Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Markets and Shopping’ Category

Oatlands Handmade is a little shop in, well… Oatlands!  Okay so that bit is obvious, but what you might not realise is just how much Rowena has packed into her gorgeous heritage building.

Oatlands Handmade, part of the charming Heritage Highway township

Oatlands Handmade: Hunting for Treasure

We went to Oatlands in the midlands of Tasmania with some friends.  They were on the hunt for antiques, and we mapped out a Sunday drive from Hobart via Sorell, Richmond, and Ross.  While they searched for treasures in Oatlands, we joined a tour of Callington Mill.

Visit Oatlands Handmade and the Callington Mill across the road

Oatlands Handmade is directly opposite the Mill Complex.  You can’t miss the cheery sign and the duo of concrete sheep at the door.  But what really caught my eye was the Tassie Devil offering a welcome to customers.  Rowena stocks the Tasmanian Softies and says they’re popular with young tourists looking to spend their holiday pocket money.

Handmade Tassie Devils by Tasmanian Softies are available in Oatlands

Once inside Oatlands Handmade, you’re in for a real treat.  The building itself is wonderful, and houses work produced by Tasmanian makers and designers.  Gifts and homewares; clothing and jewellery; fudge and art all take their place arranged in several rooms.

Unique fashion pieces are modelled at Oatlands Handmade in Tasmania

Clearly passionate about promoting her store as a retail avenue for only Tasmanian-made art and craft, Rowena is a bubbly and energetic personality.  Having always dreamed of starting a business like Oatlands Handmade, when Ryder Cottage came on the market, all the stars aligned to make it happen.

Gourmet jams and preserves, also locally made, available at Oatlands Handmade

Over 40 local artisans currently sell their work through Oatlands Handmade.  Rowena is only interested in showcasing top quality products, but she’s somehow managed to collect a diverse and unique range of goods.

Interesting, locally-made and hanging from every available space at Oatlands Handmade!

The jewellery on display is exquisite; I particularly liked the sterling silver Chain Maille Jewellery.  Okay, so that’s intended as a blatant hint (because the Casaveen Knitwear that was supposed to be under the Christmas tree didn’t ever appear).

Jewellery is made by several talented and creative Tasmanian makers

Another thing that caught my eye (being an avid reader)… the bookmarks from No More Dog Ears.  At just a tad under $20; they make a perfect gift without costing a fortune.  Just like the Tassie Devils and the handmade jams and chutneys, a decent souvenir to take away from a Tasmanian holiday.

Oatlands Handmade: No More Dog Ears - Ribbon Bookmarks & Gifts

Oatlands Handmade is at 112 High Street in Oatlands Tasmania.
Phone 03 6254 1391 for details of opening hours.

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Map: Oatlands Handmade…

Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers shop in East Devonport, near the Spirit of Tasmania terminal

I recently spent the morning with Susanne from Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers, located in Murray Street, East Devonport.  Right near the Spirit Of Tasmania!  Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers is a retail and online business specialising in genuine Tasmanian products sourced from producers throughout this beautiful state of ours.

Susanne only uses products that are 100% Tasmanian in the Gourmet Hampers

Tourism and All Things Tasmanian!

Susanne has a BA (Hons) in Tourism Management and has over 20 years experience in management, tourism, hospitality and customer service.  She also has a passionate and enthusiastic approach to her business, tourism and all things Tasmanian.  This dynamic lady has many fantastic ideas and plans for future projects which I can’t wait to see unfold and will be an added bonus to this exciting business.

Gift wrapped Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers to collect or have mailed for you

Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers are elegantly packaged in glossy black reusable boxes with hot pink ribbon for the ladies and silver for the men (or let them know your thoughts and they will gift-wrap accordingly.)  You can choose from carefully created ready-to-go hampers or select your own items for that personal touch.

There’s a wide range of Tasmanian gourmet products to choose from and they make an ideal birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift. Just let them know what you need and where you need it delivered and they will do the rest.  You can also pick up pre-ordered gourmet breakfast requirements or picnic hampers.  What a great way to start the day!

Speak to Susanne about your selection of gourmet products for a truly Tasmanian Hamper

Spirit of Tasmania Passenger Ferries

The Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers shop has opening hours coinciding with the Spirit of Tasmania sailings which makes it a great place to stop and buy truly Tasmanian products.  Why not phone ahead and pre-order a hamper to pick up on your way on or off the ferry.  Or if you are looking for a corporate gift alternative, one of these hampers would be a great choice.  There are a number of sizes to choose from and you can make it as individual as you want.

Tourists can also purchase gourmet Tasmanian products as individual souvenirs

There’s visitor information here as well for all your touring needs.  You’ll be able to find out information about accommodation, tours, where to eat, etc and Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers also act as a referral service to tourism related businesses throughout Tasmania.  While visiting the shop have a look at the Tasmanian-made non-edible products such as Pure Sense Candles and Saward Glass Art.

To get in touch with Susanne at Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers phone: 0405 625 032 or find them on Facebook.

Products are beautifully presented in black boxes with either silver or hot pink trim

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: Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers, East Devonport…

I have heard about Reliquaire.  Both Roger and Michelle have mentioned what a wonderful and unusual place it is, suggesting it would be a good place to visit.  And when Lorraine McNeair contacted Think Tasmania reinforcing their thoughts, it was time to put a plan into action.

Reliquaire is a trove of treasure in Latrobe, in the north west of Tasmania

Reliquaire: A Request by Lorraine McNeair

Plan A was to ask one of the regular team to visit Reliquaire in their travels.  They’re such an amazing, dedicated group of writers and photographers,  that plan would have definitely happened.  Eventually.  But sometimes we want to speed up the process; not just wait around for the perfect opportunity to present itself.  Plan B was to encourage Lorraine to write something about her beloved Latrobe.  And as it turns out, she was quite open to the idea.  This is the scenario that played out…

Lorraine:  Have you visited Reliquaire in Latrobe?  An absolutely wonderful treasure chest to explore, along with the wonderful Bell’s Parade, the Axeman’s Hall of Fame (where the Information Centre is situated), Warrawee and the two Sunday markets:  one in the main street, and the other, a Makers’ Workshop, at the Axeman’s Hall of Fame.  Lots more to see, too.

Me:  Thanks for contacting Think Tasmania, Lorraine.  Are you the owner of Reliquaire?  I hate to admit it, but I haven’t been to the store in person.  I follow the Reliquaire Facebook page and Roger Findlay (one of our writing team) has made a comment about the store following the publication of an article about Devonport.  If you follow Think Tasmania at all, you’re probably aware that we only write feature articles about places we have actually experienced first hand.  I’m hoping now that we have a few extra contributors, we might be able to cover more territory between us, including all the places you have mentioned.

Lorraine:  No, I am not the owner of Reliquaire.  I am a volunteer at the Latrobe Information Centre, and I tell visitors about these places.  Often interstate visitors stay in Latrobe the night before they go back on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, and they often want to know about places they can visit close by.  I have no financial interest in Reliquaire, neither do I know the owners.  But it is just such an unusual place with objects of diverse interest to many people

Me:  Thanks for sharing your local knowledge, Lorraine.  It’s terrific to hear people so passionate about their area, and I would really love to write about them for Think Tasmania.  I’m sure there’s a whole list of great article potential in the region.  Of course, if you or anyone else would like to submit an article as a guest, I could give you more information about how that works.

Lorraine:  Tania, I would like to write some articles if that’s okay.  I have travelled all over Tasmania, found some wonderful places, and would like to share them.

And the rest is history.  Lorraine contacted Kim & Sylvia Christie, the owners of Reliquaire, and told them of the plan.  She then went to visit the shop in person, and wrote this piece for us…

Reliquaire: A Hidden Delight in Latrobe

by Lorraine McNeair

The town of Latrobe, on the north west coast of Tasmania, has many hidden delights.  One of these is Reliquaire.  Famed for its uniqueness, Reliquaire is said to be the only one of its kind in Australia, and maybe the world.  I personally have not seen the likes of the goods for viewing and sale, and I have travelled all over Australia.  You are greeted at the door by a tasting of home-made fudge, and if you have a thirst, then coffee and tea are available.

Reliquaire: Tasmania is very fortunate to have such a unique store in the state

The educational toy range is like no other I have seen, and the life-size, hand-made dolls are incredible.  On the walls you will find art by a north west artist; and in another area are antique-like fittings for restoration.  As well as the hand-made dolls, there are lots of teddy bears, puppets, and Venetian masks.  There are antiques to view, and lots of items suitable for gifts.

Where do the owners of Reliquaire get this stuff? A must-see in Latrobe!

Do not visit Latrobe without a visit to Reliquaire!  It is about half-way up the main street, and is situated in an old (but tastefully renovated & painted) hotel.

Very good advice, Lorraine!  And hopefully this is the first piece of many that you’ll go on to write and be published as feature articles with Think Tasmania.  It’s exactly the sort of thing people want to read about; and it’s also what attracts more people to the region.

Reliquaire: Endorsements Everywhere

Roger also has this to say about the treasure trove in Latrobe…

I was in the chair at a Devonport dentist.  He knew that I was a tourist and proceeded to charge me double for a simple filling!  He had travelled the world but he had never been in a shop like Reliquaire.

Otherwise known as a shrine for sacred relics, Reliquaire is unique

The shop is situated on the main street of Latrobe just twenty minutes from Devonport and, if you’re travelling with kids, this is the place to go.  Adults will wonder at the variety and colossal amount of stock that adorns the floors, walls and ceilings of this 20 room building.  (How do they stocktake?)

 

The cost of the filling and the good advice made my day for without it I would never have known that Reliquaire existed.

French: Shrine for Sacred Relics

I searched for the meaning of “Reliquaire” and found it is a French word used to describe a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept.  Seems a pretty appropriate name, by all accounts.  I also did a little research of my own, checking the Reliquaire online store.  I was won over instantly because they have a “Babushka” category!  One of the few keepsakes I treasure is a set of the nesting dolls I bought on a long-ago trip to Russia.  Of course there is a great variety of other categories.

Reliquaire sell adorable Babushka Dolls, like this one I bought in Russia

Thanks to Lorraine for sharing her passion for Latrobe and Tasmania, starting with Reliquaire.  Hopefully she hasn’t been too overwhelmed with the volume of story ideas streaming in for the region.  I’m sure her tourism colleagues will be very happy with her contribution.  And if you would like to submit a guest article about a place that is special to you, you know what to do.  Contact Think Tasmania and we’ll help you get started.

The photos of Reliquaire have been provided by Kim and Sylvia.
Their amazing store is open 10am – 5pm 7 days a week
(except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday).
Phone: (03) 6426 2599 for more information.

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Map: Reliquaire, Latrobe Tasmania…

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.

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Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…

We came across the Ingleside Bakery Cafe quite by chance.  We were out for a Sunday drive from Launceston.  We did a loop circuit, past Entally House in Hadspen; via Longford and back through Evandale on the home stretch.  We got a little peckish on the drive (as you do!), and decided to seek out a nice place to eat.

A selection of baked goodies from the Ingleside Bakery Cafe in Evandale

Ingleside Bakery Cafe: Pretty Place in Evandale

If you’ve read any of my food-related articles before, you would know I like more than just a good bite to eat.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of quality food.  But I also like my environment to be special when I’m eating out.  And I thought the Ingleside Bakery Cafe was very charming.

Table service, with a chance to see some interesting extras while you wait

Apparently, the goodies are baked in an old wood-fired oven.  Some of the parts used to make the oven were reputedly found “lying in a field”.  Recycling at its finest!!  And whatever method used to bake them, the cakes we tried were delicious!

A delicious lemon tart with a hot chocolate on the side... Yum!

The building itself is bright yellow these days, which would be a dramatic change from the early days.  Built in 1867 as Council Chambers in Russell Street Evandale, it was converted to its current form in 1988.

The old Council Chambers building in Evandale, now Ingleside Bakery Cafe

Courtyard Garden with Roses in Summer

Access to the delightful garden in the courtyard has been created by the removal of one of the side windows.  And in keeping with the recycling theme, a tall, skinny door from an old church now fills the cavity.

Access from the Ingleside Bakery Cafe to the rose-covered courtyard

Courtyard dining in Evandale, Tasmania.

It wasn’t the right season for us to enjoy the magnificent blooms that adorn the Ingleside Bakery Cafe in summer.  But we did really enjoy the sculptures in the garden, especially the one we dubbed King Chicken.  He was tinged with green from the weather, and would swing in the breeze, magically balanced somehow.

King Chicken presides over the Ingleside Bakery Cafe courtyard

Service with a Smile & Shopping on the Side

The cafe was pretty busy when we ventured in.  But the service was friendly and efficient, and the kids were made to feel welcome.  There were plenty of things to browse during our brief wait… artwork, local honey, sweets, giftware and souvenirs of all sorts lined the walls and shelves.  There was an open fire to warm your toes, too!

What about a spot of shopping while you wait for your bakery order?

Some of the paintings near the open fire, a pleasant ambiance in Evandale

We have since recommended Ingleside Bakery Cafe to some Tassie tourists,
when they asked about a place to eat near the Launceston airport.
And they really liked it.  In fact, they made a point of taking some friends
there on a return visit.  It’s nice when we have our opinion confirmed by others…
but when a place is this good, it’s not hard to get it right.

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Map: Ingleside Bakery Cafe Evandale…

Mary Lewis Designs: Tasmanian Glass Bead Artist

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Mary Lewis of Mary Lewis Designs is a glass bead artist.  I was lucky enough to see her at work with her blowtorch at the Tasmanian Craft Fair.  It was extremely interesting to watch the process of the torch turn glass rods into molten glass and then see Mary weave her magic and create stunning beads as the end result.

Mary Lewis Designs: glass beads workshop at the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Mary Lewis Designs: From the US to Tasmania

Mary began bead-making in the United States in the late 1970s.  She is now a full time glass artist in her studio in north west Tasmania.  As a testament to her artistic talent, the beautiful pieces sold by Mary Lewis Designs are much sought-after, both locally and internationally.  Mary’s unique glass beads are made from the finest Venetian Murano glass rods and other specialty glass from around the world.

Glass beads & jewellery made by Mary Lewis Designs in Tasmania

A good deal of her wearable art creations are one-of-a-kind; and she uses only high quality sterling silver, gold filled or solid 14k gold findings.  All of the beads are kiln annealed to guarantee their beauty and durability.  Living among the spectacular natural beauty of Tasmania helps to inspire Mary’s artistic journey as she makes amazing patterns on these striking glass beads.  Mary’s jewellery includes earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

Unique handmade glass beads displayed at the Tasmanian Craft Fair

Buy Mary Lewis Designs Glass Beads…

You can find Mary Lewis Designs at these galleries:

• Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart
• The Launceston Country Club
• Dean Walker Designs Gallery in Burnie

Contact Mary Lewis Designs for more information.

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!

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

Organic Choice Award Winners

by Cassandra Wunsch

The co-convenor from the Organic Coalition of Tasmania, Jim Rossiter’s message was that “organics are here to stay” as he opened the Organic Consumer Choice Awards ceremony, capping off National Organic Week.

Industry Representatives at the recent Organic Choice Awards in Tasmania

Local organic retailers City Organics, Source Community Wholefoods, and Eumarrah were honored for their contributions to the industry, which Alex Mitchell from the DPIPWE said was now worth in excess of $1 billion a year to the economy.  “Retailers really are our important stop in maintaining value,” she told the assembly, “and the most important part of our supply chain.”

Mr Rossiter pointed out that the organic industry is no longer just about food.  The market is expanding to include everything from laundry detergent which is safe for the environment, to jewellery which has been produced from ethical labour and sustainable mining practices.

The awards themselves were presented by Eric Love, of the Centre for Organic & Resource Enterprises.  “The retailer is the interface with the consumer,” he said, “and this is the first year we’ve involved consumers in the process.” He was referring to a vote on the social media site Facebook, used in determining the winner of the Best Organic Retail Outlet, which this year went to City Organics.

When accepting the award, Jaquie from City Organics encouraged everyone in the organics industry to “assist each other and work together.”  A sentiment shared by Mr Love: “Tasmania presents a model of industry unity,” he said, and added that CORE is looking to maximise opportunities for everybody in the industry.

Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia. She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

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