I had my honeymoon in Tasmania last June. It was the onset of winter, and was just nice for me. I have never experienced winter before, so it was a pleasant surprise that I need not bundle myself up. But remember to wear winter wear (gloves & scarves) if you are going to Mt Wellington, the one in the background of Hobart city. The winds were so strong, our ears and hands ached for 2 days after that! We couldn't even walk straight!
I went on the Qantas getaway kind of tour; very nice as the operator bus (Tiger Line or something) will pick you up and you just give your coupon for each tour. We did not have time so we missed the Cadbury factory tour; but those who went said it's recommended and have deep pockets cos they let you take all you want (but pls dun embarrass yourselves by taking out bags!!! No one does it!) As for cheap chocs, even the guide said it'll be cheaper to buy when supermkts have sales! The only special offer is this special 1lb bag that sells for A$X, can't remember, and it's only 1 bag per pax.
We actually paid extra $400 to get a lodge in Freycinet (about A$275/nite, plus car rental abt A$100). It was absolutely worth the money; the restaurant in the Frecinet lodge was superb. Never had fresher seafood! But the servings were huge so we had to reluctantly stop eating-I have the bad habit of finishing up everything on my plate, whether nice or not! Been taught since young not to waste food...
And I think there's enough said about the views; however be prepared for the bracing winds and waves in the evening, and the walks can be quite tough. The lookout to Wine Glass Bay is way up,up and up! We took almost 2hrs (not very fit hehe) one way, and I had to remove my sweater cos you work up a fine sweat! I suggest getting an early breakfast and going early so you do not have to fight for space and take pictures. the lookout is a small platform with a bench; can't fit so many people.
I think a good digital camera is a must; we wanted to take a couple shot as the "representative" photo of our honeymoon, but the picture taken was HORRID...the view was like in the top 20% of the pic, the rest of the pic shows our body and leg and the whole platform
And this was taken by an angmoh who was using a good Canon SLR camera; my hubby thought he would have known what he was doing, that's why we got him to take it for us! I still feel sore about this 1 year later.
Anyway 2 things to note, which no one has told me until after the trip!
1) How many of you actually saw the peaks of Cradle Mtn? Like those you see in the postcard? I was so disappointed as it was all misty and fogged up, we did not even see the shape of the peak! In the end only bought postcards
So do not be disappointed if you do not see the picture-postcard perfect view. Do look at the chart there which tells you how many days it rains/snows or sunshine a year in Cradle Mtn! The guide told us it somehow adds up to >365 days! Hehe!
2) Another thing to note is that it is recommended to travel from Launceston (and Cradle Mtn) down towards Hobart; this way you see more of the Tamar Valley, down the east coast of Freycinet and ending in Hobart. In Hobart do try Hog's Breath Cafe. They serve the best beef I've ever eaten, and I do not like beef! It's even better than the other branches in Perth and Sydney; must be the fresh food that comes direct from Tasmania.
All in all we are glad we chose beautiful Tasmania for our honeymoon. The natural beauty, friendly folks and great food will always bring back fond memories. In the week I was there, I saw more rainbows than I ever did in my whole life - and it's the great big arches that make you want to search for the pot of gold! I seriously recommend self-drive in Tasmania.