Archive for the ‘Launceston & Tamar Valley’ Category

Cataract Gorge.  There’s absolutely no escaping the fact that “The Gorge” is one of the most loved Tasmanian attractions.  Locals and tourists to the island state all rave about it.  But why?  What makes it so popular?  We take a closer look and offer some insight into that popularity.

Riley gets a good view of the suspension bridge from the Cataract Gorge Chairlift

Cataract Gorge: The Basin Chairlift

Firstly, the Cataract Gorge is home to the Basin Chairlift.  Since 1972, the 450-metre ride has been gently transporting people from one side of the Reserve to the other.  And as Harry and his buddy demonstrate, catching the chairlift is child’s play!

Ready and waiting for a turn on the Cataract Gorge Chairlift

Better than walking! Fasten your seat belts and take the chairlift across The Gorge

Sit back and relax as the chairlift carries you over the Cataract Gorge

The views from the chairlift are always spectacular, and the ride is smooth enough to take photos.  But at certain times, when northern Tasmania is receiving heavy rainfall, the river system floods and the waters raging through the Cataract Gorge provide a real show.

The South Esk River floods from the Cataract Gorge to the Tamar River, Launceston

Climbing, Cruising and Walking in The Cataract Gorge

While the Basin Chairlift provides enough adrenalin for many people, there’s always some that want more.  Rock climbers for instance, who scramble up and down the face of the cliff.  The photo collage below shows the climber on the left; his location is circled on the right hand side.  Scary stuff!!

This rock climber gets a different view of the Cataract Gorge in Launceston

Kings Bridge is an iconic landmark in Launceston and marks the start of the walking trail into the Reserve from the city centre.  We cruised underneath the bridge on our Cataract Gorge Cruise with Tamar River Cruises and the construction is amazing.

Kings Bridge, an iconic landmark in Launceston Tasmania

Walking into the Cataract Gorge possibly provides the best experience of all.  The Reserve is very close to the centre of Launceston, and the track is straight forward in terms of access and makes for quite an easy stroll.

The path follows the edge of the river, passing the gatekeeper’s cottage (another building often photographed for tourism brochures).  The cottage is now leased out by the council to artists working on projects in the region.

And why wouldn’t artists be drawn to the area with so much natural beauty right on the doorstep?  No matter what mode of transport you use to enjoy it, the Cataract Gorge is definitely a must-do experience in Tasmania.

Kings Bridge Gorge Cottage, now used for a Launceston Artists in Residence program

Thanks to Jo Kuchel for providing some of the photos for this article.
See her guest article about Sheffield in the state’s north west, too.

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Map: Cataract Gorge, Launceston Tasmania…

Dinosaurs have arrived at Tasmania Zoo at Riverside (18kms from the CBD of Launceston) in the north of the state.  January 6th saw the official launch of the new tours;  Dan Fellow, our favourite professional tourism photographer, was there to capture all the action.  As usual, Dan lets his camera do most of the talking.  He does predict the dinosaurs will be “a great attraction” though.

Dinosaurs now on show at Tasmania Zoo; guided tours only

Tasmania Zoo: Jurassic Swamp Dinosaurs

Robert Warren is the operations manager at Tasmania Zoo.  He and his father Dick are responsible for the new exhibit dubbed Jurassic Swamp, which took two months to set up.  Forty dinosaurs were in place from the outset, with a few more to storm in to the Tamar Valley region over time.

The brilliant colours of this fibreglass dinosaur are on show at Tasmania Zoo

Dan Fellow attended the official launch of the new dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo

Look out... dinosaurs on the ground and in the air!

Guided Tours

The only way the dinosaurs can be viewed by the general public is via guided tours.  The zoo has made a substantial investment to add the fibreglass creatures to their wildlife park.  But there’s no additional charge to see the dinosaurs in their new Tasmanian bush home.  The tours are included in the park’s entry price and operate daily at 11am and 2pm.

The dinosaurs make a very scary impression on tourists visiting Tasmania Zoo

Who would have thought? Dinosaurs at a zoo in Tasmania!

Scattered through the native Tasmanian bush, dinosaurs are set to scare you!

So if you like the idea of coming face to face with huge, scary dinosaurs in what used to be a tranquil bush setting… Tasmania Zoo might be just right for you!  The tourists from Western Australia (photographed by Dan with the dinosaurs) seem pretty impressed with the brand new attraction.

Tourists from West Australia meet with the new dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo

Dinosaurs have arrived in Tasmania!! Meet them in Riverside... if you dare!

All the way from WA, tourists get to confront the dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo

Not Just Dinosaurs…

Of course, there’s other reasons to visit.   Tasmania Zoo is spread over 900 acres and boasts a large collection of native and exotic animals.  Birds, Tasmanian Devils, penguins, crocodiles, wombats, echidnas, kangaroos, quolls, reptiles and monkeys all make the list.

For more information about feeding times for the Tasmanian Devils
or details of the dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo phone (03) 6396 6100

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Map: Tasmania Zoo Dinosaurs…

We ventured to Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe after our treetops adventure at Hollybank.  Nothing unusual about grabbing a drink or a bite to eat after an outing with a group of friends.  What was unusual however, was the combination of beers and pies… we weren’t at a footy match!

The pies & cakes section of Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, north east Tasmania

Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe: Open for Business

The first point I’d like to make is this:  we arrived at about 4pm.  Now it’s not unusual for Tasmanian business owners to close their doors at about that hour.  And it soon became apparent that the staff at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe had been preparing to leave for the day.  But they welcomed us with open arms, and served us with a real smile (not the forced sort, when someone has had to grit their teeth).

Service with a real smile at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Our large group managed to clean up the last of their available pies and cakes in a flurry.  And they were good.  The pies were hot and fresh and they gave us tomato sauce for free!  And the cakes were cheap.  Not in a nasty kind of way; but in a “pay a reasonable price for a decent product” kind of way.

Cornish pasties fresh out of the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe oven

Who doesn't like a fresh muffin or two, especially when they're reasonably priced?

Although we all thought it was a strange combination, the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe did the trick for us.  The adults bought a few beers from the pub section and the kids were more than happy with their lot.  In fact, if we’d arrived earlier, we would have racked up the pool table and played a few rounds as well.

Adding yet another string to their bow, the business also provides budget accommodation.  I can’t verify the quality of that part of the business, though.  I’m only aware of the accommodation option, because I include a link to a relevant website in each article, offering extra information to readers.  When I searched for a website for the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, I couldn’t find one.  But I did find a website listing the business for sale, showing the units.

The Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe is at 1983 Lilydale (Main) Road Lilydale 7268 TAS

The Home of the Painted Poles

The small township of Lilydale is known as “the Home of the Painted Poles”.  Settled in the 1860′s, the town has a population of about 350, including potters, craftspeople and artists.  Some of those artists have painted the power poles, hence the slogan.  A naturally beautiful region, the main industries include agriculture and viticulture.

Quirky Tasmanian slogan: Lilydale is the "Home of the Painted Poles"

Lilydale is about 30kms from Launceston; 50kms from Bridport and 40kms from Scottsdale.  It’s also close to Bridestowe Lavender Estate and several vineyards including Pipers Brook Vineyard.

And as I mentioned earlier, it’s only five minutes from the Hollybank Forest Reserve, where you can fly through the treetops.

Fly through the forest with Hollybank Treetops Adventure

The town boasts several other assets and things to do besides the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

Lilydale Attractions & Reasons to Visit

You can visit two small waterfalls at the Lilydale Falls Reserve.  A comfortable stroll from Lilydale Park will have you bushwalking in rainforest (or you can just enjoy a picnic with some of those Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe goodies!).

Lilydale Falls, just a stroll from the carpark through temperate rainforest

Now privately owned, the William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Reserve has exotic trees and shrubs up to 60 years old.

William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Gardens, Lilydale Tasmania

Mount Arthur is one of the state’s highest peaks, and provides a lovely scenic backdrop to the township of Lilydale.  If you’re energetic, you can take the three-hour trek to the summit giving magnificent views over the valley.  If you do that, you would have definitely earned yourself some Tasmanian gelati back at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe!

Enjoy a serve of real Tasmanian gelati at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Images were taken by professional tourism
photographer Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos

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Map: Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

New Year 2012

To celebrate the New Year in Launceston, the Festivale committee organised an event for the community to enjoy.  Dan Fellow went along to New Year on Royal with his trusty camera and took some photos to share with the rest of us.  We thought the best way to showcase his efforts was by adding a slideshow to the Think Tasmania video channel.  Check it out, you might see someone you know; or maybe mark it in your diary for next time!

Thanks to Dan for his ever-reliable contribution, and thanks to the
New Year on Royal committee for inviting Think Tasmania along.

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Map: New Year, Royal Park Launceston…

Festivale: Tasmanian Award Winning Event!

by Louise Clark

Festivale is one of Tasmania’s premier events.  Winner of the 2008/2009/2010 Tourism Tasmania’s Festivals and Events Awards, Festivale is a three day celebration designed to showcase the very best of Tasmania’s food, wine, beer, arts and entertainment.  Staged annually in February in Launceston’s historic and picturesque City Park, the ambiance of the outdoor event is unique.

Festivale is a celebration of fine Tasmanian produce

Festivale’s ability to present the best Tasmanian produce and entertainment in a historically and culturally significant outdoor location on the fringe of the city rates it as one of the best and food and wine festivals in Australia.  Under historic elm trees, family and friends can relax in the wide open space of Launceston City Park.

Festivale in full swing in Launceston City Park

The Best of Tasmania: Festivals Full of Food & Drink

Tasmania is renowned for its world-class cool climate wines, beers, ciders and produce.  Festivale provides an opportunity to ‘taste’ and experience the best of what Tasmania has to offer.  From 10-12 February 2012, Festivale will offer a menu of quality Tasmanian food and wine mixed with music, dance, the arts and roving street theatre.

Roving street performers entertain the crowd at Festivale

In its 24th year, Festivale will feature more than 70 stalls, all featuring Tasmanian-grown and Tasmanian-made produce.  Taste the delights of Landfall Farm Fresh, Tasmanian Gourmet Kitchen, Ashgrove Farm Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, Cable Station Restaurant, Mathew Evans’ Rare Food and Strawberry Avenue.

A sample of some of the Festivale food stalls, with Tasmanian produce on show

The State’s most prestigious wineries, Pipers Brook, Tasmanian Estates, Josef Chromy Wines and Jansz as well as many highly regarded boutique wines will be available.  Wine will be available for tasting as well as for purchase by the glass.

Masterclass: Introducing Wine & Beer

An exciting addition in 2012 to the already popular program is the introduction of a series of Wine and Beer Master Classes, ‘From Hops to Vines – A Treat for the Senses.’  The Master Classes will be held on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 February in the Pioneer Lobby, Albert Hall, adjacent to City Park.  Tickets for the Master Classes will be available from the Launceston Travel and Information Centre from December.

Presenters include Andrew Pirie, one of Tasmania and Australia’s leading and influential winemakers, James Welsh, sommelier Stillwater and Black Cow restaurants, Willie Simpson, head brewer, Seven Sheds Brewery and Winsor Dobbin, food, wine and travel journalist.

In 2012 the Festivale Committee will also introduce the inaugural Festivale Wine Awards.  Open to all wine stallholders at the event the winning wines will be announced on Thursday 9 February prior to the festival’s opening at 5,30pm on Friday 10 February.  Patrons will be able to taste winning wines throughout the weekend.

The Festivale crowd can sample wines and relax into the evening in Launceston

Valli Little, Food Director, Delicious Magazine will be a special guest throughout the weekend of Festivale.  Along with Northern Tasmania’s junior master chef contestant, Gracie Neufhof, Ms Little will be judging the Best Stall Awards.

Delicious food judged and awarded prizes for the Festivale Best Stall Awards

Music Festival: Australian Legends

The event provides an outdoor theatre for the state’s burgeoning arts and entertainment community and Festivale will feature a non-stop entertainment line-up from two stages around the park each day.

The outdoor theatre, where musicians entertain the crowd over the February weekend

Celebrations kick off on Friday evening with Daryl Braithwaite headlining the Frontline Stage.  On Saturday evening, Australian rock legend, Richard Clapton will bring the evening alive.  Bobby Fox and the Treatment feature on Sunday.

Crowds flock to Launceston City Park for the stellar event, Tasmanian Festivale

Tasmanian bands include Mayfield, Pete Cornelius and the Devilles, Small City Lights, Luke Bennett Trio, Fabulous Picasso Brothers, Frankie Andrew, Voodoo Lounge and Merchants in Groove.  Dance and roving performers also feature.  Explore Kid’s Kingdom for children’s activities including workshops, craft and face painting.

Launceston City Park Monkeys

Don’t miss the Amazing Drumming Monkeys from Adelaide who will perform four shows over the weekend.  The Amazing Drumming Monkeys, Congo and Bongo play to the beat of friendship and ecological awareness, and have performed at festivals around the country.  The monkeys are a hit with all ages.

The sights and sounds of Festivale are the focus of the Festivale Photography Prize.  The Festivale Photography Competition is in its 6th year and is open to anyone who can operate a camera.  Enter the competition online.  Remember to bring your camera to capture a photograph that you can enter into the competition.

About Festivale 2012

Festivale will be held at Launceston’s historic City Park from 5.30pm until 10.45pm on Friday, February 10; 11am until 10.45pm on Saturday, February 11, and 10am until 4pm on Sunday, February 12.

Festivale - The symbol of one of Tasmania's best festivals

Entry prices:

• Friday night $20
• Saturday $20
• Sunday $15
• Children under 14 and accompanied by an adult are free

A 3 day pass will be available for pre-purchase only from the Launceston Travel and Information Centre for $40.

Tickets will be available from the Launceston Travel and Information Centre from December or at the gate.

For more information visit the Festivale website or find Festivale on Facebook

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Map: Festivale Launceston…

We came across the Ingleside Bakery Cafe quite by chance.  We were out for a Sunday drive from Launceston.  We did a loop circuit, past Entally House in Hadspen; via Longford and back through Evandale on the home stretch.  We got a little peckish on the drive (as you do!), and decided to seek out a nice place to eat.

A selection of baked goodies from the Ingleside Bakery Cafe in Evandale

Ingleside Bakery Cafe: Pretty Place in Evandale

If you’ve read any of my food-related articles before, you would know I like more than just a good bite to eat.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of quality food.  But I also like my environment to be special when I’m eating out.  And I thought the Ingleside Bakery Cafe was very charming.

Table service, with a chance to see some interesting extras while you wait

Apparently, the goodies are baked in an old wood-fired oven.  Some of the parts used to make the oven were reputedly found “lying in a field”.  Recycling at its finest!!  And whatever method used to bake them, the cakes we tried were delicious!

A delicious lemon tart with a hot chocolate on the side... Yum!

The building itself is bright yellow these days, which would be a dramatic change from the early days.  Built in 1867 as Council Chambers in Russell Street Evandale, it was converted to its current form in 1988.

The old Council Chambers building in Evandale, now Ingleside Bakery Cafe

Courtyard Garden with Roses in Summer

Access to the delightful garden in the courtyard has been created by the removal of one of the side windows.  And in keeping with the recycling theme, a tall, skinny door from an old church now fills the cavity.

Access from the Ingleside Bakery Cafe to the rose-covered courtyard

Courtyard dining in Evandale, Tasmania.

It wasn’t the right season for us to enjoy the magnificent blooms that adorn the Ingleside Bakery Cafe in summer.  But we did really enjoy the sculptures in the garden, especially the one we dubbed King Chicken.  He was tinged with green from the weather, and would swing in the breeze, magically balanced somehow.

King Chicken presides over the Ingleside Bakery Cafe courtyard

Service with a Smile & Shopping on the Side

The cafe was pretty busy when we ventured in.  But the service was friendly and efficient, and the kids were made to feel welcome.  There were plenty of things to browse during our brief wait… artwork, local honey, sweets, giftware and souvenirs of all sorts lined the walls and shelves.  There was an open fire to warm your toes, too!

What about a spot of shopping while you wait for your bakery order?

Some of the paintings near the open fire, a pleasant ambiance in Evandale

We have since recommended Ingleside Bakery Cafe to some Tassie tourists,
when they asked about a place to eat near the Launceston airport.
And they really liked it.  In fact, they made a point of taking some friends
there on a return visit.  It’s nice when we have our opinion confirmed by others…
but when a place is this good, it’s not hard to get it right.

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Map: Ingleside Bakery Cafe Evandale…

Entally House

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Beautiful Entally House and Estate is located 15 minutes from Launceston on the Meander Valley Touring Route in the community of Hadspen.  The Estate was established by Thomas Reibey II in 1819 and is one of the best historic homes in Tasmania.

Entally House: a fine heritage estate in Hadspen Tasmania (via Launceston)

It has Australia’s oldest conservatory, chapel, stables, carriage house and farmyard.  In 1947 the property was bought by the Tasmanian Government through the Scenery Preservation Board and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who today still manage this enchanting property.

Entally House: step back in history at the Estate in Hadspen, Tasmania

Entally House: Estate Gardens & Vineyard

Entally House sits in a large stunning garden setting which also includes a vineyard.  When I arrived and stepped out of the car the heavenly perfume of the garden was one of the first things to greet me.  If you’re a garden-lover you will certainly take pleasure in the floral displays and smells as you walk around this delightful old garden.  These gorgeous grounds are available for events and weddings.

The beautiful estate gardens surrounding Entally House

The interior of Entally House is beautifully preserved and presented.  I enjoyed walking in and out of all the rooms and getting the feel of what it must’ve been like to live here in this era.  You can join one of the tours or walk around the Estate at your own pace.

The estate library in Entally House, one of the beautifully preserved rooms

As with the majority of old buildings in this period of time most of the construction was done with convict labour.  You can enjoy some wine from the vineyard or treat yourself to a lovely Devonshire tea while you reflect on the history and beauty of the property.

An elegant bedroom fit for the landed gentry in olden Tasmanian times

Entally Estate: Heritage Open in Hadspen

Entally House is open 10am to 4pm seven days a week (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day). Cost of Entry is $10 per adult; $8 per pensioner or student; $25 per family (2 adults and unlimited children).

Take a tour of Entally House or wander the estate at your own pace

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.

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Map: Entally House, Hadspen Tasmania…