Archive for the ‘Launceston & Tamar Valley’ Category

Launceston: Rediscovered

Words by Alison Wilkes

I came across an interesting note about Launceston on the Lonely Planet website the other day.  It read: “It’s still a vaguely pugilistic town ~ there seem to be as many bikers and shirtless, shouting drunks as police ~ but the University of Tasmania, some great restaurants and regularly scheduled AFL football games are infusing the place with a more worldly outlook”.

AFL Football: the Tassie Hawks in Launceston, Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

What a bizarre description of the place!  This got me thinking, however, about what the people of Launceston, or conversely people that visit Launceston really think about the city.  Whether a person’s history with the city spans a lifetime or a sneaky weekend away, individuals each have their own experience of the place.

August 2012: Junction Arts Festival

Coming to Launceston in August is an exciting opportunity for locals and visitors alike to rediscover and redefine the city.  As part of the 2012 Junction Arts Festival, a live theatre project called En Route will be divulged and will enable visitors and residents of all ages to explore the city in new ways and fall in love with Launceston all over again.

En Route, a theatrical walking tour of Launceston (Photo by Julian Rickert)

For the uninitiated, Junction Arts Festival is an annual participatory contemporary arts festival that takes place in Launceston in August.  This year it’s happening from the 22-26 August.  The festival draws on local, national and international artists from all artistic disciplines to ignite the city and its community in an all-encompassing five-day feast of contemporary art, music and excitement.  Collaboration is at the core of Junction Arts Festival with audience members encouraged to be a part of the artistic works rather than just being passive spectators and programmed artists encouraged to work with one another.

En Route: Walking Tour of Launceston, Junction Arts Festival (Photo by Nathan Stoneham)

En Route: Theatrical Walking Tour of Launceston

En Route is one of the many artistic projects coming to Launceston for the Festival.  It is presented in the form of a theatre-come-walking-tour of the city. Complete with audio guide, sound track and instructions, En Route will take small groups through Launceston, discovering hidden or overlooked spaces and telling long forgotten or unknown stories.  It’s a love story with the city, a guide to becoming an explorer of the world, a piece of live theatre where the city becomes the stage and the audience become the actors.

Clair Korobacz preparing for En Route at Junction Arts Festival 2012

En Route is created by a group of Melbourne artists called One Step At A Time Like This.  As part of Junction Arts Festival’s Artist Residency Program, the collective have already payed a visit to Launceston to research and create the site-specific work.  One Step will be returning to Launceston again in May to put finishing touches on their piece.  One Step has been all over the globe with En Route, commissioned to transform perceptions of global cities from Chicago to Edinburgh and all over Australia.  Most recently the piece was commissioned as one of only 30 international acts for the 2012 London Cultural Olympiad.

One Step At A Time Like This: Junction Arts Festival (Photo by Kiron Robinson)

Five Days; Fifty Free Events

After the tour, there will be plenty more to experience around Launceston’s CBD as part of the festival including over 50 free events over five days, suitable for all ages and tastes.  A pop-up festival hub come live music venue will also be installed in Civic Square.  Known as the Junc Room and established in a hard- to-miss big top circus tent, the space comes complete with a fully licensed bar and catered café and will be the perfect place to relax with friends and family while enjoying a local drop, some great local produce and a line-up of Australia’s hottest musical acts.

Be sure to catch this once in a lifetime itinerary of Launceston, as well as a feast of other arty fun, and fall in love with Tassie’s second largest city from August 22-26 as part of the 2012 Junction Arts Festival.

Stay up to date with all the Junction Arts Festival happenings
online or follow Junction Arts Festival on Facebook.

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Map: Junction Arts Festival, Launceston 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.

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Map: North East Tasmania…

Watchhouse Cottage: luxury accommodation in the small township of Hadspen, about 12kms from Launceston in the north of Tasmania.  If you’re not particularly keen on reading gushing endorsements, you need to look away now.  To describe this place, I need to haul out every possible superlative!  Special, awesome, brilliant, fabulous… shall I go on?

Watchhouse Cottage, part of the Red Feather Inn Complex in Hadspen Tasmania

Watchhouse Cottage: Red Feather Inn, Hadspen

To be honest, there’s several stories I need to tell about the weekend.  Watch this space for details of…

• the convict-built, sandstone coaching inn
• the hosts, Ian and Tanya White and owner, Lydia Nettlefold
• the schedule of cooking classes
• the talented photographer (and fellow guest) Richard Cowling
• the shared table, seasonal dining experience

There’s also some stories from said shared-table dining experience that I won’t be sharing!  Suffice to say that all the guests had a fabulous, fun evening.  What I would like to share with you first, is our time at Watchhouse Cottage.

Two or three bedrooms make up the Watchhouse Cottage self-contained accommodation

Self-Contained, Luxury Accommodation

The self-contained accommodation is part of the expansive Red Feather complex, found between the cooking school and a tiny, former jail building.  The two-bedroom Watchhouse Cottage has its own private garden and can be expanded to three-bedrooms with the inclusion of another stand-alone room to the side.  Each bedroom has a bathroom, making it the perfect choice for couples travelling together.

Luxury accommodation with special touches from an avid, well-travelled antiques collector

This is the sort of place that makes you feel really comfortable.  And I’m not just referring to the expected inclusions of luxury, boutique accommodation.  Fluffy white bath robes are very nice, that’s true.  But Watchhouse Cottage has been generously decorated with some of the stunning artworks and antiques owned by proprietor Lydia Nettlefold.  You get the distinct sense you’ve been invited into someone’s home, rather than a hotel.

It's a sign! Watchhouse Cottage has interesting things to discover in every room

Capturing the Essence of Watchhouse Cottage

Usually, if I take enough photos, one or two of them manage to capture how I’d like to portray something.  They help to show a place exactly how it was when I was there in person.  But over the weekend, I found myself wondering if any words or photos could do the Watchouse Cottage justice.  So I’ve gone to the other extreme, and I’ve combined lots of photos into a slideshow called Watchhouse Cottage.

Watch the video and you might appreciate why I’m so enamoured.  But again, in all honesty, you need to see this place for yourself to completely understand.

The master bedroom (with ensuite) of Watchhouse Cottage is simply stunning

Usually, I’m the sort of person that tries to maximise the experiences covered in a day.  Drive somewhere, unpack the bags, head out to explore the region.  That’s me!  But the next time I stay at Watchhouse Cottage (or any of the other gorgeous suites at Red Feather Inn)… I’ll be planning on leaving the plans at home.  This cosy escape has relax and unwind written all over it.

Tania and Gavin Horne were guests of Red Feather Inn.  There are more
photos of Watchhouse Cottage on the Red Feather Inn Facebook page.

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: Red Feather Inn, Hadspen Tasmania…

Hi Tania ~ Here are some images for 41 Degrees South.  Good stuff, fun to do and great tastings ~ Dan Fellow

And with that little note, Dan attached a heap of great photos.  He really is a man of few words, hey?

41 Degrees South: Tasmanian Salmon Farm, Ginseng & Wetlands

However… Dan is also a great advocate for all things Tasmanian, particularly tourism attractions close to his home town of Westbury.  Everyone has loved the professional tourism photos we’ve shared from Dan recently…

• Silk
• Windermere Corner Cafe
• Lilydale Tavern, Bakery & Cafe
• Dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo
• New Year on Royal

So I went to the 41 Degrees South website, to find out more.  Here’s what they’ve got to say (and I quote!)…

41 Degrees South: Salmon, Ginseng & Wetlands

41 Degrees South Tasmania is a unique tourist attraction near Launceston and Devonport.  A 45 minute drive from Launceston brings you to our salmon farm, ginseng nursery and wetlands near Deloraine.  We offer free tastings, a small café is located at the farm and light lunches are available.

41 Degrees South offer tastings and sales of their Tasmanian products

The farm was carved out of of willow and gorse infested scrub in 1998.  Ponds were built and wetlands were created.  A patchwork of wetland grasses, freshwater ponds, dykes, wetlands and marshes are set along the western creek rivulet.  The wetland was not only created to attract a wide variety of birds, it’s aim was to also be used as a natural biofilter for the salmon farm.

 

There is always something to see here as changing seasons bring different birds and give them a place to feed, breed, nest and rest.  Things to do at our farm include a self-guided tour of the fresh water salmon ponds and ginseng field.  You can also take a walk along the boardwalk through our wetlands set at the foot of the Montana Falls.

Take a tour of the Tasmanian Salmon ponds at 41 Degrees South near Deloraine

First-Hand Experience: Photos from 41 Degrees South

The only thing left to do now is share the photos (which do tend to confirm what 41 Degrees South have promised about their attraction).  Because there were too many photos to format and add to this article, I’ve turned them into a slideshow for our YouTube Channel.  I’m sure Dan’s photos will inspire you to visit…

To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook.
You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD
with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos for $19-95.
If you’d like Dan 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: 41 Degrees South Tasmania…

If there’s anyone that needs to go to cooking school, it’s me!
I’ve written about having access to all this wonderful Tasmanian produce,
and not having much clue about using it.  So I was absolutely stoked
to be invited by Red Feather Inn to join one of their classes.  Of course,
I’ll be writing articles and sharing my experience with you too.
Here’s all the details… you’ll see why I’m so excited! ~ Tania

An ideal opportunity to attend a cooking school. What a perfect opportunity!

Cooking School at Red Feather Inn

In April 2012, foodies will delight at The Red Feather Inn’s exceptional Red Feather Cooking School.  The month of April is the ideal time to visit Tasmania and sample some of the best, fresh Tasmanian produce.

Offering two exciting classes, the cooking school will take guests on an exquisite culinary journey to explore the wildlife and master the art of gourmet campfire dining techniques.  Exceptional chefs will team up on Saturday 14th April and Saturday 28th April to give visitors a fantastic ‘From Paddock to Plate’ cooking experience which also includes classes, meals, Tasmanian wines and accommodation in the package.

Using fabulous Tasmanian produce at the Red Feather Inn Cooking School

Saturday 14th April:  Tasmanian Bush Tucker Experience

An amazing nature and wildlife experience with Tasmanian bush legend, Craig Williams from Pepper Bush Adventures.  You will see, feel, smell, taste and hear Tasmania.  This afternoon/evening trip focuses on gourmet campfire dining and the antics of the wildlife in Tyne Valley on the side of Ben Lomond.  All the ingredients are Tasmanian, (which is to say the best there is);  the recipes are original and often include native spices or herbs and the combinations of texture and taste are subtle and varied.  Naturally, the best Tasmanian wines accompany these dishes, carefully chosen to compliment these culinary creations.

• Cooking School Class Cost: $395 per person
• Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share
• Duration: 1.00pm to 10.30pm

Red Feather Cooking School - back to the classroom!

Saturday 28th April:  Game Day

Master Butcher Craig Williams will demonstrate the art of preparing some of Tasmania’s highly renowned wild game meats such as hare, wallaby and venison.  You learn some of his secret bush tucker recipes that you will then get to try for lunch.  Tanya will then teach you how these same fabulous products are utilised in Australia’s best restaurants.

• Cooking School Class Cost: $395 per person
• Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share
• Duration: 10.00am to 4.00pm

The Red Feather Inn, Tasmania

Accommodation for the cooking school can be provided in a package deal.  French provincial meets Tasmanian chic at the utterly charming Red Feather Inn, 10 minutes from Launceston.

Red Feather Inn, housed in historic convict-built sandstone buildings in Hadspen

The luxury retreat consists of historic convict-built sandstone buildings (one of which was once Tasmania’s first coaching inn) and with its unique surroundings it has been transformed into an endemic Tasmanian heritage treasure.  The five stylish suites are beautifully appointed looking over the secluded garden.  Combined with the ultimate in modern comforts, the Red Feather Inn is ideal for intimate getaways or very special gatherings.

Head Chef, Tanya White, prides herself on using the best local produce from the local vegetable garden as well as the nearby farm.  The exceptional ever changing seasonal menu is complimented by wonderful cool climate Tasmanian wines.  Dining at the Red Feather Inn is a culinary delight for the real foodie!

Celebrity guest chefs frequent the cooking school, housed in the converted cottage.  Guests can enjoy a full day or a week long lifestyle cooking experience.

Red Feather Inn in Hadspen Tasmania, offering a luxury retreat and a cooking school

The beautiful area offers many exiting opportunities to explore the region including; scenic wine routes, world class golfing, bike riding around the magnificent South Esk Rivers edge and highland lake fly fishing.

Alternatively relax alfresco style in the cobbled courtyard or beneath the willow tree with a glass of local pinot in hand.  What bliss!

Told you I had good reason to be excited!!
If you’d like to join me at the cooking school, or just enjoy a stay
at the luxury retreat, phone (03) 6393 6506 or email Red Feather Inn.

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: Red Feather Inn Cooking School…

Festivale Photography Competition

The Festivale Photography Competition is still open.  Launceston’s premier event celebrating Tasmanian food and wine is over for another year, but there’s still a chance to collect a cash prize.  Entry to the contest is free and images will be accepted until Monday 20 February.

Each entrant is allowed to submit two images for judging.  A photo taken at the actual event could win the Festivale Photography Competition; but not necessarily.  The image just needs to reflect “the Essence of Festivale” to be eligible.  So if you have a taken a great photo and the subject involves Tasmanian food and wine, beer or entertainment… you could be a winner!

Photographs selected for judging will be exhibited at the Wursthaus Gallery, Quadrant Mall, Launceston.  The exhibition will be open from Saturday 3 March for two weeks.

The organisers of the Festivale Photography Competition would prefer you to submit your entry online.  If that’s not possible, you can post your photo to PO Box 910, Launceston 7250.  See the Festivale website for further details and conditions, and to check out the gallery of past winners.

Festivale 2012

We had the most fabulous time at Festivale 2012.  Launceston City Park makes a spectacular venue, especially in fine and mild weather.  There’s plenty of seating and shade, with easy access to lots of food and drink stalls.  The idea is to present your Festivale wine glass (which you purchase once for $3) at the wine merchant of your choice.  For between $5 and $7, you can taste Tasmanian wine that might otherwise be difficult to sample.

Launceston City Park makes a sensational venue for Festivale

Clover Hill: purchase a glass of Tasmanian wine at Festivale, Launceston

We found the food well-priced for a decent serve (meals ranged in price from about $6 to $12), and everything we tried was hot and fresh.  There’s such a good variety, the choice was quite difficult.  Next year we’ll get a weekend pass, to make the most of the occasion.  The music was sensational; Luke Bennett was my favourite.

Food and drink available at Festivale included kid-friendly choices

Wine and cheese: platters matched to suit the Tasmanian selection on offer

The kids are not forgotten, with food and drink suitable for them.  The Amazing Drumming Monkeys ARE amazing, and Kids Kingdom (bordered by Sweet-As candy and Kid’s Paradise cupcakes) offered activities for youngsters.  The roving performers added interest and intrigue.  Just how do they walk around on those stilts?

Performers entertain the crowds, great subjects for the Festivale Photography Competition

Sharon & George from Sweet-As supply Tasmanian-made rock candy at Festivale

Festivale Fairy (Cara Egan) at Kid's Paradise selling decorated cupcakes

But like I said, it’s all done for this year.  If you haven’t been before (or even if you have!), I would seriously recommend you mark your diary for February 2013, and make it happen.  It’ll be worth it.  The $20-00 adult, full-day entry fee (kids are free) is a good investment considering the entertainment provided.  You can always take your camera along, or whip out your mobile phone, and try to win the Festivale Photography Competition.

Popular musical duo S&M performing at Festivale in Launceston City Park

Two stages with constant live music: performers entertaining the Festivale crowd

 The writer and her family were guests of the Festivale committee.  For more
information about the event, see their website or find Festivale on Facebook.

Tickets to Festivale supplied to Think Tasmania by the organising committee

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: Festivale Photography Competition…

Windermere Corner Cafe

by Dan Fellow

There’s a great little tourist stop-over between Dilston and Windermere and I’d like to share my photos with you.  The complex includes a shop, an indoor-outdoor cafe, wine tasting, art gallery and gifts.  I thought the staff were wonderful. ~ Dan Fellow

Windermere Corner Cafe, cellar door for Native Point Wines

More about the Windermere Corner Cafe…

Dan Fellow is a professional tourism photographer, and we’re always happy to share his terrific photos.  The following is an excerpt from the Windermere Corner Cafe newsletter, just to give you a little more information.

Enjoy wine tasting in the Tamar Valley at Windermere, cellar door for Native Point Wines

Native Point Wines is pleased to announce the opening of our new cellar door at Windermere managed by Kerry Schapel and Maree Wakeling.  The new location is listed in the 2010-11 Tamar Valley Wine Route and the Wine Tasmania Wine Route brochures and on their respective websites.

Wine tastings are available at the Native Point Wines Cellar Door in Windermere

The Windermere Corner Cafe & cellar door is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm; seven days a week, 364 days a year (closed on New Years Day) and is conveniently located on the East Tamar Highway, 10 minutes north of Launceston on the corner of the East Tamar Hwy and Windermere Rd Windermere, phone 6328 1335.

Windermere Corner Cafe: Tamar Valley Wine Route & Wine Tasmania

Come and enjoy a tasting of our award winning Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris; stay for lunch on your way to or from other Tamar Valley vineyards; or visit the Native Point vineyard and meet the owners Sheena & Tim High (please phone ahead on 6328 1628).

Enjoy some Native Point Wines with a gourmet platter for lunch at Windermere

The Windermere Corner Café serves all day breakfasts, lunch and gourmet platters, and also features paintings and crafts from local artists.  Wines are of course available for sale to take with you, or posted to your home.

Local artists show their work at the Windermere Corner Cafe

To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook.
You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD
with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos for $19-95.

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: Windermere Corner Cafe, Tasmania…