Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Wildlife’ Category

Devil of a Cookbook is the result of two of its author’s passions in life.  Fiona Hoskin is the Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, so the recipes in the book are designed for use with the advanced kitchen appliance.  But the thing that really appeals to us about the book is this:  all proceeds from sales will go to the Devil Island Project, to protect the endangered Tasmanian Devil, a much-loved icon of wildlife in Tasmania.

Thermomix recipes: Devil of a Cookbook by Fiona Hoskin

Devil of a Cookbook: the Launch

Fiona Hoskin launched her Devil of a Cookbook in Hobart on Monday with the help of some of her friends.  The room at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre was filled with media representatives and Thermomix consultants, who all seemed thrilled to be associated with the project.  Given that these (mostly) women are all dedicated to taking fresh Tasmanian produce and creating stunning gourmet food, you can just imagine the spread on offer!

The launch of Devil of a Cookbook was held at the Hobart Function & Conference Centre

Fiona's network of Thermomix consultants prepared morning tea for guests

After guests were treated to morning tea and a celebratory glass of champagne, Grace Mazur, Managing Director of Thermomix in Australia, took to the microphone.  Congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the launch, she then introduced Tasmanian parliamentarian Kerry Finch, a patron of the Devil Island Project.  He spoke about Fiona’s efforts to raise money and awareness of the plight of the Tasmanian Devil and the fight against Facial Tumour Disease.

Devil Island Patron Kerry Finch MLC introduces Fiona at the launch of Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona Hoskin: a Devil of a Woman!

We met Fiona Hoskin about 12 months ago.  Intrigued by the Devil of a Cookbook concept, we kept in touch, keen to share the outcome with you.  As with many worthy fundraising initiatives, it’s been a mammoth effort from idea to realisation, with delays and hurdles along the way.  The eventual publication of the book is a triumph in itself.  But now (having heard Kerry speak) we have a renewed respect for Fiona, the driving force behind the book.

Fiona Hoskin signs a copy of Devil of a Cookbook for Think Tasmania

As a well-respected and celebrated Tasmanian chef, Fiona was able to lend her name and recipes to the Devil of a Cookbook and gain instant recognition.  And she could well have left the association there and been praised for her involvement.  But that’s not what she did.  She jumped in, boots and all, as an ambassador for the conservation of the iconic and endangered Tasmanian Devil.

Recipes for the latest in the Thermomix collection of cookbooks, have been designed by Tasmanian consultants and customers.  There’s a Sticky Lime Cake by Joan Wylie of Burnie that sounds divine; and a Sixty Second Fruit Cake by Tina Singline of Bicheno that will make Christmas a whole lot easier for some!  Fiona worked tirelessly to collect and collate all the contributions, as well as donating recipes for some of her own signature dishes (from acclaimed former Launceston restaurant Fee and Me).

Fiona Hoskin demonstrates the Thermomix using recipes from Devil of a Cookbook

Tetsuya Wakuda: Contribution to Devil of a Cookbook

Fiona also convinced world-renown chef and Tasmanian ambassador Tetsuya Wakuda to join her mission.  Tetsuya wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook and contributed a handful of recipes.  They include Lobster Ravioli with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette; and Grilled Fillet of Veal with Wasabi and Sea Urchin Butter.  He was also in attendance at the launch and spoke of his passion for fresh produce; the worthwhile cause to protect a native species, and his love of Tasmania in general.

Tetsuya Wakuda, Tasmanian ambassador, wrote the foreward for Devil of a Cookbook

Working on recipes and collaborating with industry colleagues for Devil of a Cookbook might sound like just a day’s work for a top chef.  But Fiona also ran the London Marathon to raise international awareness and funds to build the first Devil Island.  A marathon!  And more than once, actually.   That’s some serious commitment.   Other events have been held over the years, involving dinners and dancing… but a marathon?  Wow!  Apparently a Tasmanian Devil runs the equivalent of a marathon every night in the quest to eat, so there’s the connection.

Tasmanian Devil ~ Click image to see more pictures by Dan Fellow

We must stress that Fiona did not embark on all these tasks on her own.  The Devil Island Project (DIP) is the brainchild of Bruce Englefield, and actually deserves a separate feature article (that’s coming soon).  Suffice to say that an army of men, women and children have volunteered their time, effort and expertise to raise an enormous amount of money over several years.  Some of them with a high profile, such as Shane Gould, also a patron of the DIP and in attendance at the launch.

Fiona Hoskin, Tasmanian branch manager for Thermomix, at the Hobart book launch

But for now we’d like to add to the chorus congratulating Fiona Hoskin on the release of Devil of a Cookbook.  She’s an inspiration to all of us.  Next time someone complains about being too busy… thoughts will return to Fiona.  Her campaign to help save the Tassie Devils proves that one person can make an incredible difference.

Devil of a Cookbook sells for $40 and is a stunning collection of
recipes, with images of both food and scenery from Tasmania.
For more information you can like Devil of a Cookbook on Facebook.
If you’d like more details, just contact Think Tasmania
or leave a reply on this article and we’ll forward your details.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

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.

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: Mt Field National Park, Tasmania…

Tasmania is a great place to see Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins as they are also known).  If you’re in the north west region of Tassie, an easy-to-get-to and excellent spot to see these cute little critters is the Lillico Beach Conservation Area, 10 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

Little Penguins are also called Fairy Penguins (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Little Penguins at Lillico Beach

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

This shrubby coastal strip of land is home to a colony of delightful Little Penguins.  They enchant visitors every breeding season (September to May) and during the summer months (mid December to mid February).  Local volunteers and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife rangers are on site during this time.

The Friends of Lillico Penguins also offer a free guiding interpretation service all through the breeding season.  The reserve is only 2.5kms long with a total area of 14 hectares.  Lillico Beach, which is an important wildlife corridor for the area, is made up of sand and attractive, evenly polished stones known as shingle.

Little Penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach in the north west of Tasmania

Information about the habitat of the Little Penguins is provided at Lillico Beach

There’s a first-rate viewing platform and walkway arrangement in place, which makes it easy to watch the Little Penguins as they return to their burrows each evening after a day’s search for food in the beautiful waters of Bass Strait.  These penguins are around 30cms in height and weigh in at just a kilo.  They are the world’s smallest breed of penguin and have been known to dive down to 57 metres for their food.

Viewing platforms at Lillico Beach allow visitors to observe the Little Penguins

How to Behave Around Fairy Penguins

There’s a few “dos” and “don’ts” if you are coming to view the Little Penguins of an evening.  Firstly, penguins use visual cues to make their way back to the burrows, which means they can become easily lost and confused by light and noise.  Visitors are asked to stay on the platform; remain quiet and still; wear dark clothing and refrain from using camera flash or any white light torches.

During the right times, visitors to Lillico Beach Tasmania can see Little Penguins

Definitely do not approach or touch the penguins or walk through their colony.  That would be very traumatic for them and could damage the burrow areas, preventing the adults from getting to their hungry offspring.

Fairy Penguins will return from Bass Strait to their burrows to feed their young

As the penguins can easily see movement (especially if you are outlined against the sky) you should not walk along the beach to get to the viewing spot.  A torch with red cellophane over the light source is acceptable.  Digital cameras without a flash and video cameras without a spotlight can be used.

Lillico Beach is along the Bass Highway from Devonport in north west Tasmania

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is a very well established and maintained area to view these Little Penguins, and we are lucky to have them here in Tasmania.  This is a lovely experience to take with you from this part of the north west coast.

Little Penguins: adorable Tasmanian wildlife will captivate tourists (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Penguins in Tasmania

Penguins can be found almost anywhere around Tasmanian coastlines.  Some other interesting places you can see Little Penguins in Tasmania are:

• the aptly named town of Penguin where they come ashore near
  the main town area (there’s also the Penguin Point Fairy Penguin Tour
  run nightly from September to March)
• at Burnie in the early evening on many of the beaches and at the
  Little Penguin Observation Centre on Parsonage Point at the western
  end of west beach (where Friends of the Burnie Penguins hold free
  interpretive tours for visitors from September to March)
• near the town of Port Sorell you can frequently see them hurrying
  up the beach
• at Low Head near George Town where nightly tours are taken from the
  Coastal Reserve
• at Stanley I’ve often seen penguins in the day swimming around where
  the fishing boats are moored
• Bicheno Penguin Tours have the biggest nightly penguin tour in Tasmania.
  It runs all year but penguin numbers are more reliable during the breeding
  season
• Bruny Island penguins are common along the isthmus beach where
  North and South Bruny meet
• at Strahan on the west coast you can take the Bonnet Island Experience
  Tour or discover them yourself if you take a trip at dusk to the southern
  end of Ocean Beach

Little Penguins can be seen in the town of... Penguin!! (Photo by Dan Fellow)

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.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Little Penguins at Lillico Beach, Tasmania…

Freycinet Sanctuary in Pictures

by Dan Fellow

I stayed at Coles Bay over the long weekend at Freycinet Sanctuary.  The units are in a great location on the foreshore.  It was a brilliant weekend and I got some of the best shots I’ve ever done there:  lots of images from around the region of things to do and see, along with some of the wildlife.  I was pleased to get some good Sea Eagle shots too (my Holy Grail as they are hard to capture!). ~ Dan

Freycinet Sanctuary, east coast accommodation at Coles Bay, Tasmania

Sea Eagle: Freycinet Sanctuary at Coles Bay Tasmania is surrounded by local wildlife

We’ve made a slideshow for our YouTube Channel of the images Dan captured on his weekend staying at Freycinet Sanctuary.  It certainly is a wonderful collection of photos, and it highlights the many things to do and see around Coles Bay on the east coast of Tasmania.  Enjoy!

Coles Bay: Accommodation on the East Coast

If you’re wondering about the accommodation, Dan took some photos there too.  The description comes from the Freycinet Sanctuary website, and I quote…

Freycinet Sanctuary is situated on the spectacular waterfront of Coles Bay, offering fully self-contained accommodation overlooking Oyster Bay and capturing the majestic Hazards beyond.

Freycinet Sanctuary offers guests a spectacular waterfront view over The Hazards

Freycinet Sanctuary consists of 4 fully self-contained units and 1 fully self-contained house for up to 18 people in total. There are two 1-bedroom units which sleep two people each, two 2-bedroom units which sleep four to five people each; and a house which sleeps 6 people. Additional sleeping arrangements can be made by request. All accommodation includes kitchen and laundry facilities, TV and Video/DVD.

Self-contained, waterfront accommodation on the east coast of Tasmania

The large front verandahs allow generous views across the water to Freycinet National Park and a rear verandahs enable you to capture the afternoon sun and enjoy a quiet glass of wine or have a barbeque amidst your own bush sanctuary of Oyster Bay pines. In winter time you can be assured you will need not be cold as heating is electric, with floor heating in kitchen and bathroom in some units. All beds have electric blankets.

All the beds at Freycinet Sanctuary have electric blankets for winter comfort

Freycinet Sanctuary is simply THE place to rejuvenate and restore your inner wellness.

Freycinet Sanctuary provides a place to relax and enjoy the views and serenity

You can find more information or make a booking for your own east coast weekend away at the Freycinet Sanctuary website.

To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook.
You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD
with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos for $19-95.
If you’d like Dan to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Freycinet Sanctuary, Coles Bay Tasmania…

Gunns Plains Caves: Discover the Magic

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

There’s a hidden gem below the scenic valley of Gunns Plains, that’s been attracting visitors for many years.  It’s the Gunns Plains Caves and it was one of the earliest cave reserves in Tasmania being proclaimed a state reserve in 1918.  You’ll find these magical caves 25km south of Ulverstone in Tasmania’s beautiful north west.

Discover the magic of the Gunns Plains Caves in the north west of Tasmania

Cave Tour: A Glowing Endorsement

Gunns Plains Caves are renowned for their outstanding cave formations including calcite shawls and flowstones.  You can also see a lovely display of glow-worms.  An underground river that still flows formed these limestone caves and it’s a nice accompanying sound as you ramble along the walkways.  You may even catch a glimpse of Tasmanian wildlife:  a giant fresh-water crayfish, eel or even a platypus.

The limestone caves include an underground river and glow worms

Discover the magic of Gunns Plains Caves, hidden underground in north west Tasmania

Arriving at the caves reserve you will find a picnic area with barbeque facilities, tables and car parking area.  It’s a short 30-metre walk down into the cave entrance, where you will be greeted at the office by the delightful Trish and Geoff who run the caves.  These guys sure know how to give an informative, memorable and fun cave tour!

Take a cave tour with Trish and Geoff and discover the underground magic of Gunns Plains

At the start of the tour there are 54 concrete steps to descend to get down onto the floor of the caves.  From then on there are a series of very well-maintained, well-lit walkways with railings.  The walkways crisscross through the caves and include a ten-rung, ladder-style set of steps.  Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended; and the caves are always a pleasant 11 degrees Celsius.

Well-maintained walkways criss cross through the stunning Gunns Plains Caves

Striking Gold… and Silver!

The formations in this cave are breathtaking.  They include one of the worlds largest ribbon stalactites, an amazing multi-tiered formation of silver-speckled calcite crystals, known as the Wedding Cake.  There’s also a beautiful flowstone nicknamed the Golden Fleece.

The Wedding Cake, one of the stunning formations in the Gunns Plains Caves

You will discover the names of other interesting formations while on the cave tour.  This is the second time I’ve been on this tour, but I was again bowled over by the exquisiteness of this amazing underground fairyland.  My photos really don’t portray the brilliant beauty of these caves… you just have to visit in person to discover the magic for yourself.

Visit the Gunns Plains Caves for the chance to discover the magic for yourself

Discover the magic! That's what Trish & Geoff promise for this cave tour

The Gunns Plains Caves are open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day).  You can contact Trish and Geoff Deer on (03) 6429 1388 or email Gunns Plains Caves to confirm tour times.

Visit Geoff and Trish in the north west of Tasmania for a memorable experience

Gunns Plains Caves tour times are generally…

10.00am ~ 11.00am ~ 12.00pm ~ 1.30pm ~ 2.30pm ~ 3.30pm

Cave tour times may be at visitor capacity due to cruise ship passengers from Burnie, so a prior booking would be advisable.

See the stunning, ancient formations hidden underground in the Gunns Plains valley

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.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Gunns Plains Caves, Tasmania…

Sounds to me like Roger is going a little crazy… for Tasmania!
Thankfully his trip to Flinders Island is only a few weeks away.
Not long after that, he’ll be touring mainland regions of Tasmania.
When you read this article, you’ll realise just how crazy for Tasmania
the man really is… and what his lovely wife Jeanette has to put up with!

A Week in the Life of Roger

by Roger Findlay

Because of my location here on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, it’s bothering me that I’m not spending enough time in Tasmania.  I must confess that I envy all the Think Tasmania writers who live in the state; especially those who have settled after moving from elsewhere.

Michelle Kneipp-Pegler, another feature writer also crazy for Tasmania like Roger

Nikon: Capturing Tasmanian Food and Drink

My current frustration is caused by my redundant camera that is yearning to snap the indescribable scenery in Tasmania.  As a substitute, images of the fabled Irish and Tasmanian Scallop Pies will be a treat for Nikon!  Yes, today is St. Patrick’s Day where Jeanette has spent countless hours preparing the pies to appease her husband.

The Findlay house was filled with the divine smell of scallop pies baking in the oven

Jeanette:  Roger has been away with the fairies reading books on Tasmania,
visiting Tasmanian websites, researching holiday accommodation and travel
costs.  He’s considering a short trip at the end of June but he doesn’t know
whether he should fly or sail.  I found one of his notes with the sums:

Roger compares the costs and options for travelling to Tasmania

Tasmanian History Books

Yes, she’s right, my mind has been elsewhere, going crazy for Tasmania.  I’ve been reading two books at the same time.  One is about the whaling fleet that operated out of Hobart and the other is a first-hand account of the activists that live in the Tasmanian forests.

At this point I am reminded of the news clip that covered the success of Sea Shepherd that sent the Japanese whaling fleet limping home from the Southern Ocean almost empty handed.  Seeing the Bob Barker docked in Hobart and hearing the words of the courageous, young skipper was the highlight of my week.

Sea Shepherd anti-whaling vessel, The Bob Barker, docked in Hobart

I’ve been on eBay looking for books.  There’s always a bargain especially as I seek out some of the older publications.  A good find was Tasmanian Journey written by Stanley Brogden in 1948 when he travelled by coach through much of Tasmania.  I was saddened to read of Tasmanian Devils being hunted and killed.  At that time, they were seen as a major threat to sheep.  If only those people had known of the current plight to prevent extinction.

Being crazy for Tasmania, Roger collects Tasmanian books from eBay

Brogden mentions the intention of Pioneer Hotels on several occasions.  He sees them in the same light as the Federal Group where they would control a good portion of the tourism and hospitality sector.  I can find no record of Pioneer Hotels today.

Fly, Drive or Sail to Tasmania

Sharp Airlines will be taking us to Flinders Island and they’ve finally got my money after telling me that there were only three seats left on the flight!  It struck me as a convenient way of getting the money early.  Yes all $912 of it for a 50 minute flight for two people.  The following day, I received their newsletter advertising specials at $99 one-way.  They’re sharp alright!  Maybe we’ll be sitting next to the pilot with complimentary drinks and live, in-flight entertainment. It had better be good.

To promote deportation of wayward children, the Spirit of Tasmania has a special where children travel free.  The only catch being that they have to be accompanied by an adult.  Jeanette may pass off as child if she wears baggy pj’s and carries a pillow.

The Spirit of Tasmania arrives in Devonport, Tasmania from Melbourne, Victoria

Scallop Pie Challenge

Nikon is just moments away from action.  Just like Ian Thorpe, he’s making a comeback and wants to succeed.  The scallop pies will be a major test and a late decision will be made on the aperture.  Close to the oven, conditions will be difficult but there will be slight relief as the fridge door opens frequently.

Who wouldn't be crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies, home-made by Jeanette Findlay

Guinness is also ready to go.  His one ball is poised for carbonation.  Premature carbonation has been a problem in the past but tonight he’s expecting a good head.  The ball has shown restraint on the long journey from Dublin and will enjoy his empty can being crushed in the morning.  The pictures tell the story and I’m thankful that the Scallop Pie Challenge is over!

Roger is also crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies (or Irish ones) with Guinness

So what do you think?  Is Roger crazy for Tasmania… or maybe just crazy?
Either way, Roger spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Flinders Island Tasmania…

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

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

41 Degrees South: Tasmanian Salmon Farm, Ginseng & Wetlands

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

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

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

41 Degrees South: Salmon, Ginseng & Wetlands

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

41 Degrees South offer tastings and sales of their Tasmanian products

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

 

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

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

First-Hand Experience: Photos from 41 Degrees South

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

To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook.
You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD
with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos for $19-95.
If you’d like Dan to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: 41 Degrees South Tasmania…