Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Things to Do’ Category

World Party Hobart: 25 February 2012

World Party Hobart is a free, not-for-profit event designed to celebrate the diversity of the Tasmanian multicultural community.

World Party Hobart: celebrating the Tasmanian multicultural community (Photo by Roger Findlay)

Festivities will include a free concert and food fair held at Princes Wharf on Saturday 25 February 2012.  World Party Hobart starts at 2pm and everyone is welcome.

Of course!

For details of performers, see the World Party Hobart poster, provided
by Mary-Anne Evans from the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

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Map: World Party Hobart, Princes Wharf…

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…

Exploring Currie Harbour Lighthouse, King Island

by Roger Findlay

If ever you find yourself in Currie on King Island, part of the north west region of Tasmania, I would suggest that you make enquiries about a lighthouse tour.  We found out about it when we went to the Currie Library to browse books and use the internet.

The township of Currie, King Island in the north west region of Tasmania

Book Lighthouse Tour.  Tick.

We booked a tour and met our guide at the lighthouse the following day.  It always amazes me how versatile people are in somewhat remote places and our tour guide was no exception.  Apart from being an occasional guide, this charming lady (originally from Wangaratta in Victoria) worked at the school and at the library.  Her husband managed their farm and she was quite capable of helping in between her other duties.

Currie Harbour Lighthouse

The elevated lighthouse stands alongside the entrance to Currie Harbour and serves the dual purpose of a harbour entrance light and a coastal light.  An English company pre-fabricated the structure from wrought iron with a cast iron base before shipping to King Island for construction in 1879.

Currie Harbour Lighthouse on King Island in the north west region of Tasmania

It was lit the following year but it wasn’t until 1957 that mains power was used.  In 1989, the authorities considered the light unnecessary and it was switched off.  Locals resisted this action and, after much lobbying, the light was restored to operable in 1995.

The Brave & Noble Tourist

I’m not comfortable with steep spiral staircases or heights but on this occasion I had to put on a brave face to outdo my very brave and nimble wife!  I let her go first with me in the middle and the guide at the rear.  By doing this, I thought I would be safe if I happened to fall!

Jeanette Findlay handles the spiral staircase of the lighthouse tour with ease!

It made me feel dizzy looking up from the bottom.  The challenge entailed 90 narrow steel steps winding to a height of 21.3 metres.  Jeanette had seen me crossing a rickety suspension bridge at Montezuma Falls.  She had seen my face turn green.  Now she was gloating again! (How could Mr Perfect be outdone?)

View Over Currie

The steady climb was well worth it as the view down to Currie Harbour, the Boat House and over to the township was magnificent.  Despite the wintry conditions and the spray from the rain on the lighthouse glass, our guide could point out all of the interesting features.  She also had excellent knowledge of the old light systems and lenses that were on display.

The lighthouse tour guide can point out features: like a burnt out Boat House

Not too bad going up but how would I go coming down?  Being the only male, I considered it rather chivalrous to let the ladies go first!  To my relief we made the bottom without incident and now I have this tale of the Currie Harbour lighthouse tour to tell (and photos to share!).

Currie Harbour views from the top of the King Island lighthouse

Lighthouse Tour, Keeper’s Residence & Museum

On a separate occasion, we visited the magnificent grounds of the lighthouse keeper’s residence that is now used as a museum.  The stark white buildings are kept in immaculate condition and stand as a prominent landmark on the western side of King Island.

As we drove back towards the Naracoopa Holiday Units where
we were staying, Jeanette hinted that she would like a spiral staircase
in our next home.  Blimey, it’s hard enough finding her in the king
sized bed let alone chasing her up a spiral staircase!

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Map: Currie Harbour Lighthouse, King Island, Tasmania…

MONA FOMA

by Cassandra Wunsch

There’s a feeling on the mainland that Tasmanians might be a little funny, maybe slightly backward, even a touch superstitious.  Like the global myth about Aussies sucking down Fosters when we’re at home, it’s a myth we’re happy to let you run with.  But don’t think for one minute that Friday the 13th has the power to crimp our style!

A huge crowd gathers in Hobart for the MONA FOMA street party

MONA FOMA Street Party

MONA FOMA (Museum of Old and New Art – Festival of Music and Art) is an annual event in Hobart and we kick it off like only Hobart can.  An eclectic street party stocked to brimming with hippies, kids, old people, suited corporate types and flashy dressed young women!  Most festivals or gatherings draw to themselves a specific type, a subculture who share an intrinsic knowledge of what’s going on and how to behave… the street party isn’t like that.

Museum of Old and New Art, Festival of Music and Art in Hobart Tasmania

At 6pm the official business began, and the crowd was so diverse as to be indescribable.  Around the stage sat small family groups on picnic blankets, while behind them stood older patrons with small plastic cups of beer or wine (available from the vendors at the event).  The entertainment was just as varied!

When I arrived, a gentleman with a heavy German accent (the Dad Horse Experience) was singing a rather dirty little song about the sins he had committed, for which he would like forgiveness.  It was just a little too early, with everyone still a touch too dignified, for his sing-along to take off…

Lord Heal my Soul from Dad Horse Experience at the MONA FOMA street party

Make Some Noise!

Later, a gentleman playing what looked like a triangle of opaque plastic caused the elderly ladies to my left some distress.  The sound made by this thing was beyond compare, to the point where the only way I can convey it to you is with a short recording (included below).  That’s not a low quality recording either, that’s the sound we actually heard at the MONA FOMA Street Party.

There was some concern this MONA FOMA street party musician might hyperventilate!

eMDee: All the Way from NT

Without a doubt my favourite performance was from eMDee, who had travelled from the Northern Territory to rock out with an unusual combination of drums and didgeridoo!  Like the crowd, eMDee’s sound was a wild composition that somehow managed to work, no matter how much you might think it shouldn’t.  Within a few songs, an impromptu dance-floor had been cleared down the front and peopled with groovers from fifteen to fifty.

As the sun started to set, and children were bundled off for bedtime, the dance-floor slowly grew until eMDee had the entire place moving.  The front man did express some surprise at the turnout, saying he didn’t realise there were this many people in Hobart!

eMDee plays to the excited crowd at the MONA FOMA street party on Firday 13th

Brian Ritchie

In the words of event curator Brian Ritchie, “The world is catching on.  Research indicates that so-called mainlanders and other foreigners flock to Tasmania in increasing numbers to experience this thing.”  A sentiment proved by the presence of Tuba Skinny in the line up.  The band travelled all the way from New Orleans to perform to an enraptured MONA FOMA audience in Hobart.

Tuba Skinny, one of the artists secured by MONA FOMA curator Brian Ritchie

Jimmys Skate and Street Party

This kind of an event ripples out into the city, keeping everyone up past their usual bedtime.  Across the way on Elizabeth Street, Jimmys Skate and Street held a show for local artists capitalising on the foot traffic, and defectors from the lengthy lines for MONA FOMA entry after 8pm.

Jimmys Skate & Street have their own street party!

With the party kicking on until 11pm, and lines spiralling out from three separate entrances, it was inevitable that the revelry spilled out into the street.  Only here in Tasmania could police block off major sections of a capital city and not cause a fuss.  Good natured party goers were dancing on the pavement outside the event, clearly still enjoying themselves and feeling a sense of involvement.

A genuine street party in Hobart, as the MONA FOMA crowds take over the roads

More MONA FOMA

For anyone who missed the party, there’s plenty more to keep you busy over the next two weeks.  Some highlights include the Museum itself, which is open 10am to 6pm; a BalletLab to watch, and for the more adventurous, a naked tour of the gallery where the tour guide, and the tourists have to get their kit off before being allowed in (adults only).

Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia. She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

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Leven Canyon

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The Leven Canyon: in this busy, populous world we live in, it’s hard to find such a wild and dramatic area that is so easy to reach.  If you want to experience these sorts of places you mostly have to trek through kilometres of difficult terrain.

Leven Canyon is in the Gunns Plains/Nietta region of north west Tasmania

At Leven Canyon it’s easy!  Just walk along the very well-maintained track to Cruickshanks Lookout.  It’s a 20 minute return walk suitable for all ages and in no time you will arrive at the viewing platform.  Experience the breathtaking views of the Canyon floor 275 metres below (where the Leven River flows) and views of Black Bluff and the surrounding countryside.

Cruickshanks Lookout over the Leven Canyon, Gunns Plains/Nietta Tasmania

Black Bluff

Black Bluff is usually the first peak in this area to have a covering of snow in winter due to its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds.  There’s a testing 6-7 hours return walk to Black Bluff through alpine vegetation up to the 1,339 metre summit.  From here you get rewarded with views from Cradle Mountain to the Great Western Tiers.  The track starts at Taylors Flats off Loongana Road.  Be aware though: it’s not regularly maintained or well marked.

Black Bluff seen from Preston Road en route to Leven Canyon, Tasmania

Fresh Tasmanian Mountain Air

Leven Canyon is Tasmania’s deepest limestone ravine so it’s worth stopping for a while and taking in the fresh Tasmanian mountain air while you survey the spectacular views.  Even though Leven Canyon is only a 45-minute drive from Ulverstone (in Gunns Plains/Nietta in the north west region of Tasmania) it feels like you are a million miles away from civilization.

The Leven River at the Canyon floor as it weaves through Gunns Plains/Nietta

Other Walks in the Leven Canyon Reserve

• the Forest Stairs Walk: a 45 minute return walk that includes 697 stairs
  and some steep terrain.  Here you can enjoy listening to and watching
  some of Tasmania’s endemic birds and view the amazing variety of
  ferns that grow in this area.
• the Edge Lookout Track: a 30-minute return easy walk for all ages
  taking in wet forest to drier cliff-edge vegetation.  On this walk you
  can see the Canyon walls up close.

• the 20 minute return easy Fern Walk is suitable for all ages and features
  beautiful old tree-ferns up to 5 metres tall and 150 years old.  This area
  is home to the small mammals of Leven Canyon such as the eastern
  pygmy possum, dusky antechinus and long tailed mouse.
• for a more strenuous walk try the Canyon Floor Walk.  Drive to the start
  of the walk just off Loongana Road then follow the downhill track to the
  canyon floor.
• more experienced walkers can then continue to Devils Elbow, which is an
  hour return from the footbridge.  It’s a challenging walk and is part of the
  Penguin-Cradle Trail.

Magnificent forest views out over Leven Canyon from Cruickshanks Lookout

An Appetite for National Parks & Reserves in Tasmania

After these walks have worked up an appetite why not have a picnic or barbecue at one of the tables or the picnic shelter?  This area of the almost 2,500 ha reserve is very well set up and has toilets and information about the Leven Canyon and surrounds.  As with other reserves and national parks in Tasmania, be prepared for changing weather conditions.  The track surfaces may be slippery at times and be covered in ice.  And don’t forget to stay on the tracks provided to protect the unique environment.

With so many and varied national parks and reserves in Tasmania that are just a drive away, it’s a hard decision to pick which one to see first when you are holidaying in our island state.  As with the Leven Canyon, you won’t be disappointed with what you find when you get there.

Michelle about to embark on one of the Leven Canyon walks

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: Leven Canyon Tasmania…

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…