Tasmania Australia hotel - by ATS Tours

Once known chiefly for its carefully-preserved convict history and stunning natural scenery, the island state of Tasmania is gaining renown for its exceptional food, boutique wines, and local arts and crafts.

From the capital city of Hobart, discover Port Arthur, Australia's best-preserved former penal colony, or Freycinet National Park, with its beautiful bays and rugged terrain, perfect for hiking. From the historic city of Launceston, with its Victorian-era facades, visit the vineyards of the Tamar Valley, or tour through the alpine scenery of beautiful Cradle Mountain National Park, home to waterfalls, glacial lakes, and a variety of Australian wildlife.

Tasmania Hotels

Hotel / Resort name	Ratings
Freycinet Lodge - East Coast   Freycinet National Park features breathtaking sweeping sands, romantic private beaches and stunning mountain vistas. The Lodge is situated in the park itself, the ideal retreat during your stay in this wonderland of natural attractions. Hike to world-famous Wineglass Bay. Paddle on crystalline waters. Dine by the water's edge on local seafood, and watch the sun set. Full breakfast is included.		more photos
Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart - Hobart   Located on the waterfront in central Hobart, Hotel Grand Chancellor provides the ultimate in accommodation with majestic views over the Derwent River and Mt. Wellington. Spacious rooms are stylishly furnished and fully equipped for your comfort. Close to Hobart’s many tourist attractions, the hotel provides city convenience with friendly, exemplary service.		more photos
Mantra One Sandy Bay Road - Hobart   The perfect base to enjoy the serenity and peace and all that Tasmania has to offer. Within walking distance to Sullivan’s Cove with its numerous shopping and dining outlets and on the fringe of Hobart’s CBD. The hotel offers self-contained studio apartments with an open plan design, all with air conditioning and stunning views.		more photos
Peppers Calstock - Outside Launceston   Situated 45 minutes from Launceston, in the lush valleys surrounding Deloraine, Peppers Calstock offers elegant boutique accommodation. This 19th century Georgian mansion features early Victorian furnishings. Formal gardens surround the house while the wide verandah offers spectacular views.		more photos
Peppers Seaport Hotel - Launceston   Peppers Seaport Hotel offers luxury waterfront accommodation just 5 minutes from the center of Launceston and is surrounded by restaurants and cafés offering a good choice of fine food and more casual dining. Taking its character from its waterfront setting, the hotel offers superb views out over Tamar River towards Cataract Gorge.		more photos
Strahan Village - West Coast   Strahan Village, on Tasmania's stunning West Coast, is on the doorstep of an ancient wilderness. Cruise on the Gordon River and explore the World Heritage rainforest. Journey into the pioneering past on the 1896 West Coast Wilderness Railway. Relax in one of the charming waterfront cottages and terraces, or on the hilltop.		more photos
The Henry Jones Art Hotel - Hobart   The first dedicated art hotel in Australia, on Hobart's waterfront, steeped in an ambience of culture and luxurious living. 50 guest suites are incorporated within warehouses dating back to the 1820s and a former jam factory, and showcase more than 250 original artworks. Sandstone walls, exotic timbers and lavish art complement each suite.		more photos
The Old Bakery Inn - Launceston   Experience the special heritage character of The Old Bakery Inn, a part of Launceston history for over 130 years. The hotel is the perfect location for those who enjoy the romance and history of a heritage property, combined with the convenience and comforts of modern life. Only a few minutes walk to the central shopping area, tourist attractions and restaurants.		more photos
Voyages Cradle Mountain Lodge - West Coast   A unique wilderness experience located on the edge of the spectacular Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair National Park. Enjoy fine local food and wine, or some of the many activities available, including the spa. Buffet breakfast and some lodge activities are included.		more photos

Time Zones
Like the US, Australia is broken into three different time zones. From Pacific Standard Time, the eastern states (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania) are + 18 hours, the central states (Northern Territory, South Australia) are + 19, and Western Australia is + 20 hours. Some states practice daylight saving, so these times will differ during certain months.

Entry Formalities
You must have a passport, valid for not less than 6 months beyond the date of arrival, and a visitors visa. Consult your travel agent or airline.

Currency
Australian dollar, decimal currency system. Notes: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1, $2.

Bank Hours
Generally 9:30am to 4pm Monday through Thursday, and 9:30am to 5pm Friday.

Departure Tax
Departure tax is A$38 (approximately US$27) per person over 12 years of age (included in international air ticket).

Electricity
240/250 volts, AC 50Hz. As the 3-pin outlets differ from those in the US a converter/adapter kit is required. Most major hotels have 110v outlets for electric shavers.

Language
English is the official language, but you will hear many colorful local expressions. Do not hesitate to ask questions, as people are very helpful.

Shopping
9am-5pm weekdays, and Thursday to 9pm. Saturday 9am-4pm. Put Akubra hats, Driza-Bone bushman raincoats, Aboriginal objects, wool products, opals and pearls on your shopping list.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom, and service charges are not added in hotels and restaurants. In better restaurants, however, it is usual to tip up to 10%. Porters at airports, taxi drivers and hairdressers do not expect to be tipped. At railway terminals porters have set charges, but not at hotels. At any time tipping is your choice.

Climate
As Australia covers 30 degrees of latitude, there is a wide variation in its climate. Looking to the north, about 40% of the continent is in the tropics. In the southeast region of the Australian Alps, there is snow for about 6 months of the year. Primarily, Australia is a sunshine country - even in the cooler southern regions. No capital gets less than 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. Perth is the sunniest state capital, with nearly 8 hours of sunshine a day. Remember that Australia, located in the southern hemisphere, has seasons opposite North America's.

Food
Australians don't really have a dish that they can call their own. But the country does offer a multitude of foods, from native kangaroo tails and macadamia nuts, through avocados, fresh tropical fruits, oysters and lobsters, to tender beef and lamb. And what you will find is a variety of foods prepared with the skills of many nationalities - French, Greek, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian and many others.