'There is sprit of a people that I know a thing or two about. Not wars, but friendship is what makes history!
These were the words used by Governor King of New South Wales, when he attempted to get Tasmania annexed to Australia, and by extension, to the British Empire. These words “ regardless of its context “ are too powerful to ignore. They also give us an insight into the existence of today's Tasmania and what exactly has helped bring it into the larger scheme of things and into the mainstream.
Tasmania, no doubt, is the most impressive part of Australia, just because its sheer natural beauty and diversity, if not anything else. Located at a short nautical stretch away from the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, Tasmania holds the key to all of Antarctic expeditions of Australia, making it immensely important for the country, from a strategic point of view. Apart from this significance, it is also a hugely popular tourist destination. All of its beaches, windy forests, untouched cliffs and unrumpled meadows make for a perfectly new 21st century frontier.
King Island is one the constituents of Tasmania. It was first reported to be ˜discovered' way back in 1798, when the first official map of the island was published by the Royal Geographical Society in London. As the map was published, curiosity about this all new piece of land “ the first to be discovered in a long time “ roused many Englishmen who then packed their stuff to see it with their own eyes.
That childish enthusiasm about this island may not be warranted today, but it doesn't diminish the fact that King Island is as impressive today as it was 200 years ago.
If you make up your mind to pack your bags like Englishmen of yore, we can guarantee that you will not regret your decision. Playing our small part in your voyage, we are glad to present this quick guide to the Island of King hotels.
Affordable Hotels in King Island
This is where it can get just a little bit tricky. There are not too many resort or hotel establishments on King Island that one can note down and then proceed to pick one from. But still, among whatever options available, you can pick the one that most closely resembles the kind of hotel you usually prefer to stay at, considering your requirements, preferences and of course, budget.
Talking about budget, cheap hotels are not to be found on this island. What you can do instead, however, is to look for holiday rentals that double as resorts, particularly during summer months.
Island Breeze Motel takes the top prize in this category of cheap hotels on King Island, based on its overall market reputation and prices. It is located at a drive of about 10 km from King Islands Centre, making it accessible by road.
Parers King Island Hotel is very similar establishment that holds no aces up its sleeve. The only problem with Parers King Island Hotel is that it is rather oddly located and is not quite easily accessed from the island center where most of the activity seems to have been concentrated.
Luxury Hotels in King Island
To put it simply, there is not much to be had in terms of luxury on the island itself. The only hotel that remotely resembles a luxury hotel is the King Island Luxury Holiday Village. It is a theme resort that aims to mimic the native ways of life, allowing its guests to have an insight into Tasman way of life.
It must be understood prior to making a decision to travel to King Island that the reason for your trip shouldn't be indulging. King Island is as much about exploration and adventure as it is about your ideas of unwinding. Having a sense of this reality will help you keep your trip more enjoyable, and free of dissatisfaction that usually stems from unfulfilled expectations.
Boutique and Independent Hotels in King Island
Since there wasn't much to be said about King hotels, emphasis now must be shifted to various independent and boutique hotels in King Island.
This category, quite strangely, features a number of options for tourists to pick from. It should be noted that not all of the options mentioned below are located on King Island. Some of them are situated on Tasman Island that can be easily reached by ferry to and from King Island.
Farm stays is a popular option in this segment. Farm stays “ quite reminiscent of ranch stays in Texas, US “ allow their guests a keen view of daily farm life and associated activities.
Caravan and camping options are also available on King Island. These are short stay options and are quite flexible in nature. They are also very affordable in comparison with farm stays.
B&B Inns, holiday rentals and cabin cottages make up the rest of this segment.
Things to Remember While Sightseeing on King Island
King Island is a part of Tasmania, a state in Australia. Due to this very reason, bringing any foreign food or beverages to King Island is strictly prohibited, so as to ensure that the natural food circle of the region isn't disturbed by the least of degree.
If you are an adventure seeker travelling to King Island, you should make sure that you are ably assisted by one or more local guides who know about the local terrain. Tasman landscapes can be very unforgiving if you find yourself at the wrong end of the stick!
When to Visit King Island?
The best time to visit King Island is during the months of summer; that is from December to February. These months are marked by unbridled sunlight and no prospects of heavy Tasman rains that otherwise make life difficult.
What's even better is the realization that hotels in King Island do not vary their prices based on weather patterns much. So, it shouldn't really be a dictating factor when you finalize your tour plans!