Oct
29
2012

Gourmania Food Tours

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The summer holidays are just around the corner, so start planning your activities for the break ahead with a trip with Gourmania Food Tours!

The ultimate journey for any food-lover, Gourmania Food Tours takes you on a trip through Tasmania's capital city of Hobart to discover fabulous local eateries and taste the island's culinary delights.

Gourmania Food Tours Tasmania is fairly new to the tour circuit, established in 2011 by Tasmanian pastry chef Mary McNeill, who has worked in kitchens in America and most recently in Hobart restaurant Smolt.

Mary found that food tours are a 'fantastic way to engage with a city and its culture' deciding to bring her 'love of food and discovery' back to Hobart, the city in which she was born and raised.

The tours run in small, intimate groups from a minimum of one to up to eight people, with those taking the trip advised to have a light breakfast to make room for the array of taste experiences they will have on their trip!

There are three fantastic tours that foodies can embark on including The City Tour, Tea to Tapas and Farm Gate to the Plate.

The City Tour will be a morning to remember with four hours of discovering and tasting Tasmania's produce including cool-climate wines, fresh seafood, cow and goat milk cheeses, charcuterie, pastries and more!

If you're keen to head out on this tour be prepared to be 'very well fed' as you get to explore Hobart and Salamanca Place, finishing the tour with a refreshing beverage.

The Tea to Tapas Tour is an afternoon trip introducing you to the 'newest hot spots' that include espresso bar Yellow bernard and converted stable restaurant Ethos Eat Drink.

Indulge in local produce such as Bruny Island oysters and Pigeon Hole artisanal bread in this delightful three-hour afternoon tour.

The Farm Gate to the Plate tour is one experience that big time foodies should try, where you will pick fresh ingredients at Hobart's Farm Gate Market and take part in a cooking class!

You will be able to taste your creations in a three-course shared table lunch, with wine provided from local producers and also recipes and aprons to take home!

Gourmania Tours Collage and Signage 2

Places and Plate settings to tempt the taste buds

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Oct
28
2012

Backpacker Magazine ‘Road Tests’ in Tasmania

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BACKPACKER (USA) is known for the most rigorous, authoritative gear tests in the business. Have you ever wondered what really goes on during staff testing trips? After travelling 30 hours across the world, their crew is headed to the Tasmanian outback and over the next week 29 October – 3 November (AEST) will put a huge crop of gear for the ‘Spring 2013 Gear Guide’ through its final paces. They’ll be climbing peaks, haul 50 pound packs, camp in the bush, and likely get hit with some challenging weather in Tasmania’s outback. Some gear will make it to the top of the list, others will sink to the bottom, and some will incite rousing debates about what deserves their coveted Editors’ Choice Awards.

Each day the team, equipped with DeLorme inReach satellite communicators, will post play-by-play commentary on how they test, what they love, what they hate, what they see (Tasmanian Devils?), and what they learn along the way. Hopefully the difference between a Tassie Devil and a Wombat! LOL

(Note: Because of the global satellites they will be limited to 160-character text messages, so posts will be succinct.)

Follow them on their journey and ask questions by going to Jon’s MapShare page:
http://share.delorme.com/?MapId=JonDorn

From there – expand the Users List and select Kristin or Jon then press the Message button to send your questions. Responses will be made as quickly as they can in real time. It’s not quite as good as being there with them, but it’s the next best thing!

Follow on Twitter too: @BackpackerMag

The BackpackerMag crew are not joking about trekking and testing in the 'wilds' of Tasmania

backpacker magazine logo strip

Cover Shots of Previous Gear Guides from BackPacker Magazines

Nancy (L) and Kristin (R) atop Mt Jerusalem in Tasmania's Central Highlands

The whole team from Tasmanian Expeditions and BackPacker Magazine USA atop King David's Peak in Tasmania's Central Highlands

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Oct
27
2012

West Coast Wilderness Railway

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Experience the beauty of Tasmania in a unique ride around lush green rainforests and mountains and over rivers in a journey with West Coast Wilderness Railway.

These steam trains will take passengers back in time, where instead of carrying copper from mines, visitors are now the cargo!

West Coast pioneers built the original railway in 1896 stretching over 22 miles of wilderness and holding around 42 bridges.

Visitors today can marvel at the wonders from the past, taking a 35 kilometre journey, stopping at stations such as Lower Landing, Dubbil Barril and Rinadeena, where guides will share stories about the history of each significant stop.

The five hour journey will have you taking in spectacular snap-worthy sights, where you will also be able to leave the train at stops and wander along forest paths and visit creeks and the wild Tasmanian rainforest.

In your stop at Lower Landing you will be treated to a tasting of Tasmania's leatherwood honey, made from the hives of the Tasmanian Honey Company that are kept throughout the rainforest.

You can also enjoy 'Fettlers' lunches and afternoon teas on the train if you're feeling a little peckish, or choose to take your journey in the Premier Class carriage to indulge in pastries and local cheeses.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates all year – excluding Christmas Day – so make sure to include this journey in your trip to Tasmania!

If you want to stay among the lush rainforests and surrounds, book yourself accommodation in Strahan Village.

This beautiful 'west coast fishing village' is a great escape from the busy city life, allowing you to explore the Tasmania's vast wilderness.

The West Coast Wilderness Railway leaves from Strahan Village, making it a prime spot to plan your stay.

You can choose from a variety of stay options, whether you're wanting a cottage room on the esplanade or a balcony room with spectacular views, you can be sure to find something that you're looking for.

Steaming through the wilderness

Historic Interior of the carriage - Image Credit: Girl in Melbourne (blog)

West Coast Wilderness Railway inches along the track above the river

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Oct
26
2012

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

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A huge yachting event in Australia's calendar, the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, will have competitors sail the waters once again from December 26.

In its 68th year, the event has become an "icon of Australia's summer sport" as yachties travel through the waters of Sydney Harbour, the Tasman Sea, Storm Bay and the Derwent River.

The course is often described as the "most gruelling long ocean race in the world" with those taking part, sailing across 628 nautical miles.

Known internationally, the Rolex Sydney Hobart is considered one of the world's great offshore races, beginning in 1945 and sponsored by Rolex for the last decade.

The race kicks off in Sydney Harbour, moving out to the Tasman Sea, travelling down the south-east coast of Australia, crossing the Bass Strait and then heading down Tasmania's east coast.

The yachts will then move into Storm Bay, sailing in the homestretch up the Derwent River to Tasmania's capital city Hobart.

Interest in the race has already started to build up with the entry of Bob 'Robbo' Robertson's yacht Lunchtime Legend bringing in the 50th entry, with the fleet growing to 60 just hours later.

Robertson says this is his crew's year to take the glory, after coming off with a win in the Magnetic Island Race Week series and taking second place in the Hamilton Island regatta and Airlie Beach Race Week.

Lunchtime Legend is expected to be 'leaner and meaner' in this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart with a younger crew who are 'fired up' with Australian successes at the 2012 Olympics.

Applications for entry close on November 1 at 17:00, with entries to the race wrapping up on November 30 also at 17:00.

If you are interested in competing, visit the Rolex Sydney Hobart website to submit your application for entry.

Jockeying for position after the start on Sydney Harbour - Image Credit Tourism Australia

Logo for the Rolex 2012 Race

Waiting crowds for the winners

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Oct
25
2012

Hellyers Road Distillery

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Tasmania is a prime spot for good Australian wine and beer, and is home to a number of award winning brews!

US Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich is a fan of Tasmania's award-winning whisky and said he would get some bottles for President Obama – who the ambassador says likes the beverage – on his visit to Hobart recently.

"I've already promised I'm going to bring back some Tasmanian whisky with me," Ambassador Bleich said, reported local papers on October 24.

The ambassador said he was enjoying the Hellyers Road Distillery's products, with the "vanilla-y, biscuity" taste.

"I think it's a very good thing that I'm in Canberra and can't live here in Hobart because I love Tasmanian whisky a little too much,'' he said.

The Hellyers Road Distillery is located in Burnie and is the nation's largest distiller of Australian single malt whisky that is "proudly Tasmanian".

The Distillery has also been recognised as a significant Burnie Tourist Attraction and received a 'Highly Commended' award at the Tasmanian Tourism Awards 2011.

There is also a visitor centre for guests at the distillery offering tastings of Southern Lights Vodka, the Hellyers Road Single Malt range and the Whisky Cream range.

You can also dine in at the fully licenced restaurant, eating delicious foods off the extensive menu such as grilled ocean trout and chicken quiche and taking in beautiful views of the picturesque Emu Valley.

If you are wanting a more in depth view of the distillery, then why not head out on the whisky walk?

The fully guided tour will let you explore the working distillery, where you can smell the latest batch of whisky distilling, touch and feel the ingredients and view the environment in which award winning beverages are made.

You will also get to pour and wax seal your very own bottle of Hellyers Road, completed with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.

So during your visit to Tasmania, make a stop to Hellyers Road Distillery and pick up a beverage to take home!

Footnote – The American Ambassador actually took a vintage Single Malt Whisky (from Lark Distillery) back for President Obama.

The whiskies sampled by Ambassador Bleitch at Hellyers

Hellyers Road Distillery Interior and tasting facilities

Ample Parking for Visitors at the Distillery

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Oct
24
2012

Launceston’s Breath of Life Festival 2013

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Keep the March long weekend free on your calendar for one of the biggest music events in Tasmania, the Breath of Life festival!

Returning for its second year on Sunday March 10, the music festival boasts a huge lineup, with British rapper Dizzee Rascal headlining the bill.

Joining Dizzee for the one-day festival are ARIA award winning hip hop group Bliss N Eso, Melburnian rapper 360, New York-based DJ A-Trak, alternative rock band Birds of Tokyo and more talented international and local acts.

The festival will be held at Launceston's Inveresk Park from 11:00 to 23:00, with 12 hours of music across three stages that include a Ministry of Sound Clubbers Guide Stage – a must-see for dance fans!

All festival goers will be partying for a good cause, with money raised from the event going towards lung health initiatives that include education, research and support for those with lung disease.

ARIA award winning artist Diesel and the Lizotte family established the Breath of Life Festival with the Australian Lung Foundation, in the hopes of creating an event which would catch the attention of Australian's nationwide and generate awareness about lung health.

The first festival took place earlier this year, setting a new benchmark and "delivering one of the largest music festivals ever held in Tasmania".

Over 16,000 people attended Breath of Life to watch performances by huge international act Skrillex, Australian music icons Icehouse and other class local acts including Eskimo Joe, Grinspoon, Sneaky Sound System, Potbelleez, The Living End and Hilltop Hoods.

The event raised almost $70,000 for research into chronic lung disease, with exposure of the festival's success drawing another $500,000 in donations toward the cause.

The first release of tickets went on sale October 24 from the Breath of Life website, Oz Tix outlets and Red Herring stores statewide.

Breath of Life Festival Logo

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Oct
23
2012

TasPride Festival ready to celebrate in November

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The TasPride Festival was launched for another year recently with a magnificent rainbow cake baked to mark the occasion, with festival curator Marcus Barker and entertainer Miz Ima Starr present.

Festival goers are encouraged to "throw off the final shackles of winter, skip over the first two months of spring, land into November and get things heating up for the summer ahead" at the TasPride Festival running from November 16 to 24.

This year's event marks a special occasion, as TasPride celebrates 20 years of being the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community in Tasmania.

The TasPride Festival program this year has a mixture of free and ticketed events in various Tasmanian locations including Hobart, Launceston and Burnie.

A 20th birthday cruise on the Derwent will officially kick off the festival, and will be hosted by Irish performance artist Panti with a DJ also on board to provide entertainment.

Throughout the week there will be several shows and activities on show including dance parties, films viewings, burlesque performances, a Mt Charles walk, food events, seminar talks, quiz nights and so much more in this packed program!

If you fancy yourself as a great baker, then you will probably want to test your skills in The Great Cake Bake-Off on November 24. Take inspiration from the rainbow cake at the launch and make your most creative cake which will be viewed by guest judges Nerada and Justin McRoss.

The final show will go down on November 24 with the 20th Birthday Closing Party, with attendees encouraged to come in their finest tuxedos, shimmering dresses and "glitteriest" pumps.

Closing celebrations will be held at The Grand Poobah, described as "the shabby sheik meets rockin' party venue, with entertainment from The Frocks, fANTasia and the Flamingo Dancers.

TasPride Program Screenshot

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Oct
22
2012

Lonely Planet Ranks Hobart – ‘Best-in-Travel’ 2013

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When the world’s most trusted travel publisher ranks Hobart in their Top 10 Cities, you know it’s for a very good reason. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Wellington on the banks of the Derwent River this eclectic haven lays claim to a ruthless history, burgeoning cultural scene and award-winning food and wine, all encompassed in the most seductive of scenery.

Lonely Planet have declared that now is the time to visit Hobart before the rest of the world catches on. Hobart has been ranked seventh in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities for 2013, described as “a historic city reinventing itself”, shaking off its “sleepy reputation”.

Lonely Planet spokesman Chris Zeiher said Hobart wouldn’t have had a second glance from judges if it hadn’t been for MONA.

“Tony Wheeler, our founder, actually championed Hobart’s inclusion in this year’s Best in Travel because of MONA,” he said.

It’s understood he likened MONA to the Guggenheim in Spain. Mr Zeiher said the listing by Lonely Planet was something for Hobart residents to be extremely proud of.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2013 Book Cover

Here are ten good reasons to visit the allure of this boutique city:

1. The MONA effect

Lose yourself at MONA – from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the world’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art – it’s hedonistic, random and a must-see for any visitor. There’s also restaurants, a winery, brewery and luxury accommodation on-site.

Number 1 Reason: MONA - Tasmania and Hobart's Unique Museum of Old and New Art / Photo Credit: Tourism Tasmania and MONA

2. Gourmet indulgence & the foodie scene

Explore Hobart’s blossoming food scene at edgy and popular restaurants like Garagistes and Ethos. Sample handcrafted single malt whisky at Lark Distillery, take a journey of indulgent discovery with Gourmania Food Tours, enjoy fresh oysters at Barilla Bay and much more.

Number 2 Reason:

3. Free bikes for art lovers

Borrow a Dutch designed ARTbike from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and spend the day immersed in the city’s arts precincts and galleries. Visit smARTmap for suggested routes and admire Hobart’s beautiful Georgian architecture as you pedal.

Number 3 Reason:

4. Elegant wines & boutique brews

Discover charming vineyards and cellar doors dotted along the Southern Wine Route – sample premium cool-climate wines and savour a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant. Tour famous Cascade Brewery and try local craft beers like Two Metre Tall and Moo Brew.

Number 4 Reason:

5. Summer festivals & events

Hobart turns it on over summer with the Taste Festival and iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race – one huge waterfront celebration, the eclectic MONA FOMA music festival featuring local and international performances, the Wooden Boat Festival, the biennial Ten Days on the Island festival and more.

Number 5 Reason:

6. Vibrant markets

Visit colourful Salamanca Market on Saturdays for art, produce and craft focused around local materials and unique ideas. There are also buskers performing anything from the blues to folk or jazz. For more organic produce, call into the popular Farm Gate Market on Sundays.

Number 6 Reason:

7. Intriguing convict history

Explore Australia’s fascinating convict history at World Heritage-listed Port Arthur (90 minutes drive from Hobart) or at the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory. Join a historic walk of the city or an old pub tour for insight into its once rollicking underbelly.

Number 7 Reason:

8. Sparkling waterfront & Salamanca Place

Take in the charms of this maritime city and enjoy fish and chips alongside a variety of boats and fishermen unloading their catch. Discover historic Salamanca – the 19th-century sandstone warehouses now serve as dockside bars and restaurants and boutique stores and galleries.

Number 8 Reason:

9. Cruise the Derwent River

Get a different perspective on this magical harbour city – cruise to Peppermint Bay, to MONA or join a kayaking tour. An award-winning eco cruise is also a must do – see seals, migrating whales, dolphins and sea birds just a short drive from Hobart.

Number 9 Reason:

10. Majestic Mount Wellington

Head to the top of Mount Wellington, one of Tasmania’s highest and most famous peaks, and admire the breathtaking views of Hobart and beyond. Then, take a guided, exhilarating bike ride down the mountain or explore the numerous walking tracks and mountain bike trails.

Number 10 Reason:

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Oct
21
2012

Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park

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Recently in the news, Tasmanian devils Itchy, Scratchy and Genghis escaped from Peel Zoo, Perth after a tree fell and took down a fence in their enclosure on October 18.

You won't have to worry about missing out on seeing Tassie devils if you head to a special park in Tasmania, dedicated to these native marsupials.

The Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park is located 75 minutes southeast of Hobart and has been conserving wildlife for almost 35 years.

One famous Tassie devil you might have seen is the Looney Tunes Taz, known for his short temper and ferocious manner, but you can come face to face with his real life brothers and sisters at the conservation park – "the world's original and best Tasmanian devil visitor centre".

You will get to witness the devils feeding – about six times a day! – in their natural habitat, true to their devilish form, tearing at strips of meat.

There are also other wildlife to check out at the conservation park with Tasmania's "Kings of the Wind", where you can see the famous dive of the falcon in the island's only free-flight presentation.

Visit friendly wallabies, hand-feed kangaroos, meet cute spotted quolls – cousins of the Tassie devils – and take a walk to visit rare hawks, eagles and the affable resident parrots at play.

The Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park is open from 09:00 to 17:00 (later in summer) everyday – so make sure to visit for a great wildlife experience!

** Update on the escaped Devils 21 October … Evening: Scratchy has been found!

The Sign At The Entrance To The Park

Map and Logo

Playful Devil at the Park

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Oct
20
2012

Launceston Pro-Ex

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Registrations are open for Tasmania's cycling event the Launceston Pro-Ex, which offers recreational cyclists and groups the chance to "live like a pro" and ride with some of the world's best professional cyclists!

The week long cycling experience will travel through the landscapes of Tasmania from November 25 to December 2 in a weekly all inclusive package.

The package includes seven nights accommodation (twin share), all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), refreshments on daily rides, airport transfers to Launceston airport and a rider pro pack (jersey, backpack, socks, cap and more) among other great inclusions.

The race is open to cyclers of all abilities and is a great opportunity for participants to live and breathe the life of a pro cycler.

The official Launceston Pro-Ex mentors for 2012 have been announced with Nathan Haas, Campbell 'Flakey' Flakemore and Nathan Earle taking up the challenge as well as Tasmania's very own Wesley Sulzberger.

Haas is a member of the Garmin-Sharp UCI World Professional Cycling Team and was the winner for the 2011 Herald Sun Tour. He originally begun his career as a mountain biker, representing Australia in two world championships.

Launceston-born Sulzberger is part of the Orica-GreenEDGE UCI World Professional Cycling Team and won a silver medal in 2007 at the Under 23 World Road Race Championships.

Earle is part of the Genesys Wealth Advisers Cycling Team and has recovered from surgery on a broken ankle to join the Pro-Ex this year as a mentor.

Earle's Genesys Wealth Advisers Cycling teammate 'Flakey' is also a mentor for this year's event, and took bronze in this year's Under 23 Time Trial National Championships. Flakey has returned from Europe after racing as a representative of the Under 23 Australian Cycling Team.

So get to training and have your bike gear ready for November 25 at 2012's Launceston Pro-Ex.

Launceston Pro Ex OGF 2012 Course Map

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