Danish Royal Visit Draws Crowds to Hobart Waterfront

Large crowds gathered along Hobart’s waterfront on Thursday as Denmark’s King Frederik X and Australian-born Queen Mary made a public appearance in the city’s historic Hunter Street precinct.

The Tasman Hobart Named in the World's 50 Best Hotels

The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, has been named no. 49 in the global ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024.

What's New in Tasmania in 2020

New Hotels in Hobart and Launceston
Tasmania welcomes top players

Standby for an influx of powerhouse global hotel brands. Coming in Q3 2020, the Marriot Luxury Collection opens The Tasman, its $50 million five-star Hobart hotel in a restored heritage building in Parliament Square. The InterContinental Hotels Group opens Crowne Plaza, a 278-room hotel above the ICON Complex in Hobart CBD, featuring Aura, an inner-city rooftop bar (a first for Hobart, cocktails for everyone!). Also scheduled for a Q1 opening in the CBD is Mövenpick (Accor Group) 196-room hotel, and the 142-room Vibe Hotel. Meanwhile, an extra 21 rooms have just been opened at Moss, the botanically themed hotel that blossomed at Salamanca Place last year.

Launceston, too, has a raft of new accommodation due soon. Following newcomers Stillwater Seven and Change Overnight, work is well underway on the brand new 86-room Hotel Verge in Launceston city centre and refurbishment of the former Clarion Hotel now City Park Grand on Tamar Street.

Cradle Mountain Gets Some TLC
New lodge and experiences rock the Cradle

Stay tuned for the roll-out of new accommodation and experiences at Tasmania’s popular Central Highlands national park. Leading the charge is the established wilderness retreat Cradle Mountain Lodge, which has recently refurbished its five luxurious King Billy suites. Phase one of the renovations span the Highland restaurant, Tavern bar, Waldheim spa, and reception. For thrill seekers, the new Cradle Canyons Phoenix Gorge experience involves abseiling the Big Cheese, a 30-metre high waterfall. Don’t believe us? Watch this. The McDermott Group and S Group are developing 62 luxury self-contained apartments in the Cradle valley featuring a viewing platform for stargazers. And, to top it off, the national park’s visitor information centre is being upgraded.

Everything Old is New Again
Heritage stays crafted with care

Tasmania is the place to experience the nation’s most inspiring heritage conversions. Textbook examples include Stillwater Seven, a super-stylish boutique hotel of just seven rooms in Launceston’s 1830s flour mill; the storied Ship Inn Stanley in the shadow of The Nut on Tasmania's north-west coast; and the gloriously green Moss hotel, a converted Georgian-era sandstone warehouse on Salamanca Place in Hobart.

Forage for a Feast
The art of hunting and gathering

Agri-tourism is a dominant vibe in 2020, with a suite of agri-tours coming online. Off the Table Tours, in and around working farms northern Tasmania offers a range of behind-the-scenes experiences linking food lovers with Tasmania’s top farmers and producers. Choices include truffle hunting, cooking your own Cape Grim beef, a garlic and heirloom tomato tasting, and an eggs-pedition at the island’s largest free-range egg farm. King Island is world-renowned for its beef, the Meat Your Beef Tour allows you to go behind the scenes of 1500 hear of cattle farm offering a tailored farmgate experience on the gourmet island. Pull-on a pair of waders and learn how to shuck your own with tuition from an oyster farmer at Oyster Bay Tours at Freycinet Marine Farm. The Flinders Island Wharf stages its fly-in-fly-out Catch ‘n’ Cook Crayfish Lunch experience until April 2020. Take a scenic flight (from Melbourne, Launceston, Freycinet and Hobart), land at Killiecrankie Beach and catch crayfish with your personal local fisherman straight from the sea. Head to Flinders Island Wharf with said crayfish for a meal to remember, teamed with Flinders Island’s own wines and gins.

Destination Dining
Take a day trip for top eats

Tassie’s best paddock-to-plate eating is often just a country drive away from the island’s gateways. Long lunches in picturesque locations are the best way to relax into the Tasmanian way of life. Joining the likes of Agrarian Kitchen and Eatery (New Norfolk), the Tasmanian Food and Wine Conservatory (Sassafras) and Fat Pig Farm (Cygnet) are new regional eateries including Port Cygnet Cannery in an old apple-canning factory; the first stage of the restaurant includes a wood-fired eatery, bar, beer garden and event space, beside the cellar door of Sailor Seeks Horse. And at the former Potters Croft Lodge in the Tasman Peninsula town of Dunalley, Van Bone will focus on seasonal menus inspired by its onsite permaculture market garden.

Winter is Hot in Tasmania
Off-season is prime time

As the stresses of peak-season travel pile up - price hikes, delays and queues – the appeal of shoulder and off-season travel sweetens. Tasmania is Australia’s leading off-season destination from the snowy, Narnia-esque wilderness of Cradle Mountain, to secluded retreats with roaring fires (Pumphouse Point on Lake St Clair, Thousand Lakes Lodge in the Central Highlands among them). Winters here are lit by the energy of the bacchanalian winter festival Dark Mofo - including the traffic-stopping Nude Solstice Swim – and fuelled by scores of experiences and events that celebrate the season. Tassie’s winter walks are as brisk as they are wild - embark on hikes designed for winter conditions along the Overland Track, or Three Capes Track, or the Maria Island Winter Walk. Indoor types, meanwhile, can luxuriate in hot tubs or beside fire lit hearths at boutique boltholes including Ship Inn Stanley, The Granary and Stillwater Seven. Tassie’s food regions come alive with seasonal celebrations, too. Among them is the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, a pagan-inspired gathering in the Huon Valley that promises fire, feasting, and folklore. Winter is coming.

Transformative Tasmanian Aboriginal Experiences
Discover island people and stories in a truly immersive way

Some believe Tasmania’s position at the confluence of several tectonic plates contributes to a unique sense of calm and connection felt by many who live here. For new arrivals, there’s a growing collection of guided Tasmanian Aboriginal experiences that may help them feel this energy, too. The Nohioner Adventure is a trailblazing collaboration between Sheldon Thomas, a Tasmanian Aboriginal healer, cultural and ceremonial guide, and a local adventure tourism operator, Ben Rea, of Tasmanian e-Bike Adventures. Guests on this day-long Aboriginal on-country adventure have exclusive access to the meeting point on Forestier Peninsula where European explorers encountered Tasmania’s First People. In this wild and powerful landscape, guests are immersed in cultural lore and healing ceremonies, and a seasonal picnic featuring local bush foods. On Tasmania's east coast wukalina walk explores the cultural home of the palawa. The lands of the larapuna/Bay of Fires and wukalina/Mount William areas are you home over three-nights and four days, sleep beneath star scattered skies in bespoke domed huts, walk in the footsteps of the palawa, participate in cultural practices like basket weaving and creating shell necklaces, feast on traditional fodder like mutton birds and locally harvested shellfish. Kooparoona Niara Tours host bespoke day tours of Tasmanian Aboriginal cultural sites, stories, and food stops of the Meander Valley region. Connect to Tasmania like never before, these unique experiences promise to be like no other.

Unconform at The Unconformity
Wonderful and wild festival on Tasmania’s west coast

Save the date: 16-18 October 2020. A former mining town on the edge of Tasmania’s southwest wilderness is an unlikely location for an arts and cultural festival, yet that’s only part of the international buzz. This biennial festival on the west coast is courageously “mining new cultural experiences at the edge of the world” – part festival, part community development project with a special sense of place. The Unconformity takes its name from a rare geological formation found in the region, the Haulage Unconformity, but it also embodies Queenstown’s reputation for being different. The town’s main street, shop windows and the restored art deco Paragon Theatre are transformed as immersive art venues. Otherwise, expect the unexpected.

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Tasmanian Luxury - Prospect House Private Hotel $5 million renovation

Premium boutique country escape defines a new level of hospitality and service in Richmond, SE Tasmania

Prospect House Private Hotel, one of Tasmania’s oldest and most elegant country house hotels, is now welcoming guests after new owners, John and Libby Pooley, invested more than $5m in refurbishing and upgrading the historic property they bought in 2017.

Tasmania's Top Places to Play and Stay in 2018

2018 is shaping to be a brilliant year of new openings and new products in Tasmania - from hotels and retreats to completely new ways to learn about our history and our future.

wukalina Walk

The Tasmanian Aboriginal (palawa) people's distinctly different culture has evolved in isolation for over 10,000 years.The wukalina Walk is a journey across the larapuna/Bay of Fires area (through wukalina/Mt William National Park) as well as a 'never before' exploration of this unique landscape, culture and history. Tasmanian Aboriginal owned and operated, the Walk offers two nights within the National Park in architecturally designed - culturally inspired huts, and one night in the restored Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage at larapuna. Led by qualified guides and with the chance to spend time with palawa elders and craftspeople, this is a guided walk like no other. The walk opens on 7th January, 2018.

Three Capes Lodge Walk

In September 2018, the Three Capes Lodge Walk opens, taking guests to the edge of the world on a fully guided walking experience along the dramatic Tasman Peninsula. With the Southern Ocean as your constant companion, the 46 kilometre adventure runs over four days and three nights. Starting with a boat voyage, and trekking past dolerite spires and craggy cliffs covering 37,000 years of history, each night is spent in comfortable architecturally designed lodges. As the daily walk draws to a close, the lodge appears offering afternoon tea, a beautiful deck for enjoying a Tasmanian wine under the stars, three course dinners, even restorative bathtubs on the last two nights. Bookings are open now.
 

Woolnorth Aerial Experience

There's nothing like seeing a region by air to give a true perspective on how spectacular a place really is. The Woolnorth Aerial Experience starts with a scenic flight from Stanley with Osborne Aviation over the iconic Nut, out to the trio of Robbins, Three Hummock and Trefoil islands and onto Woolnorth Station. Once guests are back on terra firma, a personal guide will conduct a behind-the-scenes tour of the Van Diemen's Land Company, Woolnorth Wind Farm's first installation at Bluff Point and a visit to Cape Grim. After the tour, guests will enjoy a three course lunch of local produce such as Cape Grim Beef, Cape Grim Water, Robbins Island Wagyu Beef, Bolduans Bay Oysters, local seafood including crayfish, abalone and calamari, matched with Josef Chromy Wines, all within the historic grounds of Woolnorth.

Pumphouse Point The Retreat and The Shorehouse Dining Room

Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair has just extended their wilderness offering with the opening of The Retreat, a private space designed to show off the raw beauty and unpredictability of the lake via some pretty gorgeous designer digs. Built for two, The Retreat features locally crafted furniture, ceramics and bath products and an abundant larder with local produce, wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits. Farmhouse dinners are included, served privately in The Retreat, or at shared tables in The Shorehouse Dining Room. Inviting togetherness, couples can relax to the sound of water gently lapping at the shore, with privacy in spades. There are even two deep tubs for soaking, one of them under the stars. Now that's a spot for quiet contemplation with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling. The Shorehouse has also been extended with a contemporary wing housing the dining room, honesty bar and cellar, and a new menu in partnership with Coal River Farm featuring the best of Tasmanian produce. Bookings are open now.

Freycinet Lodge Retreat
Nine new Coastal Pavilions are set to open at Freycinet Lodge in March 2018, as environmentally sensitive suites, nestled in the Freycinet National Park landscape. Curved glass, warm Tasmanian timbers and beautifully tactile textures will come together to showcase the natural beauty of the site. Outdoor baths on the expansive decks and lounge spaces taking in the framed views will add to the grounded luxury offering. Each stay includes breakfast, local sparking wine, and refreshments on arrival, as well as a cheeky Tasmanian nightcap to send guests into perfect slumber. Later in the year will see the addition of a lift and a gorgeous accessible suite in the main Lodge building, and six new rooms with floor-to-ceiling views of The Hazards mountain range. Bookings are open now.

Launceston Peppers Silo Hotel

After a $25 million development, Launceston's 108-room Peppers Silo Hotel will open in May 2018 under the Mantra Group banner. Peppers Silo Hotel features the repurpose of the Kings Wharf grain silos, first erected in 1960 and will be the first hotel development to open in Launceston since 2010. The history of the soaring 35 metre silos is incorporated into the interior, with historic photographs and artefacts playing a role. 52 rooms will reside in the silo barrels, with a new North Tower built to house 56 more rooms, overlooking the confluence of the North Esk and Tamar Rivers.

Marriott Luxury Collection 

Repurposed heritage buildings in Hobart's Parliament Square will be home to a new Marriott International Luxury Collection hotel. Scheduled to open in 2018, the hotel will have 128 gorgeous rooms and suites, with care being taken to restore original features including windows, floorboards and fireplaces. Sydney-based hospitality interior design firm JPDC is on the case - maintaining the Georgian and Art Deco styling throughout and drawing on the the hotel group's exacting standards of what luxury is today. Each Luxury Collection property is an expression of its location - the design-led development's harbourside location will be drawn upon, evident in the use of pared back, natural materials. When it's completed, the Parliament Square area will include generous outdoor space, meticulously designed contemporary architecture seamlessly coming together with heritage buildings and exciting local amenity.

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website discovertasmania.com.au.

Travel to Tasmania
Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tigerair, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

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4 Reasons Why Tassie Is Australia's Top Tourism Destination

It seems folk just can't get enough of Tassie. Not that long ago it was hard to find a good coffee across Bass Strait. Now we've got a premier walk that takes you along the world's edge. We're turning heads at national awards. Millennials are chattering Tassie escapes, racing to get here first. There's even a touch of rush-hour traffic in our capital. And by the way, there's some mighty fine coffee here.

Last night, on the national stage, Tasmania humbly accepted gold across five categories at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. Not only that, Tasmania collected seven silver, two bronze and The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel was inducted into the Hall of Fame. What's more, Tassie picked up the most awards out of every state. Such is Tasmania's allure that Roy Morgan Research has just delivered hard evidence. Hobart now outranks Perth and Brisbane as a capital city holiday destination Australians want to visit. Come Monday, Tasmania is quietly hoping that the film Lion will bring home an Oscar.  

Tourism Tasmania's CEO John Fitzgerald said "Tasmania has had another fantastic year for tourism and our popularity shows no signs of letting up as a record number of Australian and overseas visitors discover the people, the produce, the places, the stories and the experiences that make Tasmania such an exciting travel destination”

“I am really excited that we could back up our last two award-winning years with another outstanding performance at this year's Australian Tourism Awards. It reconfirms the quality of Tasmania's tourism and hospitality businesses and the amazing holiday experiences they provide for our visitors - the kind of experiences that our visitors keep returning for and talk about with their friends and family members long afterwards,” he said.

Here's a look at why Tasmania tops the list of great Australian tourism experiences. But don't take our word for it, you be the judge.

Summer in Tasmania: New Lodgings, Epic Adventures and Nature Amplified.

#Tasmania

With new accommodation popping up across the island and exciting new collaborations between some of our most loved tourism experiences, it's time to take a fresh look at Tasmania in summer.

Whats New in Tasmania: We Might Be Left Off the Map, but We're Top of Your List

It's oh-so-cool down here and we're not talking about the leaf-changing, warmer-layer inducing, red-wine loving weather. Across Tasmania this Autumn we have foodie openings, we have new cellar doors, we have new boutique tours and accommodation to explore. But don't just read about it, get down here and create your own Tasmanian story – from the beautiful introduction to the final conclusion (which should be that Autumn in Tasmania is simply perfection). 

Par Avion HelicoptersHow does a private little picnic on the East Coast sound? Want to get there by helicopter? No worries! A Par Avion Helicopter Tour starts from Cambridge, near Hobart, then follows the breathtakingly rugged coastline of Storm Bay to Bangor Farm. Pick up the freshest produce for a delicious picnic then head back out to the secluded Lagoon Bay to enjoy the local seafood and wine. This tour is $375pp, other tours start at $220pp. Check out the incredible range of food and drink itineraries at www.paravion.com.au/helicopters/wine-dine-and-whisky

Entally Estate

Eighty years after part of the property was sold, Entally Estate is whole again, with the purchase and blending back in of the former Rutherglen Holiday Village. The complete Entally Estate now features 20 Scandinavian inspired, contemporary guest rooms with king beds, modern amenities and high quality linens. The Kitchen at Entally Lodge supports local farmers by serving up fresh and healthy foods – healthy for bodies and for the local food economy. Perch in the bar and enjoy a local beer, wine or cider with well-crafted tapas. More information at www.entally.com.au

Ocean View Eco-Studios at Freycinet Eco Retreat

With compelling views over Saltwater Lagoon and the Friendly Beaches, Freycinet Eco Retreat have just released their new Ocean View Eco Studios. Nestled in the hills of Mt Paul and perfect for two (with luxuriously snuggly king beds), the open deck offers a sweeping vista out to the Tasman sea, complete with walking tracks through the bushland and friendly wildlife. Eight studios, all designed to high environmental standards, feature water and energy saving devices and appliances, water self-sufficient, super insulated to cut down on heating, and are 6-star energy efficient.www.freycinet.com/cabins/eco-studios

Dark Mofo in Dark Heart of Tasmanian Wilderness

The Museum of Old and New Art's midwinter festival, Dark Mofo, will spread some art and culture beyond Hobart this June and into the north-west coast of Tasmania and the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, with a new and unique two-night sleepover event, 'Wild at Heart'(15 – 17 June).



Presented by the RACT's Cradle Mountain Hotel and Dark Mofo, Wild at Heart is described as a 'pilgrimage into the true heart of the Tasmanian winter'.

The Wild at Heart experience begins with a curated midwinter road trip and includes the opening night of an exhibition by contemporary artist Ash Keating in the Wilderness Gallery, an outdoor spa and pop-up forest bar the same night culminating in a camp themed sleepover at Cradle Mountain Hotel.

The second day's highlights include daylight tours of Dove Lake and Waldheim Chalet before a dark and debauched banquet from UK culinary artists Bompass & Parr with “wild beasts” hunted and prepared by Ross O'Meara (of SBS TV program Gourmet Farmer).

RACT acting chief executive officer Stacey Pennicott said the RACT had been a supporter of Dark Mofo from inception due to its focus on promoting winter events in Tasmania.

“Dark Mofo has brought people out of the warmth of their lounge rooms and encouraged them to embrace the elements and celebrate the wildness of winter,” she said.

“We are now very pleased to assist Dark Mofo expand its reach into regional Tasmania to help regional tourism throughout the winter period.”

Tickets to the Wild at Heart event will be sold through a ballot system due to limited rooms and expected high demand, with information available at www.darkmofo.net.au

Ms Pennicott said the Ash Keating exhibition, Remote Nature Response, would stay open in the Wilderness Gallery for three months after the Dark Mofo event.

“The RACT will extend elements of the Dark Mofo event throughout the hotel with some exclusive offerings including the exhibition, pop-up forest bar, themed rooms and menu items,” she said.

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Port Arthur Penitentiary reopens

Guided tour of the Penitentiary at the Port Arthur Historic Site
(Credit: PAHSMA - Simon Birch)

The Port Arthur Penitentiary will once again be accessible to visitors come the morning of Saturday 20 December. The large scale conservation project at Port Arthur’s Penitentiary, to ensure its survival for future generations, has meant that visitors have not been able to enter the ruin since January 2014. It is with significant pride and delight that the project team unveil the revitalised and now structurally sound ruin to community and visitors. It showcases this iconic structure in a way never before seen.

The completed project allows visitors to engage with the layers of remaining, original fabric in new ways. Previously inaccessible areas are now open to visitors revealing original window joinery, remnant glazing and plastered finishes.

New interpretative features include the footprint of the Musteryard at the front of the building, a timber floor that reflects the original corridors and a glass walkway which affords previously unattainable views of the interior of the building. The fabric of the original cell floor has been laid bare and is complemented by interpretative installation at the opposite end of the building, outlining where the original cells once stood.

PAHSMA Conservation Manager, Lucy Burke-Smith says “We are proud to showcase the project to visitors this summer. The project is another example of conservation practice of an international standard, as befitting this World Heritage Listed Site.”

The multidisciplinary design team, headed by HPA Projects of Sydney, employed progressive design solutions which were capably executed by locally based Managing Contractors, Hansen Yuncken and a team of committed subcontractors. “You don’t achieve quality outcomes such as this without consultants and contractors who genuinely engage with the place and its significance. Everyone involved has made a significant contribution to the conservation of this historic structure and should be commended for their efforts.” said Ms Lucy Burke-Smith.

The ‘new’ Penitentiary, together with the other summer and activities and offerings, makes the Port Arthur Historic Site a ‘must see’ destination this holiday season.

www.portarthur.org.au

The Ultimate Flavours of Tasmania Foodie Experience with Ben Milbourne

Australian residents will be invited to win an exclusive foodie experience with ex-MasterChef contestant Ben Milbourne when Spirit of Tasmania launches “The Ultimate Flavours of Tassie Experience” competition today.

The experience includes breakfast for two at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, a tour and tasting hosted by Ben of four north-west coast producers including House of Anvers, Ashgrove Cheese, 41° South Salmon Farm and Ghost Rock Vineyard followed by a three course dinner cooked by Ben himself in his private studio kitchen in Spreyton Tasmania, and one night’s accommodation in Devonport. A return trip on Spirit of Tasmania including a three course meal in The Leatherwood Restaurant is also included as part of the major prize.

Eleven runners-up will receive prizes generously donated from a number of Tasmanian wine, beer, whisky, seafood, condiment and confectionary producers who have participated in the Flavours of Tassie program.

Entrants simply have to submit a photo and description that most creatively demonstrates unique and appealing gourmet food and beverage products from Tasmania.

Photos and descriptions can be submitted on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #flavoursoftassie and handle @spiritoftas or via www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/flavoursoftassie.

Entries will be featured on the Flavours of Tassie social feed, along with posts from passengers and Tasmanian producers participating in the Flavours of Tassie program.

The competition will also launch Spirit of Tasmania’s Flavours of Tassie travel planner on, spiritoftasmania.com.au/flavoursoftassie which includes an interactive Tasmania map featuring local legends and foodie trails, an on board tasting calendar and detailed information about each producer participating in the program.

Flavours of Tassie is the company’s gourmet food and beverage program that allows Tasmanian producers from around the state to showcase their products to passengers during their sailing to Tasmania.

More than 70 gourmet Tasmanian producers of beer, cider, cheese, condiments, sweet treats, seafood, whisky, wine and more have participated in the program, now in its second year.

“I'm so proud to offer two lucky people a day in my food bowl. North West Tasmania has world class produce and I will personally introduce you to the people who grow and create it, said Mr Ben Milbourne.

“Each of these producers are a part of Flavours of Tassie on board Spirit of Tasmania. Along the way we will gather produce and I'll create a personalised dinner menu that will leave their tastebuds salivating!”

“Flavours of Tassie receives great feedback from our customers, so we’re continuing to develop the program,” Retail & General Hospitality General Manager Nick Harriman said.

“We’ll also be filming The Ultimate Flavours of Tassie experience to share with everyone so people at home can follow Ben’s foodie trail and see what delicious three courses he prepared for the lucky winners of the major prize.”

Mr Harriman said the interactive travel planner was designed to assist planning for a driving holiday.

“It can be used on a mobile device or tablet, making it the perfect tool for road trips,” he said.

“Our travel planner offers tourists helpful ways to visit the best of what Tasmania has to offer. There’s the Whisky Tour foodie trail for example, or the Devonport to Launceston Tasting Trail - and a trail soon to be developed by our very own Ben Milbourne.”

The ultimate Flavours of Tassie Experience competition launches today (Thursday 16 October) onspiritoftasmania.com.au/flavours-oftassie and closes 30 October 2014.

What's New in Tasmania

The Island State's Latest Sleeping, Spinning and Succulent Sensations

So they say Spring has sprung, but in Tassie, it's not just the joeys, poppies and tulips making an appearance, there's a whole host of new experiences and venues popping up around the island that are ripe for the picking.

Pumphouse Point

On the edge of Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage area, jutting 250m out from the shoreline of iconic Lake St Clair is the Pumphouse building, an art deco throwback to pioneering hydro-electric days gone by. Opening early January, Pumphouse Point is set to be a completely immersive boutique wilderness retreat where guests can walk, paddle, explore and breathe in the spectacular forests and lake. Put this on your bucket list for 2015! www.pumphousepoint.com

New Mountain Bike tracks at Hollybank

Hollybank Mountain Bike Park Wall Ride
Copyright: Heath Holden

Want to take a wild ride? Just outside Launceston sits Hollybank, a parcel of perfect Tasmanian wilderness, criss-crossed with brand new mountain bike tracks. With five cracking tracks for all abilities - from absolute beginners through to highly-advanced daredevils – riders will barrel through creek crossings, over rock slabs and even up a timber wall! www.facebook.com/hollybankmountainbikepark

Wineglass Bay Sail Walk with Tasmanian Walking Co

Wineglass Bay Sail Walk
Copyright: Tasmanian Walking Co

Walking iconic Wineglass Bay is one thing, but retiring at night to the exclusive 23 metre luxury yacht, Lady Eugenie – now that's a journey! Join the Tasmania Walking Co for the new Wineglass Bay Sail Walk over four or six days, luxuriously sleeping and eating on board while exploring the Bay, Maria Island and Tasman Island. Set sail! www.wineglassbaysailwalk.com.au

Driftwater

Fly fishing in Tasmania is among the best there is, for learners through to seasoned pros. Passionate fly fishers Karen and Peter (a freshwater biologist!) have opened Driftwater – a stunning fishing lodge outside Deloraine in Northern Tasmania. All abilities can fish the Highland lakes in purpose built, handcrafted timber drift boats, or enjoy walking, cycling or golf itineraries. Local ingredients are on hand for breakfast, lunch and dinner in house or packed for on the go expeditions. www.driftwater.com.au

Ratho Farm

Opening in October, Ratho Farm, an hour north of Hobart in historic Bothwell, boasts having Australia's oldest golf course. Stay in former convict barns and stables or the classic highland homestead and learn about the colourful history of the farm guests - from bushrangers, 100-year-old gardeners, golfing royalty and one of England's best known artists. Swing a club, enjoy four kilometres of prime river fishing and walks, devour hearty meals prepared by warm hosts and visit nearby attractions Nant Distillery, Lake St. Clair and the Waddamana Hydro-power Museum. Make your own history and tee off in 2015! www.rathofarm.com

Tasmanian Expeditions: Self-guided Overland Track

The Overland Track is one of Tasmania's iconic, must-do activities, but not every body wants to join an organised group to share the walk. Tasmanian Expeditions has developed a new self-guided Overland Track itinerary for walkers who prefer to travel without a group yet still enjoy having all the planning, food and logistics arranged in advance. Walkers take in a full briefing upon arrival in Launceston and pick up food, equipment and transport to head out and discover the World Heritage wilderness in their own time. www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au

Stanley Heritage Walk

Heritage buffs would be Nuts not to check out the new Stanley Heritage Walk. Using the walker's own smart phone or tablet, the trail gives a behind-the-scenes look at Stanley's rich heritage – as a treasured fishing village, birthplace of the first Tasmanian prime minister, and a town full of incredible characters. It takes a little over an hour and hard copies are available. www.stanleyheritagewalk.com.au

Thalia Haven

Having opened in April this year, Thalia Haven has quickly become a sought after luxury experience for eco lovers. Set overlooking Great Oyster Bay, the ten-berth house is made from local stone and incorporates environmentally sound building principals. Not to mention an incredible outdoor bath with taps creeping out from a Huon Pine branch. The house comes stocked with a complimentary local pantry, packed with international artwork from the owner's travels and a 5km private stretch of beach. www.thaliahaven.com.au

Shutterbug Walkabouts new photography tours

Visitors can get more out of their Tasmania experience with a Shutterbug Walkabouts photography tour with award-winning photographer, Roy Veith and his local history buff wife Coreena. Roy is up to speed on all the cameras out there and shares his extensive knowledge at a relaxed pace. They also run shore trips for cruise passengers and general sightseeing tours.www.shutterbugwalkabouts.com.au

New food glorious food!

Gourmet Tassie travellers will get their tastebuds tingling with these new taste sensations.

Franklin

Skilled Tasmanian chef, David Moyle, the man behind the successful Stackings at Peppermint Bay is getting back to the city with the opening of his new restaurant and bar, Franklin. In the classic art deco surrounds of the old Mercury newspaper building, Franklin promises to showcase lesser-known local treasures as well as a 100% natural wine list with an Italian bent. www.franklinhobart.com.au

Ethos Food Precinct

Hobart is set to have a new food precinct, brought to you by the team behind Ethos. Ethos are creating a mini empire on Elizabeth Street – new offshoots including Vita frozen yogurt bar with premium gourmet toppings, a self serve salad smorgasbord and sandwich deli, a providore, new cocktail bar Ash & Bester and a partnership with new Japanese grill, Three Japanese. www.ethoseatdrink.com

Kiss A Fish Cookery School

Experienced cooking teacher and food writer Roz MacAllan shares her love of fresh food with students in a group or private one-on-one setting. Classes are held in a fully appointed commercial grade kitchen and all food is heartily enjoyed after class. www.kissafishcookeryschool.com.au

Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed

45 minutes from Hobart is the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed – the family-run cellar door for Bangor Wines and farm gate shop for Lease 170 oysters. The shed sits beside the vineyard and overlooks the sea where the oysters are harvested daily. Here you will experience what Tasmania is all about, wonderful views, wine and fresh seafood. www.bangorshed.com.au

Small Fry

Promising a 'touch of the irreverent, Small Fry is many things – big plates for dinner, small plates for snacking with a drink and coffee and sweet treats for in between. Don't leave without trying one of the incredible pimped-up donuts like the delectable salted caramel with caramelised banana jam and a Ritual coffee. www.facebook.com/smallfryhobart

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website www.discovertasmania.com.au.

Tasmanian Trail - From passion to plate. By Ben Milbourne

Tasmania may be a small state, but it is a thriving foodie paradise.
Local Tasmanian, Ben Milbourne, showcases the amazing food produced across the state and features it in stunning, easy-to-follow recipes you can recreate at home.

Mussels in cider

Travelling around the isle, Ben meets with the owners, farmers, fishermen, chocolatiers and brewers whose love of fresh, locally made products have established them as purveyors of fine food.

Tasmanian Trail is about showcasing local producers, and the one thing they have in common which is the passion and pride they have for the produce they create. It may be an ingredient you didn’t even
know was being grown in Tasmania or it may be our staples, the things that Tasmanian’s have done so well for so many years.

The beautiful Tasmanian landscape is as much a part of the Tasmanian food experience as the food itself and this book features photography from around the island, as well as stunning recipe shots of many of the dishes.

With a range of recipes to suit many tastes, gorgeous food photography and breathtaking landscapes, this book will be just as at home in the kitchen as on your coffee table.

PUBLICATION DATE: SEPTEMBER 2014

PRINT RRP $40.00

FORMAT: HARDBACK

The Deep South-Western Tasmanian Wilderness Adventure

An Underwater Wilderness Unique On Earth

The deep south-western wilderness of Tasmania is so far from civilisation that getting there is an adventure in itself.



Flying aboard a light aircraft, sailing or a 9 day hike are the only ways to reach this remote wilderness, yet these obstacles are far outweighed by your reward on arrival.

This Southwest National Park is 618,000 hectares of classified World Heritage Wilderness - a title not given lightly and one guaranteeing visitors 'superlative natural phenomena and exceptional natural beauty'.

Golden-green mountainous ridges rise steeply from sandy-white quartzite coves. Small islands appear to float on the dark and reflective water.

Unmarked by civilization it feels surreal, like stepping into a scene from the movie Jurassic Park. And whilst you won't see any dinosaurs, all is not as it seems here. Within this visible wilderness lies the Port Davey Marine Reserve, hiding an underwater environment unique on earth.

Here, tannin-stained freshwater floats above heavier tidal salt water. These two opposing layers have created a diverse underwater environment that quite literally does not exist anywhere else in the world.

The tannin limits sunlight penetration, restricting plant growth but allowing colourful, delicate marine invertebrates to thrive. Snorkelers and scuba divers will delight in an experience never to be forgotten.

If keeping your head above water is more your style, then kayaking is without doubt the best way to experience this watery wilderness. Four major rivers and numerous creeks weave their way through gorges and along open plains before ultimately merging with the salty southern ocean.

Serenely paddling on a guided kayaking tour, the wild moors, deep valleys, mountain lakes and rugged peaks of this glacial landscape will take your breath away. But if it's an adrenalin hit you crave, ask your guide to paddle you out of Port Davey and into the excitement of the swelling Southern Ocean.

The first expedition of the Summer season departs Hobart on the 30th November.

Further information can be obtained from Roaring 40°s Kayaking or the Parks & Wildlife Service of Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Walking Company Launches New East Coast Guided Walking Experience

Commencing this October, hikers and nature-lovers will be able to combine several awe-inspiring guided walks with leisurely sailing on a luxury yacht on the new Wineglass Bay Sail Walk.

The walk, a new guided trekking experience exploring some of Tasmania's most stunning east coast locations, is the latest offering from the Tasmanian Walking Company (TWC), which also owns the award-winning Bay of Fires Lodge Walk and the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk.

“TWC currently operates two of the seven Great Walks of Australia. We have been looking for some time to find a new expedition to complement those existing iconic experiences, much-loved by walkers the world over. We believe the Wineglass Bay Sail Walk does just that, giving walkers the perfect opportunity to discover the spectacular islands and peninsulas of Tasmania's east coast national parks by foot and by water” said Brett Godfrey, co-owner of TWC.

Over a four or six-day itinerary, walkers will be able to explore some of Tasmania's gems including Maria Island and both the Freycinet and Tasman Peninsulas. To access each destination, guests will travel by sail boat from one striking Tasmanian location to another aboard the luxurious Lady Eugenie, a 23-metre (75ft) luxury yacht which also serves as their accommodation.

The four-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk itinerary travels from south to north (alternating directions on a weekly basis) and takes in Maria Island, Schouten Island, Cooks (or Bryans) Beach and Wineglass Bay. The six-day itinerary additionally explores the Tasman Peninsula, including a section of the new Three Capes Track. Both itineraries originate out of Hobart.

Walking highlights on both trips include the ascent of the 630m-high towering dolerite Bishop and Clerk columns on Maria Island, rounding the Fossil Cliffs to be greeted by sweeping views toward Schouten Island and the Freycinet Peninsula; a three-hour walk to the top of Bear Hill on remote Schouten Island; the climb of Mt Graham at Cooks Beach on Freycinet; and a walk along stunning Wineglass Bay.

For those with an interest in history, our walks also take in the World Heritage-listed convict site of Darlington. Once populated with prisoners, it is now home to an array of architectural relics and abundant wildlife.

Along the way, walkers will be treated to tall Tasmanian blue gum forests, button grass fields of the East Freycinet Saddle and plenty of opportunities for bird watching, photography or hunting for orchids. Walkers individually can also opt to relax on some days, swapping trekking with swimming, a stroll along a deserted beach, or simply staying on board; making this a perfect journey for groups or even couples of differing abilities or interests.

Each night, guests will be able to retire to the uncomplicated luxury of Lady Eugenie for drinks and canapés as the sun sets, followed by a chef-inspired, locally sourced dinner served with a selection of Tasmanian wines.

Alternatively, barefoot beach dinners in the itinerary allow guests to kick off their hiking boots as they sit on the uninhabited shores of Schouten Island or other secluded coastal locations while enjoying a fabulous candlelit dinner under the stars.

Lady Eugenie's teak decks are the perfect setting for relaxing while taking in the stunning scenery of Tasmania's east coast. During the evening guests can wind down in the spacious saloon and the professionally equipped, separate galley guarantees delicious meals made from local Tasmanian produce.

The trip operates with a maximum of 10 guests in five comfortable cabins, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms and showers.

The four-day Wineglass Bay Sail Walk starts from $2,990 per person, while the six-day itinerary starts from $3,990, on a twin share basis and for departures from October 2014 to May 2015.

For more information on The Wineglass Bay Sail Walk contact 03 6392 2211 or visit www.wineglassbaysailwalk.com.au