Mar
26
2013

Easter at Port Arthur 2013

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The popular Port Arthur Historic site will be a buzzing hub of activity this Easter, with a range of exciting experiences to take part in over the weekend!

From Friday March 29 to Thursday April 4, there will be three history plays performed twice daily.

The Man Who Threw a Stone is a play by Richard Davey about convict Dennis Collins, who found that a hunger strike was the only protest available to him.

This play will be performed in the Separate Prison at 11:45 and 14.45, with guests encouraged to be seated early, as the prison will close two minutes before the performance to enable a prompt start.

David Young's play The Shingle Strike is the story of Irish poet Francis MacNamara's endeavour to overcome the bullying tactic of a crooked overseer.

The Shingle Strike will be performed behind the Penitentiary at 12:30 and 16:15 (weather permitting).

The final play is A Boy's Life by Les Winspear, about a London street kid sent across the world to Point Puer.

This will also be performed behind the Penitentiary at 13:15 and 15:30 (weather permitting).

Families can also try their hand at the traditional Port Arthur trade of stone masonry from March 31 to April 7.

Tradition Trades – Carved in Stone will have daily sessions from 13:30 to 15:00 located near the Convict Church.

Admission to these activities is included in the cost of admission to the site.

If you and the kids are feeling hungry after a long day of stone carving, make your way to Felons Bistro for dinner.

Felons Bistro serves some of Tasmania's finest local produce including oysters, quail, venison, Porterhouse steak, mushrooms, venisons, rabbit pies, smoked mussels and more!

Port Arthur History Plays - Image Credit: Bay Retreat Port Arthur

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Mar
25
2013

Feast from the sea at Freycinet Marine Farm

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If you've got a love of all things seafood, then the Freycinet Marine Farm on Tasmania's East Coast is the top island attraction for you!

Six different growing regions spanning just under 150 acres make up the marine farm, with a mixture of estuarine and fully marine growing areas.

Native oysters and Tasmanian blue mussels are just some tasty delights grown in the fully marine areas, with Pacific oysters in the estuarine areas.

Freycinet Marine Farm offers tours for groups of ten people or more, with guests taken down to the farm and shown how oysters and mussels grow, and given a great overview of the industry.

The tour takes approximately one hour and costs $40 per person, with a tasting of oysters and mussels fresh from the sea also included.

Take note that bookings are required four days in advance.

You can also purchase some fresh farm oysters and mussels to take home at the sales room, where the expert staff can cook your seafood right before your eyes!

Rock lobster is also seasonally available (December to May), as well as fresh wild caught Tasmanian abalone and calamari.

Dining in splendour on fresh oysters at the farm

Freycinet Marine Farm looks like many other but with a difference.

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Mar
24
2013

Breathtaking scenes with Par Avion Wilderness Tours

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Spend a day in the enchanting Tasmanian waterways and forests with Par Avion Wilderness Tours!

Par Avion has a range of breathtaking scenic tours on offer, with flight and cruise opportunities also available.

The Day in the Wilderness Tour sees guests embark on an unforgettable full day adventure, exploring the "incredibly remote" waterways and wilderness of Bathurst Harbour/Port Davey.

Your journey will begin at Cambridge Airport where you will hop on an aircraft to fly over this remote area via the South Coast, soaring over Hobart's eastern suburbs and the Derwent River, making your way down the D'Entrecasteaux Channel to Tasmania's most southern point, South East Cape.

This is the destination in which you will "leave civilisation behind" and journey into the vast south west wilderness following the south coast track to Melaleuca.

You'll have the opportunity to explore some of the area visiting the endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot at the Deny King Bird Hide, before taking some short local walks.

Afterwards you'll head out on the water for a trip down Melaleuca Inlet and into Bathurst Harbour, an untouched waterway the size of Sydney Harbour.

Take out your camera to capture images of the remote Celery Top Islands and settle down for some lunch amongst the untouched wilderness, away from any distractions.

In the afternoon, you'll hop back on the aircraft to return to Cambridge Airport, flying via stunning Federation Peak, Mt Picton, over Huonville and Hobart City.

The tour takes around eight hours, with the price including lunch (with wine and morning tea/coffee), boat trips, scenic flights to and from Melaleuca and the ground tour.

Check out Par Avion's other wilderness tours including the South West World Heritage Tour, The East Coast and Wineglass Bay Tour, and Sailing in Port Davey.

Par Avion in our Wilderness

The Strip at Melaleuca - Image Credit: TripAdvisor

Western Wilderness Flight with Par Avion

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Mar
22
2013

Hang gliding at the Tahune Forest Airwalk

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Have you ever wanted to know what it would feel like to fly? Well the people at Adventure Forests may be able to bring you a bit closer to that feeling with the Eagle Glide Hang Gliding adventure at the Tahune AirWalk.

Feel the wind under your wings as you pass through towering Tasmanian eucalypts and the rushing Huon River.

A 400 metre cable glide runs from the tree tops to the forest floor, with admission to the attraction from $18 – but you don't only get one turn, but two!

If you're keen to hop on the glider then remember to wear enclosed footwear and allow for safety briefing time.

The Tahune AirWalk has a number of other thrill-seeking attractions including the multi-award winning walk through the canopy of eucalypt forest, the Huon Pine Walk, the swinging bridges and fully guided segway tours for a unique experience of the forest.

Guests also have the option of staying at the AirWalk Lodge with exclusive night time trails on offer!

The AirWalk Lodge is ideally suited to families, school groups and backpackers, with a total of eight rooms which can accommodate up to 23 guests.

To make your stay more comfortable and enjoyable there is a communal lounge with a fireplace, free WiFi network, LCD TV and DVDs, and a fully equipped kitchen with shared bathroom facilities.

Tahune Eagle Hangglider zipping along its wire

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Mar
21
2013

Discovering unique antiques and collectables

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Would you call yourself an antique buff or maybe a hoarder of vintage collectables? Then keep reading, as we'll be sharing which sites to visit on your travels to Tasmania.

You're bound to find some true antique gems in your shopping trips around Tasmania, with the island playing a huge part in Australia's history.

Here are some key emporiums and antique stores to visit!

The Drill Hall Emporium

Decorative pieces, fine dining, furniture, lighting, kitchenware and collectable pieces – The Drill Hall Emporium in New Norfolk has it all.

You'll make unique discoveries of both the decorative and practical variety, from fine French pieces to country oak and pine items.

New Norfolk is only a thirty minute scenic drive along the stunning Derwent River from the capital of Hobart, with New Norfolk particularly known for its antique shops which also include Old Maypole Collectables & Antiques, New Norfolk Antiques and Ring Road Antique Centre.

The Antiques Market

Explore The Antiques Market in central Hobart, browsing through two floors of collectable items including jewellery, tableware, original artwork, furniture and glass.

Over 15 antique dealers have functional and decorative items on display, with The Antiques Market also offering restoration and upholstery services.

You can also enjoy some great coffee from the cafe within the antique complex!

Drill Hall Emporium

Shoe Lasts from Drill Hall Emporium

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Mar
20
2013

Savour Tasmania tickets – on sale now!

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Secure your place in foodie heaven this May by purchasing your tickets to Savour Tasmania!

Savour Tasmania will present a number of fantastic events celebrating the island's world-class produce, wines, beers and ciders.

Tickets for the event are available now, so make sure to get your hands on them now or risk missing out on all the culinary delights from the top local, national and international chefs.

The celebration of Tasmanian food and beverages kicks off on May 29 with the Pop-up PorkStar event at the newly refurbished Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, featuring Sydney chef Colin Fassnidge and the island's very own Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans.

Fellow Tasmanian chefs Waji Spiby and Terry Clark will also be on hand to whip up innovative culinary delights, with guests treated to a taste of the Huon Valley with wines and ciders.

On May 30 and 31, two chefs will bring together their cooking experience to present two degustation dinners at Garagistes using naturally produced Tasmanian ingredients.

Tasmanian Luke Burgess and Belgian Kobe Desramaults will be combining their two culinary styles to cross the cultural divide and create meals that will inspire and satisfy guests with its flavour and texture.

The degustation menu and selection of Tasmanian wines is designed to "provoke thought, conversation, understanding and appreciation" of this meeting of young culinary minds.

Savour Tasmania attendees have more to look forward to with the Long Table Dinner at the prime spot of Princes Wharf 1 on June 1.

Chefs including Kobe Desramaults, Shane Delia and Darren Purchese, will each prepare a dish for every diner, with platters to share between six people bringing a "more intimate" feel to the foodie festivities.

A range of Tasmanian wines will be available for purchase, as well as chocolates from Anvers and breads by Daci and Daci.

If you're a big fan of your wines, then make sure to also head along to the Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend at Princes Wharf 1 from June 1 and 2 for master classes and tastings of the island's famous cool-climate beverages!

Purchase your tickets by calling 1300 795 257 or (03) 6221 1700.

Savour Tasmania Gourmet Food Experience - Image Credit: PlanBookTravel

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Mar
19
2013

Fitting farewell to MoMA for the season

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The last of the MONA Markets (MoMa) will be taking place in the last two saturdays of March (March 23 and 30), with two fantastic themes to farewell the fun markets in style.

All summer Hobart's MoMa has been attracting visitors with various food and crafts on offer, as well as fantastic musical performances on the lush green MONA lawns.

There's something for everyone to enjoy at the markets, with a MoMa Minors kids tent (re-vamped and ready to go) keeping your little ones entertained throughout the afternoon.

MoMa has been running weekly since mid-December but is drawing to a close at the end of March, with the last two themes MoMa Chinatown (March 23) and Mad Hatter's MoMa (March 30).

MoMa Chinatown will see Sally Ives whipping up traditional home-style Beijing cuisine to tuck into, with your kids able to create fun Chinese crafts at MoMa Minors.

The last MoMa for the season will be a tea party celebration inspired by the Mad Hatter. There will be a Easter egg hunt on the lawn, white-costumed gin picnic and croquet games – dress up in the "trippiest tea party attire" to be in to win some bubbly prizes!

MoMa runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on the MONA lawns on Saturday March 23 and March 30.

Wooden towers on the lawns at MoMa.

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Mar
18
2013

Overland Track Photo Tours

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Capture the beauty of Tasmania in the golden glow of Autumn with Overland Track Photo Tours, in the heart of the region's glorious World Heritage Area.

These wonderful photographic tours allow visitors to experience the "wonders of the Tasmanian wilderness" on a six day journey of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Overland Track Photo Tours accommodate for everyone, whether you're a seasoned photographer or a snap-happy beginner ready to embark on your first proper photo expedition.
Keen photographers will tackle the famous Overland Track which covers 65 kilometres of the amazing World Heritage Area.

The scenic walk will begin at the world famous Cradle Mountain and then conclude at Australia's deepest lake, Lake St. Clair.

You will encounter huge dolerite mountains such as Barn Bluff during your journey, as well as majestic waterfalls like the D'Alton Falls and make your way through ancient rainforests, catching views of scurrying wildlife that live in these timeless areas.

The walking season starts on October 1 and finishes on May 31, so make sure to get your bookings in now before winter fully takes over the track!

Accomplished professional photographer and fully accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) Cameron Blake will provide professional hands on advice and tips on how to better your photography skills and knowledge of the craft.

The price for an Overland Track Photography Tour includes transfers from Launceston to Cradle Mountain, and from Lake St. Clair to Hobart, accommodation for a night each at Cradle Mountain and Hobart, all Overland Track and National Park passes, finale dinner in Hobart, 12 month magazine subscription, a tour pack and more!

Make sure to get your booking in now, with the last Overland Track Photography Tours taking place in May.

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Mar
17
2013

Nayri Niara (Good Spirit) Festival – April 5-7

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Bruny Island will be filled with music, food, dance, film and good vibes this April, with the Nayri Niara (Good Spirit) Festival taking over Great Bay from April 5 to 7.

The festival returns for its fourth year, for a three-day gathering of "knowledge sharing and arts", providing a "powerful opportunity" for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to honour ancient traditions and modern innovation.

This family-friendly event will feature a number of international, national and local performers including musician and environmental and cultural activist Xavier Rudd, musical trio OKA, one of Australia's finest indigenous singer-songwriters Emma Donovan and the signature "island soul" tunes from Bobby Alu.

Other fine performers and presenters making an appearance at Nayri Niara are Jim Tree (James Medicine Tree), Akeyulrre Healers, Jim Everett, Bob Randall, Tav Sparks (USA), Frank Ansell, Dewayne Everettsmith and Deline Briscoe.

Day one of the festival will see guests welcomed to the home of the Neunone people (Bruny Island) with an opening ceremony dance taking place as the sun sets, followed by musical performances from Dewayne Everettsmith and Xavier Rudd.

Rise and shine early on day two for a walk in the country at 06:30 and a healing Pipe Ceremony.

From 10:00 you can engage with knowledge at The Speakers Forums, with the afternoon bringing more performances from Tasmania's local talent.

There will be various workshops, dances, healing circles and visual arts-related activities happening throughout the day with an evening program featuring Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe, Bobby Alu and OKA.

Soak up the last of the talks from speakers and elders for the final festival day on Sunday, with a Concluding Ceremony taking place nearby the beach as new friends part and "leave with good spirit, Nayri Niara".

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Mar
16
2013

AFL in Tasmania: North Melbourne vs Sydney Swans

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Get in on the high energy action of the AFL with the North Melbourne Kangaroos taking on the Sydney Swans at Bellerive Oval in Hobart!

Last year's reigning champions the Sydney Swans will look to bring their winning ways to Tasmania as they battle the Kangaroos in the round three clash on Saturday April 13.

There's nothing like kicking back and watching some live footy, so get your friends and family along for this superb sporting event!

Round one of the 2013 season officially kicks off next week (March 22) but make sure to secure your seats early for the Tasmanian game in mid-April to get up close to the action.

You can purchase your tickets now from Ticketek with general admission from $25 for adults, $5.50 for children (aged six to 14 years), $15 for students/concession and $50 for family passes (two adults, two juniors).

For a prime viewing spot, book yourself in for the premium undercover seats with adults $48, children (aged six to 14 years) $17, children under six $11.50, students/concession $38 and families (two adults, two juniors) $123.

Make sure to also check out the sights of Hobart before and after the game, with Salamanca Place a fantastic spot to find lunch or dinner, and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) a must-see attraction to visit!

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