OT: Best cell SIM cards for OZ

[crazycanuck]

When you arrive at the airport venture over to the Vodafone shop at the airport. I use vodafone & if you purchase a $49 top up it gives you $250 worth of calls They're sold in $29, $49 & $69 value bundle packs i believe.

NOt sure about your Hobart q...

Have fun driving on the left! Have you driven through roundabouts?

C

[DrBadger]

Thanks CC-
I think that I will just stop at the Vodafone shop at the airport... it seems to be cheaper than getting things set up with the starter kit before I leave. I will just have to call my parents with the OZ phone number once I have it, but not a big deal.

I have driven in roundabouts before....and been a passanger in them on the left side of the road when I was in New Zealand a couple of years ago. it should also help that I will have been in OZ for almost 2 weeks when I get the car in tasmania, so I will at least be somewhat used to seeing the traffic coming from the wrong direction

Thanks again!
Ellen

PS. I am sure that I will make it to Perth at some point once I start working (going to work for an oil company).....

[susanm8048]

I don't live in Hobart but visit there frequently to see my sister.

My humble opinion would be to stay in Nth Hobart. You can wander down to eat and it has a warmer feel to it than the CBD. But I haven;t stayed in either hostel to know if one is better. I will ask my sister.

Hobart is really small, just like a big country town- which is wonderful- and I would be surprised if you had to pay more than a minimal amount for parking.

I LOVE Tasmania with all its beautiful countryside and magestic hiking. I hope you are getting out into the backcountry. If you need some recommendations for walking, I would be delighted to help.

Have a wonderful trip,
Sue

[DrBadger]

Thanks Sue!

I am currently leaning towards staying North Hobart, it just seems simpler all around.

I don't have a lot of time in Tasmania, only 3 full days (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). My current plan is to go out to Port Arthur one day (maybe Monday as I am guessing there will be fewer people, right?), One day at Bruney Island, and one day up at Mt. Field Natl Park. How does that sound for only 3 days? I would consider switching out Bruney Island for something else if someone had a great idea for something that I am missing....

Thanks again for your help!
Ellen

[susanm8048]

Sounds like a great trip.

Mt Field is great and really close. The Russell Falls are lovely and then drive up to Lake Dobson ( I think that is right).There is a nice walk around the lake and if you have time and the weather is kind, walk up to the Tarn Shelf and wander along the walking tracks up there. The 3 different elevations mean that you will have a really varied day of walking

Port Arthur is interesting and a little bit of history. Near there, there are some great coastal day walks which I LOVE. From memory, it is Fortescue Bay. I will dig out my old Day Hike Guide and get some more specifics for you.

I don;t know anything about Bruny Island. My memory is that it is a long way for a day trip. The Haartz (?sp) Mountains are a popular day trip in our family. If the weather is bad ( and it often is- you don;t get rainforest for free!) Mt Wellington on Hobart's doorstep has a myriad of lovely rainforest trails and it doesn't matter if the sun isn't shining.

I will try to get some more details and get back to you.

[susanm8048]

Back again!

I spoke with my sister and she had a few suggestions.

She thought that the 3 places you had chosen were great.

Mt Field: Unless you are super fit, don't bother going up to the Tarn Shelf and Mt Field West, but spend your time walking around Lake Dobson to Twilight Tarn and the little museum there.

At Port Arthur, go to Tasman Arch and do the Clifftop walk to Waterfall Bay. Don't bother with the Fortescue Bay/Cape Raul walk as you won't have time.

She said that Bruny Island is great. She mentioned the Lighthouse there and a walk from Adventure Bay round to the Cape. She also has heard that they do boat trips from Adventure Bay out to see the seals. Apparently, there is a great tourist info service at the Ferry as you arrive at Bruny which will tell you all you need to know.

I hope that this helps a little.
Have a great trip,
Sue

[jobob]

Just popping in to wish you a great trip, Ellen !

- Jo.