Archive for the ‘North West Coast’ Category

The cost of accommodation.  That topic has certainly been cause for heated debate just recently.  Roger’s article “Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania” sparked a discussion when he issued a warning to providers about pricing themselves out of the market.  And we couldn’t help but notice an article in The Mercury this week about the cost of accommodation.

The cost of accommodation in Tasmania has been cause for debate

The Cost of Accommodation: Value for Money

The Mercury article was focused on luxury, five-star holidays with all the bells and whistles (think Saffire Resort at Freycinet).  We don’t focus on that market, because they already get outstanding promotion and media coverage via Tourism Tasmania.  We tend to write about the other 95% of the market; places a bit more mid-range.

What do you expect from your accommodation in Tasmania? And at what price?

What is a Reasonable Price to Pay for Accommodation?

So let’s talk about the cost of accommodation, using our current home-away-from-home in Burnie.  What would be a reasonable price to pay for a place with…

• four bedrooms (with beds for seven)
• two bathrooms (one ensuite & main with spa bath)
• full kitchen (with modern appliances including two-door
  fridge/freezer, cook-top, stove & dishwasher)
• laundry (with washing machine & clothes dryer)
• lounge with large screen TV (and a second smaller TV
  in the master bedroom)
• free WiFi (internet access)
• iPod docking station
• free parking and secure entrance

Optional Extras & Bonus Attractions

We must point out that the location is quiet and convenient to the central shopping district, but it doesn’t have a balcony with a bbq overlooking majestic views like the Bicheno Holiday House we wrote about.

Several extras have been provided, including washing powder, tea, coffee and cling wrap; but a luxury breakfast basket like that you’d receive at Alice’s Cottages in Launceston is (unfortunately) not included.

What sort of extras do you like included in the cost of accommodation?

We have easy access to a major annual sporting event (the Burnie International tennis tournament); but there is no river stocked with trout in the backyard, or kayaks on the lawn like we enjoyed at Ulverstone River Retreat.

And there’s a beach just down the road, but we don’t have it right on our doorstep; as we’re expecting to find at Beachside Retreat West Inlet when we arrive in Stanley.

Please Consider: the Cost of Accommodation

There’s just a few things to consider when discussing the cost of accommodation in Tasmania.  Just as Roger described, we’ve stayed in some shocking places (and obviously we don’t write about them!!).  The kind of places that make you wish you’d stayed at home in your own clean and comfortable house, and abandoned the holiday altogether.

And just before we throw this open for a full-on argument, I would like to invite tourism operators to have their say.  Why don’t you tell our readers a little about the booking commissions you are forced to pay to advertise your properties?  It’s only fair that all the cards are laid on the table.

So… over to you now.  What are your views on the
cost of accommodation in Tasmania?  Do you holiday in Tassie,
love the experience and think you get value for money?
Is one Tasmanian region or town better or worse in terms of value?
Or do you choose to go elsewhere because it’s cheaper?
Maybe cost has nothing to do with your choice?
Let us know by leaving a reply below.

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

Map: Cost of Accommodation, Burnie Tasmania…

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.

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: Tasmanian Gourmet Hampers, East Devonport…

A dozen Ulverstone photos have just been posted on our Facebook page.  Every week we feature five pages as a special theme.  This week happens to be “Ulverstone” week in our social media world.  We’re asking our followers to add their comments about each one so we can share the love about the north-west town.

Ulverstone Photos: Facebook Campaign

If you’d like to make a contribution, but you abstain from the time-consuming monster that is Facebook, just leave a reply at the bottom of this article.  Of course, you’re welcome to add your business name if you think it’s relevant.  Who knows… one of our readers might be a customer looking for whatever it is you’re selling!

Why have we chosen Ulverstone photos specifically, I hear you ask?  Mainly because we’ve had lots of positive feedback about the place following Michelle’s Ulverstone spotlight article.  But also because we’ll be heading that way soon, and we want to pick as many brains as possible about the coastal community.

Great Original Idea: New Feature?

If this interactive article turns out to be one of our better ideas, we’ll feature other towns in a similar manner down the track.  Of course, it all depends on you, the reader, and your reaction.  No comments… no need for us to go to all this effort.  Simple!  If you have a burning wish to see your town or region featured in this way, just contact Think Tasmania.

But let’s just see how the Ulverstone photos perform.  We have lots of ideas; but it turns out they’re not all as brilliant as we imagine.  Go figure!  Of course, if we see similar versions popping up all over the place, we’ll know we’re on an absolute winner!!  Imitation being the highest form of flattery and all that.

Ulverstone Photos: How to Contribute

I’ll give each of the Ulverstone photos a caption with a number, for you to refer to in your comments.  If you’re responding, you might like to use a technique like this…

• Photo 1 – The chicken schnitzel at the pub is the best in Tasmania
  from Bob (Bald Man’s Haircuts)
• Photo 10 – My uncle was responsible for the design of the clock tower
  from Jenny (Hop Step & Jump Games)
• Photo 4 – We noticed a stick hut on the east coast near Scamander
  from Milo (Cool House B&B)

You might prefer to show off your own stunning Ulverstone photos.  Just let us know if that’s the case.  But right now we’re going to stop adding options to this plan and just add the promised dozen.  Otherwise we’ll be overwhelmed with too much work.  Looking forward to hearing from you!

Ulverstone Photos - 1

Roger:  A grand old building built in the same style as so many others to be found around Oz.  (Roger Findlay is one of our regular team members)

Carol:  Built in 1903, and believe it or not, the underground cellar in this hotel was once used as a temporary morgue to accommodate a body!  (Carol is the owner of Haberle Photo Cards)

Ulverstone Photos - 2

Ulvestone Photos - 3

Ulverstone Photos - 4

Ulverstone Photos - 5

Ulverstone Photos - 6

Ulverstone Photos - 7

Ulverstone Photos - 8

Ulverstone Photos - 9

Susan:  will be there in just under 6 weeks!! Can’t wait to try Pedros for lunch.

Roger:  we always sit at the table three windows in on the left hand side.  (Roger Findlay is one of our regular team members)

Moonlight:  we have enjoyed many a beautiful dinner at Pedro’s Restaurant ourselves and also recommend it to our guests at Moonlight Bay B&B Guest House.  Delicious seafood, great views over the Leven river and really nice atmosphere.  Very friendly staff and owner.

Ulverstone Photos - 10

Lynn:  really like the gentle carillion clock that rings from here (Lynn Gorman is one of our guest authors: Novelty Mailboxes)

Victor:  hmmm..interesting clock structure. not sure to like it or not. (Victor is the author of the terrific food and travel blog I Destination)

Carol:  Constructed as a memorial to those who served in World War 2, the memorial clock also incorporates the World War 1 memorial which stood on the same site.  Designed and constructed by European migrants, the clock tower is unique in Australia.  The construction incorporates features representing the three armed forces, RAAF, RAN, RAA, linked together by chains and surmounted by a traditional laurel wreath.  (Carol is the owner of Haberle Photo Cards)

Prue:  I love hearing the hourly vintage chimes of our beautiful old clock whilst working around the corner in our 100% Tasmanian handmade gallery Under The Oak, makes me feel like I’m somewhere in England…

Charles:  We love this clock and its tower.  In particular we love the look of the whole thing at certain angles when it looks as though the clock is offset from the centre of the top of the tower.  A remarkable building.  Just how lucky can Ulverstoners get?

Ulverstone Photos - 11

Ulverstone Photos - 12

Karina:  fantastic and interesting museum with loads of local history!  Well done to the members of the community who put it all together and maintain it all so well.  So valuable for the community!  Thanks!

Wayne:  They all great photos and this is one of the towns we will be visiting on our next holiday in Tasmania. (Wayne is one of our guest authors)

Bohemian Beauty: Happy Australia Day to Think Tasmania!  You are doing a great job for all of us!  Thank you! (Bohemian Beauty is one of the five pages featured during the Ulverstone theme week)

Some of these Ulverstone photos were taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.
Photo 7 was supplied by Tony and Val of Ulverstone River Retreat.
We hope you enjoy the terrific images whether you comment or not!

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

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

Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…

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

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.

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

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

Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…

Exploring Currie Harbour Lighthouse, King Island

by Roger Findlay

If ever you find yourself in Currie on King Island, part of the north west region of Tasmania, I would suggest that you make enquiries about a lighthouse tour.  We found out about it when we went to the Currie Library to browse books and use the internet.

The township of Currie, King Island in the north west region of Tasmania

Book Lighthouse Tour.  Tick.

We booked a tour and met our guide at the lighthouse the following day.  It always amazes me how versatile people are in somewhat remote places and our tour guide was no exception.  Apart from being an occasional guide, this charming lady (originally from Wangaratta in Victoria) worked at the school and at the library.  Her husband managed their farm and she was quite capable of helping in between her other duties.

Currie Harbour Lighthouse

The elevated lighthouse stands alongside the entrance to Currie Harbour and serves the dual purpose of a harbour entrance light and a coastal light.  An English company pre-fabricated the structure from wrought iron with a cast iron base before shipping to King Island for construction in 1879.

Currie Harbour Lighthouse on King Island in the north west region of Tasmania

It was lit the following year but it wasn’t until 1957 that mains power was used.  In 1989, the authorities considered the light unnecessary and it was switched off.  Locals resisted this action and, after much lobbying, the light was restored to operable in 1995.

The Brave & Noble Tourist

I’m not comfortable with steep spiral staircases or heights but on this occasion I had to put on a brave face to outdo my very brave and nimble wife!  I let her go first with me in the middle and the guide at the rear.  By doing this, I thought I would be safe if I happened to fall!

Jeanette Findlay handles the spiral staircase of the lighthouse tour with ease!

It made me feel dizzy looking up from the bottom.  The challenge entailed 90 narrow steel steps winding to a height of 21.3 metres.  Jeanette had seen me crossing a rickety suspension bridge at Montezuma Falls.  She had seen my face turn green.  Now she was gloating again! (How could Mr Perfect be outdone?)

View Over Currie

The steady climb was well worth it as the view down to Currie Harbour, the Boat House and over to the township was magnificent.  Despite the wintry conditions and the spray from the rain on the lighthouse glass, our guide could point out all of the interesting features.  She also had excellent knowledge of the old light systems and lenses that were on display.

The lighthouse tour guide can point out features: like a burnt out Boat House

Not too bad going up but how would I go coming down?  Being the only male, I considered it rather chivalrous to let the ladies go first!  To my relief we made the bottom without incident and now I have this tale of the Currie Harbour lighthouse tour to tell (and photos to share!).

Currie Harbour views from the top of the King Island lighthouse

Lighthouse Tour, Keeper’s Residence & Museum

On a separate occasion, we visited the magnificent grounds of the lighthouse keeper’s residence that is now used as a museum.  The stark white buildings are kept in immaculate condition and stand as a prominent landmark on the western side of King Island.

As we drove back towards the Naracoopa Holiday Units where
we were staying, Jeanette hinted that she would like a spiral staircase
in our next home.  Blimey, it’s hard enough finding her in the king
sized bed let alone chasing her up a spiral staircase!

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: Currie Harbour Lighthouse, King Island, Tasmania…

Leven Canyon

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The Leven Canyon: in this busy, populous world we live in, it’s hard to find such a wild and dramatic area that is so easy to reach.  If you want to experience these sorts of places you mostly have to trek through kilometres of difficult terrain.

Leven Canyon is in the Gunns Plains/Nietta region of north west Tasmania

At Leven Canyon it’s easy!  Just walk along the very well-maintained track to Cruickshanks Lookout.  It’s a 20 minute return walk suitable for all ages and in no time you will arrive at the viewing platform.  Experience the breathtaking views of the Canyon floor 275 metres below (where the Leven River flows) and views of Black Bluff and the surrounding countryside.

Cruickshanks Lookout over the Leven Canyon, Gunns Plains/Nietta Tasmania

Black Bluff

Black Bluff is usually the first peak in this area to have a covering of snow in winter due to its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds.  There’s a testing 6-7 hours return walk to Black Bluff through alpine vegetation up to the 1,339 metre summit.  From here you get rewarded with views from Cradle Mountain to the Great Western Tiers.  The track starts at Taylors Flats off Loongana Road.  Be aware though: it’s not regularly maintained or well marked.

Black Bluff seen from Preston Road en route to Leven Canyon, Tasmania

Fresh Tasmanian Mountain Air

Leven Canyon is Tasmania’s deepest limestone ravine so it’s worth stopping for a while and taking in the fresh Tasmanian mountain air while you survey the spectacular views.  Even though Leven Canyon is only a 45-minute drive from Ulverstone (in Gunns Plains/Nietta in the north west region of Tasmania) it feels like you are a million miles away from civilization.

The Leven River at the Canyon floor as it weaves through Gunns Plains/Nietta

Other Walks in the Leven Canyon Reserve

• the Forest Stairs Walk: a 45 minute return walk that includes 697 stairs
  and some steep terrain.  Here you can enjoy listening to and watching
  some of Tasmania’s endemic birds and view the amazing variety of
  ferns that grow in this area.
• the Edge Lookout Track: a 30-minute return easy walk for all ages
  taking in wet forest to drier cliff-edge vegetation.  On this walk you
  can see the Canyon walls up close.

• the 20 minute return easy Fern Walk is suitable for all ages and features
  beautiful old tree-ferns up to 5 metres tall and 150 years old.  This area
  is home to the small mammals of Leven Canyon such as the eastern
  pygmy possum, dusky antechinus and long tailed mouse.
• for a more strenuous walk try the Canyon Floor Walk.  Drive to the start
  of the walk just off Loongana Road then follow the downhill track to the
  canyon floor.
• more experienced walkers can then continue to Devils Elbow, which is an
  hour return from the footbridge.  It’s a challenging walk and is part of the
  Penguin-Cradle Trail.

Magnificent forest views out over Leven Canyon from Cruickshanks Lookout

An Appetite for National Parks & Reserves in Tasmania

After these walks have worked up an appetite why not have a picnic or barbecue at one of the tables or the picnic shelter?  This area of the almost 2,500 ha reserve is very well set up and has toilets and information about the Leven Canyon and surrounds.  As with other reserves and national parks in Tasmania, be prepared for changing weather conditions.  The track surfaces may be slippery at times and be covered in ice.  And don’t forget to stay on the tracks provided to protect the unique environment.

With so many and varied national parks and reserves in Tasmania that are just a drive away, it’s a hard decision to pick which one to see first when you are holidaying in our island state.  As with the Leven Canyon, you won’t be disappointed with what you find when you get there.

Michelle about to embark on one of the Leven Canyon walks

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.

Map: Leven Canyon Tasmania…