was only recently that the opportunity arose for us to have 6 days there. It is quite gorgeous … very small with beautiful white sandy beaches and sub-tropical foliage, punctuated by tall Norfolk Island pines. It is 2 hours flying time from Brisbane or Sydney and has World Heritage status.
The charm of the place is really the 1950s atmosphere. It’s a step back in time that the people of Lord Howe have cleverly and deliberately kept. With only 300 residents and a maximum of 400 tourists (and that is only in school holidays), LHI is the epitome of relaxed and is distinctly ungroovy. We met families who have been going there for decades, they love it so much. Continue Reading »
Marilyn January 6th, 2005
ROME NOTES ON ACCOM, EATING & SHOPPING
Accommodation
Rome hotels are generally expensive, however, the following are in the trendy ‘Spanish Steps’ area , offer very comfortable rooms and are reasonable for what you get. Continue Reading »
Marilyn May 6th, 2003
Maleny, Montville, Mapleton
This area is only 1½ hours north of Brisbane and well deserves a couple of overnights to even scratch the surface. The drought is over and the area is back to picture perfect emerald green – looks like someone has just ran the Victa mower over the hills. Continue Reading »
Marilyn October 6th, 2002
FRANCE
Paris:
Finding a pleasant and affordable hotel is a priority and you must book well in advance for any time of the year. We prefer to stay on the left bank of the Seine in the university quarter called The Latin Quarter. Beyond the cliches of red-checked tablecloths, bohemian writers and cute bookstores – away from the tourist trail – there is a world of gossipy village streets, food markets and Roman ruins.
It is inhabited by well-heeled lefties, ranging from politicians to intellectuals and famous journalists – the students you see in the cafes can’t afford to live here. This neighbourhood has graceful apartments and ancient streets and is one of the city’s most exclusive. Here are three boutique hotels we recommend. Be aware that Paris hotel rooms are generally small. Continue Reading »
Marilyn December 31st, 2001
Our perception has always been that Western Australia is a long way away, but in fact it is a 5 hour direct flight from Brisbane. If you are routed through Sydney, however, it will take a lot longer and be a much more tedious trip.
We, in fact, chose to fly to Adelaide and catch the Indian Pacific train across the Nullarbor to Perth. We love train travel and this seemed like a good opportunity to do something different. Continue Reading »