There is a freedom to Solo travel, doing what you want, when you want, for as long as you want (LOL). No “decisions by committee”. Yeah, you are thinking about that now aren’t you 😉
Bruny Island Eco Tour
The balance is not sharing highly memorable experiences with someone.
As a solo traveler, you decide on when, if & how you might interact with others, and I have (normally) had no problem meeting many wonderful fellow travelers along the way, some have become very dear friends.
Travel The Bucket List has aided that at times, aside from being a cathartic diary and memory of adventures in Iceland, Norway, Austria, Cambodia, Canada, The Great Ocean Road, Skiing Japan, Phi Phi Island, Scotland, Ireland, Istanbul, Egypt, Europe and more.
I also recently came across a Solo Travel Australia facebook group which continues the enjoyment of sharing these experiences and getting new ideas to expand the Bucket List.
As always on my site, follow the hyperlinks for more behind each reference.
So todays blog highlights my on-water tours around Tasmania, with the other tours next.
There is a whole new perspective of this world when viewed from the ocean or waterways. So below are my highlights of Day Cruises to
- Maria Island,
- the Bay of Fires,
- Bruny Island to the southern ocean,
- Wineglass Bay around the stunning Freycinet Peninsula
- Iron Pot Lighthouse from Hobart
- the Gordon River to the famous Sarah Island & Huon Pines
- Arthur River into the wilderness and
- Lake St Clair to the Overland track landing
Maria Island was a prime example. Maria Island is popular with hikers, who can enjoy multi day walks. However, some of Maria’s finest attractions, like the Fossil Cliffs or Painted Cliffs, can not be truly appreciated unless you see them from the ocean.
The Maria Island Cruise I took, gave a sample of this from the water, but also a couple of hours on the Island where I witnessed this unique & wonderful Wombat experience.
and here was a little more to show how special Maria Island is to visit.
The Bay of Fires on the Tasmanian East Coast was all about colours & contrasts
Bruny Island is a short Ferry ride from the mainland, and well worth the visit & Eco Tour to see the cliffs and southern ocean, fur seals, dolphins and magnificent birdlife including Albatros.
Everything about the Freycinet Peninsula is beautiful, but its highlight is Wineglass bay, accessible by a day walk, or this Wineglass Bay Cruise
Hobart is a vibrant city around the Derwent River & harbour, accessing the southern ocean. This Iron Pot Lighthouse Cruise runs down the coastline to the lighthouse & back.
The Franklin River was a famous protest in the early 80’s to save this pristine environment from a Dam. You can do walks to the Franklin River or river rafting, which feeds into the Gordon River out to Strahan, and at Strahan, there are a couple of Gordon River Cruises that access the infamous Sarah Island Convict settlement, before venturing up the Gordon to a nature walk landing. The Huon Pines along the way were stunning.
The Arthur River on the westcoast was a simplier, relaxed day cruise to a bush lunch and wander, seeing many Sea Eagles along the way.
and finally, Lake St Clair is the start or finish of the multi-day Overland Hike to/from Cradle Mountain. A body of water, deeper than the Tasman Straight which connects Tasmania to it’s northern island (Australia). This cruise had some of the most dramatic vistas
WILT – What I am listening to ?
Don’t try to read too much into these WILT’s, it’s often just that earworm from my music library