Sep
13
2012

That Shady Groove

Shared by
Leave a comment 0

Put on your dancing shoes, pair up with a partner and get ready to have fun with That Shady Groove contra dance!

If you love folk music and culture, you'll love this event – with no dancing experience required. It's a fantastic night for the whole family, with tickets $16 for adults, $13 for members and $5 for children under 14 where you can purchase them at the door.

Taking place on Saturday September 29, the standard of dress for the event is casual, with guests encouraged to bring along a plate of supper.

Arrive early at Wesley Hall in Hobart – a five minute walk from the city centre – to take part in a beginner's workshop from 19:30-19:45, to learn some basic moves.

Contra dance is a lively, swingin' dance style from America which is done to a simple walking step, with of course a lot of partner swinging! This dance style is fun and sociable, where you have the opportunity to meet new people as you whisk around the dancefloor.

The event will have the Hobart Old Time (HOT) string band providing entertainment and will feature special guest fiddler Sytske Hillenius, a member of the contra dance band Shady Groove from South Carolina.

A reviewer of Shady Groove's recent EP commented: "This EP is the product of four inspiring musicians, who've made an impressive run in the southeastern U.S. contra dance scene."

"This EP will have you dancing; whether [you're] on the dance hall floor, in the woods, or going 70 miles-per-hour down the interstate. Be careful with that last location, as these energetic tracks may have you pressing harder on that gas pedal… taking foot-stomping to a whole new level."

So get ready for a fun night of good ol' folk tunes and swingin' dances to keep you entertained in your stay in Tasmania.

The Wesley Building in Hobart (formerly The Mechanics Institute)

The same building under its original name The Mechanics Institute

Shady Groove will lead the way for the evening

Posted in Journeys | Leave a comment
Sep
12
2012

Freycinet National Park

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 0

Open up your eyes to the great outdoors of Tasmania, with a trip to the beautiful Freycinet National Park.

Sitting on the east coast of Tasmania, the rugged national park is surrounded by white sand beaches, coastal dunes, granite mountains and azure bays – all in all the ultimate destination for your escape from the daily stresses of life.

The national park is famous for the idyllic Wineglass Bay, which was named one of the top ten beaches in the world by American magazine Outside.

If you love to engage in a bit of birdwatching, then Freycinet National Park is the place to go, where you may be able to spot the large Australasian gannet or the white-bellied sea-eagle in your travels.

Lace up your hiking boots to discover the wonders of Freycinet National Park, with many short walk tracks ready to be trod.

If you're keen for a more leisurely walk, head out on the Cape Tourville circuit walk, where you'll witness spectacular coastal views of the park and also check out the lighthouse that was constructed over 40 years ago.

To capture the views of the beautiful Wineglass Bay, hike your way through to the Wineglass Bay Lookout. Bring along your water bottle and sturdy shoes, as it's a steep uphill walk on a rocky but well-constructed track which is accessible to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

The walk through the bush is well-worth the views you'll find though, so ensure you also pack your camera to get some brilliant snaps of the bay.

All this walking can make your tummy rumble with hunger, so head to Freycinet Marine Farm to sample some of their fresh seafood catch!

Relax with a glass of Tasmanian wine while you have your oysters or mussels cooked right in front of your eyes – a great end to a grand national park adventure.

Boardwalk high along the cliffs leading to the lighthouse

The Cape Tourville Lighthouse - built in 1971 to replace a decaying structure

Cape Tourville and the view from near the lighthouse from the boardwalk

Wineglass Bay Lookout Image Credit WAZoologist

Wineglass Bay Hazards Beach Circuit - Image Credit Tassie Campers

Wineglass Bay from the summit of Mt Amos another 1km from the loookout

Posted in Holiday suggestions, Journeys | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
11
2012

Wilderness jewellery catches the eye in New York

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 1

During a period when New Yorkers are reflective of September 11, its memory and meanings, Tasmanian based jewellery designer, Linda van Niekerk, has been invited to come to New York to present and sell her bold contemporary jewellery at the Museum of Arts and Design’s fund raising event ‘LOOT 2012: MAD About Jewellery’.

This annual event is by invitation only to artists from around the world who are selected ‘for their originality, use of materials, and expert craftsmanship’.

“I will be presenting my work alongside artists whose work just takes my breath away,” says van Niekerk. “I understand that my use of fine Tasmanian timbers, driftwood and tidal stones caught the eye of the curators because it is quite different to the works of the other artists and is seen as very interesting as well as wearable.

The museum’s press release said this about van Niekerk:
Rare Tasmanian wood and tidal stones, ribbons of sterling silver, chunky discs of African amber, and oxidized Turkomen beads are among the materials from which this master artist, born in South Africa, now based in Tasmania, makes striking wearable sculpture.

van Niekerk goes on to say that the curators have also encouraged her to bring some of her more ‘fun’ and colourful works using anodised aluminium to New York.

MAD (the Museum of Arts and Design) is the only American museum to have a gallery dedicated to contemporary and studio art jewellery. LOOT 2012: MAD About Jewellery runs from September 11 – 15, 2012.
If you are in New York – this is a copy of the program.

Necklace - Tribal Slats 2012 / Tasmanian Huon Pine, Tasmanian Sassafras (wood slats: Jon Grant), nylon + sterling silver Image : Peter Whyte

Ring - Forest Light 2010, Sterling silver + Tasmanian Huon Pine (wood turner, Trevor Semmens) Image : Peter Whyte

Metallic Jewelry Set

Posted in Discoveries, News | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment
Sep
11
2012

Southern Tasmanian White Wine Weekend

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 0

Wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike, keep the dates of October 13 and 14 free in your diaries for the Southern Tasmanian White Wine Weekend.

After the success of the Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend in May, Wine South Tasmania will bring another spectacular event for those who prefer beverages of the white variety.

Winemakers from Southern Tasmania will gather together to bring the best of their vineyards with a variety of chardonnays, sparklings, sauvignon blancs, rose, dessert wines and pinot gris.

This special wine weekend will run from 12:00 midday to 17:00 both days, with entry only $25 to try all wines, where you'll also receive a complete tasting booklet, crystal Plumm glass, pen and entry to lucky door prize.

The event will also be held at the IXL atrium in the luxury Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart, which won a Traveler's Choice award for 2012 from TripAdvisor.

After an afternoon of sampling fine wines, you can head out for a bite at the IXL Long Bar, well regarded as Hobart's "meeting place".

Choose delicious small platters such as pickled chorizo with caramelised apple, Wagyu Bresaola with mustard mayonnaise or Rabbit rillettes & sour dough to whet your appetite.

White Wine Weekend header piece

East Coast Vineyard Tasmania

Posted in Discoveries, Holiday suggestions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
10
2012

Brave the dark of Hastings Caves

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 0

If you've got a taste for adventure and the unknown, head to Hastings Caves in Tasmania for an enthralling experience set in the dark!

Tasmania's Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are only a 90 minute drive south of Hobart, so get your bags packed and ready for an exciting day out. 

Weave your way through chambers of flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls and other wonders, where you'll also be able to visit Newdegate Cave – Australia's largest cave open for tourists.

You can explore Newdegate's highly decorated cavern in a 45-minute tour conducted by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, discover the spacious, well-lit passages containing dolomite (a pearly white and pinkish crystal), but don't forget to bring a jumper because the underground temperature is usually around a standard nine degrees celsius.

The caves were said to have formed around 40 million years ago, and were undiscovered until 1917 when an entrance was found by timber workers.

You can purchase your tickets for the cave tour from the caves visitor centre with entry for adults $24 and for children $12 (ages five to 17, under five are free).

The entry fee includes admission to the caves, complimentary pool entry and access to walks, electric barbecues and facilities.

If you need to warm up after your journey to the caves, ensure you make your way to the Thermal Springs Pool, it is a constant 28C degrees year round, surrounded by forest and ferns and equipped with barbecues, showers and toilets.

A highlight that you have to check out during your time at Hastings Caves is the Hot Springs Track. This will take you to the merging of two streams, where you can dip your hand in the water to feel the warm current of one stream meet with the cold current of the other.

This is an ideal trip for the whole family, for a day of adventure in the caves and relaxation in the warm thermal springs; surprisingly too – it is an ideal wet weather outing. Provided there is not a raging storm, the caves are dry and swimming in raindrops adds a whole other perspective to the enjoyment of the springs.

HastingsThermal Pool - relaxing after the Caves or on their own. Image Credit: Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife

The intrigue of Hastings Caves. Image Credit: Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife

Posted in Discoveries, Holiday suggestions, Journeys | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
09
2012

Treat yourself to a Tasmanian pamper getaway

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 0

Does winter still have it's cold, exhausting grip on you? Step into spring and treat yourself to a pamper getaway in Tasmania.

You can escape the stress and hustle and bustle of the city, by seeking the comforts of the nature state, with its secluded valleys and unspoiled environment.

Make your way to the beautiful Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa Retreat, just south of Hobart, for a relaxing weekend to remember.

Bring your partner along to indulge in the three night Ayurvedic Retreat!

You'll be treated to various calming and relaxing activities such as the Ayurvedic Bundle Massage, Marma Point Facial, Chakra Healing Experience and Ayurvedic Shirodhara.

Healthy meals and snacks will also be served to your cottage during your stay, where you can take part in daily classes which include yoga, Tai Chi, breathing techniques and belly dance fitness.

Reap other benefits in your time at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa Retreat, where you have free use of the infra ray sauna, a spa bath in your accommodation provided with bath salts, eco-friendly bamboo bathrobes and free herbal tea in your room.

Take some of your experience home, by purchasing locally made, organic products to re-live your relaxing getaway.

At the other end of the state, soak up the atmosphere and facilities whilst staying at the Waldheim Alpine Spa – Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Enjoy the area, take walks, explore waterfalls and streams – design your own retreat from the everyday.

Don’t want to stay over? Easy. There are numerous day spas to also ease aches and pains, and to reclaim inner peace.

Part of the complex of buildings at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa Retreat

One of the spa machines at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa

Soak after your spa in supreme comfort then walk 12 feet to bed at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa

Accommodation at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa

Stoned at Harmony Hill Wellness and Organic Spa (not really)

Waldheim Spa set overlooking the wilderness at Cradle Mountain

The wonderful outlook overlooking the wilderness at Cradle Mountain

Posted in Discoveries, Holiday suggestions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
08
2012

Alcorso Foundation 2012 fundraising dinner at MONA

Shared by
Leave a comment 0

Wine and dine for a good cause this October with Alcorso Foundation's annual fundraising dinner at MONA.

The Alcorso Foundation contributes to "community and social connectivity in Tasmania", bringing people together to push initiatives that create "cultural, economic and environmental value for the community".

This event celebrates the foundation's philanthropic activities that encourage positive change, innovation and sustainability across the state.

A special guest will be joining the dinner, with celebrity chef Danny Russo preparing an Italian culinary menu for guests to delight in, complemented with some of Tasmania's finest wines.

The evening will begin with a glass of sparkling wine aboard Peppermint Bay II where you'll take in the spectacular views of the Derwent River, on the way to MONA.

An auction will take place, with works from Mairi Ward, Robyn McKinnon, David Keeling, Lola Greeno, Linda Van Niekerk and Di Allison put up for sale.

You'll also be treated to a performance from talented singer Maria Lurighi, who has performed with the likes of Alan Browne, Gary Costello, Barry Duggan, Marcie Howard and Dave Steele.

Bookings are essential for the event, with the previous year's dinner selling out weeks ahead!

Tickets are $200 per person, so reserve your tickets now by calling MONA on (03) 6277 9900.

Extract Screen shot from web site

Last Year's dinner place settings

Posted in Discoveries | Leave a comment
Sep
07
2012

Burnie-Wynyard Medieval Festival

Shared by |tags, , ,
Leave a comment 0

Return to the days of old, with stories of dragons, knights and jousting at the Burnie-Wynyard Medieval Festival.

This is a fantastic event for the whole family to attend, taking place from Friday September 14 to Sunday September 16, from 10:00 in the morning to 17:00 in the afternoon over the three-day weekend.

The Burnie-Wynyard Medieval Festival is Tasmania's home grown, first open combat swordsmanship and jousting competition presented by The Order of The Dragon's Realm Inc.

Enjoy the brilliant family-friendly activities and entertainment which include open medieval combat single and melee class, jousting, show rides, snake and birds of prey displays, face painting, highland and belly dancing, and other fun games to test your skills!

The entry fee is $2 for children and $5 for adults – there will also be food and drinks available at the festival.

If you're feeling more than a little bit peckish, a dining suggestion is Bruce's?

Located on the Old Bass Highway in Wynyard – just across the road from beautiful beach views – you can dig into some good tucker!

Head in for breakfast to feast on The Big Brekkie or Big Mumma Pancakes, or pop in for lunch to chomp on Bruce's Homemade Beef Burgers. Then, back to the festival.

Medieval Festival Crest

Composite poster and kidspot for the festival

Posted in Discoveries, Holiday suggestions | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
06
2012

Witness fresh spring blooms at RTBG

Shared by |tags, , , , , ,
Leave a comment 0

If you fancy yourself as a gardening fanatic, then spring is the prime time of the year to make a visit to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens!

Located within the Queens Domain in Hobart, the gardens are only a short walk from the Hobart CBD, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city for a colourful and lively garden paradise.

Now that the winter chill has receded, many flower beds have started to spring to life, where you can embark on a guided tour to learn about the history behind the gardens and the collection of flowers and plants held from the knowledgeable guides.

If you're feeling a bit peckish, you can retire to the Gardens Restaurant for a spot of lunch. Dine on your meal from the new deck, which offers spectacular views of the gardens and the Derwent River. You'll get to eat some of the region's top fresh produce and sample local Tasmanian wines.

Many events are on for the spring season with the Friends of the Gardens Plant Sale taking place on September 22, where herbs, tomatoes and other plants are sold to raise money for the Botanical Gardens.

Vegetable and gardening workshops will also be active during the months of September and October – so be sure to head to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and get digging in!

Entrance Sign RTBG - Image Credit: Flickr User neeravbhatt

Beautiful Tulips at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens - Image Credit: c'est Christine blog

RTBG sweeping view - Image Credit: c'est Christine Blog

Posted in Discoveries, Journeys | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment
Sep
05
2012

Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival

Shared by |tags, , , ,
Leave a comment 0

The Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival is a highlight Tasmanian event that captures the arts and culture of the area with fun activities, informative and interesting landmark tours and talented local entertainment.

This year marks the centenary of the North Lyell Mine Disaster, where 42 local men lost their lives when a fire trapped many workers underground on October 12, 1912.

The Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival is paying tribute to the disaster by "encompassing the anniversary within the festival program" offering activities that recognises the rich cultural heritage of the area, but also pays acknowledges the present and future of the community.

The three-day festival, taking place from October 12-14, aims to "generate awareness of the value of the arts and culture" in regional communities.

There is a myriad of activities to check out and take part in over the three-day weekend, ranging from mine site tours to music performances – there's bound to be something to suit the whole family! Accommodation is filling fast, so plan now.

Head to the West Coast Community Services HUB on your arrival to the event, to register as a festival attendee and get informed on the weekend's events. Participants get a free entry in the spectacular Festival Prize!

Here are some highlight events for you to visit at the Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival.

North Lyell Mine Disaster Commemorative Service – Friday October 12

The community of Queenstown invites guests to join them as they commemorate the 100th anniversary of the North Lyell disaster. The service will be a time to pay tribute to the lost miners and acknowledge the legacy that remains.

Mt Lyell Underground Mine Tours – Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October

Visit the heart of Mt Lyell mine and experience Australia's "only tour of a working underground mine". This is bound to be one of the highlights of the festival, giving you a deep insight into the mining world many of us have never seen or experienced.

You can view more activities from the weekend program on the website.

Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival Prgramme header

Newspapers being read in the main street of Queenstown - Image Credit: Tasmanian Philatelic Society / Ross Ewington article research

Site of the disaster with people gathered waiting for news Image Credit: Tasmanian Philatelic Society / Ross Ewington article research

Posted in Discoveries, Holiday suggestions | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment
-->
Page 21 of 68« First...10...1920212223...304050...Last »