Archive for the ‘South Arm Peninsula’ Category

Products handmade in Tasmania are in big demand.  With markets a big attraction for Tasmanian tourists, here’s a little sample!

Rag dolls, handmade in Tasmania, for Lucy's Lovely Ladies

Handmade in Tasmania: Lucys Lovely Ladies

Custom-made dolls;  made with love, and handmade by someone with a passion for pretty, sparkly things.  Lucy!  Lucy has four men in her life:  her husband and three sons.  She loves them dearly – of course!  But she also loves all things pink and strongly believes you can’t have too much glitter in your life.  The custom-made dolls are her way of sharing that philosophy and bringing some magic to the lives of others.

Lucy: her dolls are handmade in Tasmania

Lucys Lovely Ladies and Karate

Besides her roles as wife, mother and The Fairy Lady, Lucy’s other passion is karate.  She recently channeled her inner-Ninja and has been awarded a brown belt.  So there’s no messing with this woman, even if she is pretty in pink.  Now combining two loves, Lucy can also make a special grading doll with a coloured belt for the karate kid in your life.  What a great gift: handmade in Tasmania and so unique!

Lucy offers custom-made karate dolls

Custom-Made Dolls

Customising the dolls means Lucy can add a personal touch to a gift or memento.  Or if you just want something pretty: leave all the hard decisions to Lucy and be delighted by her creative talents.

Lucy's Lovely Ladies: dolls handmade in Tasmania

Handmade in Tasmania, Sold at the South Arm Market

Each month, Lucy can be found selling her lovely ladies at the South Arm market.  The market is held on the first Sunday of each month, at the RSL/golf clubhouse on South Arm Road.  And you can buy the custom-made dolls, handmade in Tasmania, for just $25-00.  What could be better value than that?

Head to the South Arm market for dolls handmade in Tasmania

Map: South Arm Tasmania…

Contact Lucy

Contact Lucy Patmore (using the form below) to order your doll today.  Fill in the required fields*, scroll down to complete the CAPTCHA security code and press the submit button.  The message will go directly to Lucy and will not be seen publicly on Think Tasmania.  If you have any problems, please ask for assistance using the Contact Page.

So who or what is Sweet-As?  That was the question on the eager lips of everyone at the South Arm Fun Day.  And here is the answer…

George & Sharon are Sweet-As!!

What is Sweet-As?

Sweet-As is the business of a hardworking couple from Opossum Bay.  Sharon & George produce handmade Tasmanian lollies – and they clearly love their work.

Sharon & George making the Sweet-As rock candy

Handmade Tasmanian – Delectable Devilish…

Not only do they deliver on the delectable rock candy promise, but the Sweet-As production process is very entertaining. Starting with a boiling pot of liquid goo, they work seamlessly together to churn out the most intricate, edible handmade Tasmanian treats before the very eyes of their customers.

And all the while they are smiling and laughing and answering lots of questions from the audience.

The Sweet-As rock show - rock candy, that is!!

Of course, the smell of aniseed wafting about the oval drew a large crowd at South Arm.  The prospect of sampling the end result didn’t hurt, either!

Samples from the Sweet-As rock candy production process

So if you see the Sweet-As van, step up onto the platform and take in a show! You won’t be able to resist the temptation once you see them in action.

What they do from their portable commercial kitchen trailer is amazing!

Sweet-As Handmade Tasmanian Rock Candy Caravan

Sharon & George travel the Tasmanian festival and events circuit to sell their rock candy.  They also have a stall at the Salamanca Market offering previously-produced bags of rock candy, like the Chocodiles that we bought…

Sweet-As Chocodiles - Handmade Tasmanian Rock Candy

Sweet-As Rock Candy

Sweet-As have a huge standard range of handmade Tasmanian rock candy.  A 100g bag of the sweet stuff costs $4.50 and they also sell brightly coloured lollipops.  Customers can arrange to have personalised gifts made for weddings, parties and conferences.

Sharon & George can be contacted
via the Sweet-As website or phone 0429 161 220.
Or of course, just find their van at an event near you!!

South Arm Attraction

South Arm: lots of great reasons to visit, and only about 40 minutes from Hobart.  Soon the weather will be warm enough to venture to the beach for some swimming, boating and fishing.

South Arm Beach: safe and sheltered for swimming & boating

With the recent spring weather enticing people outdoors, a clamber over the rocks is always nice.

Along the edge of the Derwent River, you can uncover some interesting creatures hiding in the rock pools.  You can see across to the shot tower at Taroona, while further south the northern section of Bruny Island is visible.

Looking along the edge of the Derwent River, South Arm

The main South Arm beach and Half Moon Bay (towards O’Possum Bay) are calm and sheltered, but closer to open ocean at the southern end of town, the seas are sometimes wilder.

If you have a decent zoom lens on your camera, you can shoot the Iron Pot Lighthouse from the shore.

Iron Pot Lighthouse near Bruny Island: South Arm beach

During October, there is an added incentive to visit South Arm.  The following article was printed on the front page of the most recent South Arm Peninsula Newsletter…

Back to South Arm Fun Day

Sunday 17 October

Calverton Hall and Oval

This will be a family fun day with lots of
free activities, food and live music.

Activities for children include: donkey rides, jumping castle,
face painting, sausage sizzle, magician, balloons …all free!

Most of our groups and South Arm businesses will be there
with stalls and many give-aways.  There will be displays of Zumba
and Belly Dancing and an interesting historical display in the Hall.

Buy some famous South Arm Pinkeye potatoes
or a delicious Devonshire tea.

Why not ride your bike to the oval and leave
it with our Bike Valet for safe keeping!

I’ve heard a whisper that members of the local karate club will be demonstrating some of their moves.  Watch out for that one!

The South Arm Karate Club will have a display on the day

And hopefully Tasmania will turn on more of its magnificent spring weather, so you can stay and eat fish and chips on the beach.  The local store does great take-away and it’s always good value.  With any luck, during the evening you might just see one of the cruise ships gliding past, leaving from a visit to the port of Hobart.

Cruise ships glide past South Arm on their way from Hobart

Think Tasmania will be at the Back to South Arm Fun Day.  We wouldn’t miss an opportunity to see Karen from Yumee Bear Hampers and all her chocolates and teddies!!  We’d love to see you there too…

Map: South Arm Tasmania…

Surfing in Tasmania.   What are the Options?

Surfing in Tasmania…  here’s a few points of interest.  Living in Tasmania presents you with many an opportunity to go surfing.  It’s an island. There’s lots of coastline!!  So in practically any direction, you can travel to a beach with waves to challenge your ability to stand on a board while the ocean rocks and rolls beneath you. 

Surf Life Saving:  Basic Training

It might be fun, but be cautious.  Swimming between the flags on a patrolled beach is one thing, but it’s still a great idea for kids to learn about keeping themselves safe.  Big swells, rips and rocks can end in drama for the unsuspecting, so a little education is a very good investment.  One place to get that surf training is at Clifton Beach in southern Tasmania.

Surf Life Saving clubs patrol some beaches in Tasmania

Surfing in Tasmania:  Clifton Beach

The Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club is about 30kms south-east of the state capital, Hobart.  Led by a dedicated band of volunteers, they practice and promote water safety awareness on Sunday mornings during the summer months.

Surf life saving instruction prepares for surfing in Tasmania

The kids paddle on boards and get tuition about swimming in the ocean environment.  Combined with activities on the beach sand, the club members definitely get a good workout in terms of fitness.  And judging by the smiles and general banter between the group on the day of my visit – they clearly enjoy the experience.

Surf Schools:  Learn from the Experts

In a state like Tasmania where the waves are a-calling, you might like to get some tips from a surfing expert.  There are numerous surf-schools based around the state, and they offer instruction to all ages and abilities.  I don’t know if there’s any guarantees about getting you “shredding”, but they can supply wet suits and boards with a bit of advance notice.

Surfing in Tasmania at South Coast Surf School

Gift certificates for a surfing class are popular at Christmas, when the weather is at its warmest in Tassie.  But I did mention wet suits, and you have to be prepared for the water to be cold.  Tasmania is way south of the equator and a lot closer to the Antarctic, remember.

To contact the South Coast Surf School,
call Pat Fasnacht on (03) 6248 9895 or 0400 489 895

Surf Forecast: Make Your Own Way

Ok, so now  you’ve had the lessons?  Check the surf forecast,  grab your surfboard and drive off to the beach that suits you!  It always amazes me that the grapevine is so efficient for the surfing community.  When the waves are on, the word goes out, and the dudes roll up.  How cool is that?

Surfing in Tasmania at Clifton Beach, good for beginners

The internet site CoastView.com.au can give you more than just a surf forecast or weather report.  They actually have web cameras posted at beaches around the island.  I guess that’s handy if you have a day off.  But torture if you’re stuck in the office, watching an awesome beach break on your computer!!

Shipstern Bluff:  For Those That Dare!!

Now, I did mention seriously BIG waves.  Southern Tasmania is home to Australia’s “heaviest” wave (that’s a good thing if you’re a surfer).  Also known as Devil’s Point, Shipstern Bluff is accessed near Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula.  Riding the massive waves involves either a long bushwalk or a boat, and some serious deep breathing, I would imagine.

Proving that Shipstern is not the only killer break in Tassie, the front page of The Mercury (Hobart’s local newspaper) recently published a photo of a professional surfer taking on the mountainous seas near Bicheno, on the state’s east coast.  Unfortunately, the seas won that particular battle, dumping the surfer onto his back on the rocks.  His bones might have been broken, but his spirit wasn’t and after a good, long recovery, he’ll be out there again.  Crazy!

Shaun Wallbank, Mercury Correspondent (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Surf photos that emerge from “Shippies” are spectacular, and even if you’re not into surfing in Tasmania (or anywhere else), you can’t help but be impressed by the photography.  These samples come from Samuel Shelley – Surfing in Tasmania.  His collection really highlights the majesty of the wild ocean.

Surfing in Tasmania - Shipsterns Bluff (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Seriously BIG wave surfing in Tasmania (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

So that’s my wrap up of Surfing in Tasmania.  Something for everyone,
from kids with a foam board, to daredevils with a death wish.
What option will you choose?

Map: Clifton Beach Tasmania…

OPossum Bay – What a Strange Name!

OPossum Bay is a river/seaside town resting at the very tip of the South Arm Peninsula.  For boat owners it is a short joy-ride away from the state’s capital of Hobart.  But it is one true gem that could easily be missed, as we discovered before our permanent sea-change…

Shallow, calm waters at OPossum Bay beach

Why not OPossum Bay?

Originally in Tasmania for a house sitting assignment, we didn’t hear mention of the beautiful beach at Opossum Bay, so close to the capital city.  Yet surely it’s a name you would remember?  We almost made it once, driving east from Hobart to the small township of Lauderdale.  But from there the winding road seems to be heading into scrubby territory with no obvious merit.

There’s no dramatic coastline enroute (by Tasmanian standards), however this peninsula is home to Clifton Beach, popular with the surfing set.  And Pipe Clay Lagoon near Cremorne produces some of Tasmania’s supply of fine oysters.  There was no-one about on our drive by Cremorne, but we were taken by the display of rubber gloves, waving unaccompanied in the breeze – as if on welcoming duty!

Oyster Farm, South Arm Peninsula

Swimming and Fishing at OPossum Bay

South Tasmania is home to some of the coldest remote waters on the whole tour of Tasmania.  The maps don’t identify sections where children can swim without getting hypothermia, but OPossum Bay would register if they did.  The waters are shallow and hence marginally warmer, therefore making the calm beach ideal for young swimmers.

The shoreline in OPossum Bay is scattered with social fishing boats, their “crews” eager to catch a supply of Flathead in the river or out into Storm Bay.  Others dangle lines from the jetty hoping to land a feed of squid.

The jetty at OPossum Bay

Where to Eat in OPossum Bay?

There are convenient places to buy fish and chips for the empty handed though.  We’ve tried the South Arm General Store (purely in the name of research!) and they supplied us with a very tasty lunch.  While recommending food, we can also personally vouch for the South Arm RSL establishment.  The venue doubles as the clubhouse for the golf course and provides family friendly, good quality meals at very reasonable prices.

Sounds like eating was our main agenda on this tour of Tasmania!!  Before the sustenance, we managed a long walk along the beach (honest!).

The Lighthouse - beachfront at OPossum Bay

The Jetty, Beach Houses and Rock Hopping

Between the jetty and the rocks at the northern end of the town beach, there is an eclectic mix of houses.  Some were clearly still the original weekender shacks, others were mansions several stories high.  There was one themed as a lighthouse and another with a cottage garden, complete with umbrella and seating, all with absolute front row views of the gleaming water, where cruise ships would glide past on their way into Hobart.

Cottage Garden at the Beach

We managed to scramble along the rocks to continue exploring, and then down onto the longer stretch of beach the other side.  Elevated on the edge of this solitary section was a house straight out of an American movie:  think lonely, romantic, windswept setting, with the heroine alone in the attic writing a memoir.  Divine!

Storybook House at OPossum Bay

The rock pools filled with little fish and crustaceans, provided a bit more interest for the boys, and there were shells to inspect and smooth skimming rocks to fling.  Surprisingly we came across a lifeless penguin – not certain if he was a wayward once-off, or whether there was a colony somewhere nearby.

Checking for interesting things!

Embarking on some research of the area uncovered
details about seals, sharks and dolphins
but there was no mention of any penguins at OPossum Bay.
Maybe someone could enlighten the writer?

All in all, a pleasant day trip from Hobart.  Nice weather permitting: a dip, a picnic lunch and a spot of exploring.  If that’s what you’re after, mark OPossum Bay on your own map!

Map: OPossum Bay Tasmania…

Isn’t this site about Tasmania? Beach – you’re kidding, right?

Tasmania?  Beach? In the same sentence?  Yep, this site is all about Tassie.  But nope, we’re not kidding.  And this is one of the tip top secrets safeguarded by the locals:  there’s great beaches!

Friendly Beaches Freycinet Tasmania (Beach Photo by Dan Fellow)

They don’t want you to know, so you must promise not to tell… but there is an astonishing assortment of seaside villages – all with bucket loads of charm, pure sand and the most crystal-like water you could possibly imagine.  We were surprised (shocked, even!) when we managed to discover Tasmania had these little gems.

So, considering the most frequent inquiries to the Think Tasmania website, being:

• top coastal spot in Tasmania
• beach accessible from accommodation
• a unique quality that sets it apart

here’s our top three “bays”…

Tasmania: Beach # 1: Opossum Bay

This quaint village sits at the tip of South Arm Peninsula in southern Tasmania and faces back towards Hobart across the River Derwent.  A favourite with locals, especially families with young children, the waters are shallow, calm and comparatively warmer than open ocean.

Tasmania: Beach for safe swimming... O'Possum Bay

An eclectic mix of houses ranging from weekender shacks to upmarket mansions rest along the foreshore, offering the owners the ultimate view across the water to the city lights.  During the cruise season (October to April), ships glide into the estuary headed for their stopover in Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmania: beach of many houses: O'Possum Bay

Beach visitors to O’Possum Bay can boast dolphin, seal and penguin sightings, while from the jetty fishermen catch a feast of seafood:  octopus, squid and Flathead amongst the Tasmanian menu.  Perfect with a glass of wine?

Tasmania: Beach # 2: Wineglass Bay

While on a family touring holiday from Hobart towards the north east of Tasmania, we had a stop-over at the township of Coles Bay, and did the hike up to the viewing platform over Wineglass Bay in the Freycinet National Park.

Wineglass Bay (Tasmania Beach - Photo by Dan Fellow)

We were a little unlucky with the weather on the day, with intermittent showers affecting the spectacular views, but it was still worthwhile.  The kids found the uphill climb a “walk in the park” while I came to resent the many, many steps.  However, on the way down, we met a high-school group who were hiking up to the viewing platform and then continuing on down to the beach.  They had huge camping packs and enthusiasm to match, and I recognized the experience was worth the damp trudge.

Since our trip, I have spoken to others who rate this an easy hike, so maybe I just need more practice.  And I would return anyway just for the friendly local wildlife – a wallaby sat alongside our group as if joining us for lunch!

Freycinet Wallaby, Wineglass Bay

There’s no denying the dramatic scenery on the east coast stretch of the island – out towards the Tasman Sea from nearby Swansea and Bicheno.  Simply breathtaking, and by the time we reached St Helens on our tour we did wonder if there was anything that could beat it, really.

And then we took a casual little drive from our motel room overlooking the marina, to…

Tasmania: Beach # 3: Binalong Bay

The much revered Lonely Planet Guide named this Bay of Fires coastline as “the hottest travel destination for 2009”.  That’s in the whole world!  Apart from the tourism department, the locals are not happy with this blatant promotion showing complete disregard for their hush-hush, in-house seaside beauty.

Bay of Fires Beach (Photo by Tasmanian Photo Guy, Dan Fellow)

We read the review not long after we had been there, but the four of us had already taken a vote and unanimously agreed that Binalong Bay, with its sparkling water and whiter than white sand was the best of any beaches we had ever seen.

The boys found the whole panorama too tempting to resist, and despite having no bathers (!) or towels, went for a quick dip.  Quite unusual for early May, but on this day, the Tasmanian weather proved unbelievably perfect for just such spontaneity.

With not another soul in sight, it could have been a deserted tropical island, instead of a national park and Tourism Tasmania icon.

Taking a dip at the beach in Tasmania!

Tasmania:  beach shacks, fishing, surfing, sailing:
the list of coastal highlights is endless.
But one thing is certain…  the phrase “Life is a Beach”
must have been coined by a Tasmanian!!

Map: Tasmania Beach…