North West, Tasmania
Best months:
May to September

North West, Tasmania

Tasmania, Australia
LAST UPDATED 20/06/2008
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introduction

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NASA: Map of Tasmanian Tribes at the time of first European contact, 19 January 2006

The North West Tasmania region covers a vast area including the towns of Devonport, Burnie, Strahan and Queenstown as well as Cradle Mountain National Park.

To get to this region, there is an airport in Devonport and a terminus for the Spirit of Tasmania (ferry between Victoria and Tasmania). 

The port handles most of the export produce from the rich agricultural areas around Devonport and the town itself is mostly considered an arrival and departure port rather than a destination spot.

 

 

surfing

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Lorrie Mancell: Sisters Beach, North West Tasmania, 2006

A fine collection of sheltered bays will offer you many options when the swell is pounding the west coast.

The main source of power here is the endless passage of S to SW swell rolling out of the Antartic. The west coast is directly in the firing line of the roaring 40's and whilst it is rarely flat it is often out of control. Weeks of onshore winds in the summer are a problem. Fortunately the sheltered bays and points of the other coasts offer reasonably uncrowded reprieve and often a very good wave in such conditions. Unlike many cold water surf destinations, you can surf in Tasmania all year round.

where to stay

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VW Camper; Liftarn; 09.09.2006

A campervan is a great way to see Tasmania and is very popular, the rental prices here are generally a bit cheaper than the mainland and it gives you freedom to make the most of your time here and take in as much as possible.

If you prefer a more fixed abode then the city of Hobart has all ranges of accommodation on offer from backers style hostels based around shared facilites and dorm type rooms right up to high end hotels for the traveller wishing to splurge. Out of the capital city you'll find a full range of rural cottages and farmstays in the country and a range of camping grounds, hotels and motels in most of the smaller towns and villages.

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