Nov
03
2011

The distinct beauty of The Nut is on show in Stanley

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The Tasmanian landscape is internationally renowned for its awe inspiring national parks and waterways and there is no better example of its uniqueness than The Nut, a large flat-topped headland that forms the shape of a circle jutting out from nearby pristine waters of Stanley.

Driving westwards along the island state's picturesque north coast, visitors approach the historic small town and are increasingly impressed by its stunning natural feature.

The sheer-sided bluff is all that remains of an ancient volcanic plug, providing a chance to witness a distinct formation up close.

You can either climb to the summit via a walking track or take the chairlift – either way you will enjoy spectacular views across Bass Strait beaches and the quaint town below.

Stanley is also an ideal location to base yourself for tours of the region and whether you choose to stay at the excellent campground or in a boutique hotel, the forests and coastlines to the west are readily available by car.

Local operators can take you on an exciting observation tour to spot penguins, seals and other wildlife frequently seen in Tasmania.

It is also possible to visit Highfield House – the stylish 1830s home built for the managers of the Van Diemen's Land Company – to gain a greater understanding for the lives of people who once inhabited this remote and scenic region.

The Nut Image Credit: SporlederArt

Ruins at Highfield Image Credit: SporlederArt

Stnaley Township with quaint cottages and retail/food outlets Image Credit: SporlederArt

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Nov
02
2011

Take in the sights on the Point to Pinnacle fun run

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The Tasmanian summer events program is in full swing and one of the best this month will be the Roberts Estate Point to Pinnacle run and recreational walk.

Taking place on November 20, it offers fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers a wonderful chance to join friendly and like-minded people on a visually spectacular route.
Stretching 21.4 km from Wrest Point Boardwalk to the pinnacle of Mount Wellington – two iconic destinations – participants will take in some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes in the world.

It is a physically demanding track,however, so make sure you have trained sufficiently if you plan on testing yourself against the island state’s elements.

The path follows Sandy Bay Road, passes Hotel Soho, heads along Huon Road and up Pillinger Drive to the top of the mountain – an elevation of 1,270 metres.

Buses leave at 07:30 to take spectators to the best vantage point near the finish line.

It might be a good idea to arrange a day or two of rest after completing the race and visitors are encouraged to book accommodation in one of the nearby towns and enjoy some well-earned R&R.

One of the best views in Australia; just 20mins by car from downtown Hobart - it is also the reward for those that do the Point to Pinnacle 21km. Image Credit: Jen Mealing

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Nov
01
2011

Cricket matches in Hobart and Burnie

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Tasmanian sport is getting bigger and better every year, with local athletes and teams making their mark in a variety of competitions around the country and the world.

But it’s not just the sportspeople that are achieving remarkable success – the island state itself is garnering a reputation as a great location for hosting exciting events.

The cricket season has just got underway and whether you’re a huge fan or casual follower of the game, it promises to be an exciting summer for the Tasmanian team in all forms.

Having started the 2011 Ryobi Cup – the domestic limited overs competition – with one win and one loss, Tasmania will be hoping to rise to the top of the table with consecutive home matches in the first half of November.

On Wednesday November 2 they play Victoria at the picturesque Bellerieve Oval in Hobart.

Renowned for being one of the most enjoyable grounds internationally to watch cricket, a day at this venue is a wonderful opportunity for both locals and visitors to relax under the summer sun and be entertained by some of the country’s best talent.

Then on Sunday November 13 the side hosts South Australia at Burnie’s West Park Oval. While it doesn’t hold the international reputation of Bellerieve – an official Test-match venue – spectators are bound to appreciate the intimate setting and proximity to the pitch.

With former and current Australian representatives such as Ben Hilfenhaus, Xavier Doherty, Jason Krejza and George Bailey in the squad, Tasmania appear set for a great season and are likely to be highly competitive, especially in front of passionate home supporters.

Tickets for Ryobi Cup matches are available at the ground on the day, so it is a hassle-free way to spend an afternoon with friends or family.

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Oct
31
2011

Enjoy a ferry journey to Maria Island

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If you are looking for a unique way to see Tasmania on your next trip, why not travel by ferry to one of its fascinating and unspoiled islands?

Ferry travel by the two companies serving the route is a great way to discover a new place and when you choose to spend the day or stay overnight at Maria Island, you’ll find you are in for a natural treat.

In the summer months, Maria Island is particularly popular with families as a camping destination.

No cars are allowed on the island, but holidaymakers are welcome to bring along their camping gear and bicycles – and trailers are provided by Parks and Wildlife Tasmania to help carry equipment to the bunk-style accommodation at the Old Penitentiary in Darlington or one of the island’s many level campsites.

It is important to book your accommodation in advance – contact the Parks and Wildlife Service to arrange a place to stay.

Maria Island is one of the best places in Tasmania to see a huge range of wildlife in their natural habitat, including the Forester kangaroo, potoroo and wallabies, as well as Cape Barren geese and Flinders Island wombats.

During your visit, it is well worth taking in the incredible Fossil Cliffs walk, where you’ll be able to see a number of fascinating shellfish fossils.

This walk usually takes between 1.5 and two hours to complete.

If you are looking for a longer walk, you may also wish to investigate the Painted Cliffs trail, which takes between two and 2.5 hours, or opt for the half-day Bishop and Clerk hike.

If you prefer not to stay on the island itself, you may instead wish to base yourself at Triabunna near the ferry departure point so you are well-situated to take a day trip.

Maria Island Ferry's vessel
East Coast Cruises fast ferry

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Oct
30
2011

PJ Harvey to play Mona Foma festival in Hobart

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UK singer-songwriter PJ Harvey is set to make a trip to Tasmania early next year as the featured performer at the 2012 Mona Foma festival in January.

Harvey will take to the stage on January 21 to perform songs from her most recent Mercury Prize-winning album Let England Shake, alongside Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie, as well as longtime Harvey collaborator John Parish, Mick Harvey and Jean-Marc Butty.

This year's win is Harvey's second Mercury Prize – she was also presented with the honour in 2001 for her album Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.

Tickets to see Harvey in Hobart are priced at $85 – but there are also a number of other free and low-cost events to take in during the exciting ten-day festival.

From street parties and boat cruises to dance performances, exhibitions and musicians, Mona Foma 2012 will see the Tasmanian capital come alive with an exciting mix of music, arts and culture.

A program and ticket planner are available on the Mona Foma website and event tickets and passes can also be purchased at Hobart's Brooke St Pier, as well as the Mona ferry terminal.

PJ Harvey: photo by Jonathan Jackson

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Oct
29
2011

Humpback whale watching in Tasmania

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The southern migration of humpback whales from the coastal waters of Queensland and WA back to sub-Antarctic waters is in full swing, which means that visitors to Tasmania who are hoping to catch a glimpse of the gentle giants in October and November could be in for a treat.

A report in the Mercury this week indicated that Cape Raoul is an excellent place to spot humpback whales, with a recent wilderness cruise spotting a family of the marine mammals during an excursion last weekend (October 23).

Katrina Graham, who enjoyed a whale watching tour on board a Pennicott Wilderness Journeys boat with her husband and two sons, said the group saw a pod of three whales and the trip was a great day out for her young family.

"They were having the best time," she said.

"We were just having a look at Shipsterns Bluff on the way over and when we turned around, there was a pod of three whales in front of us," Graham added.

If you would prefer to try your luck spotting whales from dry land, you may want to pay a visit to Tasman National Park and spend a morning or afternoon on the Cape Raoul walk, which typically takes five hours to complete.

In addition to whales, you might also be fortunate enough to spot dolphins, fur seals, leopard seals, elephant seals, dolphins or penguins from the shore or out on a wildlife cruise.

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Oct
28
2011

Hothouse Cafe is a memorable eating experience

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Anyone planning a trip to Bruny Island's Hothouse Cafe will want to make sure they book their table ahead of time, according to writer Sam Vincent.

Writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, Vincent said he paid a visit to the charming eatery on the recommendation of a friend – and while he was able to find a table, it is wise to book in advance.

The quirky establishment, which is located near The Neck, is a former greenhouse-turned-restaurant and evidence of its former function is everywhere.

With a sand floor and garden furniture, the cafe may seem to be an unlikely place to enjoy a modern meal, but a warm welcome from owner Michael Morrison and delicious, hearty fare kept Vincent happy on a rainy Tasmanian night.

"Along with a glass of chardonnay from Bruny Island Premium Wines and a chunk of Morrison's legendary damper, it's the perfect accompaniment to the beating rain," Vincent wrote of his salmon meal.

Morrison and his wife Fiona also own Morella Island Retreats and visitors will find plenty to like about their character-filled property, according to the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide.

Bruny Island can easily be reached from Hobart – it is a short 30-minute drive (plus 15-minute car ferry ride) away from the Tasmanian capital city.

The quite unique former hothouse - now a stylish cafe on Bruny Island

Amazing view from the HotHouse Cafe

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Oct
27
2011

Enjoy Tasmanian hospitality at Hobart wine show

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The Wrest Point Royal Hobart International Wine Show is one of the highlights of an exciting summer calendar of Tasmanian events, as well as a highly significant moment each year for the Australian wine industry.

First held in 1975, the show has grown to become the second-largest of its kind in the country and is renowned for its focus on innovation.

As the only wine show in the southern hemisphere making use of the specialised AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 quality assurance accreditation to oversee the judging and stewarding processes, competition is serious.

Visitors to the show and members of wine-loving public should note that entries are restricted to bottled wines only – not barrel samples or pre-bottled varieties – meaning you are guaranteed to find these exact creations on shelves around the nation.

Judging occurs from November 4 to 15, with the awards dinners on the evening of the 16th and a trade tasting day on the 17th.

Public tasting is available November 17 at Hobart Showground.

For $25 guests can enjoy a tasting session of medal-winning wines in a comfortable atmosphere. The entry fee also includes a wineglass to take home, while a detailed catalogue of results is available for an additional $10.

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Oct
26
2011

Amazing Eaglehawk Neck, absolutely breathtaking

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Connecting the Tasman Peninsula to the Forestier Peninsula on Tasmania's stunning south-east coastline, Eaglehawk Neck is a highlight of any journey to this beautiful corner of the world.

The white sandy beaches and dramatic sea cliffs make this dramatic isthmus a visual and atmospheric delight.

Remarkable geology is the standout feature of the landscape in this region.

At the neck you will tiptoe across Tessellated Pavement – a fascinating rock formation divided into squares that appear to have been man-made.

There is a gorgeous view high above the pavement, while a hundred metre walk along the path that leads to steps down to the shore.

Driving south your eyes will be fixated on the left side of the vehicle, as you witness the impressive coastal rock formations of the Devils Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blowhole.

Jutting out of the water in glorious fashion is the Totem Pole – a large dolerite column near the end of Cape Hauy that is extremely popular among kayakers and climbers.

If seal, dolphin and penguin spotting excite you, why not take a cruise from Pirates Bay along one of the world's most breathtaking stretches of coastline?

Temperate waters make for superb visibility, so you will be able to marvel at a variety of sea creatures such as sponges, invertebrates, weedy sea dragons and giant kelp forests.

For the more adventurous, diving expeditions can be organised that will open your eyes to a myriad of caves and crevasses, hiding among the towering dolerite and sandstone sea cliffs that extend deep into the ocean.

Bushwalking enthusiasts may also enjoy exploring Waterfall Bay in the Tasman national Park.

Eaglehawk Neck is situated about one hour's drive from Hobart, making it an easy daytrip from the capital if your holiday time is limited. 

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Oct
25
2011

Scottsdale worth visiting on a trip to north-east

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In the picturesque north-east of Tasmania, Scottsdale is the administrative centre for the region and possesses a rich forestry and agricultural history.

The highlight of your visit here will be the Forest EcoCentre – a unique architectural experiment that showcases the island state's finest timbers, ecology and history. Designed with an eye toward saving energy, the distinctive structure with an external shell shape is a highly impressive drawcard.

Tasmanian towns are always known for their natural beauty and Scottsdale is no exception, with visitors able to enjoy a picnic in North East Park before trekking off for a half-day adventure to the summit of Mount Stronach.

Here you will be treated to panoramic views of the forests and farms below.

A short journey west of Scottsdale takes you to Nabowla and the Bridestowe Estate Lavender Farm – renowned throughout the world for its quality lavender flowers and oil products.

In December and January the rolling fields in this area are covered with blooms and present a spectacular image for onlookers.

Just under an hour's drive from central Launceston, Scottsdale is also home to historic St Barnabas Church and Doll and Bear Cottage, as well as being the ideal base for a round trip through Bridport, Barnbougle and the inviting swimming spots at Tomahawk.

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