Ramblings of a Fungi Junkie

by Carol Haberle

Yes, I confess, I’m a Fungi Junkie!  Now before you have visions of me smoking, eating or making weird concoctions from our rainforest fungi, I wish to just clarify my meaning of ‘junkie’.  Put simply, it just means I’m hooked on fungi. Though I do confess, I have eaten fresh field mushrooms. Yes, they’re a fungi.  But, if I see fungi, I’m the type who has to study it, make notes about it, both mental or with pen and paper.  Though that truly depends as to whether I have pen and paper with me, or just my brain!!!

Left: Stereum species, a rainforest fungi ~ Right: Pholiota species

I then photograph it from every angle, even if it means lying on a wet, cold rainforest floor in the middle of winter.  Anything to get a good shot.  Then as soon as I get home, the photos are downloaded onto my computer, notes all ready, webpages opened and the reference books come out.  Part of the thrill of being a Fungi Junkie is in being able to identify those shots I have captured.  Part of the problem though, is in the fact that Tasmania has so many unidentified varieties of macrofungi (as opposed to microfungi, mould and mildew, the type that grows in your bathroom etc), which makes it impossible to name them all.

A Love of the Outdoors…

Growing up in Tasmania, plus my love of the outdoors has always given me opportunities to experience and explore nature; and all my life I’ve had a fascination for the details of fungi.  Memories of autumn days trudging through damp fields with my father, bucket in one hand and knife in the other as we searched for field mushrooms.  Then with buckets full we’d return home where my mother would proceed to peel the soft skin from the fleshy top, ready to place them in waiting hot pan, a knob of butter, pepper and salt and all too soon the house would be filled with the aroma of fresh field mushrooms cooking!

Fungi ~ Left: Dermocybe species ~ Right: Gymnopilus species

Enough Rambling Carol; Time to get Serious…

Tasmania is a paradise for fungi.  One can wander through our fields, forests, or around our lakes at any time of the year and see fungi growing somewhere (though the best time to witness the magic of this unique creation is during the autumn or winter months). Now I hear you ask, “Why does she call it a unique creation?  Well, fungi IS a unique creation.

More fungi photos taken by Carol Haberle of Haberle Photocards

Virtually overnight, these unique pieces of vegetation seem to appear as though from nowhere, just popping up in grasslands and forest floors.  From rotting fallen trees… or if you look up towards the treetops you’ll even see them growing out from thick sturdy trunks.  Every colour conceivable can be found: reds, whites, yellows, browns.  Even purples and blues.  Many different shapes and sizes, and in total there are estimated to be well over 5000 species alone in our rainforests.

Fungi is NOT a Plant…

The uniqueness of fungi does not stop there though.  Fungi DO NOT belong in the kingdom of plants, they have a kingdom all their own.  Unlike plants, fungi do not possess chlorophyll, therefore they do not need sunlight to grow.  They do not produce their own food, so are ‘scavengers’ or ‘parasites’ absorbing their nourishment from the substrate in which they grow.  When the ‘fruit body’ (that part which we see), is mature, fungus spores are released and dispersed by many sources (the wind, water, animals, people etc), providing the fungus with a way to spread and form new colonies.

Left: West Coast Fungi ~ Right: Hygrocybe Astatogala

The ‘fruit body’, that ‘toadstool’ or ‘mushroom’ we see is only a small portion of around 25% of the fungus. The unseen, or main part of the fungus, is made up of microscopic threads called ‘hyphae’, which weave their way through the soil, wood or other substrate which provides their nourishment.  It is these unseen, creeping microscopic threads that are the main recycling agents of our rainforests, busily decomposing dead plant material and returning nutrients to the soil.  When conditions are favourable, a single mass of hyphae (a mycelium) may send out a reproductive organ, which is the fungus fruiting body that we see and admire.

Wander with the Fungus…

So, in our unique Tasmanian rainforests, fungi are a very vital part of the sensitive ecosystem.  Autumn and winter are the best times to visit areas such as The Tarkine, Mt. Field National Park, the West Coast State Forest Reserves and Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park (to name but a few), to see the varied and wondrous forms of fungi that are so unique to our state of Tasmania.  Take the time to wander through our forests looking for fungi (be warned, you may well become a Fungi Junkie like me), and you will find that fungi grows in many forms, not just those that look like toadstools.

Shhhhhh, faeries! Some secrets here in Tasmania we need to keep to ourselves!!!

Here in Tasmania we have Coral Fungi, Jelly Fungi, Puffballs, Earth Stars, Paint Fungi and even Truffle Fungi, (which grows entirely underground) and many, many more varieties.  If you do happen to come across a Faerie Ring though, or better still perchance upon the Faeries themselves, then all I ask is:  shhhhhhh, don’t tell anyone please.  Some secrets here in Tasmania we need to keep to ourselves!!!

Fungi ~ Left: Earth Star Geastrum Triplex ~ Right: Cortinarius Archeri

Note : Please DO NOT pick the fungi in our forests.  Our fragile ecosystem needs them!  Although some fungi are edible, many fungi can be poisonous.  Some are known hallucinogens, a couple are even deadly.  So please, unless you know your fungi, leave them where they grow.

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards
For more images of Fungi in Tasmania, check out the
Facebook album collated by Discover Tasmania.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Devil of a Cookbook is the result of two of its author’s passions in life.  Fiona Hoskin is the Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, so the recipes in the book are designed for use with the advanced kitchen appliance.  But the thing that really appeals to us about the book is this:  all proceeds from sales will go to the Devil Island Project, to protect the endangered Tasmanian Devil, a much-loved icon of wildlife in Tasmania.

Thermomix recipes: Devil of a Cookbook by Fiona Hoskin

Devil of a Cookbook: the Launch

Fiona Hoskin launched her Devil of a Cookbook in Hobart on Monday with the help of some of her friends.  The room at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre was filled with media representatives and Thermomix consultants, who all seemed thrilled to be associated with the project.  Given that these (mostly) women are all dedicated to taking fresh Tasmanian produce and creating stunning gourmet food, you can just imagine the spread on offer!

The launch of Devil of a Cookbook was held at the Hobart Function & Conference Centre

Fiona's network of Thermomix consultants prepared morning tea for guests

After guests were treated to morning tea and a celebratory glass of champagne, Grace Mazur, Managing Director of Thermomix in Australia, took to the microphone.  Congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the launch, she then introduced Tasmanian parliamentarian Kerry Finch, a patron of the Devil Island Project.  He spoke about Fiona’s efforts to raise money and awareness of the plight of the Tasmanian Devil and the fight against Facial Tumour Disease.

Devil Island Patron Kerry Finch MLC introduces Fiona at the launch of Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona Hoskin: a Devil of a Woman!

We met Fiona Hoskin about 12 months ago.  Intrigued by the Devil of a Cookbook concept, we kept in touch, keen to share the outcome with you.  As with many worthy fundraising initiatives, it’s been a mammoth effort from idea to realisation, with delays and hurdles along the way.  The eventual publication of the book is a triumph in itself.  But now (having heard Kerry speak) we have a renewed respect for Fiona, the driving force behind the book.

Fiona Hoskin signs a copy of Devil of a Cookbook for Think Tasmania

As a well-respected and celebrated Tasmanian chef, Fiona was able to lend her name and recipes to the Devil of a Cookbook and gain instant recognition.  And she could well have left the association there and been praised for her involvement.  But that’s not what she did.  She jumped in, boots and all, as an ambassador for the conservation of the iconic and endangered Tasmanian Devil.

Recipes for the latest in the Thermomix collection of cookbooks, have been designed by Tasmanian consultants and customers.  There’s a Sticky Lime Cake by Joan Wylie of Burnie that sounds divine; and a Sixty Second Fruit Cake by Tina Singline of Bicheno that will make Christmas a whole lot easier for some!  Fiona worked tirelessly to collect and collate all the contributions, as well as donating recipes for some of her own signature dishes (from acclaimed former Launceston restaurant Fee and Me).

Fiona Hoskin demonstrates the Thermomix using recipes from Devil of a Cookbook

Tetsuya Wakuda: Contribution to Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona also convinced world-renown chef and Tasmanian ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda to join her mission.  Tetsuya wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook and contributed a handful of recipes.  They include Lobster Ravioli with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette; and Grilled Fillet of Veal with Wasabi and Sea Urchin Butter.  He was also in attendance at the launch and spoke of his passion for fresh produce; the worthwhile cause to protect a native species, and his love of Tasmania in general.

Tetsuya Wakuda, Tasmanian ambassador, wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook

Working on recipes and collaborating with industry colleagues for Devil of a Cookbook might sound like just a day’s work for a top chef.  But Fiona also ran the London Marathon to raise international awareness and funds to build the first Devil Island.  A marathon!  And more than once, actually.   That’s some serious commitment.   Other events have been held over the years, involving dinners and dancing… but a marathon?  Wow!  Apparently a Tasmanian Devil runs the equivalent of a marathon every night in the quest to eat, so there’s the connection.

Tasmanian Devil ~ Click image to see more pictures by Dan Fellow

We must stress that Fiona did not embark on all these tasks on her own.  The Devil Island Project (DIP) is the brainchild of Bruce Englefield, and actually deserves a separate feature article (that’s coming soon).  Suffice to say that an army of men, women and children have volunteered their time, effort and expertise to raise an enormous amount of money over several years.  Some of them with a high profile, such as Shane Gould, also a patron of the DIP and in attendance at the launch.

Fiona Hoskin, Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, at the Hobart book launch

But for now we’d like to add to the chorus congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the release of Devil of a Cookbook.  She’s an inspiration to all of us.  Next time someone complains about being too busy… thoughts will return to Fiona.  Her campaign to help save the Tassie Devils proves that one person can make an incredible difference.

Devil of a Cookbook sells for $40 and is a stunning collection of
recipes, with images of both food and scenery from Tasmania.
For more information you can like Devil of a Cookbook on Facebook.
If you’d like more details, just contact Think Tasmania
or leave a reply on this article and we’ll forward your details.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

I popped along recently to find out all about Bohemian Beauty, and why it’s such a popular place to get pampered. As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted by the beautiful Silvia and feel immediately at ease in the warm and friendly surroundings. I was treated to one of her signature pedicures.  As I settled into a comfy chair, I found out all about the business.

Michelle gets pampered with a pedicure at Bohemian Beauty in Ulverstone

Bohemian Beauty: Silvia Bell

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Bohemian Beauty is a beauty salon in Ulverstone, in the north west coast region of Tasmania. Owner Silvia Bell is originally from the Czech Republic, also known as Bohemia. I love that association within the business name; I think it works very well.

Silvia Bell, owner of Bohemian Beauty, has a stylish salon in Ulverstone

Silvia Bell started her successful beauty business from her home in Western Australia and then after relocating to Tasmania continued to offer beauty services from her home in Ulverstone. She has over 20 years of experience gained both overseas and in Australia. After twelve years of successful home-based business, Silvia desired to take it to the next level and opened her store at 30 King Edward Street, Ulverstone.

Silvia originally built up her clientele on the great pedicures and manicures she offered. Word got out how wonderful they were. My pedicure started with a warm and refreshing soak.  Then my toe nails were clipped, cuticles cut and all dead skin removed; then finished off with a moisturiser and a lovely nail polish. New nail files are used each time for hand and feet treatments and stainless steel bowls are used, as they do not harbour germs. Everything is very professional at Bohemian Beauty.

Silvia works her magic on Michelle's feet with a pedicure at Bohemian Beauty

Manicures, Pedicures and More…

Along with the pedicures and manicures offered, there are also hand treatments and nail treatments. There’s eyebrow shape, wax and tinting and eyelash tint and extensions as well. A number of facial treatments are available…

• Teen Solution Facial
• Total Relaxation
• Lactic Peels
• Specialised Ultraceuticals Facial (using the Australian brand skin care product)

Bohemian Beauty is also the first salon on the north west coast to be able to optimise the absorption of active ingredients into the skin using ultrasonic vibrations. They also do spray tans using the product Fake Bake. All your waxing requirements are available here too. They use only the best quality products for all their services.

Silvia stocks of a range of up-to-date products at Bohemian Beauty

Up-to-Date Pampering Treatments…

Silvia constantly keeps up with all the new treatments available. Now available at Bohemian Beauty…

• semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement, or cosmetic tattooing
  (no more pencils, re-application or unevenness)
• Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion, a non-surgical, safe and
  gentle procedure that exfoliates and polishes the skin
• Myscara, a semi-permanent mascara that lasts up to 2 weeks
• Lash in a Flash, a full set of eyelash extensions
• Tooth Gems, enhance your smile with a rhinestone!

They are also retail stockists of Ultraceuticals homecare range; Kryolan professional make-up; Pelactiv homecare range; Magneteyes (collagen/algae eye pads) and a wide selection of OPI nail varnishes including mini collections.

Silvia stocks only the best products in her Bohemian Beauty Salon in Ulverstone

Bohemian Beauty has lots of promotions and great offers throughout the year.
You can keep updated with specials by liking the Bohemian Beauty Facebook
page and you can make bookings by calling (03) 6425 9691 or 0419 950 866.
Gift vouchers are available for an extra special gift. Opening hours are:
Monday-Friday 9.00 am–5.30 pm (later on Wednesdays and
Thursdays) and Saturdays by appointment.

As for my pedicure… all I can say is my feet haven’t felt or looked so good in a long time!  We all need a little pampering once in a while and this is definitely the place to go for a professional and personal touch.  You will definitely feel like a Bohemian Beauty after having a treatment here.

Bohemian Beauty have professional staff and maintain high standards of service

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Bohemian Beauty, Ulverstone Tasmania…

Blowing In The Wind

by Roger Findlay

When we arrived in Whitemark we noticed action up on the hill. As twilight fell, we could see workers and a crane erecting a huge tower. Later that same evening, a truck parked up alongside our temporary holiday home (Elvstan Cottages) and my curious wife came back with the news that the two gentlemen were operating the crane up on the hill.

The original wind turbines ~ Whitemark, Flinders Island

At the Whitemark Interstate Hotel on ANZAC Day night the same gentlemen were enjoying a meal with a group of fellow workers and it wasn’t long before I took the opportunity to introduce myself to Frank the site manager. I also arranged to meet Frank on site the following day.

Looking down on to Whitemark (Flinders Island) from wind turbine location point

As I approached the tower, Frank was coming towards me. He had to be at Lady Barron for the loading of the trucks and crane for the shipment back to Bridport. With permission, I got a few photos but most of the action was over except for the final connection and commissioning.

Flinders Island Wind Turbine ~ Tasmanian Entrepreneur

Robert Nichols of Nichols Poultry in Sassafras, Tasmania is an exceptionally successful businessman. He has his own wind turbines that provide all of the energy for the poultry operation and I would recommend that you check-out the website…

Nichols Poultry has a division dedicated to wind turbines (Blowing in the Wind)

Just like me, Robert is from the East Midlands in the UK and we have a few things in common.  But he leaves me for dead when it comes to business and enterprise!

Robert has a branch of his business called Blowing in the Wind for the installation of wind turbines. He has kindly provided the information below for Think Tasmania with regard to the latest installation on Flinders Island:

The turbine on Flinders Island is an Enercon E 30 machine.  These are German made and are regarded as the best in the world.  The “30″ relates to the diameter of the blades (ie 30 metres). It is also by coincidence that the height of the tower is 30 metres. In favourable winds (and in Flinders there are many!) it will produce up to 300kw of power. This is a challenge on Flinders Island as the demand on a summers night can be less; as such the turbine chosen for this project has the ability to “spill” some wind by feathering the blades and reducing the output to match the demand. All of this is done in conjunction with the Hydro/Aurora power station at Whitemark via a control system that regulates the output to suit the demand.

Blowing in the Wind turbine ready for commission on Flinders Island

The E30 can convert wind into energy at a range of wind speeds from as low as 2.5 metres per second up to a maximum of 30 metres per second. Above this figure it is a danger to the machine to operate and so it will shut down. The optimal output is achieved at around 12 to 14 metres per second.  In total the tower weighs 26 ton; the Nacelle weighs 16 ton and the rotor weighs 7 ton.

The new wind turbine: harness the power on Flinders Island

The turbine is expected to produce about 25% of the island’s energy. This is the third turbine that my company Blowing in the Wind (BTW) has constructed, but the first away from mainland Tasmania. We hope to start construction of our fourth turbine in a few weeks’ time when the paperwork is complete. The Flinders Island project has been a challenging one with logistics to the island being a major issue. However, we hope that the experience gained by completing the job safely and on time will enable BTW to become involved in other embedded generation projects.

Wind turbine landmark, Whitemark Flinders Island

Rob, we thank you for this information and permission to use the photos. Now it’s my ambition to have a guided tour of Nichols Poultry (by yourself of course) followed by a chat about our old stomping ground!

Roger Findlay spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Wind Turbine, Whitemark Flinders Island…

You might just drive straight through Eaglehawk Neck on the way to visit Port Arthur Convict Settlement, or the coal mines historic site on the Tasman Peninsula.  You might stop briefly to visit the Tessellated Pavement State Reserve and marvel at that geological phenomenon before motoring on.  Or you might allow a little extra time and inspect the Dog Line and Officers Quarters Museum while you’re at it.

A bronze statue marks the location of the dog line at Eaglehawk Neck

A Scary Dog Line at Eaglehawk Neck

The dog line is a fascinating part of Tasmanian convict history.  If the statue is a true reflection of the actual dogs, they were ferocious!  Tethered at regular intervals, with lamp posts reflecting light onto cockle shells, the purpose of the dog line was was to prevent convicts escaping the Tasman Peninsula from the Port Arthur settlement.  Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow isthmus, and there were enough dogs in the line to stretch across the width of the sand dunes.  Their barking would alert the guards to any movement in the bush.

The narrow isthmus on the Tasman Peninsula at Eaglehawk Neck was guarded by a dog line

Obviously, the dogs needed someone to care for them, and a convict was assigned the duty.  Authorities considered Eaglehawk Neck the key to maintaining the security of the Tasman Peninsula during the convict period.  With that in mind, some dogs were even placed out on the water.  Combined with the thought of shark attacks, the area was practically impassible for all but the most determined and cunning of prisoners.  Martin Cash, who escaped in 1842 and went on to live as a bush-ranger, was one of the “lucky” few.

The historic site at Eaglehawk Neck ~ the dog line and Officers Quarters Museum

Officers Quarters Museum

The military station at Eaglehawk Neck was established in 1832 and by 1836 the settlement had grown to employ about 25 soldiers.  The building originally provided as the Officers Quarters is today a museum, which is free to visit.  The area once had a store and a jetty, and a hut where the children of the military would attend school.

Eaglehawk Neck, part of the convict trail from Hobart to Port Arthur

Eaglehawk Neck was an isolated location,  but communication between outposts was still possible.  Important, numerically coded messages were sent between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck (and on to Hobart) via a chain of semaphore stations.  The mast-like structures had movable arms attached and were often used to forewarn the military about convict escapees.  So even those brave, desperate or stupid enough to chance the dog line or the sharks, faced a very slim chance of success.

The Officers Quarters Museum at Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Peninsula

For more information about the dog line convict heritage site, contact the
Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service.  The Mount Nelson Signal Station offers
another opportunity to learn about the semaphore communications system.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Dog Line, Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania…

A season of transition, Autumn in Tasmania extends from 1st March through to 31st May, and generally weather patterns are more settled, with average temperatures varying from as low as 5°C overnight to an average 14°C daytime, though quite often we have days reaching a pleasant 18° to 22°C.

Autumn in Tasmania: twilight landscape

Autumn In Tasmania: a Season of the Senses

by Carol Haberle

A season of the ‘senses’ in Tasmania, Autumn is the time of fresh harvests, beautiful days of clear autumn light which bring a clarity to the subtle hues of our coastlines and a ‘magic’ is created in our wilderness as vivid colours come to life.  Autumn is also the season where ‘twilight’ is much more pronounced in Tasmania, that ‘golden hour’ just before sundown, when the sun is low on the horizon creating a rich glow to be cast across the countryside, turning all a golden amber just before darkness descends.

Historic Autumn

Though much of our Tasmanian landscape blazes with colour during Autumn, we give thanks to our history for this, as our ancestors, convicts and free settlers brought with them on sailing ships, seed from the huge deciduous trees of their homelands in the hope of making their new homeland, then known as the convict colony of Van Dieman’s Land, a little like the one they left behind.  As settlement took place, botanists also came to explore the ecology of this newfound wilderness, to test what would grow here under what were considered harsh conditions.

From England, Ireland and Europe we gained the mighty Oak, the Ash and the Elm trees, the sheer beauty of which can be seen in our historic towns of Westbury, Hagley, Richmond and Ross, to name but a few.  They also brought with them seed from the Hawthorn, we see as hedges which line our country roads, the beautiful cool willows which line our riverbanks, all of which today put on a myriad Autumn display of either vibrant autumn leaves, rich red berries or glowing pink/orange branch tips.  And from the North Americas we gained the tall, sweeping Lombardy Poplar, it’s beauty in Autumn best seen upon entering Latrobe via Spreyton.  Latrobe, the home of Bell’s Parade, a once thriving major port in the mid to late 1800’s, now a beautiful park on the banks of the Mersey River, where the sheer magnificence of Ash and Elm trees over 100 years old, can be seen in their Autumn glory.

Falling autumn leaves, Bell’s Parade, Latrobe. (Inset: Lombardy Poplars, Bass Highway, Latrobe)

Rural Autumn

As one travels through the rural, farming countryside, signs of Autumn become a patchwork of rich golden shades of yellow turning to greens, after winter fodder for livestock has been harvested and the early autumn rains replenish the fields, and of rich red/browns where the rich, fertile basalt soils are being freshly turned in preparation for winter crops.

The vivid, rich colours of autumn: patchwork fields, Forth Tasmania

Rainforests in Autumn

No autumn experience in Tasmania is complete without a visit to our rainforests, whether it be on the rugged West Coast, The Tarkine in the far north-west or down south in Mt Field National Park.  Cool night time temperatures and warmer days bring a feeling of ‘magic’…the soft mosses underfoot swell and grow rapidly as they draw in the moisture, becoming soft, damp sponges underfoot.  The greens in the canopy of the huge myrtles overhead, the dogwoods and the tree ferns become deep, rich and vibrant.  Feeding from the fallen leaf mulch, the fallen dead trees and decaying undergrowth, mosses in every conceivable shade of green and lichens in rich whites, yellows and oranges, begin to spread rapidly, and the fungi begins to burst forth, shades and hues of every colour.

Autumn rainforest, Tasmania (Inset: rainforest fungi)

The Turning of the Fagus ~ Uniquely Tasmanian

We have a purely endemic experience which goes almost unnoticed, only ever seen in Tasmania: ’the turning of the fagus’.

Tasmania can lay claim to only one native deciduous tree, Deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), or fagus as it is best-known.  The Deciduous Beech is a direct link back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.  Fossil records found at Cethana in northern Tasmania date back 35 million years to the early Oligocene period.  A small tree, usually growing to 2 metres or less, and found only in places many would call inhospitable.  Known also by European Settlers as ‘tanglefoot’, it can be the bane of a bushwalker getting caught in it’s twisted, ground hugging branches.  But this usually insignificant tree is Australia’s only winter-deciduous tree, and can be found nowhere else in the world.  The autumn display it gives is a kaleidoscope of greens, yellows, oranges and browns, and generally begins to occur around ANZAC day and only lasts two to three weeks.

Scientists, botanists, naturists, conservationists and bushwalkers the world over have been known to make an annual pilgrimage to Tasmania to see what is locally known as ‘the turning of the fagus’, where it can be best seen creating a fiery blaze on mountainsides at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park or in regions of Mt Field National Park.

The Turning of the Fagus, Cradle Mt. National Park (Inset: Nothofagus gunnii)

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

It’s marvelous what you can see when you open your eyes, and see the beauty around you.  Open our eyes we did, and found on our doorstep and only minutes from Hobart, a room with a view.  The Signal Station Brasserie is surrounded by a beautiful natural bush setting, with the most spectacular views of Hobart and beyond, all the way down the D’Entrecastreaux Channel, across to Port Arthur and up the Derwent River to Cadburys.

The Signal Station Brasserie has magnificent views over the Derwent River & beyond

Signal Station Brasserie

Words by Jen Holdsworth and Photos by Blanche Sayers

The day gave us a mystical view: clearing mist with the sun peaking through; reflections back to us from the Derwent River. Not a breath of wind, with only the sounds of native birds: Blue Wrens, Scarlet and Red Robins, Honeyeaters and Currajongs. Simply majestic!

No, we were not on Mount Wellington, but another beautiful mountain.  Down in altitude somewhat, and yet so close to Hobart, it is Mount Nelson.  My friend and I ventured minutes from our doorstep to enjoy a pleasant coffee at the Signal Station Brasserie, also once known at the Station Café.

The Signal Station Brasserie has also been known as the Station Cafe

History and Art: the Signal Station Cafe

It’s such a beautiful building! Originally housing the signal man and his family, the Signal Station was built in 1811 to report shipping activity to Port Arthur, then later on to Hobart as well. Over the years the building has had many transformations, but has always retained its beauty and personality. Current owner Ing, has transformed the café with a wow factor.  When you walk into the Signal Station Brassiere, you are greeted with stunning open rooms.  They are crisp and fresh with beautiful unique furniture and one-off pieces that reflect Ing’s passion for retro things.

Ing, the owner of the Signal Station Brasserie, has selected stunning art and furniture

On the walls are stunning works of art, by local artists such as Amanda Van Steenis, Julia Bradshaw and Mell Hills. “I really enjoy supporting Tasmanian artists, the feedback as been really positive” says Ing, who shows such pride in all the artwork.

Signal Station Brasserie owner Ing supports local Tasmanian artists & producers

Inspirational: Eat and Drink in the Views

The food on offer is inspiring.  After talking with chef Jon, who has trained in Europe, I can see his passion and the enjoyment he gets from coming to work each day; working in a place with stunning views and such wonderful Tasmanian produce.  Both Jon and Simone (his apprentice, who has written a wonderful book called Tasmanian Menu) have created a menu that is in touch with the surroundings. How does a pot pie of steak and kidney sound?  Or maybe a porterhouse steak sandwich with onion marmalade, fresh beetroot, garlic aioli and rocket served with vegetable crisps?  Sitting down on a crisp autumn day enjoying the stunning views, good company, and good quality (very reasonably priced) food…  Ideal I’d say.

Chef Jon also creates the most divine cakes each day.  Like chocolate quince and pear tarts; or walnut, apple and olive oil cake with honey butter and cream.  Plus of course an array of hot drinks including tea from the Art of Tea, good Tasmanian wines and Moo Brew Beer.  Jon also creates lovely preserves and condiments, something else to look out for.

Preserving more than history at the Signal Station Cafe, Mount Nelson Tasmania

Live Music: Sunday Afternoons

On Sunday afternoons the Signal Station Brassiere offers live music.  It’s the perfect atmosphere to host live music; you can sit outside to take in the views and sip on a selection of wines.  Or perhaps enjoy the music and the views from behind the panoramic windows.  Even the toilet has a view!

Enjoy the Sunday afternoon sessions of live music from the top of Mount Nelson

The brassiere can also cater for functions, weddings, corporate events, birthdays etc.  And what beautiful photos you’ll be able to take, with such a setting!  Onsite parking (no fighting with traffic), accessible for wheelchairs, a lovely host and staff in the kitchen… you will be guaranteed a spectacular event.

The Signal Station Brasserie makes a fabulous function or wedding venue

A Walk in the Park

There are many walking tracks close by, including the Truganini Reserve walk and Bicentennial Park walk.  Why not enjoy a walk and end with a stop at the Brassiere? I know my family will certainly be enjoying more visits to the Signal Station Brassiere, and I would encourage others to also pop along.  It’s just a stone’s throw away from Hobart and offers so many other sights without even leaving your chair.

The Mount Nelson Signal Station Cafe is surrounded by bush

The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  Signal Station Brassiere update their live music schedule on their Facebook page.

Jen Holdsworth is the founder of online business
Hospital Healing Hampers.  She also writes the Holdsworth Chronicles.
This article was a collaboration between Jen and her friend Blanche Sayers.
If you’d like Jen or another member of our great team to visit you in order to
write about your business, please contact Think Tasmania.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Rivulet Cafe, South Hobart…