Tasmania - Australia 2004 - page 627

( & 03/6336 3122 ), on the corner of St. John and Paterson streets, runs city tours
daily by replica tram. Tours cost A$23 (US$15) for adults and A$16 (US$10) for
children under 16. Otherwise, Tasmanian Tours & Travel Tigerline ( & 1300/
653 633 or 03/6272 6611) operates a half-day coach tour of the city, plus a boat
cruise, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30am. It costs A$39
(US$25) for adults and A$23 (US$15) for children.
A must see is Cataract Gorge , the result of violent earthquakes that rattled
Tasmania some 40 million years ago. It's a wonderfully scenic area just 10 min-
utes from Launceston. The South Esk River flows through the gorge and collects
in a small lake traversed by a striking yellow suspension bridge and the longest
single span chair lift in the world. The chair lift ( & 03/6331 5915 ) is open daily
from 9am to 4:30pm (except June 23-Aug 11, when it operates on Sat-Sun
only), and costs A$5 (US$3.25) for adults and A$3 (US$1.95) for children
under 16. Outdoor concerts are sometimes held on the lake bank. The hike to
the Duck Reach Power Station takes about 45 minutes. Take good footwear and
a raincoat. Other walks in the area are shorter and easier. The Gorge Restaurant
( & 03/6331 3330 ) and the kiosk next door serve meals with glorious views
from the outdoor tables.
Tamar River Cruises ( & 03/6334 9900 ) offers lunch, afternoon, and
evening buffet dinner cruises up the Tamar River from Home Point Wharf in
Launceston.
Mountain biking is popular in this area. Contact Tasmanian Expeditions
( & 1800/030 230 in Australia, or 03/6334 3477) for information on its 4- to
7-day trips along the east coast in summer. You can rent bicycles from the youth
hostel at 36 Thistle St. ( & 03/6344 9779 ) for A$11 (US$7.15) per day for a
touring bike or A$18 (US$12) per day for a mountain bike. (You can also rent
bushwalking equipment, including boots, tents, sleeping bags, and stoves.)
The Trevallyn State Recreation Area, on the outskirts of Launceston off
Reatta Road, is a man-made lake surrounded by a beautiful wildlife reserve with
several walking tracks. There are barbecue facilities, picnic areas, and a beach.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Aquarius Roman Baths Adorned with gold, Italian marble, and works of
art, this remarkable Romanesque structure is worth visiting just for the archi-
tectural experience. Indulge in warm-, hot-, and cold-water baths; visit the
steam room; or get a massage or a beauty makeover.
127 George St. & 03/6331 2255. Admission to baths and hot rooms A$20 (US$13) for 1, A$33 (US$21) for
2. Treatments extra. Mon-Fri 8:30am-9pm; Sat-Sun 9am-6pm.
The Old Umbrella Shop Built in the 1860s, this unique shop is the last gen-
uine period store in Tasmania and has been operated by the same family since the
turn of the 20th century. Umbrellas spanning the last 100 years are on display,
while modern “brollies” and souvenirs are for sale. Allow 15 minutes.
60 George St. & 03/6331 9248. Free admission. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-noon.
The Penny Royal World & Gunpowder Mill This amusement park, with
its sailboat, barges and trams, and historic gunpowder mills, is large enough to
occupy an entire day. Admission also includes a tram ride and a trip up Cataract
Gorge and the Tamar River on the paddle steamer MV Lady Stelfox.
Off Bridge Rd. & 03/6331 6699. Admission A$18 (US$12) adults, A$7.50 (US$4.90) children, A$45 (US$30)
family of 2 adults and up to 6 children. Daily 9am-4:30pm. Closed Christmas.