Jan
27
2012

Riders gear up for Pure Tasmania Wildside MTB

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While this Australia Day weekend is a chance for many families and groups of friends to get together and enjoy a barbecue, picnic or day at the beach, for some energetic individuals it will be a completely different story as they embark on a challenging cycling adventure around the island state.

The Pure Tasmania Wildside Mountain Bike is an amazing four-day, 140-km competition – as well as 60 km of cruising – along the most exciting tracks in Tasmania's diverse and spectacular west coast.

Taking place from Saturday January 28 to Tuesday January 31, this epic journey gets underway beside the Cradle Mountain World Heritage Area and concludes in Strahan – two of the region's major adventure tourism icons.

While some participants will be elite athletes, most riders are likely to possess a reasonable level of skill and fitness, along with the determination to make the distance.

From the rugged mountains to the pristine sea, it is bound to be one of the most scenic cycling routes this year's group of enthusiasts have ever experienced.

The event is set to draw riders from all across the country, with Mt Isa resident Ron Whitehead planning to head a long way south for the chance to be part of something special.

"I will be treating the race as fun, it is a fantastic chance to get to explore a beautiful place where not too many other people get the opportunity," Whitehead told The North West Star yesterday (January 26).

"I'm sure my competitive nature will definitely come out but I won't be killing myself and I think I'll stop for the odd photograph."

The race is made up of seven stages – passing locations such as Rosebery and Zeehan – giving cyclists a chance to recuperate in between their daily efforts.

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Jan
26
2012

Enjoy variety of Penguin in northern Tasmania

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Penguin is a quaint town on Tasmania's north coast, settled in 1861 and named after the small seabirds that Robert Campbell Gunn discovered living in coastal rookeries.

Although originally a small timber and mining town overshadowed by Burnie and Devonport, it has developed into a popular holiday destination in its own right.

Perhaps Penguin's most remarkable trait is the transformation it undergoes from sleepy weekdays to vibrant weekends, when the scenic esplanade comes alive with pedestrians and charming seaside cafes.

The nature of your stay here really does depend entirely on timing. From Monday to Friday you will feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday city life to a remote, picturesque rural township.

But when Sunday rolls around and the Penguin Market is in full swing, suddenly the atmosphere shifts to one of activity – buying, selling, eating, drinking and socialising with the local community.

As Tasmania's largest undercover market, more than 200 stalls await your perusal – offering everything from fine wine to handmade woodcrafts.

Between September and March you can join a penguin tour and watch as these unique creatures make their way up the beach to nest.

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Jan
25
2012

Daniel Geale to defend world title in Hobart

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Hobart will play host to one of Tasmania's biggest ever sporting events in just over six weeks, when two world title fights take place at the Derwent Entertainment Centre.

Tasmanian product Daniel Geale beat Nigerian-born American Eromsele Albert on home soil last August – and will now return for his mandatory IBF middleweight title defence against Osumanu Adama on March 7.

And as if these massive bouts – held just seven months apart – were not already enough to put Tasmania on the international boxing map, history will be made with a second world title fight appearing on the undercard.

Sydneysider Billy Dib will look to defend his IBF featherweight belt against promising Mexican fighter Eduardo Escobedo shortly before the highly popular Geale enters the ring.

30-year-old Geale labelled the upcoming event a little slice of Las Vegas on Monday (January 23), with both Australian champions scheduled to box against credible opponents with strong records.

"Two IBF world title fights, it doesn't happen very often, it doesn't happen in Tasmania. To be able to make it happen down here is unbelievable," he said.

"This sort of stuff sometimes happens in Vegas so to bring it down to Tassie is a pretty decent thing."

The Derwent Entertainment Centre is a wonderful venue for live sport – and what is sure to be a packed house will be privileged to witness a top-notch card.

Geale says his opponent is likely to be the most difficult he has faced in his illustrious career, but believes he will emerge victorious in front of enthusiastic local support.

"It's going to be my toughest fight to date. This guy is strong," Geale asserted.

"I definitely realise I have to step things up again and to be honest, I can't wait."

The same can almost certainly be said for Australian boxing fans, who are bound to be lining up for tickets as soon as they become available.

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Jan
24
2012

Travel the beautiful Heritage Highway

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When you take a trip around Tasmania it is wise to bear in mind that with so much to see in a relatively small area, proven itineraries might offer you the best chance to get maximum value out of the time you have available.

Throughout the beautiful island there are established routes that have been followed and enjoyed for decades. All it takes is a little bit of planning and you can embark on an unforgettable multi-day adventure with your friends or family.

One of the best itineraries is without doubt the Heritage Highway, a journey that reveals a fascinating history of convicts, bushrangers, farmers, painters, writers and Aboriginal culture over two incredible days.

From the ski fields of Ben Lomond, through Tasmania's idyllic rural countryside and right down to the capital city Hobart – this is a drive filled with old colonial town discoveries and important farmlands that date back over 200 years.

Towns such as Longford, Ross and Oatlands offer the chance to check out historic buildings and delightful antique stores, while in between you will cruise past Georgian villages and friendly locals.

The Heritage Highway represents the major link between Tasmania's northern and southern population centres, meaning it is easy to veer away from the road at your leisure to explore rural life, stop in at quaint local stores or feast on a country meal.

Regional Tasmania is a smorgasbord of wonderful sights, sounds and aromas.

From the colourful arts and craft market at Evandale on a Sunday to Ross Bridge – an elegant and intricately carved showpiece of convict stonemasonry built in 1836 – there is so much to explore for the first-time visitor.

bothwell - 1st hole ratho australia's oldest golf course / image credit ausgolf

oatlands historic building Image credit tripadvisoroatlands callington mill />

ross convict built bridge

Ross Image credit - Australian Traveller

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Jan
23
2012

Motoring fans will love HeartKids Car Show

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Motor enthusiasts will be gearing up for the HeartKids Car Show in Relbia early next month, in a great example of the huge variety of events held in Tasmania over summer.

Over 500 show cars will be on display – most from the island itself and around 50 coming from interstate – for what promises to be a fantastic day out for locals and visitors keen to check out the action for the first time.

With muscle cars, vintage cars, hot-rods and classics all making an appearance there is something to see for everyone, no matter what type of engine gets you revved up.

You can get involved by bringing your own car along, setting up a stall and selling some home-made crafts, or just chatting about all things auto with fellow fans.

All the money raised from the event will stay in Tasmania to help local families with a child battling heart disease.

The HeartKids Car Show takes place February 5, so if you are a car lover then put it in your diary and make sure to stop by at Relbia on your travels.

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Jan
22
2012

Enjoy Australia Day breakfast in Tasmania

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Australia Day will be celebrated next Thursday (January 26) and in Tasmania preparations have begun for some wonderful events right across the state.

Early risers should appreciate the variety of functions scheduled for the morning, with locals and guests able to come together at a number of different venues for a delicious meal and the chance to enjoy some great entertainment.

The Australia Day Breakfast hosted by the Waratah-Wynyard Council is an invitation for the community to come along and celebrate the birth of the nation as we know it.

It will take place in Richard Gutteridge Gardens, with the Wynyard Lions Club serving scrumptious bacon and egg rolls. Guests can also tuck in to billy tea and damper with traditional Aussie spreads.

Kids will be entertained by face painting and a variety of games, while adults can join the tug-of-war challenge after their hearty meals.

At the Bellerive Boardwalk there is also a fantastic breakfast event taking place with a craft tent for the kids, along with the raising of the flag and singing of the National Anthem later on.

australia day logo

Australia Day ceremonies at wynyard held at the Richard Gutteridge Gardens

Australia Day citizenship ceremony 2011

Australia Day and adjacent Bellerive Beach

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Jan
21
2012

Amazing wilderness estate hits the market

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The amazing wilderness estate of a mysterious American has gone on the market in beautiful Tasmania, with bidding expected to be driven by conservationists and tourism operators among others.

Worth an estimated $10 million or more, the 18,000 hectare estate covers land in the Central Highlands and the south-west and includes Circular Marsh at Bronte Park where Martin Polin, who died in 2007, built an underground bunker.

It has been reported that Polin moved to Tasmania during the Cold War to escape nuclear threat – and the former Utah lawyer was known for his strong belief in conservation.

LJ Hooker commercial property agent Heather Mason told The ABC this week (January 19) that the massive land release represents a momentous occasion and includes some extremely rare holdings of native forest, grazing areas, lake frontage property, tourism opportunities and more.

"The size of the portfolio itself is a unique offering and certainly the properties, some of them have some interesting stories and history behind them," Mason said.

"There are extensive land parcels located in the remote Tasmanian wilderness, renowned for its diversity of flora and fauna."

There are few more diverse and breathtaking parts of the world than the Tasmanian wilderness and nature lovers will likely follow closely the future of this vast estate.

The late Martin Pollin's vast estate - image credit- ABC

The late Martin Pollin's vast estate - image credit- The Mercury Hobart

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Jan
20
2012

Amazingness that is MONA FOMA

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Hobartians are only just coming to terms with the success and spectacle that is this year’s MONA FOMA festival – now in its fourth year. With two more full days still to run, the lineup, the artestry is out of all proportion; no wonder this boutique festival is capturing the attention of artists and visitors from all over Australia and the world.

Last night’s line up included Dresden Dolls – where the audience was blown away by the powerhouse that is Amanda and Brian. The theatrics, the songs – originals and covers – Beastie Boys, Grinderman, and two others had everyone mesmerized. Amanda Palmer, who has the opportunity to play all over the world gushed “We love Tasmania, and how good is MONA FOMA – this is THE festival that we like most in the world.” High praise indeed and acknowledging once again the enormous success of Festival Director Brian Ritchie (ex Violet Femmes, New York), now living in Tasmania.

In yesterday’s line up performers were as diverse as Juliana Barwick, Senyawa (from Indonesia), Toshimaru Nakamara, Kellie O’Dempsey, and Prince Rama – the wizardy of melded Broooklyn beat and Hare Krishna psychedalia.

Dresden Dolls in full flight - Image credit: Veronica Foale

Amanda Palmer from Dresden Dolls doing it as only she can - Image credit: Veronica Foale

Kellie O'Dempsey artwork

Veronica Foale’s blog and review has more coverage.

Wedenesday’s highlight and sell-out performers were ‘Girl Talk’ and Kate Burton took some great shots of one hell of a show.

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Jan
19
2012

Amazing stage win for Tasmanian rider Will Clarke

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Young Tasmanian cyclist Will Clarke has won the second stage of the 2012 Tour Down Under in what experts are hailing as one of the great solo rides in the event's history.

The 148 kilometre stage began earlier this week (January 17) in Lobethal, South Australia, with Clarke doing his home state proud by daring to launch an early breakaway then holding off the peloton all the way to Stirling in West Australia.

Individual efforts such as Clarke's are rare in a sport where teamwork and safety in numbers can be critical, but the 26-year-old defied expectations having been without a contract for the top tier race just one month earlier.

He only made the UniSA team after an impressive fifth placing at the Australian road race championships earlier in January.

Clarke leads the Mountains and Sprint classifications of the prestigious event, but perhaps just as importantly he now appears likely to attract interest from pro tour teams in the near future.

Former Team UniSA rider Patrick Jonker told ABC radio: "This will be considered one of the greatest rides in Tour Down Under history."

Team manager Dave Sanders described the win as physically, mentally and emotionally amazing, while Clarke himself was delighted to have fought back from a tough year in 2011.

"It's going to give me a confidence boost," Clarke said.

After just 1.1 kilometres Clarke and BMC rider Martin Kohler escaped the peloton and – after the Swiss collected time bonuses and dropped back to the field – the Tasmanian negotiated the final 80 kilometres alone and under pressure from a highly-credentialed pack of chasers.

In a proud day for Tasmanian cycling Clarke has put the island state well and truly on the map with this remarkable feat. Audiences from around the world will now be watching on eagerly as Clarke attempts to win the overall race.

Tour Down Under 2012 Stage 1

Tour Down Under 2012 Stage 3

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Jan
18
2012

Camping holidays in picturesque Tasmania

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Tasmania has always been an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, but as the facilities and service continues to improve over time it has become an even greater destination for travellers looking to briefly escape their everyday lives.

Whether you are interested in pitching your tent in a breathtaking national park, staying at an organised campsite or caravan park, or holidaying in style in a self-contained cabin there is a destination waiting for you on our picturesque island state.

About 40 per cent of Tasmania is protected as national park and forest reserve land – and more than 50 caravan parks are available to holiday makers.

With pristine coastlines, rugged mountains, beautiful forests and a variety of breathtaking scenery throughout the island, this is some of the most idyllic camping you can find anywhere in the world.

If you prefer to caravan your way around the wonderful state then you will not be disappointed, as the uncrowded and well-connected roads allow you to explore a huge variety of spectacular landscapes within a compact region.

This is an amazing opportunity to 'get away from it all' for as little or long a period as you feel like.

Motorhomes in Tasmania Image Credit The Mercury Tasmania

Stanley Cabins - Image Credit - Affordable Beach Breaks

Beach Retreat Tourist Park Cabins

Quamby Corner Golden Valley Tasmania

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