Archive for the ‘North West Coast’ Category

I popped along recently to find out all about Bohemian Beauty, and why it’s such a popular place to get pampered. As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted by the beautiful Silvia and feel immediately at ease in the warm and friendly surroundings. I was treated to one of her signature pedicures.  As I settled into a comfy chair, I found out all about the business.

Michelle gets pampered with a pedicure at Bohemian Beauty in Ulverstone

Bohemian Beauty: Silvia Bell

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Bohemian Beauty is a beauty salon in Ulverstone, in the north west coast region of Tasmania. Owner Silvia Bell is originally from the Czech Republic, also known as Bohemia. I love that association within the business name; I think it works very well.

Silvia Bell, owner of Bohemian Beauty, has a stylish salon in Ulverstone

Silvia Bell started her successful beauty business from her home in Western Australia and then after relocating to Tasmania continued to offer beauty services from her home in Ulverstone. She has over 20 years of experience gained both overseas and in Australia. After twelve years of successful home-based business, Silvia desired to take it to the next level and opened her store at 30 King Edward Street, Ulverstone.

Silvia originally built up her clientele on the great pedicures and manicures she offered. Word got out how wonderful they were. My pedicure started with a warm and refreshing soak.  Then my toe nails were clipped, cuticles cut and all dead skin removed; then finished off with a moisturiser and a lovely nail polish. New nail files are used each time for hand and feet treatments and stainless steel bowls are used, as they do not harbour germs. Everything is very professional at Bohemian Beauty.

Silvia works her magic on Michelle's feet with a pedicure at Bohemian Beauty

Manicures, Pedicures and More…

Along with the pedicures and manicures offered, there are also hand treatments and nail treatments. There’s eyebrow shape, wax and tinting and eyelash tint and extensions as well. A number of facial treatments are available…

• Teen Solution Facial
• Total Relaxation
• Lactic Peels
• Specialised Ultraceuticals Facial (using the Australian brand skin care product)

Bohemian Beauty is also the first salon on the north west coast to be able to optimise the absorption of active ingredients into the skin using ultrasonic vibrations. They also do spray tans using the product Fake Bake. All your waxing requirements are available here too. They use only the best quality products for all their services.

Silvia stocks of a range of up-to-date products at Bohemian Beauty

Up-to-Date Pampering Treatments…

Silvia constantly keeps up with all the new treatments available. Now available at Bohemian Beauty…

• semi-permanent eyebrow enhancement, or cosmetic tattooing
  (no more pencils, re-application or unevenness)
• Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion, a non-surgical, safe and
  gentle procedure that exfoliates and polishes the skin
• Myscara, a semi-permanent mascara that lasts up to 2 weeks
• Lash in a Flash, a full set of eyelash extensions
• Tooth Gems, enhance your smile with a rhinestone!

They are also retail stockists of Ultraceuticals homecare range; Kryolan professional make-up; Pelactiv homecare range; Magneteyes (collagen/algae eye pads) and a wide selection of OPI nail varnishes including mini collections.

Silvia stocks only the best products in her Bohemian Beauty Salon in Ulverstone

Bohemian Beauty has lots of promotions and great offers throughout the year.
You can keep updated with specials by liking the Bohemian Beauty Facebook
page and you can make bookings by calling (03) 6425 9691 or 0419 950 866.
Gift vouchers are available for an extra special gift. Opening hours are:
Monday-Friday 9.00 am–5.30 pm (later on Wednesdays and
Thursdays) and Saturdays by appointment.

As for my pedicure… all I can say is my feet haven’t felt or looked so good in a long time!  We all need a little pampering once in a while and this is definitely the place to go for a professional and personal touch.  You will definitely feel like a Bohemian Beauty after having a treatment here.

Bohemian Beauty have professional staff and maintain high standards of service

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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: Bohemian Beauty, Ulverstone Tasmania…

What is a Tasmanian Country Town Hall? Well, it’s the hub of the community that at times brings the residents of the town together. It’s usually an unassuming piece of architecture set on the main street or near the main street of a small country town. You probably don’t even notice it as you drive on through. But it’s been sitting there through many a year and in all sorts of weather just waiting for that day or night when it gets all spruced up for a special event or occasion.

The Gunns Plains country town hall (RHS) brings the community together

The Little Country Town Hall

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The Gunns Plains Hall is one of those small country town halls that gets used fairly regularly. This community, which I am a part of, loves nothing more than to make use of their town hall. The Craft Group uses the hall every second Saturday of the month. This group was started in 2008 to help support the hall. We bring along any sort of craft and have a chat and make session. There are a number of regulars who attend and are willing to pass on skills or help. I have learned how to spin while in this group and enjoy it enormously. Women, men and children… it’s not just for housewives, everyone’s welcome to join.

The Gunns Plains Craft Group use the country town hall to meet and socialise

Gunns Plains Potato Festival

Our major fundraising event for maintenance of the hall is the Gunns Plains Potato Festival. It’s held every year on the Recreational Day holiday in November. The Festival has lots going on during the day to keep everyone entertained and always draws a crowd. Other events to use the hall that have been held during my time in Gunns Plains, have included Ten Days On The Island music night, casserole nights, catering for cross country runners and catering for bus loads of people who visit our community.

The Gunns Plains Potato Festival is based at the small country town hall

David Foster Chops Some Wood

We had an Indoor Woodchop night with David Foster and other great axemen not that long ago.  What a great night that was. We’ve also had a Scrapbooking weekend, Christmas BBQ and a Sell/Swap/Trade/Barter day and a community party/get together to unveil work, celebrate and thank volunteers who helped with the recent renovation work done on the hall. We have also had other assorted events, which make use of our wonderful country town hall.

David Foster competes at the indoor wood-chopping event at the Gunns Plains hall

My Patch in Place Quilt Project

We are currently working on a community quilt project called “My Patch In Place” which will see the combination of quilt squares that represent each family or person who live in our valley, added to a big quilt that will take pride and place on the wall of the hall. People who visit the hall will be able to see a snapshot of who lives or has lived in the Gunns Plains area in 2012.

So as you can see a small country hall is the heart and soul of a community and when put to good use it can have a feel-good effect on the residents of these country towns. Rural spirit is alive and well in Gunns Plains judging by the amount of hall use our little country town hall gets. This is just a little peek into the life of one Tassie rural town hall. There are many out there in small country towns throughout Tasmania that still get used just as often as they did when originally built.  And let’s face it.  Where would you hold those town events and get-togethers if it wasn’t for the humble little country town hall?

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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: Gunns Plains Country Town Hall, Tasmania…

We received a lovely letter from Pedal Buggies Tasmania after we published an article about their business.  Obviously, we’re always keen to hear from happy business owners, but we don’t normally make this sort of thing public.  However Dallas wrote such a glowing report of Michelle that we couldn’t resist this time.  We have a stellar group of regular contributors, and Michelle Kneipp Pegler is definitely a vital part of that great team.  She does a fantastic job promoting Gunns Plains and the surrounding communities.

Michelle and John riding in style with Pedal Buggies Tasmania in Ulverstone

This is what Dallas from Pedal Buggies Tasmania had to say…

Hi Tania,

What a great job Michelle has done with this article. Michelle and John just dropped in unannounced and while I chatted to John, Michelle just went about her business taking a few photos here and there and looking around along with us having a few chats between customers.  Michelle made it a very relaxed visit for me.  It probably wasn’t quite as relaxed for her and John as they did their fair share of exercise as they tried different buggies out.

 

When Michelle and John left it left me thinking “Has Michelle cottoned on to what we are about in this visit”?  Well I think she has done a terrific job and captured what we are about very well.  You are very fortunate to have someone like Michelle writing for you.  I would like to say to you at Think Tasmania “Thank You for considering us worthy to do a story on.”  Keep up this great work you are doing in promoting this, our lovely state.  The stories you publish are excellent.  Thanks for helping the little tourism businesses along.  It’s nice to see smaller businesses promoted in such a positive way and not all the lime light on the large players as is often the case.

Thank you.

Don’t forget when you and your family are up this way come and check us out as guests in appreciation for what you have done.

Please feel free to use this article in your next newsletter.  Again thank you, and for all the links, Facebook etc.  thanks.

All the best and I hope to meet you sometime soon.

Regards Dallas

Pedal Buggies Tasmania

Dallas is right.  We are very fortunate to have someone like Michelle writing for us!  And I think the north west coast is pretty lucky as well.

Michelle about to embark on one of the Leven Canyon walks

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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: Pedal Buggies Tasmania, Ulverstone…

What IS The Tarkine?

by Carol Haberle

In the 1830’s George Augustus Robinson wrote in his diaries of entering the ‘Tarkine’ in search of the ‘Tarkineer Aboriginal Band’, just one of the Aboriginal tribes who inhabited the western Tasmanian coastline (from the Arthur River to the Pieman River) before European colonisation.  This is the earliest recorded usage of the word ‘Tarkine’.  Rich in Aboriginal culture and history, today we know The Tarkine as a very diverse region.

Views over the Tarkine from Whyte’s Lookout, Waratah, Tasmania

A region that consists of wild, rugged coastlines; cool temperate rainforests; privately owned rich, fertile farmlands; state forests and protected areas.  A 477 000 hectare wilderness in the remote north west of Tasmania.  It covers an area from the Arthur River to the north; the Pieman River to the south; the Murchison Highway to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west.

Tarkineer Aboriginal Band

Along the wild, wind-swept coastline can be found numerous hut depressions found in aboriginal middens, artefact scatters, ceremonial stone arrangements, petroglyph’s, and spongolite (a particular rock used to make stone tools).  All the remains of the sedentary way of life of a band of aborigines who lived along the coastline, hunting seals, land mammals and gathering shellfish.

Mouth of the Arthur River on the edge of the Tarkine: the wild, windswept coastline

Huge sand dunes which extend several kilometres inland and continue to grow, slowly filling forests with sand.  Small fishing villages from where brave fishermen still today test the wild oceans in their small fishing boats.

Tasmanian Rainforest

The Tarkine includes Australia’s largest tract of cool, temperate rainforest, which supports the flora, lichens and fossils that help tell the story of Tasmania’s ancient flora and it’s evolution, showing links to the ancient super-continent of Gondwanaland.  A walk through the cool, green comfort of these rainforests is a delight.

Lichen and fungi on the Tarkine rainforest floor

Soft green mosses, fungi and lichen underfoot; towering manferns; huge old myrtle trees up to 50metres high tower overhead.  Leatherwood and sassafras trees, everything so cool, green and alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else in the world.  It is a home to many threatened and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Global Significance: Settlements, Mountains & Rivers

The Tarkine is also home to globally significant magnesite karsts (landforms characterised by caves and sinkholes), including unique cave and pinnacle formations.  Filled with pioneering heritage, our history is evident in the historical settlements of Temma, Corinna, Balfour, Waratah, Luina and Magnet.

Trowutta Arch ~ an example of a magnesite karst in the Tarkine, Tasmania

From the mountains to the sea, the wild rivers flow through much of the Tarkine.  The Arthur, the Pedder, the Thornton, the Rapid and the Donaldson all flow from mountains through the wilderness of the Tarkine.  The Arthur River is completely wild, never logged, never dammed and free from bushfires for over 650 years.

So often we hear of a place that has outstanding heritage significance.  A place that has both natural and cultural history; a place that is important to science; a place relatively untouched by human activity or a place of extraordinary, pristine beauty…

In Tasmania, we have The Tarkine.  It contains all of the above, and so much more.

The cool, green comfort of the Tarkine Rainforest, Tasmania

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards

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: Tarkine Tasmania…

Latrobe Fine Art Gallery, Tasmania

by Lorraine McNeair

When you first walk through the door of the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery you are embraced by a world of vibrant colours and soft hues.  The glassware (in jewellery and decorative objects) is amazingly bright or softly subdued.  The paintings on the wall are diverse, including those by owner Beverley Skurulis, whose unique paintings are displayed along with work by other Tasmanian artists.

Oil painting titled A Stormy Day in Stanley by Beverley Skurulis, Latrobe Fine Art Gallery

Pam's Plate ~ a glass piece from the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery in Tasmania

Interesting History and Art in Latrobe

Indeed, all of the wonderful art objects in this gallery are Tasmanian.  The building in which the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery is situated at 41-41a Gilbert Street has an interesting history, having been used by many different occupants.  The building is C1865 and has been Nathan’s Store and residence, the Mistletoe Lodge (United Order of Druids), a photographic studio, a public hall, a bank, a post office and a place for band practice.

Found at 41 Gilbert Street, the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery building has an interesting history

The Latrobe Fine Art Gallery sells a selection of glass art, including jewellery

As well as the building’s history being extremely interesting, you will find Beverley Skurulis a very interesting lady.  You will leave the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery enriched by the experience.  Latrobe Fine Art Gallery has a website with information about the artwork and a store with items for sale.  For more information phone: 036426 2931 or 0407 581 796 or email Beverley Skurulis.

Beverley Skurulis, owner of the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery

We received the following message from Penny Skurulis-Winter inviting us to visit Latrobe Fine Art Gallery…

Hi
I have been following Think Tasmania on Facebook for quite a while now and really look forward to reading about where you have been.  I was wondering if you would at some stage like to drop into the Latrobe Fine Art Gallery in Latrobe.  We are at 41 Gilbert Street, Latrobe and have renovated an original 1864 house that was once the town hall, a photographic studio, a bank, a bric-a-brac shop and now an exclusively Tasmanian wares gallery.

As Tasmania has so many clever people, we don’t need to go anywhere else to fill the gallery, and we pride ourselves on our approach to tasteful and clever things and the people that create them.  You can visit our website or our Facebook page at Latrobe Fine Art Gallery or better still on your travels drop in to say hello.
Thank-you
Penny

Jewellery made by Penny Skurulis-Winter, of Latrobe Fine Art Gallery

We appreciate all the support and requests we receive from our readers and followers, and do try to cover as much territory as humanly possible.  Given Think Tasmania is an independent and fully self-funded website, we have to co-ordinate times and a budget for travel.  We were able to expedite this article when Lorraine volunteered to research and report back about places in and around her home town of Latrobe.

Vibrant jewellery art sold at 41 Gilbert Street, Latrobe Fine Art Gallery

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

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: Latrobe Fine Art Gallery, Latrobe Tasmania…

Mural Fest is held in Sheffield, the Town of Murals in north west Tasmania every year.  It attracts many local, interstate and international artists.  It is a unique art competition which starts Easter Sunday every year and runs for seven days.  Mural Fest first started in 2003; although the very first mural painted in Sheffield was unveiled in 1986.  Since then, many more have been added to create a distinctive outdoor art gallery.

Sheffield in north west Tasmania, the Town of Murals

International Mural Festival in Sheffield

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Every year nine artists participate in a public “paint off”.  They must complete a 2100mm x 4800mm mural using a specific poem as the central theme for their inspiration.  This year’s poem was Food Bowl by Lorraine McNeair…

The golden bloom of fertility lies on the land
And feeds us with flavour

Lorraine won the Poetry Slam; a competition to decide the poem to be used.

Sunnyside Tasmania artist Gillian Robnik's mural ~ Carer of the Land

Iowa USA artist Ella Yates working in Sheffield on her mural ~ Goldilocks

Supporting & Challenging Mural Artists

Mural Fest is a testing painting arena for artists.  It assesses their artistic talent, patience and persistence while being openly observed by the public, having time limitations and at times dealing with Tasmania’s changeable weather conditions.  At the end of the week of painting, a panel of judges choose a winner for the major Mural Fest Judges Award.  There is also a Mural Fest Visitors Award for the artist who receives the most votes for favourite painting by visitors and supporters.

Winner of 2011 Mural Fest Judges Award, Christian Griffiths 2012 mural ~ Ravenous Machine

During Mural Fest there are other events happening such as Mural Fest Tours, Mural Treasure Hunts, Steam Train Rides, Mini Murals Painting and Meet the Artists Night.  At the Sheffield Tourist Information Centre you’ll find lots of artwork on display and for sale.

Not just a Town of Murals: The Redwater Creek Railway steam train in Sheffield

Tasmanian tourists can visit the murals, and also do some antique shopping in Sheffield

Mural Park, Sheffield

After Mural Fest is over, all the competition murals are kept on display in Mural Park for the following year.  During this time all visitors can enjoy these works of art and vote for their favourite piece.  The voting is done over the twelve-month period and the artist who receives the most votes is awarded the People’s Choice Award, which is announced at the next Mural Fest.

Sheffield is renowned for its permanent mural displays and since the very first one was painted back in 1986 more than fifty have been added.  All have the theme of the area’s history and real life stories of farmers, pioneers and local community leaders.

This mural in Sheffield is one of the more permanent displays in the outdoor gallery

Sheffield region: the Food Bowl of the Nation and an interesting place to visit

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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: Sheffield, Town of Murals, Tasmania…

If you have a yearning for some fun on three or four wheels then I have the solution for you!  Pedal Buggies Tasmania is a family owned business located in Ulverstone offering a wide variety of pedal buggies for hire.  With a good selection of styles and combinations to choose from and catering for all ages there’s sure to be one that’s just right for you.

Taking one of the pedal buggies out for a spin by the beach in Ulverstone

Pedal Buggies Tasmania

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

There are mini buggies for the little ones; buggies for the whole family (baby seat from six months available too); buggies for two; buggies for one; a purpose built trailer for special needs… there are buggies in all shapes and sizes.  There’s even a train style buggy that can accommodate up to ten.  Now that sounds like fun!

Pedal Buggies Tasmania have a range of options with someone to suit all ages

There are a couple of new additions to the group too; it’s the Surrey Bikes, which you can hire to take you from Ulverstone to Turners Beach.  Whichever one you choose you can be sure of a fun and enjoyable experience while getting some exercise at the same time.  It’s a great idea for groups and birthday or Christmas parties etc.  There’s a mini buggy track (for up to six year olds) with road signs and round-a-bout, something different and a great birthday party idea for the littlies.

Hire the stylish Pedal Buggies at the beach in Ulverstone Tasmania

Road-Testing Pedal Buggies Tasmania

John and I recently road tested all the Pedal Buggies Tasmania and we had a terrific time.  It was great fun.  We pedalled along the paths in Bicentennial Park, which borders Pedal Buggies Tasmania and found it an excellent place to try them out.  There were a lot of laughs from both of us as we explored the finer points of each buggy.  We got the hang of each one in no time and zoomed along the paths enjoying the ride like two big kids. No wonder this is a popular place during weekends and school holidays.

Michelle and John riding in style with Pedal Buggies Tasmania in Ulverstone

Visit Pedal Buggies Tasmania for a chance to enjoy a healthy, entertaining, outside activity with family or friends.  They are situated at ‘The Beach Hut’, a beach side kiosk that solves all your hunger needs such as ice creams, drinks etc. and are open most weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

Hire pedal buggies in Ulverstone at the blue Beach Hut kiosk on the foreshore

Buggy hire is available throughout the year (by appointment outside shop open times).  Phone: 64259387 or 0437242535.  Pedal Buggies Tasmania also have a Facebook page.

NB Michelle and John were guests of Pedal Buggies Tasmania.

Pedal Buggies Tasmania have something fun to suit one person or a big group

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

*NB We received a lovely letter from Dallas about this Pedal Buggies article, and his thoughts about Michelle’s efforts for Think Tasmania.

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: Pedal Buggies Tasmania, Ulverstone…