Q&A with Ruth Dawkins

NAME: Ruth Dawkins

OCCUPATION: Freelance writer, Experience Tasmania Guide

CITY: Hobar

WEBSITE: ruthdawkins.net

Describe your ideal Aussie holiday?

I’d take a little tour around to visit some of the friends I have in different parts of Australia. I’d start with some dear friends from Scotland who now live in a beautiful rural spot in North West Tasmania; then I’d head to Melbourne for some good food, shopping and art galleries with a friend there; and finally, I’d head up to see friends in Brisbane so I could enjoy some sunshine and beach time.

What were some surprises you can share while travelling around Tassie for your Experience Tasmania Guide?

I think the thing that takes everyone by surprise is just how big Tasmania is. It might be small compared to mainland Australia, but there’s such diversity of landscapes across the different regions. As a visitor, you really can’t cover the whole state in a weekend – you can’t even cover Hobart or Launceston in a weekend – so I would urge people to take their time and really enjoy exploring what’s on offer.

What are some tips for travelling around Tasmania?

I think a road trip is the best way to see Tassie – regardless of whether you are focusing on a particular region like the East Coast or West Coast, or whether you’re trying to see the whole island. But I would really encourage people to see the driving as part of the fun. Don’t always be rushing on to the next stop on your itinerary. Make time to stop off at roadside food stalls, find a safe place to stop and admire some of the incredible views, and maybe even take an unexpected detour off the main highways. You never know – you might just find a perfectly secluded beach, a just-opened cellar door, or a beautiful rainforest walk.

How would you spend a weekend in Tasmania?

I’d probably head up the East Coast to Swansea: there’s great food at the Waterloo Inn, lovely quiet beaches to walk, and a comfy bed with incredible views at Swansea Beach Chalets.

Where are you off to next?

I’m going back to the UK for three weeks to visit my family.

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