Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Regions and Towns’ Category

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…

North East Tasmania

Words by Gina Scott and Photos by Dan Fellow

When was the last time you visited the North East of Tasmania for a holiday?  Never maybe!  You are missing out on a great region to enjoy local seafood and wine, some great bush walking, swimming in summer, golf at Barnbougle Dunes (and don’t forget the local nine hole course either); visiting vineyards and Bridestowe Estate, the largest commercial lavender farm in the southern hemisphere!

Bridestowe Lavender Farm in summer, north east Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Blue Tier region is fantastic for taking the family for a walk.  Some tracks are easy so take your picnic lunch!  When you are on top of the hills in north east Tasmania, you can even see the sea!

Gorgeous colours of Little Blue Lake in the north east of Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Falling for the North East

You shouldn’t miss the easy stroll to Ralphs Falls either, it’s near Ringarooma.  There’s a barbecue hut and the road keeps going on down to St Columba Falls and Pyengana where there’s a great cafe and cheese factory.

St Columba Falls, a highlight of the north east region of Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Gina Scott owns Platypus Park Country Retreat accommodation
in Bridport.  Dan Fellow owns Tasmania Photos.  Both contributors
are great tourism advocates for the north east region of 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: North East Tasmania…

David and Anne Kernke are the owners of Shene, the historic Tasmanian property located in Pontville.  Anne has been following Think Tasmania on Facebook, and was impressed by the photographs taken by Dan Fellow.  She invited him to visit and inspect the work they’re doing as the custodians of this Heritage Highway treasure.

Shene Tasmania is a valuable link with Australia's colonial heritage

Shene: Unveiling a Heritage Treasure

Photos by Dan Fellow

The story of Shene dates back to 1819, when Governor Lachlan Macquarie issued a land grant to Edward Paine, grandson of King George III.  The homestead and stable complex were designed by Francis Butler, son of prominent English lawyer Gamaliel Butler.  Francis was the architect responsible for many of the iconic buildings throughout the Hobart region, but the construction of this Pontville property was a symbol of the wealth and power of the landed gentry.

Shene includes an elaborate homestead and stable buildings designed by Francis Butler

Visit the historic stables and barn buildings during a walking tour of Shene

These days, Shene is providing owners David and Anne Kernke with a wealth of history to share.  Built using convict labour, there are tales of conflict between the settlers, the convicts, local Aboriginals and the occasional bush ranger.  As a vital agricultural holding, the wheat grown on the property was used to sustain the colony in both Hobart and Sydney Cove.

Some amazing history has been uncovered during the renovation of Shene

Tour and High Tea with David and Anne Kernke

The public can now gain an incredible insight into early colonial times by joining a walking tour of Shene.   David and Anne Kernke escort visitors around the privately owned estate, taking in the Georgian homestead, servant’s quarters and the iconic stables and barn.

Join owners David and Anne Kernke on a heritage walking tour of Shene

Tours are strictly by appointment and operate Friday through to Monday at 2:00pm (or at other times by special arrangement).  Bookings are essential, and are to be made at least 24 hours in advance.  Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear appropriate for walking.  All bookings are made online.

David and Anne Kernke have uncovered a diverse range of treasure at Shene

Passionate about Shene, David and Anne Kernke are keen to share their heritage property

The guided walking tour of Shene lasts approximately 90 minutes, but guests are welcome to stay on and appreciate the heritage experience.  The official tour concludes with High Tea served in the homestead, and features produce grown on the property at Shene.

The walking tour at Shene concludes with High Tea in the Georgian homestead

Shene Tasmania is located at 76 Shene Road Pontville.  It’s
about 30 minutes north of Hobart on the Midland Highway,
driving towards Launceston. For more details, contact
David and Anne Kernke on 0408 020 007 or visit the Shene website.
You can also follow Shene Tasmania on Facebook and Twitter.

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: Shene, Pontville Tasmania…

Matt Moran has a unique title.  When officially introduced, he’s quite often called a “Friend of Australia”.  And with that distinguished title comes his current role with Tourism Australia as an ambassador for tourism quality assurance.  Currently touring the country to promote the T-QUAL Tick, Matt has recently spent some time in Tasmania and enjoyed some of the state’s fine hospitality.

Matt Moran, travelling Tasmania in style as the T-QUAL Tick Tour Ambassador

Matt Moran Travels Tasmania T-QUAL Tick Style

The celebrated chef hosted the launch of the T-QUAL Tick Tour at ARIA Restaurant in March.  Actually co-owned by Matt Moran, the venue on Sydney’s waterfront is considered one of the country’s best restaurants.  It’s also the epitome of the tourism experience the Australian Government plan to endorse with this new national symbol of tourism quality.

Matt Moran jumps aboard a fishing boat outside the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart

The second leg of the T-QUAL Tick Tour brought Matt Moran to Hobart.  The amount of territory covered in one Tasmanian weekend would suggest a very hectic schedule.  But don’t feel too much sympathy!   Every establishment has to pass a rigorous assessment, ensuring they deliver a first-class, quality experience to the traveller (and that would include Matt) before they’re granted the tick of approval.

Matt Moran catches the Red Decker Bus to the Cascade Brrewery in Hobart

Hurricane T-QUAL Tick Tour of Hobart

The Hobart schedule included a stop at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania on Sunday morning.  Just as we did, Matt was able to learn a little about the achievements of early explorers and Tasmanian maritime history.  We gave a big thumbs up to the museum with its huge collections of artefacts, tools, equipment, photographs and paintings.  And as a T-QUAL endorsed product, it has a nationally recognised symbol of tourism quality (just in case you doubt us!).

Matt Moran visits the Maritime Museum of Tasmania, already granted the T-QUAL tick

The Sunday afternoon timetable had Matt Moran taking an adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys.  Our experience with the award-winning company involved their Bruny Island cruise, but Matt took the sea plane from Hobart to Port Arthur, on the Tasman Peninsula.  He was duly impressed and declared the experience totally worthy of the T-QUAL tick.

Matt Moran takes an adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Henry Jones Art Hotel Hosts Matt Moran

Matt spent the evening at the Henry Jones Art Hotel to recharge his batteries ready for a visit to MONA the next morning.  Gavin was invited to Henry’s Restaurant for lunch that day, and had a chat with the Australian tourism ambassador about his impressions of Tasmania.  Having been to the state quite recently (with the MasterChef team), Matt’s references to the food, scenery and culture were all glowing.  And yes, he did have a chance to meet up with Jack Lark, one of the Junior MasterChef stars, during a visit to Lark Distillery.

Gavin meets with Matt Moran for lunch at Henry's Restaurant in Hobart

The next destination for the T-QUAL Tick Tour will be the Northern Territory later this month. I’m pretty sure when Matt Moran is in a cage, diving with crocodiles, he’ll wish he was back in Tasmania. The Tassie Devil will most likely seem quite tame then!

Gavin dined at Henry’s Restaurant (part of the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart)
as a guest of Tourism Australia and the organisers of the T-QUAL Tick Tour.

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: Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart Tasmania…