Tasmania Trip

When you really know that this would be the final trip with your group of friends, then that trip is going to be nostalgic and the best, forever in your life. We had a similar trip to Tasmania, an Australian Island state, the 26th largest Island state in the world. Tasmania is not heavily populated, thanks to the Australian Govt. The feel of an unexploited land surely gave us a fresh feeling, a new life. The state is named after Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who made the first reported European sighting of the island on 24 November 1642.

We took a flight to Hobart, the state capital. We drove South of Hobart to visit some random places. The natural beauty was something mesmerising.

Our stay was arranged at Launceston, around 200 kms away from Hobart. On the way, we decided to visit Port Arthur Jail. Port Arthur was a convict jail which is now one of Australia's most significant heritage site. The scenic drive from Hobart, via the Tasman Highway to Sorell and the Arthur Highway to Port Arthur, took around 2 hours.

From 1852, Port Arthur jail had the hardest criminals from Britian and Ireland. The hardest criminals was in 1850's term, evan a pick pocketer was considered criminal with 14 years sentence. Port Arthur jail is now in ruins, but well maintained in Australian Standards.

Another scenic drive to Freycinet National park gave us a different view of Tasmania.

Freycinet National Park with its pink granite mountains and pure white beaches is famous for Wineglass Bay. The view of Wineglass Bay from the famous Wineglass Bay Lookout was an awesome treat.

Enough of scenic drives, time for something different - Cave Tours at Mole Creek Karst National Park. The park is best known for two richly decorated caves open to the general public.We took the guided tour of Marakoopa and King Solomons Caves. Though it was not the first time I had the cave tour experience, but this was quite different experience with Underground Rivers, Glow-worms and echoing dark areas. The magnificent cavern known as the 'Great Cathedral' was a highlight not to be missed.

It always great to have something for the first time in any trips. This time, for me, it was the cruise journey during day hours. 360 degree view of Sea, dance & music, people chatting, decks, movies - Spirit of Tasmania had everything for the perfect Cruise journey. It took around 8 hours to reach Melbourne.

Thanks Renjith, Shreechi, Arun and Swapna for making this journey one of the most wonderful trip in our life. We all left, wishing for another trip with the same group some time later in our life.