Archive for the ‘Derwent Valley’ Category

Driving to Mt Field over the Easter break was the best decision we made.  By far.  Don’t get me wrong, we did some other fabulous stuff too:  Teddies on the Green in Richmond; a trip to the summit of Mount Wellington; dinner at the Ball and Chain in Salamanca Place.  They’re the places you go when you entertain first-time visitors to Hobart.  But we were inspired by Cassandra’s article about historic New Norfolk and made our way there just as a wintry cold-snap hit the state.  And it was wonderful.

Snow on Mt Field makes a decision to visit the Derwent Valley an especially good one

Mt Field: Autumn in the Derwent Valley

To be honest, when we set out from Hobart mid-morning, we were probably content with just making it to New Norfolk.  Enjoy the autumn colours; maybe visit the Salmon Ponds or browse a few antique stores.  When we arrived at the Bushy Park junction, storm clouds were brewing overhead.  But we made an executive decision to eat lunch at the Mt Field National Park visitor centre, and then plan our next move.

Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe at Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley Tasmania

Warming Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe

While we ordered hot soup and sandwiches and drank warming coffee at Waterfalls Cafe, the heavens opened and the outlook was bleak.  But just as we emerged from the gift shop, the sun appeared.  So we quickly loaded up the 4WD’s and started the alpine ascent to Lake Dobson.

While it was still fine, we stopped at the Tall Trees Walk on the way, and everyone was impressed with the giants of the forest.  The walk is gentle and stable; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Tall Trees Walk at Mt Field is an easy, 30-minute trek through giant swamp gums

Tall Trees and Alpine Roads

We continued onward and upward, with a total of 16kms to travel from the visitor centre to Lake Dobson.  The narrow, gravel road is in good condition and the drive isn’t too harrowing.  Sometimes, you need to edge past oncoming traffic, but at an appropriate speed, it’s all good.  There’s a lookout part way up that offers a wonderful view over the Derwent Valley.

Views over the Derwent Valley from the Mt Field National Park alpine road

When you reach the lakes plateau you can see the peaks of Mt Field; and we were ecstatic to see them covered in snow.  Icy flakes were still falling gently when we arrived at the Lake Dobson car park, and it was just magical.  The kids were amazed to see mounds of white on the cars already parked there.

Snowfalls in Tasmania in Autumn: Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley

Icy Lake Dobson

Obviously others were in the vicinity, possibly bush-walking, given the amount of snow on their vehicles.  But we had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed a vigourous snow-ball fight.  Then we ventured down the few steps leading to the water’s edge of Lake Dobson.

Lake Dobson is 16kms from the Mt Field National Park visitor centre

Wombats, Pademelons and Bennetts Wallabies

Last time we went to Mt Field, we met our very first Tasmanian wombat.  This time, we encountered an equally friendly version of wildlife.  We weren’t sure if it was a pademelon or a Bennetts wallaby, because it was partially hidden by the vegetation.  According to staff at the visitors centre, the pademelon is supposed to be more timid.  But our mate, although a wild animal, was very calm and wasn’t scared at all.

Chances are high for an encounter with wildlife at Mt Field National Park

Before long, it was time to return to the base of Mt Field National Park.  Thankfully, the heaters in the car were quick to warm our frozen hands.  The temperature gauge was showing zero, but the Tassie experience was worth every single cold toe.

Not our first visit to Mt Field, but still something special to share with Think Tasmania readers

Must-See Russell Falls

It was raining again when we arrived back at base, but a visit to Mt Field isn’t complete without a walk to Russell Falls.  We donned our jackets, but yet again we were blessed by the weather Gods.  The rain cleared as we made our way from the visitor centre towards one of the most-loved waterfalls in Tasmania.

Take a walk to Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park. You won't be sorry!

True to form, the melted snow was powering over the tiers of Russell Falls, looking spectacular and impressing the tourists (and the locals!).  Our photos can’t compare to the waterfall series taken by Cameron Blake of Leverett Photography, but we snapped away anyhow.

Russell Falls, a highlight of any visit to Mt Field National Park in Tasmania

Day Trip: Hobart to Mt Field

And that marked the end of our day trip from Hobart.  We didn’t have the inclination to tackle Horseshoe or Lady Barron Falls… maybe next time.  This wasn’t our first trip to Mt Field National Park, and it certainly won’t be our last!

When we returned to Hobart, we grabbed a quick dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop.  Much of the conversation revolved around the day’s great fortunes: to experience something so wonderful without much effort or planning at all.

Visitors are required to purchase a National Park Pass for Mt Field.
There is lots of accommodation in the Derwent Valley region
or you can drive from Hobart in just over an hour.

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Map: Mt Field National Park, Tasmania…

Historic New Norfolk

by Cassandra Wunsch

After Hobart and Launceston, historic New Norfolk was the third planned settlement in Tasmania.  Official attempts to name the town were basically ignored by the inhabitants, with ‘the Hills’ and ‘Elizabeth Town’ failing to stick.  In a lot of ways, that may have set the tone for the general ‘go your own way’ mentality often attributed to the residents.

Historic New Norfolk accommodation property Tynwald (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Hop Plants & Oust Houses

Hops made their debut in the area in 1846 and that’s where our interest really begins.  The most well-known feature of the town was the Oast House on the Lyell Highway.  Only in operation for a little over two years (1867-1869), the Oast House made its way into the modern tourism trade, operating as a museum and tea house until it was destroyed by fire in 2009.

With the major draw-card destroyed, there was a serious drop off in interest in New Norfolk… though this is completely unwarranted.  The Oast House was good, but it was far from All.

Historic New Norfolk Oust House (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Bush Inn

The truth is, there is a heap to see and do in New Norfolk, especially if you’re interested in history.  My personal favourite location is the Bush Inn.  At the time when I was a frequent patron, they did a smoked rainbow trout to die for!  My father used to love watching me eat it.  He said what was left at the end reminded him of Fred Flintstone’s comb.  In food, as in life, Dad’s usual approach is a little ham-fisted.

If you’re after a little bit of scandal, you could always track down Licensee Tom Atkins and ask him about secret convict tunnels which have been rumoured to start in the basement and run off underneath the historic New Norfolk township!

Autumn colours: click image to see article ~ Autumn in Tasmania

Antique Stores

I am of the personal opinion that New Norfolk also has the highest proportion of antique stores relative to town size of any place in Australia!  You can’t turn around without falling over one.  Slightly dim rooms, piled floor to ceiling with everything from junky buttons to the Narnia wardrobe.  They’re also uniformly run by friendly retirees who’re more than happy to answer your questions about their wares, and all the local history they know.

The Grave of Betty King

One such conversation might lead you out to Magra, about 3km north of New Norfolk proper, to the grave of Betty King.  Local lore suggests that Mrs King (then miss Thackery) was the first white woman to set foot on Australian soil. Or it might have you water-gazing near the New Norfolk Bridge, where the sunken hulk to the river steamer ‘Emu’ is still sitting.

The Derwent Valley, attracting tourists for history, nature and fun (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Salmon Ponds

If you’re after a touch more excitement, or a family outing with the kids, you can’t go past the Salmon Ponds.  There’s a museum and heritage buildings for mum and dad, a licenced restaurant and the kids can feed the fish.  Located about 10 minutes from historic New Norfolk, this picturesque spot is well worth a visit.

The Salmon Ponds is a great family attraction, 10 mins from historic New Norfolk

Devil Jet

Not lively enough for you?  Alright… you asked for it.  Devil Jet is a little enterprise on the banks of the Derwent River designed to get you screaming!  The 12 metre jet boat is designed specifically for skimming you along the surface of the river like a smooth stone.  A word of warning though, you will get wet.

Want more than history in New Norfolk? Try a Devil Jet Boat ride on the Derwent River

 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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Map: Historical New Norfolk, Tasmania…

The Salmon Ponds in the Derwent Valley region might just be my new favourite place to send tourists on holiday in Tasmania.  We went there for the first time a fortnight ago, and had the best day.  We managed to arrange some magnificent weather just for the occasion, which always helps.  And with some great company, it was perfect for a relaxing day in the great outdoors.  Really, truly, perfect.

The Salmon Ponds, 10 minutes from New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania

Salmon Ponds: Lunch in the Derwent Valley

The picturesque drive to the Salmon Ponds from Hobart takes about 40 minutes.  From New Norfolk, you follow Glenora Road on the western bank of the Derwent River, heading towards Mt Field National Park.  There’s a sign on the road marking the way to the entrance.  Through an avenue of trees, you will emerge at the carpark outside reception.

After a pleasant drive through the Derwent Valley, we arrived at the Salmon Ponds

Our first duty was to sample the lunch menu.  The Salmon Ponds has a casual, fully-licensed cafe. The selection features mostly pancakes, but with a special burger and salad of the day.  The young ladies in control of the dining area were run off their feet, but did an exemplary job.  Our group ordered a variety of food (salmon salad, beef burger, chicken curry pancakes) and drinks, and everyone was happy with their choice.  I would definitely plan any future visits to coincide with lunch.

It really is pancakes by the pond if you want!! Or a burger, or a salad...

Feeding Trout in the Salmon Ponds!

Once we were fed, it was time to head to the salmon ponds and feed the fish.  This was the highlight of the day!  For $2-00, you can purchase a plastic tub filled with pellets, and the fish are well aware of the routine.  A punter at the edge of the pond clearly screams “food coming”.

Hand-feed varieties of trout and Atlantic Salmon swimming in the ponds

Breeds of trout (Rainbow, Brown, Tiger and Albino) and Atlantic Salmon are separated into their own large ponds, and frequently jump right out of the water when you’re feeding them.  They’re obviously well cared for, as some of them are huge fish.  Apparently they can weigh up to eight kilograms.

Tasmanian Museum: Trout Fishing & Hatchery

The feeding of humans and fish is not the only attraction.  A cottage built in 1865, originally for the superintendent of the Salmon Ponds, is now the Tasmanian Museum of Trout Fishing.  Okay, so trout fishing.  Not salmon?  Yes, that’s correct.

In the beginning, the idea was to hatch and breed salmon sent over from England.  But the salmon released in Tasmania were way too smart to hang around, so the angling folk had to resort to trout.  Hence the popular sport was launched and eventually became the booming industry we have in the state today.

Tasmanian Museum of Trout Fishing, part of the Salmon Ponds, New Norfolk

If you’re interested in the fish-breeding process, you can also access the Hatchery at the Salmon Ponds.  There’s clearly a complicated process involved in keeping Tasmanian lakes and rivers stocked with enough healthy trout to go around.  Some of the history of angling in Tasmania is also revealed in this heritage building, along with big tanks and egg-sorting paraphernalia.

The heritage Hatchery building and the history of the Salmon Ponds

Heritage Trees and English Gardens

You don’t necessarily have to be mad-keen on fishing to appreciate the Salmon Ponds.  I can vouch for that!  Gardeners will be mesmerised by the trees, lawns and hedges surrounding the waterways.  Huge expanses of lush, green lawn are edged by mature trees in the fashion of 19th Century England.  Obviously the people responsible for the planting knew exactly what they were doing, because the significant trees are up to 140 years old.  When we arrived, we were given a brochure outlining the placement of each different species of tree.

A magnificent collection of heritage trees in the English-style gardens

Plenty River Walk

There’s also a walking path alongside the Plenty River, where you can search for the elusive platypus and spot the occasional eel.  And while there’s no angling opportunities within the Salmon Ponds, a platform on the River Walk has been built to allow people with disabilities to fish for trout.

The Plenty River Walk, where you might spy a platypus or a slippery eel

Also along the Plenty River Walk, there’s a hut (called The Sanctuary), which is a re-creation of the accommodation available to Tasmanian pioneers as they enjoyed their trout fishing.  Nearby, there are terrific picnic and bbq facilities if you choose to pass on the Pancakes by the Pond.

Vigorous cricket matches were in progress around the grounds on the day of our visit.  And rounding out the things to do and see at the Salmon Ponds…  the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame is housed in another outbuilding.

Youl be Proud…

Sir James Arndell Youl would be very proud to see that his “bold thinking and careful experimentation” has evolved into this wonderful heritage attraction.  And I’m pretty happy that we’ve been to see the Salmon Ponds in person, and can now confidently recommend it to you.

Sir James Arndell Youl, a pioneer of the trout fishing industry in Tasmania

For information regarding opening times and entrance fees
(which include all-day access to the entire grounds)
visit the Salmon Ponds website.

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Map: Salmon Ponds Tasmania…

Tourists.  They come, they tour Tasmania, they leave!  I’ve never been a big fan of the fleeting drive-by of attractions in Tassie… but then I live here!  I can afford to take a leisurely day trip and dawdle around, finding secret treasures here and there, exploring things not always listed in the brochures.  So out of respect for the long-weekend warriors on a mission, I’ve put together an itinerary for a day tour of Tasmania starting and ending in Hobart.

Tour Tasmania: a day trip from Hobart accommodation

Tour Tasmania: A Hobart Day Trip

Leaving your accommodation (Hobart Tasmania has plenty of great places to stay), why not start the day trip with a morning coffee at the Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning.  On weekdays, Karen Goodwin-Roberts operates the Taste Cafe from this tranquil but bizarre setting near Queens Domain.

While you’re waiting for the water to boil, you could have a flick through her book Picnics in Paradise.  Might give you inspiration for another tour of Tasmania!  Or you could have a quick peek through the Baha’i Centre, where volunteers are only too happy to show off the magnificent building.

Picnics in Paradise: suggesting ways to tour Tasmania

Driving Tour: Tasmania

But don’t stay too long!  There’s a big day planned, don’t forget.  Leaving the Tasmanian capital of Hobart, head over the Tasman Bridge towards Sorell.  Then leave the Tasman Highway at Cambridge and take the road to Richmond in the heart of the Coal River Valley.

A day trip to Richmond included in your tour of Tasmania

A delightful heritage village, Richmond has many delights to enjoy.  The main street is filled with galleries, craft and antique shops as well as tea rooms, bakeries and an old-fashioned lolly shop.  But as you’ve already had your morning coffee, you might prefer to visit one of the Tasmanian wineries.  There’s lots in the region to choose from.  If it’s too early for wine tasting, you might be able to select a bottle for tonight’s dinner.

Take a bottle of wine back to your Hobart accommodation

After leaving Richmond, prepare for the best part of today’s tour.  Tasmania is renown for its wildlife, and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary at Brighton will give you a fabulous sample of local animals.  Time your visit to join one of their keeper-tours of the park, and see the creatures up close and personal.  Have your camera at the ready if you want souvenir pictures of Tasmanian Devils, koalas, wombats and kangaroos.  And you won’t just get photos… you’ll have the chance to pat and feed the animals, too.

Visit a Tasmanian Devil on a day trip from Hobart

How Many Valleys in One Day Trip?

It’s always good to cover more than one valley when you tour Tasmania, so it’s on to New Norfolk, capital of the Derwent Valley.  There’s a good road on both sides of the Derwent River, so take Boyer Road on the way there; and the Lyell Highway on the way back for a different perspective.

Boyer Road & Derwent River, New Norfolk (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Apart from the majestic scenery, New Norfolk offers a trail of antique stores.  If that’s your passion, you’ll be pleased to know business owners in the town share a map with directions to other antique shops in town.  That’s the sort of networking and co-operation I love in Tasmania!!

Derwent Valley: day trip from Hobart accommodation Tasmania

Of course, there’s a choice of cafes and restaurants if you’re feeling hungry again.  Then there’s specialty stores to uncover, a historic church to photograph and even Willow Court, a former insane asylum, in the centre of town. Or you might like to just visit Peppermint Hill Lookout and see the beautiful town from an elevated position.

Keeping in mind the premise of a quick tour of Tasmania, it’s now time to head back towards Hobart.  On the way, hopefully there will be time for a small detour: to a chocolate factory!  Located in Claremont but only open on weekdays, the Cadbury Visitor Centre offers a brief insight into the history of the company and their delicious chocolate.  And the best part?  The factory outlet, where you can make purchases for friends and family back home.  Or at least that’s what you can pretend, as you load up your basket!

Tour Tasmania and the Cadbury Visitors Centre, Hobart

Back to Base: Accommodation Hobart Tasmania

After such a busy day trip, you might need a relaxing drink before dinner.  May I suggest a visit to the Lark Distillery to sample some of their award-winning spirits and liqueurs?  If it happens to be a Friday evening, house band Coyote Serenade play blues, country and folk music to entertain the crowd.

Hobart accommodation Tasmania? Tour the whisky distillery!

And finally, as the sun sets on your day trip, how about a nice dinner?  What better way to finish a tour?  Tasmania has a multitude of fine places to eat, so finding a Hobart restaurant to suit your budget and taste shouldn’t be too difficult.  The Salamanca precinct has a good selection, and you can enjoy the ambiance of the historic sandstone buildings along the waterfront.  And don’t forget that bottle of wine you scored earlier on your tour!

Salamanca Hobart, part of any good tour of Tasmania

Tasmania: scenery, wildlife, eating, drinking, history, shopping… where else could you discover all that in one day?

I’m very aware there’s more day trip itineraries to cover.
Lots more in fact!! From Hobart AND every other
gorgeous place in Tasmania.
I will get there, with plans to write more in the future.
If you can’t wait to have something featured, just leave a reply below.

Day Trip Map: Tour Tasmania from Hobart…

Visit Tasmania: Opportunity Knocks

Why don’t you visit Tasmania?  That was the question we asked our close friends from South Australia.  They wrangled some time off work; added the Easter public holidays; and we all spent a fabulous week together.

Of course there’s no way the whole island can be covered in a single week.  But here’s a brief outline of what we did achieve.

The Spirit of Tasmania

We’ve mentioned before that travelling via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Melbourne allows you to bring a car load of luggage.  And that’s what our friends did, so they had their own wheels when they arrived.  After a smooth passage, they started their Tasmanian visit in Devonport.

Bring your own car on the passenger ferry when you visit Tasmania

Visit Tasmania: Visit Launceston!

Spending the first night in Launceston allowed a glimpse at some of the highlights at the northern end of the state.  There’s no shortage of things to do in Launceston, but we chose the chairlift at the Cataract Gorge as a starting point.  The reserve was back to normal after some serious flooding over the Trevallyn Dam recently.

Chairlift ride, Cataract Gorge Reserve, Launceston Tasmania

Monkeys!  Who doesn’t like monkeys?  Launceston City Park is beautiful in any weather, and is especially good on a gorgeous autumn day.  The John Hart Conservatory is magnificent in full bloom.  Not everyone likes flowers and gardens, but the Automobile Museum of Tasmania is right across the road, which is convenient for groups on a quick tour of Launceston.

Visit the Tasmanian monkeys in Launceston City Park

Drive the East Coast of Tasmania

We’ve established that time was limited on this visit.  Tasmania just has too many things to do!  But a coastal trip along the beautiful beaches of the East Coast just had to sneak in to the itinerary.  Even though a hike in the Freycinet National Park to Wine Glass Bay was unfortunately out of the question, a leisurely drive anywhere between Orford and Binalong Bay was always going to be a winner!

We didn’t set quite the cracking pace of contestants in The Three Peaks Race, which was also held last week.  An extreme adventure event, the course follows the east coast of Tasmania.  Crews depart from Beauty Point (just north of Beaconsfield) and via Flinders Island and the Freycinet Peninsula, they sail to Hobart.

Catamaran (visitflindersisland.com.au) in the Three Peaks Race

As if the non-stop, offshore sailing component wasn’t challenging enough… some team members have to race up and down three mountain peaks as well.  The final leg of the race includes the summit of Mount Wellington in Hobart.

We were clearly inspired by their efforts, as we set off to conquer the climb as well.  We did however, choose to drive, rather than run!  The views were amazing, as always.  And it was such a gorgeous day, we also took the kids to the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, where they enjoyed a ride on the 1882 steam-powered Gallopers Merry-Go-Round.

Steam carousel at the Tasmanian Royal Botanical Gardens, Hobart

Take in The Capital, Hobart

Obviously, when you visit Tasmania, Hobart and the surrounding regions offer up some serious choices.  Do you drive to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, maybe checking the Tessellated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck?  Or perhaps you could take a Peppermint Bay Cruise, or maybe even venture to Bruny Island?

All fabulous ideas, but we decided the kids needed another dose of chocolate, and took them to the Cadbury Chocolate Factory in Claremont.  Easter Bunny had parked all his leftover eggs at their factory outlet, and we managed to secure a few more sweet treats.

A visit to Tasmania isn't complete without the chocolate factory!

A Tasmanian Valley Trio

Derwent Valley

Choosing something to suit all tastes and ages can sometimes be a little daunting for the poor tour guide.  But not when you visit Tasmania!  A drive to New Norfolk takes in some of the magnificent Derwent Valley scenery, while Mt Field National Park has some great waterfalls and bush walks, even for young children.  And a Tasmanian Devil Jet Boat ride can add a rush of adrenalin to an otherwise relaxing day trip.

Devil Jet Boat, New Norfolk: Tasmania's Derwent Valley

Here’s a tip:
if someone from your group is charged with capturing the experience on
camera, there’s a great vantage point at Windsor Corner.  It’s a ten minute
drive west of New Norfolk on the Lyell Highway, enroute to Hamilton.

Huon Valley

About a 30-minute drive from the capital of Hobart, the delights of the Huon Trail await.  Again there’s a choice: a visit to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel towns of Margate, Snug, Woodbridge, Kettering and Middleton; or you can choose the Huon Valley as we did.  We had a BBQ lunch at Franklin (behind the Petty Sessions Gourmet Cafe) along side the peaceful Huon River, on our way to Geeveston.

The magnificent Huon River at Franklin in the Huon Valley

From “The Gateway to the Southern Forests” we chose to visit the Tahune AirWalk Adventure.  Turned out to be a good decision this time around… but then it’s always a great place to take visitors.  The dare-devils can try cable hang-gliding, and the more sedate can enjoy coffee in the cafe.  For the majority of visitors, the main attraction (which includes two swinging bridges and the actual cantilevered treetop walkway) is easy to manage.

Visit Tasmania and the Tahune Forest AirWalk, Huon Valley

Here’s another tip:
if you’re local and you do invite friends to visit Tasmania, you can register
with Forestry Tasmania as a Friend of the Forest.  You are then given free
entry to the Tahune Forest AirWalk when you bring another family along,
saving $50 between you (to possibly spend on souvenirs and snacks!)

Coal River Valley

Also within comfortable day-trip distance from Hobart: Richmond.  We arranged to meet more friends, also on holiday in Tasmania, in the small village of Richmond in the Coal River Valley.

Separating into groups by gender, the girls took to the shops before selecting from the delectable array of cakes at the Richmond Wine Centre.  The fellas left the car by the historic bridge near Australia’s oldest Catholic Church and walked through town to the Richmond Arms Hotel, where they enjoyed a Cascade beer.

By some strange co-incidence, both groups managed to find their way inside the lolly shop in the main street.  Amazing!!

The historic village of Richmond in the Coal River Valley, Tasmania

The Visit to Tasmania: Final Verdict?

Our friends would be way too polite to say if they didn’t enjoy their visit to Tasmania.  But they seemed to have a good time.  We certainly did.  They also managed to experience a surf beach with some wicked sand dunes and very cold water; and the Salamanca Market on Saturday morning.  And of course we sampled lots of the local Tasmanian produce!  But there’s no escaping the fact we missed some excellent attractions.  They’ll just have to book another Tasmanian holiday!!

Photo Credit:
Thanks to Jo Kuchel for some of the photos used on this page.

Map: Visit Tasmania…

Tasmanian Waterfalls.  Opportunity Knocks!

Why mention Tasmanian waterfalls?  Inspiration this morning came from the friendly team at the Southern Design Centre in Geeveston.  They mentioned on Facebook that Arve Falls would be spectacular after good rains.  A great spin on a rather wet week, and I think they’re spot on.  If it is going to rain a bit, why not focus on the positives?  At least we haven’t been completely devastated like the poor folk in Queensland.

Lady Barron Falls, Mount Field National Park

Far South: Tasmanian Waterfalls

Arve Falls are beautiful, as we mentioned in our Tasmanian Adventure article about the Tahune Forest AirWalk.  Part of the Hartz Mountains National Park in the Far South* of Tasmania, you can walk through alpine woodland having only a moderate level of fitness.  One of the easiest to access from the choice of Tasmanian waterfalls, the walk is leisurely and follows the Arve River.  Signage outlines the significance of the vegetation and landscape.

Arve Falls, near the Tahune Forest AirWalk

There’s also Lake Osborne, a picturesque glacial lake nearby, which has a well-defined pathway and boardwalk.  With only a gentle incline to navigate, children can easily manage the 40 minute return journey.  Walkers can learn from signs about the formation of the landscape, ice ages and the effects of fire on the vegetation.

The path winds through immature rainforest trees of myrtle and sassafras; through the moorland of the Hartz Plateau; and then on to an icy Lake Osborne edged by King Billy pines.  Large rocks (called Devils Marbles) were lodged on the plateau by ancient glaciers and make another bold statement in the environment.

Lake Osborne, Hartz Mountains National Park

Tasmanian Waterfalls: Weather Channel

Also south of Hobart, this time in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel* region, walkers looking to experience a Tasmanian waterfall can choose Snug Falls.  Bush-walking guides grade the walk as easy, and the path does have a sturdy surface, but…  Viewing a waterfall usually involves both a walk up AND a walk down to complete a round trip.  At Snug Falls, you enjoy the descent first:  through the forest to the enchanting and secluded rock pools.   You then face an uphill return to the car park!

Snug Falls in the south: D'Entrecastreaux Channel region

One more point I would make about visiting the Snug Falls: the signage to the recreation area is not that brilliant.  Snug Tiers Road intersects the main Channel Highway in the township of Snug, and can easily be missed.  Once on the right road though, you can’t go wrong.  A narrow, gravel track leads right to the entrance, and has passing bays to negotiate oncoming traffic.  And it’s definitely worth taking the effort to find.

* Falling within the tourism zone of Hobart and Surrounds
is an area promoted as the Huon Trail.  In turn, this region
at the southern end of the state, is divided into four main categories:
D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island, Huon Valley & Far South

Full of Falls: Mount Field National Park

Still within day-trip distance of Hobart, but to the north-west of the Tasmanian capital, is another option.  Mt Field National Park via New Norfolk actually has several waterfalls, the most famous being Russell Falls.  Horseshoe Falls can be accessed from the same track.  You can reach the Lady Barron waterfall from a different path leading from the Mt Field Visitor Centre.  Including a stroll through the magnificent swamp gums of the Tall Trees Walk is a good idea, making the most of your national park pass (purchase required) and the great outdoors.

Click image to see Dan Fellow's video of Russell Falls

Only a few of the fabulous Tasmanian waterfalls are mentioned here obviously, and we know there’s lots more.  Just offering a little incentive to get out and get amongst it, despite (or perhaps because of) the rain.  Judging by the amount of spectators at the Trevallyn Dam watching the South Esk River flood over the wall, we’re not the only ones fascinated by nature’s moods.

Tourists gather at the Trevallyn Dam to watch flood waters

New Norfolk has just been announced as the winner of the 2010 Tasmanian Tidy Towns Award.

Having some tough competition, what’s so special about this town?  Located 30 minutes from Hobart in the Derwent Valley, it’s time to find out.

The picturesque Derwent River, New Norfolk (Photo by Dan Fellow)

New Norfolk – Winning Ways

I was actually a local for about 6 weeks during a house-sitting assignment a few years back.  The thing I remember most, apart from my delightful foster-pets Mishka & Tessa, is the scenic drives.  All manner of tourist routes lead from New Norfolk, and you can enjoy day-trips taking in a variety of landscapes.  Choose from the snow-capped mountains of nearby Mt Field National Park, to the farming hillsides en-route to historic Hamilton.

Snow-capped Mt Field National Park near New Norfolk

Bushy Park

Driving past the Salmon Ponds (having their own parkland gardens and trout fishing museum) leads you to Bushy Park.

The hop-growing capital of Tasmania, the river flats are interspersed with the tall-standing hop vines, grape vineyards and orchards of cherries and olives.

Hop kilns Bushy Park/New Norfolk, Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Derwent Valley

The Derwent Valley has about 10,000 residents.  While many commute to Hobart for work, New Norfolk also provides services for the surrounding forestry and agricultural community.  With the Derwent River winding through town and hills climbing either side, the town has a very peaceful setting.  Peppermint Hill Reserve and Pulpit Rock provide panoramic lookouts.

Derwent River, New Norfolk (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Autumn Colour for Photography

For photographers, New Norfolk is well known for its autumn showing along the river, but there is beauty in every season.  From the parks and gardens in the centre of town, to the trails leading further afield, there’s plenty to shoot.

New Norfolk in the autumn, perfect for photographers

Antiques, Collectibles & History

Also a draw-card are the antique stores and historic buildings like the Willow Court Precinct.  Built in the 1830′s as a hospital for convicts, the facility became an asylum for the mentally ill.  Architecturally important to New Norfolk, several of the Willow Court buildings are heritage listed, and some have been adapted for commercial ventures.  And the Anglican Church, located opposite Arthur Square, was built in 1823 and has a magnificent array of stained glass windows.

1823 Anglican Church in New Norfolk (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Tasmanian Tidy Towns Award

So would you agree?  Enough to take out the Tasmanian Tidy Towns Award?  When you consider other recent winners (Richmond, Oatlands, Ross, Swansea…) you would have to agree that New Norfolk must be pretty special.

Not into antiques or history?  New Norfolk also has a wild side.
You can take a devil jet boat ride on the Derwent to rev things up.

Devil Jet Boat Ride, New Norfolk Tasmania

Map of New Norfolk Tasmania…