Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

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CHAPTER 14 . TASMANIA
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$18.00 (US$12) adults, A$7.50 (US$4.90) children. Family of
2 adults and up to 6 children A$45.00 (US$30). Daily 9am–4:30pm. Closed Christmas.
The Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery Opened in honor of Queen
Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1891, this museum houses a large collection of
stuffed wildlife, including the extinct Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine. There are
also temporary exhibits and historical items on display. Allow an hour.
2 Wellington St. & 03/6323 3777. Free admission for those under 18 and Launceston residents; otherwise,
A$10 (US$6.50). Daily 10am–5pm, except Christmas.
Waverley Woollen Mills Established in 1874 on a site 5km (3 miles) northeast
of town, this business still uses a waterwheel to turn the looms that help
make woolen blankets and rugs. Tours show how the process works. Everything
from woolen hats to ties is sold on the premises. Allow an hour.
Waverley Rd. & 03/6339 1106. Tours A$4 (US$2.60) adults, A$2 (US$1.30) children, A$12 (US$7.80) families.
Tours daily 9am–4pm (there’s usually a 20-min. wait).
York Town Square Market If you’re in Launceston on a Sunday, try to visit
the York Town Square Market. This marketplace specializes in crafts items,
many turned from local wood. It’s a pleasant place to spend a sunny Sunday
afternoon.
The rear of the Launceston International Hotel. No phone. Sun 9am–5pm.
ACCOMMODATIONS YOU CAN AFFORD
One of the best places for budget conscious travelers is the upbeat and very clean
YHA Metro Backpackers, 16 Brisbane St., Launceston (& 03/6334 4505;
www.backpackersmetro.com.au). Bunks in four- to eight-bed dorms cost A$23
(US$15); double rooms with shared bathroom cost A$55 (US$36); and a family
room with bathroom costs A$95 (US$62).
Hillview House The rooms at this restored farmhouse are nothing fancy, but
are quite comfortable. They come with a double bed and a shower. The family
room has an extra single bed; it’s the nicest room and has the best views. The
hotel overlooks the city, and the large veranda and colonial dining room both
have extensive views over the city and the Tamar River.
193 George St., Launceston, TAS 7250. & 03/6331 7388. Fax 03/6331 7388. 9 units. A$90 (US$59) double;
A$105 (US$68) family room for 3. Rates include full breakfast. MC, V. Amenities: Laundry facilities. In room: TV.
Hotel Tasmania Situated in the heart of town, this budget hotel offers simple
rooms with modern furnishings and attached showers. Downstairs there’s a
saloon-style bar with a cowboy theme which hosts live music Wednesday, Friday,
and Saturday. The popular UNI nightclub also kicks off late on Wednesdays,
and it’s free for students before 11pm.
191 Charles St., Launceston, TAS 7250.& 03/6331 7355. Fax 03/6331 2414. www.saloon.com.au. 25 units.
A$64 (US$42) double. Extra person A$19 (US$12). Rates include continental breakfast. AE, MC, V. Free onstreet
parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: TV, fridge, coffeemaker.