Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Things to Do’ Category

You might just drive straight through Eaglehawk Neck on the way to visit Port Arthur Convict Settlement, or the coal mines historic site on the Tasman Peninsula.  You might stop briefly to visit the Tessellated Pavement State Reserve and marvel at that geological phenomenon before motoring on.  Or you might allow a little extra time and inspect the Dog Line and Officers Quarters Museum while you’re at it.

A bronze statue marks the location of the dog line at Eaglehawk Neck

A Scary Dog Line at Eaglehawk Neck

The dog line is a fascinating part of Tasmanian convict history.  If the statue is a true reflection of the actual dogs, they were ferocious!  Tethered at regular intervals, with lamp posts reflecting light onto cockle shells, the purpose of the dog line was was to prevent convicts escaping the Tasman Peninsula from the Port Arthur settlement.  Eaglehawk Neck is a narrow isthmus, and there were enough dogs in the line to stretch across the width of the sand dunes.  Their barking would alert the guards to any movement in the bush.

The narrow isthmus on the Tasman Peninsula at Eaglehawk Neck was guarded by a dog line

Obviously, the dogs needed someone to care for them, and a convict was assigned the duty.  Authorities considered Eaglehawk Neck the key to maintaining the security of the Tasman Peninsula during the convict period.  With that in mind, some dogs were even placed out on the water.  Combined with the thought of shark attacks, the area was practically impassible for all but the most determined and cunning of prisoners.  Martin Cash, who escaped in 1842 and went on to live as a bush-ranger, was one of the “lucky” few.

The historic site at Eaglehawk Neck ~ the dog line and Officers Quarters Museum

Officers Quarters Museum

The military station at Eaglehawk Neck was established in 1832 and by 1836 the settlement had grown to employ about 25 soldiers.  The building originally provided as the Officers Quarters is today a museum, which is free to visit.  The area once had a store and a jetty, and a hut where the children of the military would attend school.

Eaglehawk Neck, part of the convict trail from Hobart to Port Arthur

Eaglehawk Neck was an isolated location,  but communication between outposts was still possible.  Important, numerically coded messages were sent between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck (and on to Hobart) via a chain of semaphore stations.  The mast-like structures had movable arms attached and were often used to forewarn the military about convict escapees.  So even those brave, desperate or stupid enough to chance the dog line or the sharks, faced a very slim chance of success.

The Officers Quarters Museum at Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Peninsula

For more information about the dog line convict heritage site, contact the
Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service.  The Mount Nelson Signal Station offers
another opportunity to learn about the semaphore communications system.

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Map: Dog Line, Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania…

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…

Mural Fest is held in Sheffield, the Town of Murals in north west Tasmania every year.  It attracts many local, interstate and international artists.  It is a unique art competition which starts Easter Sunday every year and runs for seven days.  Mural Fest first started in 2003; although the very first mural painted in Sheffield was unveiled in 1986.  Since then, many more have been added to create a distinctive outdoor art gallery.

Sheffield in north west Tasmania, the Town of Murals

International Mural Festival in Sheffield

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Every year nine artists participate in a public “paint off”.  They must complete a 2100mm x 4800mm mural using a specific poem as the central theme for their inspiration.  This year’s poem was Food Bowl by Lorraine McNeair…

The golden bloom of fertility lies on the land
And feeds us with flavour

Lorraine won the Poetry Slam; a competition to decide the poem to be used.

Sunnyside Tasmania artist Gillian Robnik's mural ~ Carer of the Land

Iowa USA artist Ella Yates working in Sheffield on her mural ~ Goldilocks

Supporting & Challenging Mural Artists

Mural Fest is a testing painting arena for artists.  It assesses their artistic talent, patience and persistence while being openly observed by the public, having time limitations and at times dealing with Tasmania’s changeable weather conditions.  At the end of the week of painting, a panel of judges choose a winner for the major Mural Fest Judges Award.  There is also a Mural Fest Visitors Award for the artist who receives the most votes for favourite painting by visitors and supporters.

Winner of 2011 Mural Fest Judges Award, Christian Griffiths 2012 mural ~ Ravenous Machine

During Mural Fest there are other events happening such as Mural Fest Tours, Mural Treasure Hunts, Steam Train Rides, Mini Murals Painting and Meet the Artists Night.  At the Sheffield Tourist Information Centre you’ll find lots of artwork on display and for sale.

Not just a Town of Murals: The Redwater Creek Railway steam train in Sheffield

Tasmanian tourists can visit the murals, and also do some antique shopping in Sheffield

Mural Park, Sheffield

After Mural Fest is over, all the competition murals are kept on display in Mural Park for the following year.  During this time all visitors can enjoy these works of art and vote for their favourite piece.  The voting is done over the twelve-month period and the artist who receives the most votes is awarded the People’s Choice Award, which is announced at the next Mural Fest.

Sheffield is renowned for its permanent mural displays and since the very first one was painted back in 1986 more than fifty have been added.  All have the theme of the area’s history and real life stories of farmers, pioneers and local community leaders.

This mural in Sheffield is one of the more permanent displays in the outdoor gallery

Sheffield region: the Food Bowl of the Nation and an interesting place to visit

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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Map: Sheffield, Town of Murals, Tasmania…

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

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

Shene: Unveiling a Heritage Treasure

Photos by Dan Fellow

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

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

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

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

Some amazing history has been uncovered during the renovation of Shene

Tour and High Tea with David and Anne Kernke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

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Map: Shene, Pontville Tasmania…

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

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

Matt Moran Travels Tasmania T-QUAL Tick Style

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

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

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

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

Hurricane T-QUAL Tick Tour of Hobart

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

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

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

Matt Moran takes an adventure cruise with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Henry Jones Art Hotel Hosts Matt Moran

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

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

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

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

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Map: Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart Tasmania…

If you have a yearning for some fun on three or four wheels then I have the solution for you!  Pedal Buggies Tasmania is a family owned business located in Ulverstone offering a wide variety of pedal buggies for hire.  With a good selection of styles and combinations to choose from and catering for all ages there’s sure to be one that’s just right for you.

Taking one of the pedal buggies out for a spin by the beach in Ulverstone

Pedal Buggies Tasmania

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

There are mini buggies for the little ones; buggies for the whole family (baby seat from six months available too); buggies for two; buggies for one; a purpose built trailer for special needs… there are buggies in all shapes and sizes.  There’s even a train style buggy that can accommodate up to ten.  Now that sounds like fun!

Pedal Buggies Tasmania have a range of options with someone to suit all ages

There are a couple of new additions to the group too; it’s the Surrey Bikes, which you can hire to take you from Ulverstone to Turners Beach.  Whichever one you choose you can be sure of a fun and enjoyable experience while getting some exercise at the same time.  It’s a great idea for groups and birthday or Christmas parties etc.  There’s a mini buggy track (for up to six year olds) with road signs and round-a-bout, something different and a great birthday party idea for the littlies.

Hire the stylish Pedal Buggies at the beach in Ulverstone Tasmania

Road-Testing Pedal Buggies Tasmania

John and I recently road tested all the Pedal Buggies Tasmania and we had a terrific time.  It was great fun.  We pedalled along the paths in Bicentennial Park, which borders Pedal Buggies Tasmania and found it an excellent place to try them out.  There were a lot of laughs from both of us as we explored the finer points of each buggy.  We got the hang of each one in no time and zoomed along the paths enjoying the ride like two big kids. No wonder this is a popular place during weekends and school holidays.

Michelle and John riding in style with Pedal Buggies Tasmania in Ulverstone

Visit Pedal Buggies Tasmania for a chance to enjoy a healthy, entertaining, outside activity with family or friends.  They are situated at ‘The Beach Hut’, a beach side kiosk that solves all your hunger needs such as ice creams, drinks etc. and are open most weekends, school holidays and public holidays.

Hire pedal buggies in Ulverstone at the blue Beach Hut kiosk on the foreshore

Buggy hire is available throughout the year (by appointment outside shop open times).  Phone: 64259387 or 0437242535.  Pedal Buggies Tasmania also have a Facebook page.

NB Michelle and John were guests of Pedal Buggies Tasmania.

Pedal Buggies Tasmania have something fun to suit one person or a big group

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

*NB We received a lovely letter from Dallas about this Pedal Buggies article, and his thoughts about Michelle’s efforts for 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!

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Map: Pedal Buggies Tasmania, Ulverstone…

Driving to Mt Field over the Easter break was the best decision we made.  By far.  Don’t get me wrong, we did some other fabulous stuff too:  Teddies on the Green in Richmond; a trip to the summit of Mount Wellington; dinner at the Ball and Chain in Salamanca Place.  They’re the places you go when you entertain first-time visitors to Hobart.  But we were inspired by Cassandra’s article about historic New Norfolk and made our way there just as a wintry cold-snap hit the state.  And it was wonderful.

Snow on Mt Field makes a decision to visit the Derwent Valley an especially good one

Mt Field: Autumn in the Derwent Valley

To be honest, when we set out from Hobart mid-morning, we were probably content with just making it to New Norfolk.  Enjoy the autumn colours; maybe visit the Salmon Ponds or browse a few antique stores.  When we arrived at the Bushy Park junction, storm clouds were brewing overhead.  But we made an executive decision to eat lunch at the Mt Field National Park visitor centre, and then plan our next move.

Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe at Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley Tasmania

Warming Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe

While we ordered hot soup and sandwiches and drank warming coffee at Waterfalls Cafe, the heavens opened and the outlook was bleak.  But just as we emerged from the gift shop, the sun appeared.  So we quickly loaded up the 4WD’s and started the alpine ascent to Lake Dobson.

While it was still fine, we stopped at the Tall Trees Walk on the way, and everyone was impressed with the giants of the forest.  The walk is gentle and stable; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Tall Trees Walk at Mt Field is an easy, 30-minute trek through giant swamp gums

Tall Trees and Alpine Roads

We continued onward and upward, with a total of 16kms to travel from the visitor centre to Lake Dobson.  The narrow, gravel road is in good condition and the drive isn’t too harrowing.  Sometimes, you need to edge past oncoming traffic, but at an appropriate speed, it’s all good.  There’s a lookout part way up that offers a wonderful view over the Derwent Valley.

Views over the Derwent Valley from the Mt Field National Park alpine road

When you reach the lakes plateau you can see the peaks of Mt Field; and we were ecstatic to see them covered in snow.  Icy flakes were still falling gently when we arrived at the Lake Dobson car park, and it was just magical.  The kids were amazed to see mounds of white on the cars already parked there.

Snowfalls in Tasmania in Autumn: Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley

Icy Lake Dobson

Obviously others were in the vicinity, possibly bush-walking, given the amount of snow on their vehicles.  But we had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed a vigourous snow-ball fight.  Then we ventured down the few steps leading to the water’s edge of Lake Dobson.

Lake Dobson is 16kms from the Mt Field National Park visitor centre

Wombats, Pademelons and Bennetts Wallabies

Last time we went to Mt Field, we met our very first Tasmanian wombat.  This time, we encountered an equally friendly version of wildlife.  We weren’t sure if it was a pademelon or a Bennetts wallaby, because it was partially hidden by the vegetation.  According to staff at the visitors centre, the pademelon is supposed to be more timid.  But our mate, although a wild animal, was very calm and wasn’t scared at all.

Chances are high for an encounter with wildlife at Mt Field National Park

Before long, it was time to return to the base of Mt Field National Park.  Thankfully, the heaters in the car were quick to warm our frozen hands.  The temperature gauge was showing zero, but the Tassie experience was worth every single cold toe.

Not our first visit to Mt Field, but still something special to share with Think Tasmania readers

Must-See Russell Falls

It was raining again when we arrived back at base, but a visit to Mt Field isn’t complete without a walk to Russell Falls.  We donned our jackets, but yet again we were blessed by the weather Gods.  The rain cleared as we made our way from the visitor centre towards one of the most-loved waterfalls in Tasmania.

Take a walk to Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park. You won't be sorry!

True to form, the melted snow was powering over the tiers of Russell Falls, looking spectacular and impressing the tourists (and the locals!).  Our photos can’t compare to the waterfall series taken by Cameron Blake of Leverett Photography, but we snapped away anyhow.

Russell Falls, a highlight of any visit to Mt Field National Park in Tasmania

Day Trip: Hobart to Mt Field

And that marked the end of our day trip from Hobart.  We didn’t have the inclination to tackle Horseshoe or Lady Barron Falls… maybe next time.  This wasn’t our first trip to Mt Field National Park, and it certainly won’t be our last!

When we returned to Hobart, we grabbed a quick dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop.  Much of the conversation revolved around the day’s great fortunes: to experience something so wonderful without much effort or planning at all.

Visitors are required to purchase a National Park Pass for Mt Field.
There is lots of accommodation in the Derwent Valley region
or you can drive from Hobart in just over an hour.

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Map: Mt Field National Park, Tasmania…