May
26
2012

Experience the beauty of a mountain biking adventure

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For many people a Tasmanian vacation is about relaxing on the beach, drink in hand, watching the waves roll in. For others, a holiday to the island state is about getting out there and experiencing the beauty of nature. For those of you in the latter category, then why not try one of Tasmania’s many incredible mountain biking trails.

With a range of courses suitable for people of all skill levels, mountain biking is a great way to experience the extraordinary beauty of the countryside.

Bring your own bike, or rent one from a variety of knowledgeable experts, and from there the choice of destination is yours.

Just 15 minutes outside Hobart lies the Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park. A project of noted course designer Glen Jacobs, this trail offers everything from white-knuckle downhill speed runs to rocky mountainous terrain and freestyle dirt jumps.  

The Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park has been described by Jacobs as a particularly exciting project – in fact, he asserts that there's nothing else quite like it in all of Australia!

Mountain biking isn’t just for the daredevils. It’s also one of the best ways to take in the extraordinary natural scenery of Tasmania. Enjoy the experience of a lifetime and explore iconic destinations like Maria Island National Park.

The journey begins with a half-hour ferry ride, during which you might find yourself lucky enough to encounter aquatic wildlife such as dolphins, seals and albatross.

Once on the island, mountain biking is the perfect way to explore. With no vehicles on the island, it’s a safe but exhilarating experience for the whole family.

If it’s an incredible view you’re after, consider Mt Wellington. Located behind the city of Hobart, this downhill descent trail offers something for everyone, including a stop off at Australia’s oldest operating brewery. Talk about an Aussie experience!

Trail riding Mt Wellington North South Track - Image Credit: True North Mark

North South Track Descent

North South Cyclists

Rider on Clapper Bridge

Glenorchy Bike Park

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May
25
2012

Festival of Voices set to wow audiences of all ages

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Tasmania is known as the Island of Inspiration, and if inspiration is what you seek, then look no further than the upcoming Festival of Voices, kicking off in Hobart in July. 

Now in its eighth year, the festival is looking to go bigger then ever, extending to an unprecedented ten days of singing performance and workshops. Scheduled performers include contemporary folk singer Moira Smiley, gospel singer Eric Dozier and celebrated Canadian conductor Lydia Adams.

There will also be a range of choir groups performing, all in various beautiful venues nestled amongst the unique scenery of Tasmania.

If you want to get involved, there will be plenty to interest non-professional musicians as well, with workshops running throughout the event for singers of all ages.

Whether you're looking for a master-class experience, or just the opportunity to meet other talented performers, this festival has a program for you.

The Festival of Voices is the only annual choir festival in Australia, and last year attracted over 10,000 people, so start planning your Tasmanian getaway today to avoid disappointment.

The event runs for ten days from July 6th to the 15th. For more info and ticket sales, visit www.festivalofvoices.com

Mass crowd in Salamanca for the Bonfire

Sing School juniors

Enthusiastic group singing

Bonfire night in Salamanca during the festival

Sing School 2 and for all ages

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May
24
2012

Book your last minute tickets to Savour Tasmania

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The best in Tasmanian ingenuity and culinary expertise is on show again this year for the Savour Tasmania festival.

Since its inception in 2009, the food tasting event has continued to grow in esteem and is now recognised as one of the best eating experiences in Australia.

More than just a gastronomic delight, it is also a unique chance to take in the artesian talent of so many up and coming, as well as already established chefs.

And with a mix of world-class produce and designer craftsmanship, you and your tastebuds will want to savour every last morsel of this ten-day eating extravaganza.

Another great aspect of the festival is that it is held in three of our most populous cities including Hobart, Launceston and Burnie – which means that people all over the state will get a taste of the action.

(For those who live in Hobart, you may have already seen of the exhibitions being held at Princes Wharf, with the show starting on May 23 and ending on May 27.)

However, there is still time to plan your food itinerary for tasting sessions in both Launceston (June 1-2) and Burnie (June 8-9). You can go online to make your bookings or buy last minute tickets at the door.

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May
23
2012

A weekend of wine tasting? Yes, please!

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Wine makers from across Tasmania are preparing to descend on the waterfront in Hobart for the Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend.

For two whole days, you will be able to taste and smell your way through a heady blend of flavours and house specialities.

On the list of things to try this year are prize winning vintages and mouth-watering reds that will be sure to put a smile on your face.

So whether you are in the mood for a boutique rose, sparkling red or something a little stronger, you will be sure to find the perfect drop at the upcoming festival.

Ready to help you brush up on your wine knowledge are a number of guest speakers and professionals who will be on hand to answer any questions.

It is also a great opportunity to mix with the whose who of the Tasmanian wine industry.

Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend – Savour Tasmania 2012 is on at Princes Wharf Shed No 1, Castray Esplanade, Hobart – and casual dress is a must for this relaxed atmosphere.

It is open from 11:00 to 17:00 on Saturday May 26 and Sunday May 27 and visitors can buy tickets at the door for $25 or online for $20.

Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend 2011 - a chance to talk with the makers

Masthead for savour tasmania 2012

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May
21
2012

Queen’s Birthday long weekend in Tasmania

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The 2012 Queen's Birthday long weekend is just around the corner, which for most people means holiday break preparations are well underway.

And while many will already have some idea of what they will be doing – bonfire nights, eating marshmallows or catching up with friends – others may be looking for inspiration.

With this in mind, it could be time to get out your map and start looking at the many great weekend destinations on offer in Tasmania.

Just a short drive outside of Hobart will take you into the heart of the internationally renowned Huon Valley.

While those who live near the historic mining city of Queenstown or nearby Zeehan will no doubt want to make a beeline for Cradle Mountain.

There are also a number of small villages with their own unique arts and crafts that are situated between the major city centres that might also feature on your to-do list.

For example, the restored mining town of Corinna at the southernmost point of the Tarkine is a great family destination that can also help to break up a long car ride. It is also a rustic destination in its own right.

If you cross the Pieman River – which is still on your way to Cradle Mountain – you can also try your hand at kayaking.

For those who may not be so keen on water sports in winter there is always the option of going on a brisk walk through our temperate rainforests.

The sight and sounds of nature will quickly help you to forget about your day-to-day life and reconnect with nature.

However, just make sure to plan ahead because bookings tend to increase in peak holiday periods and it may be hard to find a place to stay if you leave things to the last minute.

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May
20
2012

Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin

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Despite spending a lot of time on the road travelling between destinations, there is still something special about stumbling upon a hidden gem.

Whether it is a tiny cafe that happens to make its own selection of gourmet jams and marmalades, an adventure park that is just opening and as such doesn't yet have any queues or high prices, or a small town that seems to hark back to another era, it is hard to beat the feeling of discovering something afresh.

With this in mind, it is little wonder that so many visitors and Huon Valley locals make the pilgrimage to the Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin.

Sitting alongside the Huon River the centre is the only place in Australia where you can learn about the craft of wooden boat building.

Students learn how to build their own boats "from lofting to launch" using a mix of both traditional and modern techniques, as well as how to create their own full-sized, carvel planked, sea-going cruising vessel or dinghy.

Along with courses in the region’s speciality timbers such as the world-famous Huon Pine, King Billy Pine, Celery Top and Tasmanian Blue Gum, visitors to the centre are also encouraged to take part in one of its many guided tours.

Those who are considering making a trip to Huon Valley during May will be able to catch a rare glimpse of one of the centre's best works – a Scandinavian-influenced 23 foot trailer-sailer.

The hull exterior is soon to be completed and you can watch as the craftsmen work round the clock to add the finishing touches to this eco-friendly boat.

Peggy and Georgina are two other boats that are also under construction and waiting to be touched and praised by visitors. Made from locally sourced Huon Pine they are sure to make you want to take up woodworking.

During winter the centre will be open on weekdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:30 and bookings are essential.

Wooden Boat Centre tutor showing techniques for planking

Old Huon Pine Motor Launch

Vessel constructed for famed chef and Tasmanian ambassador-at-large Tetsuya

At anchor alongside the Woden Boat Centre - image credit: Huon View Blog

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May
18
2012

New Track Links City to Bush

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Bushwalkers will be tying their laces and organising their next hiking adventure after it was recently announced that a new walk has been proposed (and development funding secured) to supplement the reputation of the iconic Overland Track.

The 80 km walk would start in central Hobart and extend into Tasmania's South-West over Mount Wellington and across ridge tops to the Snowy Ranges of the Huon Valley.

While some parts of this journey may sound difficult (they are!), the walk is designed to cater to people of all fitness levels.

This means that people of all ages and ability levels – from novices to hard-core bushwalkers – will be able to enjoy the great outdoors on foot.

Shorter walks with road access will help to break up the route and make sure that it is widely accessible.

And with breathtaking views over the city from Mt Wellington, the Huon Valley from the peaks of the Wellington Ranges and awe-inspiring forest scenery flanking the White Timber Mountain area, organisers are sure that the new walk will attract both local and international visitors.

At this point in time it is unclear whether hut-based accommodation will be available to walkers, which is a feature of numerous long-distance walks around the world (including the Overland).

Huon Valley one of the scenic areas which will be reached from the walk - Image Credit: Roger Lovell

Great views from Mt Wellington - Image Credit: walkweb.net

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May
17
2012

Tasmania’s Heritage Highway

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You can be forgiven for thinking you have stepped back in time when travelling along Tasmania's Heritage Highway.

The inland drive is not part of the usual coastal trek that visitors have come to expect from the island state. For many it is a quick highway journey between Hobart and Launceston. But the wise will set aside time to explore the character towns alomng its length.

Instead of sweeping beach scapes, you are met with the rolling hills, amber trees and an old-world charm that will make you dream of a simpler time.

Historic towns like Longford, Ross, Campbell Town and Evandale – which has its own Sunday market – only add to this feeling.

A quick stop at the Glover Art Show or time your visit for the annual Penny Farthing Championships will also add to the regions romantic sentiments.

However, it is the region's World Heritage Listed convict sites in Woolmers and Brickendon that will most capture your attention.

Woolmers was a male convict settlement that now has 18 buildings and structures on a site that is flanked by 13 hectares of farmlands and pastures.

The Woolmers Homestead is a large two-storey building and one of the most important and historic buildings in the area.

Brickendon is one of Tasmania's oldest farming properties, as well as being the home of convicts, free works and pioneering agricultural site. It is open to visitors and weary travellers have the option of spending the night there too.

The Heritage Highway draws its present charm from a distinctly functional past; of farming and toil, of the early transport and stage coaches where each township meant a change of horses, a refreshment stop or an overnight. How easy the journey is now.

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May
16
2012

Touring Tasmania

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Travelling to new places can be difficult if you don't have the right transport in place to help get you from A to B.

And if you are planning a trip to Tasmania, it is highly likely that transport will factor heavily in your holiday plans. How to get about, what to see.

Along with advice on bus fares and car hire there is also the option of taking your own vehicle with you via ferry or taking advantage of the many organised tours on offer in Tasmania.

Depending on the type of vacation you want to experience – whether it be a backpacking adventure or luxurious weekend away – it is easy to find something to suit your needs.

In some cases, you can also find package deals which can help make it easier to find accommodation in remote locations at an affordable price.

Another advantage of going on a tour is that they are often tailored to your interests including food, adventure and wilderness areas, art, history and antiques or allowing time for shopping.

This means that you can enjoy doing the things you love without having to worry about planning every detail and have fun meeting like-minded people.

For those who have a passion for good food and wine, and a different part of Tasmania, it is hard to go past King Island Coach Tours.

On this tour you will visit the Cape Wickham lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere, as well as the famous King Island dairy and there is also the opportunity to go penguin watching for an evening.

Another gastronomic delight is a 6 Days Taste of Tasmania tour that encourages you to explore the flavours of the east and west coast.

Those with a sense of adventure will no doubt want to make their way to Cradle Mountain National Park to go on one of the walking or canyoning tours.

Day tours too in Tasmania’s main centres allow you to quickly take in all the sights without having to plan, plan, plan. That’s what they do … you just sit back, let the driver do the work and take in the ever-changing surroundings.

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May
15
2012

Don’t miss The Mousetrap in Hobart

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As the longest-running stage production in the world, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap has been entertaining audiences continuously in London since its debut 1952 – and you won't want to miss a performance of this stunning whodunit in Hobart in May and June.

It's estimated that more than ten million audience members worldwide have experienced The Mousetrap for themselves – and faithfully kept the secrets of its mysterious plot for generations of future audiences.

Between May 25 and June 9, Hobart's Playhouse Theatre on Bathurst Street will play host to this classic murder mystery, which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the final curtain falls.

The plot centres on a group of travellers staying at a British guesthouse. Trapped by a snowstorm, it soon becomes apparent that there is a murderer in their midst. The Mousetrap is famous for its twists and turns – as well as its surprise ending!

Adult tickets for The Mousetrap, performed by the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society, cost $27 – concession tickets are available and performances on Tuesdays cost $22. Tickets can be purchased from Centertainment.com.au.

Home of the Hobart Repertory Theatre in Bathurst Street

Home of the Hobart Repertory Theatre in Bathurst Street formerly The Union Chapel

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