DESTINATION: TASMANIA
You haven`t seen Australia until you`ve seen Tasmania. This little isle condenses the typical Australian landscapes into one small island state. From amazing bush, to beautiful rugged coastlines, and golden fields, Tasmania has it all. Tasmania prides itself on having 2,000 km`s of walking tracks, 17 national parks and 1.38 million hectares of Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. If you get into bushwalking, you`ll already know of Tasmania`s reputation. Known the world over for its pristine wilderness areas Tasmania is a magnet for bushwalkers, mountain climbers and nature lovers alike. Tasmanians pride themselves on being a role model for environmental and conservation issues, with many playing vital parts in the development of world environment standards. The easiest and safest way to explore Tasmania`s natural wonders is with an organised tour, to check out the tours we have on offer, click here.  
Tasmania`s population is concentrated mainly on the north and southeast coasts, where the land is rich and fertile. The capital, Hobart, is located on the lower southeast coast. The southwest and west coasts are extremely wild and virtually untouched. Inland the forests and mountains form one of the world`s last great wilderness areas
Due to its southern position and closeness to the Antarctic Circle, Tasmania is often illuminated by the aurora australis, or southern lights and thus a great place for stargazing. Now obviously, you’ re going to need a place to stay. Luckily, there are 5 VIP Hostels in Tasmania, all a little bit different and all great places to stay. Check them out at www.vipbackpackers.com and remember if you’ re a VIP member you can get 5% off each night.
Don`t forget that with your VIP Membership card you can get great discounts on car and van hire. Hiring your own car means you can see what you want to see at the pace you want to see it. Check out the website for all the details.
Keep checking our website. We’ re adding worldwide hostels everyday and have been loading some awesome products. New products include adventure tours in New Zealand, rockclimbing in Brisbane, and of course some great Tasmanian tours...
For the best advice on where to go, what to do and who to see ask the staff at our hostels, or check the local street press. | VIP NEWS:
MELBOURNE BACKPACKERS EXPO: The VIP team headed down to Melbourne last week for the Melbourne Backpacker Expo. Needless to say we had a great time catching up with our Melbourne hostels, tour operators and affiliated travel agents. The expo itself was a great chance to meet with others in the tourism industry and to meet the most important people - you guys, the backpackers!
EMMA GOES TO TASMANIA:
After the chaos of the expo Emma crossed the Tasman to visit the Apple Isle - Tasmania. She only had a couple days there but assures us that it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia. While in Tasmania she stayed at one of our newest hostels, Fonthill Shearer`s Quarters. This is a sheep farm that has converted the shearer`s quarters into fantastic dorm accommodation, while you`re there you can take part in as much or as little farm work as you`d like and Gary is happy to help arrange anything from Bush Golf to outback BBQs. Make sure you pop into the actual Shearing Shed while you`re there to have a beer at the Shearer`s Bar for the real Aussie experience. TOURISM AUSTRALIA ASKS " WHERE THE BLOODY HELL ARE YOU?" Tourism Australia has launched a new campaign named " Where the bloody hell are you?" The campaign focuses on the personality, the lifestyle, and the incredible places Australia has to offer travellers. To check out the campaign, click here.
GRAB A CARD AND COMPETITION:
If you`re in Australia and for some unknown reason you don`t have your VIP membership card yet, now is the time to buy one. Go into your nearest VIP hostel or Student Flights, buy a VIP membership kit and go into the draw to win AUD$500!!! |
