Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Beaches’ Category

Tasmania is a great place to see Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins as they are also known).  If you’re in the north west region of Tassie, an easy-to-get-to and excellent spot to see these cute little critters is the Lillico Beach Conservation Area, 10 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

Little Penguins are also called Fairy Penguins (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Little Penguins at Lillico Beach

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

This shrubby coastal strip of land is home to a colony of delightful Little Penguins.  They enchant visitors every breeding season (September to May) and during the summer months (mid December to mid February).  Local volunteers and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife rangers are on site during this time.

The Friends of Lillico Penguins also offer a free guiding interpretation service all through the breeding season.  The reserve is only 2.5kms long with a total area of 14 hectares.  Lillico Beach, which is an important wildlife corridor for the area, is made up of sand and attractive, evenly polished stones known as shingle.

Little Penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach in the north west of Tasmania

Information about the habitat of the Little Penguins is provided at Lillico Beach

There’s a first-rate viewing platform and walkway arrangement in place, which makes it easy to watch the Little Penguins as they return to their burrows each evening after a day’s search for food in the beautiful waters of Bass Strait.  These penguins are around 30cms in height and weigh in at just a kilo.  They are the world’s smallest breed of penguin and have been known to dive down to 57 metres for their food.

Viewing platforms at Lillico Beach allow visitors to observe the Little Penguins

How to Behave Around Fairy Penguins

There’s a few “dos” and “don’ts” if you are coming to view the Little Penguins of an evening.  Firstly, penguins use visual cues to make their way back to the burrows, which means they can become easily lost and confused by light and noise.  Visitors are asked to stay on the platform; remain quiet and still; wear dark clothing and refrain from using camera flash or any white light torches.

During the right times, visitors to Lillico Beach Tasmania can see Little Penguins

Definitely do not approach or touch the penguins or walk through their colony.  That would be very traumatic for them and could damage the burrow areas, preventing the adults from getting to their hungry offspring.

Fairy Penguins will return from Bass Strait to their burrows to feed their young

As the penguins can easily see movement (especially if you are outlined against the sky) you should not walk along the beach to get to the viewing spot.  A torch with red cellophane over the light source is acceptable.  Digital cameras without a flash and video cameras without a spotlight can be used.

Lillico Beach is along the Bass Highway from Devonport in north west Tasmania

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is a very well established and maintained area to view these Little Penguins, and we are lucky to have them here in Tasmania.  This is a lovely experience to take with you from this part of the north west coast.

Little Penguins: adorable Tasmanian wildlife will captivate tourists (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Penguins in Tasmania

Penguins can be found almost anywhere around Tasmanian coastlines.  Some other interesting places you can see Little Penguins in Tasmania are:

• the aptly named town of Penguin where they come ashore near
  the main town area (there’s also the Penguin Point Fairy Penguin Tour
  run nightly from September to March)
• at Burnie in the early evening on many of the beaches and at the
  Little Penguin Observation Centre on Parsonage Point at the western
  end of west beach (where Friends of the Burnie Penguins hold free
  interpretive tours for visitors from September to March)
• near the town of Port Sorell you can frequently see them hurrying
  up the beach
• at Low Head near George Town where nightly tours are taken from the
  Coastal Reserve
• at Stanley I’ve often seen penguins in the day swimming around where
  the fishing boats are moored
• Bicheno Penguin Tours have the biggest nightly penguin tour in Tasmania.
  It runs all year but penguin numbers are more reliable during the breeding
  season
• Bruny Island penguins are common along the isthmus beach where
  North and South Bruny meet
• at Strahan on the west coast you can take the Bonnet Island Experience
  Tour or discover them yourself if you take a trip at dusk to the southern
  end of Ocean Beach

Little Penguins can be seen in the town of... Penguin!! (Photo by Dan Fellow)

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.

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Map: Little Penguins at Lillico Beach, Tasmania…

Middleton Memories

by Lorraine McNeair

We needed a break, and as my daughter, husband and puppy dog were coming with me, we needed a pet-friendly place to stay.  After some intensive web-wandering we found an abode at Middleton, which is on the edge of the water in the Huon Valley/Channel region.  What an idyllic place for a quiet, relaxing spell.  Only the sound of the gulls, and the whisper of the water as it ebbed and flowed.

Beautiful views from waterfront accommodation in Middleton, Tasmania

The serenity! Easy to enjoy the peaceful, idyllic surrounds at Middleton

Middleton: Much to Offer

Middleton is a quiet rural town with lots of views of the sea and the lovely green fields that only the Huon can provide.  We were situated at the end of a quiet gravel road and could sit outside and gaze across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel at Bruny Island, another place we have stayed (but that’s another story!).

Scenes at sunset over the gorgeous D'Entrecasteaux Channel from Middleton

One day we were delighted with the antics of a pod of dolphins as they leaped and played in the sparkling waters.  Another day, when it rained, we were treated to the sight of wooded hills wreathed in mist, and that’s when we played cards and other games. We must have enjoyed our stay because we returned several months later for another visit, and we are already looking forward to our next visit to Middleton.

Who wouldn't want to return to the Huon Valley for more peaceful relaxation?

Lorraine McNeair is a volunteer with the Latrobe Information Centre.
She is a writer, photographer and artist, and is passionate about
sharing all the interesting things she knows about Tasmania.

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Map: Middleton Tasmania…

Coastal Town of Penguin

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The pretty coastal town of Penguin on Tasmania’s north west coast is located 137kms from Launceston; 17kms east of Burnie and 31kms west of Devonport.  It has a population of around 5,500 and it acquired the name from the fairy penguins, which live around its coastline.  Penguin is nestled in a very scenic spot right beside the beautiful waters of Bass Strait with the impressive Dial Range sitting behind the town towards the south.

The foreshore of the coastal town of Penguin, including the Big One!

Eating and Staying in Penguin

Penguin is a popular tourist destination with a number of excellent cafes and restaurants.  It’s well known by surrounding locals as the place to eat out on a weekend.  There are great places to have a meal like Wild Café Restaurant, Renaessance, The Groovy Penguin, Shady Grove Cafe and Casablanca at the Surf Lifesaving Club.  There’s also a really nice bakery right near the beach.

The range of accommodation options for such a small town is surprising, with two hotels, a caravan park, B&B’s and holiday apartments.  The coastal town of Penguin still retains that laid back, small town feel… wonderful when you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or visiting for the day.  While wandering around the shops of Penguin if you need a perfect gift or something special for yourself, call into Nest in Main Street.  This is a splendid shop that stocks a very nice range of local artisan merchandise.

Things to Do in Penguin

There are lots of things to do in Penguin.  Why not check out the penguins that visit each evening between November and March.  Have your photo taken with the 3.15 metre Big Penguin in the beachfront park.  It’s apparently the largest Penguin in the world.  And while you’re walking down Main Street have a look at the penguin garbage bins along the way.  A much nicer alternative to regular ones!

The Uniting Church, the Bakery bin and the Big Penguin

Admire Penguin Uniting Church and St. Stephens Anglican Church, both old churches in Main Street.  There’s the replica Dutch windmill in Hiscutt Park, which was presented to the people of Penguin to commemorate the Dutch settlers of the area and the Dutch explorers who were the first Europeans to discover Tasmania.

Just west of the Uniting Church is Johnsons Beach Reef.  It’s a popular place at low tide for exploring when the reef is exposed.

Shopping at the Penguin Sunday Markets

The Penguin Sunday Markets are very popular, with more than 200 stalls.  They are Tasmania’s largest undercover markets.  There’s a lot to see at the markets with stalls ranging from food, antiques and collectables, books, art and craft.

Shopping for antiques and collectables in the coastal town of Penguin, Tasmania

Penguin Sunday Markets, on the north west coast of Tasmania, one of the state's best markets

There’s a great lolly shop, with a large assortment of all types of lollies.  And we can’t forget the Tasmanian woodwork, jewellery, gift-ware, fruit and veggies, clothing and live music.  There’s always so much to see at the Penguin Sunday Markets.

The lolly shop! A highlight of every coastal town, Penguin included

Bush-Walking in Penguin

If you’re the energetic sort there are some great reserve walks just behind Penguin in the Dial Range.  Walks range from 30 mins to 2 hours that cater to all fitness levels, with wonderful scenery along the way.  Call into the Penguin Tourist Information Centre in Main Street while you’re in town to get all the info on Penguin and surrounds, or phone them on (03) 64371421.

The deep blue seas of Bass Strait make the drive to Penguin a memorable one

A great way to get to the coastal town of Penguin with terrific views across Bass Strait, is to take the coast road from Ulverstone or via Sulphur Creek from Burnie.  This is such a pretty drive and well worth the diversion from the Bass Highway.

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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Map: Coastal Town of Penguin, Tasmania…

Kelping On King Island

by Roger Findlay

Filling out my annual tax return, I started to think of unusual occupations.  Just down the road from us there is a company called Artificial Breeders.  The guy that “milks” the bulls has great difficulty with his job description and I guess those at the Tax Office would be wondering about the authenticity of a Kelper.

Roger contemplates life as a kelper on King Island, Tasmania

King Island Kelper

There’s not a lot of work on King Island apart from the dairy, beef, tourism, shipping and cray fishing industries.  For a guy that needs to make a living, the unusual occupation of kelping is an option.  By registering with the Currie based Kelp Industries, one is able to acquire a licence and number to collect Bull Kelp from the rugged coastline and sell it for processing.

The job is not a glamorous one as it entails an early rise and hopping over slippery rocks with a bitter wind constantly nagging.  On a summer’s day the work can be a pleasure but, in general, it’s a hard way of making a living.

Rugged coastline of King Island: Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania

Bull Kelp

Bull Kelp is quite common on the eastern and western flanks of Tasmania as well as the southern part of King Island.  It grows at the rate of 10cm per day and is washed ashore in the swirls and swells that caused so many shipwrecks around the island.

It is valued for its high alginate content.  The alginates are the derivative of processed kelp and can be used in detergents, soaps, shampoos, grouts and foodstuffs to name a few.  It is also being promoted as a substance suited to health and well-being.  Cows that have access to the beach prove that point.  They love Bull Kelp; pregnant cows especially go into a frenzy at the sight!

Kelp washed ashore on the beaches of King Island

Kelping: Have Licence & Equipment…

Once you’ve got your kelping licence and your number, you’re going to need a light truck with a winch.  It may be advisable to coat the vehicle and equipment with a good quality rust preventative before you start backing it into the shallow, salty waves.  Yes, the winch and cable needs a good coating too but at the end of the day the sea will have won and your valuable equipment will begin to rust.

Kelping equipment required to collect the seaweed includes a light truck

If you decide to continue as a kelper, you may be looking at major restoration or new equipment in a very short time.  Is it really worth it?

Kelp: Fetch it, Dry it, Weigh it, Ship it!

There are fewer than sixty kelpers on King Island and only a few of those do it as their main occupation.  They don’t get too excited as they hang their haul on the galvanized racks, as they know that the kelp will dry down to one fifth of its original weight and that will govern the payment.  Kelp Industries processes about 2500 tonnes per annum and ship it to the sister company (ISP Alginates) in Scotland.

Kelp Industries pays the kelpers by weight after the seaweed has dried on racks

Drying racks for the Bull Kelp collected from the coast of King Island, Tasmania

Somehow, I don’t think there would be many kelpers needing to submit a tax return.  Surely the depreciation of equipment would outweigh the income!

Roger Findlay is our travel writer.  Literally!  He 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.

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

Map: King Island, Tasmania…

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages: A Slice of Paradise!

by Roger Findlay

“A Slice of Paradise”.  That’s how Naracoopa Holiday Cottages were described on the internet.  I had seen and heard it all before!   A few years ago I took a gamble with this “Slice of Paradise” and have never regretted that day.

Beautiful scenes at Naracoopa, on the coast of King Island, Tasmania

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania

The Holiday Cottages are situated on the eastern side of King Island just across the road from the sea.  Sheltered from the wind, Naracoopa provides magnificent unobstructed views over Sea Elephant Bay and Councillor Island making it a pleasure to sip on a beer while cooking lunch on the impressive wood-fired barbecue.

Cook lunch on the impressive wood-fired barbecue at Naracoopa Holiday Cottages

The one or two bedroom cottages are attractively painted inside and out and complement the superbly manicured gardens.  Inside you will find everything that you need for a comfortable stay.  The well-equipped kitchen enables elaborate food preparation while the lounge and bedrooms boast spotlessly clean, good quality furnishings.  Each cottage has satellite TV, DVD player and informative books with relevance to King Island.

Superbly manicured gardens, a feature of the Naracoopa Holiday Cottages

Well-Equipped Slice of Paradise

Outside buildings include a laundry and an eye catching games room complete with table tennis and pool tables, darts and board games.  Mountain bikes, telescope, DVD, library and WiFi… yes, Naracoopa Cottages have the lot!

Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania: A Slice of Paradise!

Hosts, John and Rhonda, are considerately aware of the fact that the fly-in tourist will arrive with very little and for this reason everything is provided except for meals other than basic breakfast items, bread and milk.

For the day trip you can take tables and chairs in the back of the car and I’m sure I saw some fishing rods for the kids when I was there.  On request, a picnic hamper of choice foods is also available.

A very pretty collection of beach shells from Naracoopa (King Island)

Where is Naracoopa?

Naracoopa is about a twenty five minute drive from Currie.  If you are planning on self-catering, it would be wise to stock up with provisions in Currie as you won’t find a shop in Naracoopa.

Buy supplies in Currie (King Island) before arriving at this slice of paradise

What it can offer is total relaxation, unspoilt coastline, sea views and a long, re-built pier that would suit the fisherman.  There is also a beach front park for the kids.  Just like me, you won’t be disappointed choosing this one!

Fishing anyone? The pier at Naracoopa, a perfect place to drop a line

Next week I will be telling you why the hosts, John and Rhonda
claim Naracoopa Holiday Cottages are a “slice of paradise”.
In the meantime, check their website for cost and booking 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!

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Map: Naracoopa Holiday Cottages, King Island, Tasmania…

Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania

by Roger Findlay

If you asked me to name ten things that attract me to Tasmania as a holiday-maker I would come up with the following:

1. Beauty of the island, breath-taking scenery and clean air.
   

   The breath-taking scenery and clean country air of Tasmania

2. Temperature and climate, most suitable for a Pommy!
3. Unspoilt places.  Slow to exploit tourism through changes.
   

   The pristine wilderness, another Tasmanian attraction high on Roger's top ten

4. Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania.  It’s a great experience every time.
5. Salamanca Market and any farmers market that we find along the way.
6. Food: especially seafood, cheese and beef.
   

   Roger enjoys the Tasmanian produce, including seafood, cheese and beef.

7. Pubs: Knopwoods, Shippies and the Royal Oak.  Gunners Arms – R.I.P.
8. Fish punts, Tassal and the Wursthaus.
9. Walking on the deserted beaches.  Douglas River springs to mind.
   

   Beaches make Roger's list of top ten attractions for holiday-makers in Tasmania

10. People we’ve met and friends we’ve made…
    The Madsden family, Patricia, Eddie & Dulcie, to name a few.

That’s ten things that attract me to Tasmania but there are so many more.

People often ask me why I choose to travel and holiday in Tasmania so much.  They often ask whether I get tired of visiting the same place year after year.  My answer is always the same; but I don’t have to change my lifestyle to suit them or anyone else.

I must confess that in recent weeks, I have been toying with the idea of a first visit to New Zealand.  I’m sure it is a very beautiful country with the South Island being exceptional, but for now I have unfinished business in Tasmania so NZ will have to wait until I retire in a few years’ time.

I first visited Tasmania in the mid 80’s.  I was chasing a job at the ACL plant in Launceston but it didn’t lead to anything except a brief look at the island.  The drive north and then down the east coast to Hobart convinced me that this was the place for me and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Beware: Sub-Standard Accommodation

There is only one criticism that I have to make and that is the rapidly increasing price of accommodation.  Some of it is mediocre and we have found a few of our hosts unsuited to the hospitality industry.

Beware!  Don’t be fooled by some of the places you find on the internet.  The photos and write-ups published by the owners themselves can make the accommodation look most attractive; when in reality it can be well below expectation.  If you do get caught out, don’t put up with it.  Let the owner know of your objections and demand a refund.  Then take your business elsewhere.

Rustic accommodation! Beware the tourist of the internet booking...

Beware Tasmania!  Don’t price yourself out of the market.  It is a fact that I can holiday in Vietnam or Thailand cheaper than Tasmania but that’s not for me.  However, when it comes to the decision of others, the attraction of a cheap overseas holiday may be their choice.

To attract the tourist keep the price reasonable, ensure good quality and make it so that the visitor wants to return.

Photos that accompany Roger’s article titled
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
have been taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.

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Ulverstone in the Spotlight

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

With a population of around 12,000, the town of Ulverstone on the North West Coast of Tasmania still retains that small town feel.  It is located between the larger cities of Burnie and Devonport and is situated on the mouth of the beautiful Leven River.  With gorgeous beaches right on its doorstep, Ulverstone is an ideal place to live or visit.  It is under the municipality of the Central Coast Council, which also encompasses the towns of Penguin, Turners Beach, Leith, Gawler and Forth.

Ulverstone, located on the north west coast between Burnie and Devonport

Living or Staying in Ulverstone

Ulverstone has all the amenities you’re likely to need:  four primary schools, one high school plus a school that caters for K to Year 12.  You will also find all professional services such as doctors, dentists, and optometrists, solicitors, etc.  If you are looking for accommodation there are four motels and two hotels catering for guests, as well as two caravan parks.  Other great accommodation options are Ulverstone River Retreat, Winterbrook B&B, Boscobel Of Ulverstone B&B, Westella House and Moonlight Bay B&B.

The main street shopping precinct of Ulverstone in the north west of Tasmania

Shopping and Eating

If you feel the need to shop there’s Coles, Woolworths and IGA for those grocery items.  Then there are the various gift and craft shops packed full of great bits and pieces and a great array of Tasmanian wares.  If you love looking at antique shops Ulverstone has four fabulous antique shops full of old and interesting objects.

Eating out in Ulverstone is a treat with numerous places to dine, all with great menu options.  Enjoy the seafood and the views across the Leven River at Pedro’s Restaurant, drop in to Lancaster House for coffee, wine and fine food or try one of Deli Central’s tantalizing dishes while checking out their exciting selection of food and gifts.  The Bass & Flinders Motel and the Beachway Motel both have restaurants and you will also find a number of cafes and bakeries in town as well.  So there’s no excuse for not easing those hunger pains while visiting.

Ulverstone Beach

Time to relax on Ulverstone’s beautiful long sandy beach and watch the blue waters of Bass Strait roll in and out.  This is a great beach for walking along and there are plenty of areas to park the car.  Ulverstone has a great Visitor Information Centre located in Alexandra Road, which is open 7 days a week.  Here you will find all the information you need about things to see and do in and around Ulverstone and surrounding areas.

The magnificent sandy beaches of the Ulverstone region, perfect for relaxing

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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!

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Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…