Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Sport’ Category

The Salmon Ponds in the Derwent Valley region might just be my new favourite place to send tourists on holiday in Tasmania.  We went there for the first time a fortnight ago, and had the best day.  We managed to arrange some magnificent weather just for the occasion, which always helps.  And with some great company, it was perfect for a relaxing day in the great outdoors.  Really, truly, perfect.

The Salmon Ponds, 10 minutes from New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania

Salmon Ponds: Lunch in the Derwent Valley

The picturesque drive to the Salmon Ponds from Hobart takes about 40 minutes.  From New Norfolk, you follow Glenora Road on the western bank of the Derwent River, heading towards Mt Field National Park.  There’s a sign on the road marking the way to the entrance.  Through an avenue of trees, you will emerge at the carpark outside reception.

After a pleasant drive through the Derwent Valley, we arrived at the Salmon Ponds

Our first duty was to sample the lunch menu.  The Salmon Ponds has a casual, fully-licensed cafe. The selection features mostly pancakes, but with a special burger and salad of the day.  The young ladies in control of the dining area were run off their feet, but did an exemplary job.  Our group ordered a variety of food (salmon salad, beef burger, chicken curry pancakes) and drinks, and everyone was happy with their choice.  I would definitely plan any future visits to coincide with lunch.

It really is pancakes by the pond if you want!! Or a burger, or a salad...

Feeding Trout in the Salmon Ponds!

Once we were fed, it was time to head to the salmon ponds and feed the fish.  This was the highlight of the day!  For $2-00, you can purchase a plastic tub filled with pellets, and the fish are well aware of the routine.  A punter at the edge of the pond clearly screams “food coming”.

Hand-feed varieties of trout and Atlantic Salmon swimming in the ponds

Breeds of trout (Rainbow, Brown, Tiger and Albino) and Atlantic Salmon are separated into their own large ponds, and frequently jump right out of the water when you’re feeding them.  They’re obviously well cared for, as some of them are huge fish.  Apparently they can weigh up to eight kilograms.

Tasmanian Museum: Trout Fishing & Hatchery

The feeding of humans and fish is not the only attraction.  A cottage built in 1865, originally for the superintendent of the Salmon Ponds, is now the Tasmanian Museum of Trout Fishing.  Okay, so trout fishing.  Not salmon?  Yes, that’s correct.

In the beginning, the idea was to hatch and breed salmon sent over from England.  But the salmon released in Tasmania were way too smart to hang around, so the angling folk had to resort to trout.  Hence the popular sport was launched and eventually became the booming industry we have in the state today.

Tasmanian Museum of Trout Fishing, part of the Salmon Ponds, New Norfolk

If you’re interested in the fish-breeding process, you can also access the Hatchery at the Salmon Ponds.  There’s clearly a complicated process involved in keeping Tasmanian lakes and rivers stocked with enough healthy trout to go around.  Some of the history of angling in Tasmania is also revealed in this heritage building, along with big tanks and egg-sorting paraphernalia.

The heritage Hatchery building and the history of the Salmon Ponds

Heritage Trees and English Gardens

You don’t necessarily have to be mad-keen on fishing to appreciate the Salmon Ponds.  I can vouch for that!  Gardeners will be mesmerised by the trees, lawns and hedges surrounding the waterways.  Huge expanses of lush, green lawn are edged by mature trees in the fashion of 19th Century England.  Obviously the people responsible for the planting knew exactly what they were doing, because the significant trees are up to 140 years old.  When we arrived, we were given a brochure outlining the placement of each different species of tree.

A magnificent collection of heritage trees in the English-style gardens

Plenty River Walk

There’s also a walking path alongside the Plenty River, where you can search for the elusive platypus and spot the occasional eel.  And while there’s no angling opportunities within the Salmon Ponds, a platform on the River Walk has been built to allow people with disabilities to fish for trout.

The Plenty River Walk, where you might spy a platypus or a slippery eel

Also along the Plenty River Walk, there’s a hut (called The Sanctuary), which is a re-creation of the accommodation available to Tasmanian pioneers as they enjoyed their trout fishing.  Nearby, there are terrific picnic and bbq facilities if you choose to pass on the Pancakes by the Pond.

Vigorous cricket matches were in progress around the grounds on the day of our visit.  And rounding out the things to do and see at the Salmon Ponds…  the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame is housed in another outbuilding.

Youl be Proud…

Sir James Arndell Youl would be very proud to see that his “bold thinking and careful experimentation” has evolved into this wonderful heritage attraction.  And I’m pretty happy that we’ve been to see the Salmon Ponds in person, and can now confidently recommend it to you.

Sir James Arndell Youl, a pioneer of the trout fishing industry in Tasmania

For information regarding opening times and entrance fees
(which include all-day access to the entire grounds)
visit the Salmon Ponds website.

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Map: Salmon Ponds Tasmania…

Tickets to the Moorilla Hobart International are on sale now!  So if you’re looking for a REALLY last minute gift for Christmas, this might be just what you need to save the day!

Moorilla Hobart International: Tickets on sale now for the tennis

How to Buy Tickets for the Moorilla Hobart International…

Log on to Ticketek and select Moorilla Hobart International.  Single session prices start at $8-90, and the tournament starts January 6th 2012.  Print out your tickets, pop them in a Christmas card and place under the tree with your beloved’s name written neatly on the envelope.  You will be the champion gift-buyer of the festive season!

Booking information for the Moorilla Hobart International

Why to Buy Tickets for the Moorilla Hobart International…

The hard-working team at Tennis Tasmania have dedicated themselves to making the Moorilla Hobart International 2012 an event to remember.  With lots of exciting new innovations to match the stellar location of the venue on Queens Domain, this will be a great Tasmanian event even if you’re not a tennis fan.

But if you ARE a tennis fan, you’re in for a real treat.  Jarmila Gajdosova, second only to Samantha Stosur in Australia’s female player rankings, came to Hobart to help launch the event at MONA on the 2nd of December.  She spoke about defending her 2011 Tasmanian title, and how she hoped to repeat her success and get her Australian summer campaign off to a solid start.

Moorilla Hobart International defending champion Jarmila Gajdosova

She’s comfortable in the Hobart environment, having also represented Australia in a Fed Cup tie against Italy at the Domain Tennis Centre in February.  The crowds gave the powerful player great support last year, and will be sure to do the same again this time around.

Jarmila Gajdasova (Aust) at the Fed Cup tie played at the Domain Tennis Centre, Hobart

Another darling of the Aussie tennis scene, Casey Dellacqua, has been granted a wildcard to the Moorilla Hobart International.  Currently on the comeback trail from injury, she has been dominating the Australian Pro Tour circuit with a record-breaking winning streak.  While long-term shoulder and foot injuries have hindered her playing career, Dellacqua managed to snare a Grand Slam title in June this year, winning the mixed doubles championships at Roland Garros.

Jarmila with tournament director Mark Handley and star Tasmanian junior Sanyukta Singh

Moorilla Hobart International Tournament Director Mark Handley has managed to secure a truly exciting line-up for his first year in Hobart.  Players to watch include…

• former world No. 12 Yanina Wickmayer from Belgium
• quirky fashionista and fun personality Bethanie Mattek-Sands
  from the United States
• 2007 tournament champion Anna Chakvetadze from Russia
• US Open semi finalist Petra Cetkovska from the Czech Republic
• winner of 11 WTA singles and 18 doubles titles
  Anabel Medina Garrigues from Spain

2011 Moorilla Hobart International Final Bethanie Mattek-Sands v Jarmila Gajdosova

Hot Off the Press…

Hot news from our source on the inside at Tennis Tasmania… Australian junior prodigy Ashleigh Barty has literally just been announced as a wildcard entrant for the tournament.  At the age of 15, Ash won the Wimbledon Junior Girls Championships in July and also won the Australian Open Wildcard Playoff last week.

The 2012 Moorilla Hobart International sees Ash make her WTA main draw debut.  Comparisons have been made to a young Lleyton Hewitt, who beat tennis legend Andre Agassi to win the Adelaide International as a newcomer in 1996.  Ash will be looking to mirror the performance of Kim Clijsters who won the Hobart event in 2000 as a 17-year-old.

Final Word?

So on second thoughts, the Moorilla Hobart International is not just for saving Christmas Day… get along and buy tickets for yourself!!  Tickets will also be available at the gate.

Photos of the Moorilla Hobart International launch at MONA
were taken by Jennifer Nield of Tennis Tasmania

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Map: Moorilla Hobart International Venue…

Roller Derby: Queens of the Skate Age

by Vanessa Shredgrave

The first Roller Derby State Championship Tournament began with Convict City Rollers (CCR) hosting the first bout against fellow/rival Hobart league the South Island Sirens (SIS) in July this year.  SIS was formed after a split from CCR, and has been shooting hoops since its inception in 2009; travelling to Sydney to bout SWS, hosting Hobart’s first roller derby double-header and bringing international roller derby coach, Bonnie D. Stroir to town for a multi-league boot camp.  However it was the Convicts’ experience on the track that gave CCR its first ever win, with a score of 125-90.

Convict City Rollers take on the South Island Sirens in Hobart (Photo by Marc Bester)

Rival Hobart Roller Derby Teams CCR & SIS (Photo by Marc Bester)

The Sirens then travelled north to Westbury for the second bout, this time against the Van Diemen Rollers (VDR), the first Tasmanian league and a force to be reckoned with.  The Sirens vitally needed a win to stay in the tournament.  Both teams fought hard, with SIS succumbing to VDR in the last jam (101-97).

It was now down to the North versus the South.  Who would get bragging rights as Roller Derby State Champs?

The History of Roller Derby

In the beginning of time (October 2010), the Convict City Rollers were hammered out of their bouting virginity when they challenged VDR to play them for their ‘Inaugural Brawl’.  Just over a year ago, CCR were a team of fresh green skaters who had two main strategies: ‘stay in derby stance, and… make a wall!’

…VDR creamed the Convicts.  They had miles of experience ahead of CCR in terms of strategy, communication and team cohesion, not to mention a swag of intra league games.  Since then, a mammoth year of boot camps, guest coaches, explosive push-ups and an unpalatable magnesium drink had built CCR into a team to be very, very, scared of.

The Challenge

VDR, undergoing a restructuring of their league, included a couple of star players from their North West branch for the final.  Lined up with mostly players from VDR’s star intra league team, the Jam Tarts, VDR had brought to Hobart a collective of strong-willed skaters who fought hard to the final second.

The Roller Derby Final: CCR v VDR

CCR had underestimated VDR’s strength, and lost their game a little in the first half, a somewhat unexplainable pattern in some recent bouts.  Half time scores were 53-35 to VDR.  CCR regained focus for the second half, playing only the A grade players repeatedly to bring multiple lead changes and ties all the way to the last jam; CCR had one mission, to get lead jammer and protect the winning point that CCR jammer Blue Spark had just scored.  There were 57 seconds on the clock when the jam started, and the CCR jammer (your writer) was downed by VDR blocker Woah Nelly.  This was a blessing in disguise; recovering from Nelly’s sideswipe swallowed up some clock time.  The jam was strategically called off after the initial pass, resulting in the clock timing out and CCR keeping their one point lead.  The crowd of 900 was electric in those last few jams, on their feet and going bananas.

Convict City Rollers, Tasmanian Roller Derby State Champions 2011 (Photo by Pip Stafford)

The score was 99-98 (CCR).  Convict City Rollers were proclaimed Tasmanian State Champions and handed the golden skate trophy to the roar of the orange-clad home crowd.

All tournament games showed a level of skill and commitment across the three main leagues, which has manifested in the state All Star team (the Apple Betties) led by VDR and comprised of skaters from VDR, CCR and SIS.  The phenomenon of roller derby is progressively evolving in all corners of the state, with these leagues sharing resources, training together and sharing the derby love to make the advancement of the sport their highest priority.  Since the championship final a new northern league has formed from mostly Launceston skaters, Devil State Roller Derby.  This adds to the growing number of leagues across Australia.  There are now 65 and counting, compared with 33 in 2010. It’s one of the fastest growing extreme sports worldwide; 13 countries recently competed in the inaugural Blood & Thunder World Cup in Toronto, with Team Australia smashing Scotland, Sweden, Germany and Finland to finish in 4th place.

Tasmanian Representative Team

The Apple Betties (Tassie All Stars) played the Queen Bees (VRDL) as the first bout of a massive double header to finish off the year: VRDL All Stars v Rat City All Stars

Tasmanian Roller Derby goes interstate (Photo by Kim Lee, Roaringstorm Photography)

It was the first trip to the mainland to play derby for many of the girls on the team.  The objective was to promote Tasmanian roller derby on the national stage.  The 2000 plus crowd packed into the showgrounds in Flemington for a massive double header bout: Apple Betties versus Victorian Roller Derby League’s Queen Bees, the warm up game to the VRDL All-Stars’ match against Rat City from Seattle. The Derby News Network (DNN) streamed the whole Apple Betties game online.  Tasmanian fans filled the suicide seating for the game, and supported the state team the whole game.  For the first few jams, Apple Betties had no score on the board, but the points slowly crept up on the board. According to trackside fans, there wasn’t too much noticeable difference in skill level.  The major difference on the track was the Bees’ amazing cohesiveness as a team, constantly water-falling the Apple Betties jammer off the track.

Blitz n Bill was the star jammer of the night for the Betties, scoring over half of the total points.  The Bees however easily took a 255 point win over the Betties’ 62 points.  Reports from the Bees said that the game was the most fun they’d had bouting, and although the Betties got whipped, it was incredible to be part of the first Tasmanian state representative team taking on the mainland.  Comparatively, when the Bees played Ballarat in October, they scored 168 to 88, so while Ballarat’s defences were of a much higher level than the Betties, they still only managed to score 20 more points. And roller derby scores are nothing like football.  20 points can be snapped up in a matter of minutes.

2012 Roller Derby Season

The first half of 2012 is packed full of interstate tournaments, with Australian roller derby growing so fast that regional tournaments are starting to crop up; there’s Mayfever, a Victorian and Tasmanian tournament and The Great Southern Slam, which draws in leagues from all over the country.

For more information email Convict City Roller Derby or tune in to Talk Derby To Me on Edge Radio 99.3, 11-12pm Wednesdays.

 Vanessa Shredgrave is the Convict City Roller Derby
Team Captain, Training Coordinator and host of
Talk Derby to Me on Edge Radio 99.3fm

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This Youl be Right article was written by David Packman for the official
Tennis Australia website.  It was such a great Tasmanian story, we felt
compelled to share.  Of course, we requested permission before republishing.

Youl and Tennis: A Tasmanian Tradition

The 2011 Optus 14s Australian Teams Championships has once again brought together a unique blend of players from across Australia and New Zealand, but none so close knit as the Tasmanian boys’ team, managed by Simon Youl.

The Youl clan: Tom, Simon and Hamish (LHS Photo from Tennis Australia)

Youl is no stranger to the tennis court, retiring from the professional scene in 1994, having reached a very credible world ranking of 80 (in 1992) and twice winning singles events at the top level (at Schenectady in 1989 and Singapore in 1992).  His team at this years’ event includes his son, Tom Youl, and nephew, Hamish Youl (the son of Simon’s elder brother, Andrew).

Simon Youl: Tennis Tasmania Coach

Simon is quick to point out that, despite being the Tasmanian national coach and state selector, he is not responsible for the selection of the team at this week’s event. “I provide some of the facts, but I stayed well clear of the selection process itself,” says Simon. “It’s just the way it turned out.”

Judging from the camaraderie we’ve seen on court this week from the boys, not to mention the talent, it seems the right choices have been made.

Despite coming from different parts of Tasmania (Tom lives in Hobart while Hamish resides in Launceston), the boys see each other at tournaments and family gatherings during the year and they always relish the opportunity.  They are coached separately though, with Tom able to take advantage of his dad’s experience all year round in Hobart while Hamish is coached by James Bolzonello out of the Launceston Tennis Academy.

Hamish & Tom Youl enjoy each other's company (and elite athlete food!!)

Hamish Youl: Top Ranked Tasmanian 14yo Boy

Both Hamish and Tom have held their own in junior tennis this year, with Hamish the top-ranked Tasmanian boy in the 14s and Tom not far behind at number four.  They both also display a well-rounded temperament off-court and Tom, especially, is well-known as a bit of a larrikin with a mischievous glint in his eye.  “He’s a great kid,” says his dad, Simon. “There’s never a dull moment at home with Tom around.”

As far as Hamish and Tom’s aspirations in tennis, they both clearly love the game right at the moment.  “And that’s what matters,” says Simon.  “Being father and coach can provide a different set of challenges, but while Tom is enjoying it, we’ll continue to support him in doing what he loves.”

Tom Youl: Like Father…

In talking to Tom, he says that “it’s great having dad coach me.  He can coach me at home, so that’s really good.”  A pause for thought.  “But it does get annoying sometimes!”

Tom has the support of the whole Youl family in his quest for tennis greatness

While we’re at it, let’s not forget the third member of the Tasmanian team, Nick Fader.  Fader is clearly fitting in well with the Youl clan. “The funny thing is,” says Simon, “Hamish also has a brother called Nick.”

Tasmanian Tennis Teams

As for the teams’ competition this week, it’s been a great experience for all the boys, according to Simon, and they will take a lot away from it. “They’ve had a chance to play older, physically stronger players,” he said. “It’s definitely a learning curve.”

Next stop is the 14s Nationals, where Hamish is playing in the main draw and Tom will have to battle his way through qualifying.  And if Tom can make it to the main draw, we may just see the Youl boys together on court once again, albeit on opposing sides of the net.

Simon Youl coaches the Tasmanian state players, including Hamish & Tom

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Tucker’s Tennis Museum is the result of a lifelong interest in the sport by Launceston resident, Denis Tucker.  Note: I use the word “interest”.  But judging by the banter from family and friends at the launch of the museum, others may use the word “obsession”.

The history of tennis on display at Tucker's Tennis Museum in Launceston

Tucker’s Tennis Museum: One Man’s Obsession!

On Saturday 24th September I was fortunate to attend the official opening of Tucker’s Tennis Museum.  Tennis officials and luminaries of the game, including Craig Tiley and John Fitzgerald, gathered with 170 guests to celebrate the crowning glory of a lifetime of collecting by Denis Tucker.

John Fitzgerald, Denis Tucker, Craig Tiley & guests at the opening of Tucker's Tennis Museum

By his own admission, Denis has dedicated many hours to establishing what will be regarded as a significant tennis museum.  His personal enjoyment of the sport prompted Denis to seek out autographs and take photos, right from his school-boy days.

Vast collections of tennis photographs and signatures gathered by Denis Tucker

Denis Tucker: Where There’s a Will…

The original plan, when he was the owner, was to display the collection at the Launceston Indoor Sports Arena.  LISA was sold and is now the heart of the Launceston Regional Tennis Centre.  And Denis needed to make a new plan for showcasing his hobby.

Tucker's Tennis Museum was officially launched on 24 September 2011

Following the conversion of the garage and two bedrooms at his Newstead home, Denis Tucker’s Tennis Museum was born.  The museum incorporates a gallery and a library, with a display of books and programs.  The many framed photographs and autographs are complemented by tennis racquets, tennis ball boxes, crockery and trophies.  Denis is particularly proud of his historic Davis Cup memorabilia, trophies and signature collection.

Davis Cups and other trophies take pride of place at Tucker's Tennis Museum

Tucker's Tennis Museum is open by appointment made with Denis Tucker

Denis is hoping the private collection will be enjoyed by other tennis buffs.
To visit Tucker’s Tennis Museum, contact Denis Tucker to make an appointment.

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Map: Tucker’s Tennis Museum…

Natelle Two is a boat.  And not just any boat.  It is the beloved family craft owned by Tasmanian couple Glenn and Jill Roper.  And their 22-year-old daughter Laura will be skipper of the crew entered for the Sydney to Hobart yacht race this year.

Local nurse Laura Roper will skipper Natelle Two in the Sydney to Hobart

Natelle Two: Young, Tasmanian, Female Skipper on Board

Laura Roper will become the youngest female to skipper a Tasmanian yacht in the iconic race when Natelle Two joins the fleet in Sydney Harbour.  Not a bad achievement for a young nurse from Hobart, in spite of the media attention given to another young, female skipper.  Yes, I do mean Jessica Watson!

Laura Roper will skipper the Natelle Two in the 2011 Sydney to Hobart

The Jane Tate Memorial Trophy is awarded to the first female skipper to complete the race, and Laura would dearly love to take home that silverware.  Last year’s winner, Stephane Howarth from Victoria, would also be hoping to upstage Australia’s sailing sweetheart.

Despite the profile of her opposition, Laura does have a chance.  The Natelle Two is a bigger yacht than the ones both Jessica and Stephane will sail, albeit nowhere near as modern or expensive.  Strong winds blowing from the south as the fleet head towards Hobart, give the Roper clan their best opportunity of success.

Glenn, Jill and Ashley Supporting Laura Roper

This year’s entry into the Sydney to Hobart race will be a real family affair.  Along with other crew members from around the world, dad Glenn will be aboard, taking orders from his girl.  Brother Ashley will be joining them, playing his part as a crew-member of the Natelle Two.  And Mum Jill, who works at Clarence Joint Therapy, has organised sponsorship from her employer and even made curtains for the galley!

Laura Roper takes Natelle Two out ahead of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

So winning the race isn’t everything; Laura is extremely pleased just to have the honour of leading the team.  Glenn and Jill bought the boat when their daughter was only one, and she’s been sailing ever since.  Not even severe seasickness has dampened her enthusiasm.  Laura has dedicated many hours to restoring and preparing Natelle Two, and all her savings have been allocated to the costly exercise.

Laura Roper has been sailing Natelle Two with her family since she was a baby!

Funding the Natelle Two Campaign

With less than two weeks remaining before they set sail for the Sydney starting line, this truly Tasmanian campaign still needs additional funding.  A minimum of two thousand dollars will have your name in the spotlight with Natelle Two, generating exposure to a world-wide race audience.  Channel Ten will be filming the Natelle Two this week for their Australia-wide evening news program; so you might want to act now!

Anyone supporting Laura Roper is supporting a great ambassador for women in sport and women in general.  The A21 on the main sail of Natelle Two represents the A21 Campaign.  The international project is a not-for-profit charity that raises awareness of the exploitation and trafficking of young girls.  It’s brilliant to see such commitment to a worthy cause, and great to see the media supporting such a fine effort.

Wherever Natelle Two finishes in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race,
Laura Roper is definitely a winner in my eyes.  You go girl.

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Foodie Erin Has a Taste For Travel

by Erin – The Food Mentalist

When it comes to finding Australia’s foodie wonderland, you really can’t go past Tasmania.  With it’s gourmet fresh produce, elegant wines, decadent seafood from its pristine waters and artisan producers creating everything from cheese and honey to boutique beers and spirits… there’s no need to make the trek to France to experience the ultimate foodie adventure.  It’s right here!

Looking forward to the taste of food and wine produce in Tasmania

Choosing to Taste Tasmania

For these reasons, Tasmania was the perfect choice for our upcoming end of year holiday.  The perfect destination to bid farewell to 2011 and welcome in all the excitement of the year ahead.  I have visited Tasmania several times, however this will be my husband Pete’s first visit and for this reason I am eager to show him how truly amazing it is.

We will fly into Hobart where we will collect our hire car and spend four nights.  As someone who often makes restaurant bookings before flights and accommodation, I was quick to secure reservations at The Source at Moorilla Estate, Garagistes and The Stackings at Peppermint Bay.  Any foodie trip would not be complete without a visit to Salamanca Markets held every Saturday and the Taste Festival which runs each year from 28 December to January 3, showcasing over 70 food, wine and beverage exhibitors displaying the best Tasmanian produce.

Heaven on a stick for a foodie: the Taste of Tasmania Festival

The Produce of Hobart and Richmond

Whilst in Hobart, we will also spend a day touring the charming historic village of Richmond and exploring a few of it’s surrounding vineyards.  The region is reported to produce some of the state’s finest Pinot Noirs, Sauvingnon Blancs and Rieslings.  Perhaps, one night we will head out to one of Hobart’s many pubs to catch a local band and sample a few local ales and ciders.

Hobart Tasmania: a mecca for the dedicated foodie

Referred to by locals as ‘the mountain’, Mount Wellington rises to 1,271 metres over Hobart, and we intend on visiting the summit.  With temperatures ranging between 1-7 degrees Celsius it should be fun!  We may even embark on one of the Mt Wellington Descent bike rides where as part of a tour, we would travel about 21km to the summit and then after being supplied with riding gear, head back down on bikes.  I did something similar called the Haleakala Sunrise Tour in Maui, Hawaii back in 2004 and it was one of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had.  For that reason alone, this one is definitely on the list of things to do.

The Mount Wellington decent bike ride will provide the perfect active introduction for the next part of our trip where we will head north to Swansea for two nights.  During this time we will get back to nature, exploring the Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.

Any foodie can work up an appetite in the Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Hitting the Tamar Valley Wine Trail

Our Epicurean trail will then continue north, when we head to Launceston where we will base ourselves for the remainder of our trip.  Whilst in Launceston, we will explore the Tamar Valley wine route and sample some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate wines.  A few nature walks and a trip to Cataract Gorge will also feature in our visit here.

A visit to Cataract Gorge Reserve in Launceston is high on the travel agenda

Time permitting, we would like to investigate the Hollybank Treetops Adventure as well as tour the Queen Victoria Musuem & Art Gallery.  I’m still looking into which restaurants we should visit in and around Launceston.  Does anyone have a favourite to recommend to a fellow foodie?

An taste of adventure in the treetops at Hollybank

A Taste of Produce: Foodie Heaven!

I anticipate our trip will be wonderful.  We will devour some of the best produce in the world; sample some of the finest cool climate wines Australia has on offer; indulge in delicious cheese, boutique beers and spirits; as well as explore the amazing wilderness, pristine rainforests, waterfalls and experience the serenity that is Tasmania.  I look forward to sharing our Tasmanian foodie experience with you all in the new year.  Erin x

Taste some Tasmanian berry produce, a delight for any foodie!

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Erin writes a foodie blog called The Food Mentalist
She is passionate about food and so is her husband Pete.
They live in Sydney with their eccentric cat Max, who also loves his food.

Article Photo Credit: Dan Fellow

Map: Erin’s Foodie Trail…