Expert: Ian Smith - 6/18/2008

Question
Hi Ian,
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my question.
We are looking to travel to Australia/Tasmania for a month in Jan/Feb with
our two children, ages 4 and 2.  We know we can't see it all but would like a
taste of everything.  We are divers so Barrier Reef (family resort?) is a must. I
say Family Resort for Child care options while diving.  Will no doubt spend
time (week or so) in Sydney as well. Am thinking an area like Manly might be
best here? Question as to whether to do brisbane and queensland outback or
Melbourne. And we would really like to check out Tasmania - Is a week here
too much?
We are open to all other suggestions but know that distances make it hard.
We also like to try and really get to understand local culture....
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Anne

Answer
One month, mmmmm, stretching it a bit.
My suggestions would be as follows:
A week in Tasmania is not long enough!  For mine it's the best tourist state in Australia because its attractions are all handy to each other, unlike W.A. where I am at the moment.
Try to check out places like Cradle Mountain, Rocky Cape National Park, Allendale Gardens (a must), Tahune State Forest, Bruny Island Charters (up close to high cliff faces), Tasman Peninsula (consider diving here) and Sheffield.  For history, look into Oatlands, Ross, Richmond and Hobart itself (Battery Point).  The females absolutely MUST see Reliquaire, one of the world's most amazing shops (I think it's in Longford).
I would recommend Melbourne instead of Brisbane.  I love its buildings and culture.  It's also very hot in Brisbane at this time of year and thunderstorms are common.  The outback will be 40 degrees every day.
Manly is good, just try and select accommodation a little away from the pubs (can get noisy at night).  I would consider say five days in Sydney and two in the Blud Mountains.
I hope this helps you a little and if you want more info please do not hesitate to contact me.
I have much more detail on what I've just listed in a site called "virtualtourist.com" where I use the name "iandsmith".  There are heaps of pictures and many more details than I can list here.
Whatever you decide, enjoy.
P.S.  I'm in the outback at the moment and only on line about twice a week.