Experience Tasmania by Spirit of Tasmania

2014

CALENDAR JANUARY

FEBRUARY

OUTDOOR

» COMING SOON « E XPERIENCE TA SMANIA

EDITION «

FOOD, WINE & CULTURE EDITION This is your handy guide to the best of gastronomy, heritage and the arts in Tasmania. Including:

MARCH

• gourmet trails to cool climate wines • food markets to craft beer • cutting-edge art galleries to historic sites • plus a useful fold-out map There’s plenty to inspire your next trip to Tasmania.

Henley-on-Mersey Festival The ancient tradition of ferret racing takes centre stage at this fun annual festival in Latrobe. henleyonmersey.com.au

Evandale Village Fair and Steamfest V8 Supercars National Penny Farthing Relive the glories of the steam Tasmania 400 Championships Taking place at Symmons era at this weekend event Experience the amazing spectacle of Penny Farthing bicycle races at this historic village fair.

featuring displays of vintage machinery, traction engine, steam rollers, vintage cars and much more.

evandalevillagefair.com

steamfesttasmania.org.au

Plains, just 30 minutes from Launceston, get ready for some serious speed at Tasmania’s largest sporting event.

Stay up to date Join our Travel Club

spiritoftasmania.com.au/loyalty-program

V8supercars.com.au Photography // Tourism Tasmania, iStockphoto, Shutterstock / Photography (opposite) // Tourism Tasmania, iStockphoto, Newspix

Read our blog

APRIL

MAY

MAY–JUNE

JULY–SEPTEMBER

spiritoftasmania.com.au/blog Subscribe to our channel

youtube.com/spiritoftassie

Connect with us Mud Run

Agfest

Campbell Town Show

Snow sports season

If getting extremely muddy is your idea of a fun day out, look no further than this event at the Van Dieman Brewery in Evandale. It’s open to all from the under-12s 1km mud splash to the 5km mud run.

Organised by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania, Agfest showcases the very best in agricultural skills including demonstrations of sheep dog trials.

The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest continually running agricultural show complete with sheep shearing, food stalls and much more.

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing with stunning alpine backdrops in Ben Lomond National Park, the only vehicle-accessible alpine resort in Tasmania, just 70 minutes from Launceston.

tasmudrun.com.au

SEPTEMBER

campbelltownshow.com.au

agfest.com.au

OCTOBER

skibenlomond.com.au

OCTOBER

facebook.com/spiritoftasmania twitter.com/spiritoftas instagram.com/spiritoftas pinterest.com/spiritoftas

EXPERIENCE TASMANIA

Share your journey #experiencetas

DECEMBER

GRE AT WALKS AND HIKES

Tiger Trail Festival This festival celebrates the Upper Derwent Valley’s association with the legendary Tassie tiger with community markets, open gardens, wine tastings among many other activities. tigertrailfestival.com.au

Launceston Eye Institute Cataract Gorge Challenge

A great event for all the family, this is the annual showcase The spectacular Cataract for Tasmania's agricultural Gorge hosts this exciting industry with events as pentathlon-style event with diverse as alpaca displays legs testing cycling, mountain to wood chopping. biking, running, kayaking, as hobartshowground.com.au well as the vertigo-inducing ropes stage. launcestoncataract challenge.com.au

00_Cover_Map_Events.indd 25

Royal Hobart Show

TOP C AMPING SPOTS

CYCLE TRAILS

FISHING

WILDLIFE

Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race Celebrating New Year, this 285-nautical-mile race starts on 27 December. The race meets yachts from the Sydney to Hobart, and Melbourne to Hobart races in a battle up the Derwent Estuary to the finish line. l2h.com.au

19/12/13 4:12 PM

Contents 02 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Great hikes from short strolls to multi-day adventures.

06 A TENT WITH A VIEW Special camping spots from beachside idylls to rugged wilderness.

GLAMPING WALKS

2 Creepy Crawly Nature Trail 3 Liffey Falls 4 Dove Lake

To help you make the most of this guide, we’ve included a simple key alongside most of the entries listed. So, at a glance you can find out the activity’s location, whether it’s familyfriendly or more suited to couples and, in the case of active pursuits such as hikes or bike trails, the effort levels/experience required.

Burnie

7 Hazards Beach, Wineglass Bay 8 Hartz Mountains National Park

52 4 26

16 TOP FIVE GREAT BIKE RIDES A selection of routes to suit all abilities. 17 ENTERTAINMENT ON THE HIGH SEAS Ten things to do while on board. 18 A DAY OUT TO REMEMBER Marvel at Tasmania’s natural beauty on a great day trip or adventure activity.

North

Romantic

North east

Foodie

East

Family-friendly

SE S

South east South

Effort Easy

South west

Medium

West

Hard

NW C

North west Central

20 WHAT’S ON? An annual calendar of major outdoor events.

Admission Parks Pass Camping fee

*Average mean temperatures, Australian Government Bureau of Metereology.

{page 06}

15 16 17 18 19 20

Gilhams Beach Campground Jeanneret Beach Camping Area Myrtle Park Recreation Ground Ben Lomond National Park Pumphouse Bay Camping Area Neck Reserve Camping Area 21 Springlawn Camping Area 22 Friendly Beaches Camping Area

WILDLIFE

27 28 29 30 31 32

34 Arthurs Lake 35 Derwent Estuary 36 Georges Bay 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44

Australian Fly Fishing Museum Masaaki’s Sushi Blue Shed Stillwater Restaurant 28 Gates Nettley Bay Lake Leake Southport Lagoon

19 34

56 11 88

CYCLING (start point) {page 16}

7 22 70 81

Oatlands A3

Strathgordon

77 55

74 2

New Norfolk

LEGEND

Tourist information centres State route numbers Major roads (sealed/unsealed)

33 50 62

Richmond

87 60 61 65 35 80 Huonville 41

Dover

13 44 68 76 15

57 25

6 73 84 85

Port Arthur

61 Mount Wellington 62 Maria Island 63 Tasmanian Trail 64 Launceston to Hobart 65 Intercity Cycleway

DAY TRIPS

{page 18}

66 Tahune Forest AirWalk 67 The Nut, Stanley 68 Hastings Caves State Reserve 69 Mole Creek Karst National Park 70 Wineglass Bay Cruises 71 Gordon River Cruises 72 West Coast Wilderness Railway

ADVENTURE SPORTS {page 19}

HOBART

YOUR ACTIVITY PLANNER

{page 14}

57 Tasman Peninsula

Coles Bay

Swansea

Strahan

DRIVES

55 Gordon River Road/Scotts Peak Road 56 Mount McCall Track 58 Ocean Beach: Cape Sorell 59 Forests and Falls: Scottsdale to Derby 60 Wellington Park Fire Trails

Queenstown

29 58 71 79

36 39

St Marys

12 9

{page 08}

{page 10}

St Helens

Launceston

69 75

52 Waldheim Alpine Spa 53 Eagles Nest Retreat 54 Niche Yoga Retreat

40 64 86

Lake St Clair National Park Seal Colony Tours Bicheno Penguin Tours Bonnet Island Narawntapu National Park Mount William National Park Whales: Bruny Island, Adventure Bay, Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet Maria Island

FISHING

Managing director Jeff Trounce Publisher Mark Scruby Editor Sarah Notton Design Dallas Budde, Robert Bertagni Print Offset Alpine Cover images Tourism Tasmania, Alamy

Cradle Mountain

23 Platypus House 24 Seahorse World 25 Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park 26 Devils@Cradle/Cradle Mountain-

21 YOUR ACTIVITY PLANNER Work out your Tassie itinerary with this useful fold-out map.

Experience Tasmania is published for Spirit of Tasmania by Hardie Grant Media, Ground Level, Building 1, 658 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia, hardiegrant.com.au

CAMPING Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Alamy, iStockphoto

14 FULL THROTTLE Tasmania is a driver’s dream: spectacular, ever-changing landscape and open, light-trafficked roads.

Activity

59 89 17

50 Maria Island 51 43 Degrees

45 82

George Town

21 30

Devonport

14 Federation Peak

Location

48 Bruny Island Cruises 49 Bruny Island gourmet trail

23 24 27

11 Frenchmans Cap Track 12 The Overland Track 13 Lune River

12 GOING BUSH… IN STYLE No need to go without home comforts with these ‘glamping’ options.

00_Cover_Map_Events.indd 24

Stanley

9 Walls of Jerusalem 10 Penguin Cradle Trail

10 CATCHING THE BIG ONE Why the Apple Isle is such a favourite with anglers.

Certification applies to Offset Alpine Printing

5 Montezuma Falls 6 Cape Hauy

09 LIFE ON THE HIGH SEAS Food and accommodation options on board.

Environment ISO 14001

47 Bruny Island, Adventure Bay Retreat

National Park

Using this guide

{page 12}

45 Bay of Fires Lodge 46 Tarkine Wilderness Lodge

1 Russell Falls/Mount Field

08 ANIMAL KINGDOM Our pick of Tasmania’s wildlife highlights.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA ABN 39 061 996 174 Station Pier, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 spiritoftasmania.com.au

{page 02}

78 79 80

81 82 83

32 47 48 49 51 DRIVING GUIDE

73 74 75 76 77

St Helens » Coles Bay 114km // 1hr 29 mins

Devonport » Stanley 125km // 1hr 33 mins Devonport » Launceston

Devonport » Strahan

100km // 1hr 8 mins

200km // 2hrs 18 mins

Launceston » St Helens

Strahan » Hobart

164km // 2hrs 1 min

300km // 3hrs 59 mins

225km // 2hrs 56 mins

Launceston » Hobart

84 85 86 87 88 89

Tasman National Park / abseiling Strathgordon / abseiling Mole Creek Karst National Park / caving Ida Bay / caving Junee Florentine / caving Tasmanian Trail / horseriding King River, Strahan / jet boating Huon River Jet Boats / jet boating Freycinet National Park / kayaking Ansons Bay, Bay of Fires / kayaking Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour / kayaking Fortescue Bay, Tasman NP / kayaking Tasman National Park / rock climbing Cataract Gorge, Launceston / climbing Organ Pipes, Mount Wellington / climbing Franklin River / whitewater rafting Hollybank Treetop Adventure, Launceston / zip lining

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AVeRAGe teMPeRAtURes* Hobart Launceston

January–March 22ºC high // 12ºC low April–June 16ºC high // 7ºC low July–September 14ºC high // 5ºC low October–December 19ºC high // 9ºC low

WhaT OUr CUsTOmers saY

“You can take your car, and drive on and off with everything you need to take with you to your destination.” Judith Fenton

“I have been to Tassie five times … This is the only way to go there and Tasmania is just beautiful and a perfect place for a holiday.” Brian Johnson

January–March 24ºC high // 11ºC low April–June 16ºC high // 5ºC low July–September 14ºC high // 4ºC low October–December 20ºC high // 9ºC low

“I love the Spirit of Tasmania because I get the option of taking my car with me to explore” Emma Metcalfe

On bOard

So pack up your car with everything you need – your only luggage restriction is your car’s capacity – and drive on board Spirit of Tasmania to start an outdoor adventure to remember!

DRiViNG GUiDe

high seas

If you haven’t been to Tasmania before, we’re pretty sure that once you’ve been, you’ll want to return again and again. It’s that kind of place!

embark

This guide is intended to be a taster of many of the delights Tasmania has to offer. It’s our pick of the best walks, camping sites, fishing spots, places to spot wildlife and much more.

Why not take your car? The great thing about exploring Tasmania in the comfort of your own car is that you can take all the gear you need, stop off wherever and whenever you want and of course, stock up on all that delicious local produce and wine along the way.

your adventure

asmania is one of the most beautiful and untouched environments in the world – with around 40 per cent of the island protected as national parks and reserves. Its compact size and diverse landscapes mean it’s a perfect place for driving, hiking, fishing, biking, camping, glamping – whichever way you like to travel!

starts here

With Spirit of Tasmania, your holiday starts from the moment you board.

Devonport » Stanley 125km // 1hr 33 mins Devonport » Launceston 100km // 1hr 8 mins

Launceston » St Helens 164km // 2hrs 1 min

St Helens » Coles Bay 114km // 1hr 29 mins

Devonport » Strahan 225km // 2hrs 56 mins

Launceston » Hobart 200km // 2hrs 18 mins

Strahan » Hobart 300km // 3hrs 59 mins

Cradle Mountain January–March 18ºC high // 8ºC low April–June 11ºC high // 4ºC low July–September 9ºC high // 2ºC low October–December 14ºC high // 5ºC low

UsefUL websites spiritoftasmania.com.au

discovertasmania.com.au parks.tas.gov.au

biketas.org.au exploreaustralia.net.au

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HIKING

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

FOR AN ISLAND the equivalent in size to Ireland, Tasmania packs a serious punch as far as bushwalking is concerned. The Apple Isle has more than 2000km of major walking tracks, many of which cross sections of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which takes up about one fifth of the state.

spiritoftasmania.com.au

The good news is you don’t have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy what Tasmania has to offer: there are hundreds of walks ranging from short family-friendly strolls to challenging six-day hikes. But what they all have in common is Tasmania’s stunning scenery. NOTE »

Did you know?

National park fees may apply. Estimated times will vary greatly, depending on the terrain, weather and individual capability.

02-05_Walks2.indd 2

A national parks pass can be purchased on board Spirit of Tasmania from Tourism on Board, located on Deck 7.

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Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley, Roger T Wong, Shutterstock

Blessed by extraordinary landscapes, Tasmania is one of the best places to bushwalk on the planet.

WALKING IN TASSIE » SAFETY FIRST Travelling on Spirit of Tasmania means it’s easy to bring all your essential walking gear. Before undertaking any bushwalk, particularly if you are planning to camp overnight, ensure you are adequately equipped for every eventuality.

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley, Roger T Wong, Shutterstock

russell Falls 600m / 20 minutes

liFFey Falls 2km / 45 minutes

Located in Mount Field National Park, the walk to Russell Falls has been a favourite for almost a century. It is a ﬂat wheelchairaccessible stroll past towering swamp gums, the tallest ﬂowering plant on earth, and through tree fern groves to the picturesque falls.

Liffey Falls is a series of beautiful waterfalls cascading through dense myrtle rainforest on the edge of the Great Western Tiers. The walk is well paved and has plenty of viewing platforms from which to photograph the cascades.

creePy craWly nature trail 1km / 20–30 minutes The Southwest National Park is famous for its outstanding wild beauty. This short trail on a fully boarded track, with over 165 gently graded steps, offers a lovely trip into the cool temperate rainforest, weaving in amongst moss-covered trees and giant logs.

essentials For more information, check out the ‘Before you Walk – Essential Bushwalking’ guide on parks.tas.gov.au

dove lake circuit (loWer) 5.7km / 2 hours Just short of 6km, this is one of Tasmania’s best walks, right in the middle of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Circumnavigate dove Lake on a mostly boarded track to enjoy the majestic views of Cradle Mountain itself. What’s more, if you get tired, you can always hop on the shuttle bus.

Pictured

(from far left)1 1 The Waterfalls Walk, one of the many scenic tracks in Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. 2 Mount Field National Park. 3 Dove Lake Circuit. 4 Get up close to the stunning rainforest plants on the Creepy Crawly Nature Trail. 5 The spectacular Liﬀey Falls.

SHORT WALKS

» Always have sunscreen, warm clothing, waterproof gear and a compass » Always carry a tent » Carry extra food and drinking water » Protect yourself against mud » Scrub your boots before entering a national park on the east coast to avoid transmitting the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi that can devastate vegetation.

02-05_Walks.indd 3

18/12/13 12:14 PM

dAy WALKS W

Shelly Napier Guide, Tasmanian Walking Company

tHe soutHern ranges to soutH coast traverse

To view the state’s highest waterfalls, follow the old tramway from Williamsford, near Strahan, travelling through rainforest of leatherwood, sassafras, myrtle and tree ferns.

In true Tasmanian style, you can only reach the state’s most famous beach by foot. Take the track via the beautiful Wineglass Bay and through the rugged pink granite boulders of the Hazards in Freycinet National Park.

Starting from Lune River, this is a challenging but unforgettable walk. The track is mostly easy to follow but some navigational skills may be required. The scenery ranges from the craggy peaks of the south west, tranquil alpine lakes and herb fields, to lush temperate rainforest and remote beach walking. SW

Wineglass Bay – Hazards BeacH 11km / 4–5 hours

caPe Hauy 8.8km / 4 hours

74km / 8–11 days / Be prepared

MontezuMa Falls track 4km / 3 hours

Get close-up views of the Tasman Peninsula’s magnificent steep cliffs and rock formations at the end of this walk starting from Fortescue Bay, with the track passing through a variety of heath and woodland.

Hartz Mountains national Park Various km / 5 mins to 5 hours Far from the main tourist route and down an unsealed road, this World Heritage Area park has some of Tasmania’s best day walks – from the very short trip to the Waratah Lookout to the challenging 5-hour return hike to Hartz Peak. Tracks lead to shimmering tarns, cascading waterfalls and dolerite peaks for panoramic views.

FarMHouse creek track to Federation Peak

The rugged south west has been a Mecca for hikers for decades and is home to Tassie’s ultimate challenge. The final ascent does involve some basic rock climbing and nerves of steel – at one point you gaze straight down to Lake Geeves, 600 metres below! The view from the top is mind blowing – the south coast on one side, and row upon row of wild peaks all around.

spiritoftasmania.com.au

40km / 4–5 days / Be prepared!

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18/12/13 12:15 PM

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley, John Henderson, Roger T Wong, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

MULTIdAy WALKS

THE OVERLAND TRACK

65km / 6 days

An entry on so many people’s bucket lists, the Overland Track is the iconic Tassie walking trail. It operates a booking system to avoid overcrowding so don’t forget to book before you go – visit parks.tas.gov.au. If you still need your creature comforts, then think about the six-day guided walk with Cradle Mountain Huts, who operate the only private accommodation within the World Heritage Area. delicious three-course dinners accompanied by Tasmanian wines are your reward after a day’s trek through the often-challenging but spectacular terrain. cradlehuts.com.au

Pictured

(from left)

1 The iconic Wineglass Bay. 2 Hiking at Cape Hauy. 3 The Overland Track. 4 Frenchmans Cap. 5 Walls of Jerusalem.

Walls oF JerusaleM 21.5km / 2 days / Be prepared!

Penguin cradle trail 76km / 6 days / Be prepared!

This is an alpine wilderness like no other and well-prepared visitors to these high altitudes will enjoy a truly unforgettable experience. With no road access, the main walking tracks leading inside this park start in the north via Lake Rowallan. Walking through dry forest and alongside a cluster of lakes known as Solomon’s Jewels, you eventually encounter the Walls – five peaks that surround a basin, 1200m above sea level.

Beginning in Penguin, this trail passes through woodland and rainforest up to Cradle Mountain, roughly following the Leven River. Beyond Gunns Plains, the scenery becomes truly spectacular, a highlight being the 250m-deep Leven Canyon. From here, climb Black Buff before entering a subalpine landscape with a chance of spotting platypus.

PWS Mole Creek Field Centre, (03) 6363 5133.

PWS Lake St Clair, (03) 6289 1172.

FrencHMans caP track 46km / 3–5 days / Be prepared! The magnificent quartzite dome of 1446m-high Frenchmans Cap beckons adventurers on this challenging journey deep in the FranklinGordon Wild Rivers National Park. descend into the muddy Loddon Plains before climbing to Barron Pass. Then wind past Lake Tahune, up to Frenchmans Cap, with its sheer drops and incredible views of distant dolerite mountains and lakes in the valley. PWS Lake St Clair, (03) 6289 1172.

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley, John Henderson, Roger T Wong, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

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CAMPING

A TENT WITH A VIEW Tasmania’s pristine national parks and incredibly diverse landscapes make it one of the most superb places to camp in Australia. Here are eight of the best.

spiritoftasmania.com.au

GILHAMS BEACH CAMPGROUND

JEANNERET BEACH CAMPING AREA

MYRTLE PARK RECREATION GROUND

About as far south as you can drive in Australia, Gilhams Beach is in the forested reserve surrounding Recherche Bay, complete with snow-capped mountain backdrop and a pure white sandy beach. You can swim, fish or explore the area’s whaling history, and spend your evenings marvelling at the stars.

This gorgeous cove in the Bay of Fires area has secluded camping sites at its northen end, nestled in the trees at Round Hill Point. Swim and snorkel to your heart’s content or hike along the Binalong Bay Coastal Walk.

This delightful camping area flanked by riverside willows, is next to the pretty St Patricks River at Targa, about halfway between Launceston and Scottsdale. Amenities include a great kids’ playground, kiosk and tennis court. Dogs on a leash are allowed.

PWS St Helens, (03) 6376 1550.

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Alamy, Shutterstock

(03) 6399 3368, $6 per night.

PWS Huonville, (03) 6264 8460. PICTURED

(from top left) 1 The stunning Bay of Fires area is famous for its beautiful lichen-covered rocks.

2 Neck Reserve, at the isthmus joining north and south Bruny Island.

3 Camping doesn’t get much better than pitching in Freycinet National Park.

4 Get close up to Tasmania’s wildlife in Narawntapu National Park.

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Did you know? You can buy your national parks pass on board Spirit of Tasmania. Taking your car on board means you can jam pack it with all the equipment you need for a great camping trip.

BEN LOMOND NATIONAL PARK

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Alamy, Shutterstock

CAMPING DOS & DON’TS DO come prepared for all weather conditions, even in the height of summer DO carry all your rubbish out with you, including food scraps DO boil all water for 10 minutes before drinking or use water-purifying tablets DO use fuel stoves even where fires are permitted DON’T stay somewhere without permission DON’T alter a camp site – if you use rocks to secure tents, return them when you leave DON’T walk off tracks, even when wet and muddy, to keep damage to a minimum DON’T feed native animals. WANT MORE INFO? Visit parks.tas.gov.au for information on planning your camping trip, including details on buying national parks passes. See also discovertasmania.com.au and exploreaustralia.net.au

Ben Lomond is a Tolkienesque world of sheer dolerite cliffs, scree slopes and swirling mists. Accessible by driving up Jacobs Ladder, a steep switchback road (snow chains needed June–September), you are rewarded by splendid views. Bush camping is allowed anywhere in the park – but you must come fully prepared with adequate shelter, fuel, food and drinking water. Alternatively, 1km inside the park is a camping ground with six sites in an area of beautiful lowland gums, mountain pepper bushes and snowberries. PWS Trevallyn, (03) 6336 5391.

PUMPHOUSE BAY CAMPING AREA This beautifully maintained, scenic campground beside Arthurs Lake is a hit with all types of campers, not just anglers, for its great communal BBQs. It even has wood-heated showers – perfect after a day out on the lake. Bothwell Tourism Association, (03) 6259 4049, $4 adult, $2 child/ pensioner or $10 family per night.

NECK RESERVE CAMPING AREA Joining the north and south parts of Bruny Island, is a narrow, sandy isthmus called ‘The Neck’. There’s a lookout with awe-inspiring 360-degree views over the stunning beaches and at night the dunes come alive with fairy penguins. It’s a fantastic place to camp. PWS Bruny Island, (03) 6293 1419. $10 per couple, $2.50 child (over five years), per night.

SPRINGLAWN CAMPING AREA Just 40km from Devonport is Narawntapu National Park, often dubbed ‘Serengeti of Tasmania’, as it’s one of the best places to see kangaroos and wombats in the wild. A powered site, Springlawn offers the best camping facilities in the park and is conveniently located near the visitor centre and many of the walks. PWS Narawntapu, (03) 6428 6277, $16 per night.

FRIENDLY BEACHES CAMPING AREA, FREYCINET Tasmania’s first national park, Freycinet, is blessed with granite peaks, azure water and pure white beaches. The many superb camping sites include the popular Richardsons Beach and Honeymoon Bay (enter the annual ballot on August 1 for a precious summer holiday pitch). If you’re looking for a non-balloted spot a bit more off the beaten track, try the basic Friendly Beaches instead. PWS Freycinet, (03) 6256 7000.

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WILDLIFE

Animal kingdom Home to the famous Tasmanian devil and many other unique species, the state has some great wildlife attractions as well as many chances to spot animals in the wild.

Close encounters FIVE GREAT PLACES TO SEE WILDLIFE 1 / Narawntapu National Park 2 / Mount William National Park 3 / Cradle MountainLake St Clair National Park 4 / Bruny Island 5 / Maria Island PICTURED

(from top)

1 Tassie is a bird-spotterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream. 2 Meeting a Tasmanian devil. 3 Australian fur seal. 4 Whale watching in Tasmania.

2 NE

PLATYPUS HOUSE AND SEAHORSE WORLD

seahorseworld.com.au; platypushouse.com.au

DEVILS@CRADLE This sanctuary conserves three carnivorous marsupials, the Tasmanian devil and the eastern and spotted-tail quoll. devilsatcradle.com

SEAL COLONY TOURS This three to four-hour cruise goes to Tenth Island in the Bass Strait, home to a 600-strong Australian fur seal colony. sealandsea.com

This animal-rescue centre is home for quolls, eagles, wallabies, owls and wombats, but the stars are, of course, the Tasmanian devils. Learn about the carnivorous marsupials and how they are threatened by a facial tumour disease.

Watch the fairy penguins emerge from the ocean at dusk on this locally run tour established to protect the penguin population.

tasmaniandevilpark.com

bichenopenguintours.com.au

spiritoftasmania.com.au

TASMANIAN DEVIL CONSERVATION PARK

BONNET ISLAND EXPERIENCE This boat trip leaves at dusk from Strahan to visit the thriving colony of Little Penguins. Enjoy bird-watching and gourmet food and wine en route. bonnetisland.com.au

GENTLE SEA GIANTS Whale watching is one of Tasmaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular wildlife attractions, with the peak season in June and July. For humpback and southern right whales, head to Great Oyster Bay and the Mercury Passage near Freycinet or Adventure Bay in south Bruny.

BICHENO PENGUIN TOURS

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, courtesy Wineglass Bay Cruises

45km from Launceston, Beauty Point is home to two excellent wildlife attractions. Observe Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas at Platypus House; and learn about the lives of these magical and elusive seahorse at Seahorse World.

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“Being up at dawn, watching the lights of Tasmania approaching, the stars above and the wind in your face... bliss!”

Sharon Kemp

» OCEAN

RECLINERS › Travellers on a budget can relax in comfortable reclining seats in a private lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. Ocean Recliners feature swipe-card access, reclining chairs with a foot rest, individual reading lights, floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the lounge, luggage racks, blankets and pillows. Available on selected sailings throughout the year.

» TWIN CABINS › Great for friends or couples travelling together. Each cabin has two single beds and an ensuite bathroom with bedding and towels provided. » THREE & FOUR

BERTH CABINS › Perfect for families, these cabins offer two bunk beds and an ensuite bathroom plus bedding and towels. Cots are provided free of charge when you book an infant in a private cabin. Infants under three travel free.

» DELUXE CABINS › Arrive in style in this cabin with a queen-sized bed and ensuite bathroom. All Deluxe Cabins have a bar fridge, television and two large porthole windows offering spectacular views. Bedding, towels and fluffy bathrobes are provided.

Jenny Doogan

“The best thing about travelling by sea is that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination – a win-win situation! Can’t wait till our next trip!”

ON BOARD

Try a family-friendly meal at The Captain’s Table with its range of hot and cold dishes, or enjoy a light snack with your drink in The Spirit Bar while taking in the ocean views. For that sweet treat, just pop over to Lavender Cafe.

HIGH SEAS

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

SLEEP TIGHT On night sailings, Spirit of Tasmania has a range of accommodation options for all budgets:

EMBARK

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, courtesy Wineglass Bay Cruises

Imagine instead a journey where you are not confined to your seat. You can enjoy a relaxing drink at the bar and eat with your family and friends around a table. You can take a stroll on deck to enjoy the fresh ocean air and watch the sun go down before retiring to your private cabin for the night. Sound good? Well, that’s just a taster of your trip on board Spirit of Tasmania.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Get your holiday off to a great start with a fresh meal on board the ship. More formal dining is available at The Leatherwood Restaurant, which serves delicious dishes made with Tasmanian produce, such as 41° South smoked salmon, Petuna ocean trout and a selection of Tasmania’s finest cheeses and mouth-watering desserts.

LIFE ON THE

SET SAIL Travel can often be exhausting and stressful – long queues, excess baggage costs, cramped seating – we’ve all been there.

HIGH SEAS

k rk

With a range of accommodation and dining options, you will spend the first night of your holiday relaxing at sea, arriving refreshed and ready to start the day.

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FISHING

CATCHING THE BIG ONE

Going fishing? Tasmania’s pristine waters offer some of the world’s best freshwater and game fishing. What’s more, taking your car on Spirit of Tasmania means you can bring all your own gear with you.

TROUT FISHING 2014 marks the 150th anniversary of the introduction of wild brown trout to Tasmania and since then the state has become one of the world’s trout fishing hot spots. With more than 3000 lakes and rivers, in many places the water is so clear you can easily sight fish and catch large brown and rainbow trout. WHERE » Arthurs Lake, Central Plateau Conservation Area, Midlands WHY » Even novices can catch here CATCH » Brown trout ALSO TRY » Brumbys Creek, Bronte Lagoon, The Great Lake, Lake Pedder, Little Pine Lagoon, Salmon Ponds – all great for brown and rainbow trout

spiritoftasmania.com.au

SALTWATER FISHING Bream is one of the big draws for anglers to Tasmania’s estuaries and coastal lagoons. Meanwhile, big sea-run trout and salmon populate the river estuaries. Make sure you check with a local tackle shop or professional guide for the best advice on location, tackle, fly or lure selection. WHERE » Derwent Estuary, South east

WHY » So close to Hobart, the Derwent River offers abundant fishing opportunities all year round CATCH » Flathead, bream, silver trevally, salmon, pike, flounder, whiting, sea-run trout ALSO TRY » Henty River, near Strahan, for sea-run trout; Duck Bay, Smithton, near Stanley

GAME FISHING Tasmania’s game fishing waters stretch all the way from down the east coast from Flinders Island to the Tasman Peninsula. Relatively unknown compared to other world-class game fishing areas, the state’s waters are home to many game-fish records including world records for southern bluefin tuna. WHERE » Georges Bay, St Helens, East coast WHY » The game-fishing capital of Tasmania offers close access to deep water and the benefits from the East Australian Current, which runs down the east coast CATCH » Trevally, bream, flathead, cod, salmon, mullet, yellowfin tuna, marlin ALSO TRY » Great Oyster Bay, Tasman Peninsula for southern bluefin tuna, Freycinet Peninsula, Tasman Peninsula, Bicheno

DON’T MISS The new Australian Fly Fishing Museum is in the grounds of Clarendon, Australia’s finest Georgian mansion, set on the picturesque South Esk River. affm.net.au

CAUGHT NOTHING?

Even if you don’t catch a thing you needn’t go hungry. Here’s our pick of the best seafood eats in Tassie: MASAAKI’S SUSHI

Delicious and authentic sushi in the Huon Valley. Open Fri & Sat, 20b Church Street, Geeveston, 0408 712 340 BLUE SHED Great seafood from gamefishing hotspot St Helens on the east coast. blueshedrestaurant.com.au STILLWATER RESTAUR ANT Showcasing Tassie produce, moments from Launceston’s Cataract Gorge. stillwater.com.au

Photography // Alamy, iStockphoto, Tourism Tasmania, courtesy 28 Gates B&B

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18/12/13 12:16 PM

Mike

Tasma and

PICTURED 1 Book into 28 Gates, a glamorous B&B in the beautiful Derwent Valley, for a luxurious introduction to fly fishing. The property comes with two private lakes, well stocked with rainbow trout and ready to fish. 28gates.com.au

NEED TO KNOW

LICENCE TO FISH?

TOP TIP

CHECK OUT

Most Tasmanian waters are open for angling but check online for details on the fishing methods and types of bait permitted.

Anglers Access signs show where you can walk to the water. It is generally possible to park next to bridges and at boat ramps on lakes.

Along the Tamar River between Launceston and George Town, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a series of 10 fishing pontoons, accessible for anglers with disabilities. The George Town area is good for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

An Inland Fisheries Licence is required for any fishing in inland waters. A recreational sea fishing licence is required to fish for abalone, rock lobster and scallops. Look out for the Anglers Access signs that show where you can park your car or motorhome right by the water. To contact the Inland Fisheries Service call (03) 6261 8050 or visit ifs.tas.gov.au

Did you know?

2 / 3 Whether you are a novice or experienced angler, Tasmania is an excellent place to try fly fishing. For a list of experienced guides to help you get the most out of your fishing trip, visit ifs.tas.gov. au/going-fishing/further-advice/ trout-guides

You can buy your fishing licence on board at Tourism On Board, located on deck 7.

4 Trout fishing at Arthurs Lake, Central Highlands.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Mike Stevens Tasmanian Fishing and Boating News

NW NETTLEY BAY, MARRAWAH

Drive to Nettley Bay and Nettley Rock and straight in front of the car park is a fantastic place to catch big Australian salmon. Fish from the northern side of the rock parallel to the beach. Lures and bait work well.

LAKE LEAKE

In Tasmaniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eastern Highlands, Lake Leake has rainbow trout, brown trout, rare brook trout and redfin perch aplenty. Shore fishing is great and only lures or fly can be used.

SOUTHPORT LAGOON

This is a conservation area 80km south of Hobart, accessed via a 4WD track, 1km south of Ida Bay, off Lune River Road. The shallow lagoon has plenty of flathead, Australian salmon, flounder, mullet and bream.

Photography // Alamy, iStockphoto, Tourism Tasmania, courtesy 28 Gates B&B

PICTURED

Visit tasfish.com or Tasmanian Fishing & Boating News on Facebook.

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20/12/13 1:00 PM

gl amping

going bush… in style

Looking to explore Tasmania’s spectacular landscapes but want to do it in style with a hot shower and a comfy bed? If that sounds like you, then a spot of ‘glamping’ might be in order.

You can fill your car with Tasmanian produce and bring it home with you on Spirit of Tasmania: don’t miss the artisan cheeses and smoked goods from Bruny Island!

bayoffires.com.au

spiritoftasmania.com.au

Bay of fires Lodge Set on a hilltop, the architecturally acclaimed, ecologically sustainable Bay of Fires Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore this outstanding coastal wilderness of sparkling white beaches and orange lichen-covered granite rocks. Enjoy walks and activities, complemented by some of Tasmania’s finest food and wine and accommodation at the Lodge and the secluded Forester Beach Camp. What’s more, you can indulge yourself at the Lodge’s newly opened spa with treatments using the Li’Tya range of products based on indigenous Australian plants.

2 NW

Tarkine WiLderness Lodge Want to stay in a private ecofriendly lodge with a fridge packed with delicious local produce? Where you can enjoy rainforest walks and a gourmet picnic or take a helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of the Tarkine, Tasmania’s

largest tract of unprotected wilderness? The timber Tarkine Wilderness Lodge offers all this and more – whether it’s a luxury weekend, where your every whim is catered to, or a wilderness adventure, where you cook your own meals. tarkinelodge.com.au

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18/12/13 12:10 PM

Photography // courtesy Bay of Fires Lodge and Tarkine Wilderness Lodge (Tim Clark & Robert Garrad), Tourism Tasmania

Did you know?

FIVE BRUNY ISLAND FOODIE HOT SPOTS Bruny Island Premium Wines brunyislandwine.com

Bruny Island Berry Farms

brunyislandberryfarm.com.au

Bruny Island Cheese Company brunyislandcheese.com.au

Get Shucked

getshucked.com.au

Bruny Island Smokehouse

brunyislandsmokehouse.com.au PICTURED

(From far left) 1 Enjoy glorious views from the Bay of Fires Lodge. 2 The untouched wilderness of the Tarkine in northern Tasmania. 3 The colourful Painted Cliffs on Maria Island. 4 Selection of Bruny Island’s gourmet produce. 5 A low-impact wilderness camp run by The Maria Island Walk.

RELAX & REJUVENATE… WALDHEIM ALPINE SPA AT PEPPERS CRADLE MOUNTAIN LODGE

BRUNY ISLAND

MARIA ISLAND

Close to Hobart, Bruny Island is a gourmet’s paradise. Make Adventure Bay Retreat on South Bruny your base from which to sample the island’s artisan food producers. Choose from the luxury family-friendly lodge or the cosy cottage, perfect for a romantic weekend. Down the road, the stylish 43 Degrees offers packages including a boat trip with Bruny Island Cruises. The Bruny Island Long Weekend is a luxury three-day guided food, wine and walking tour – you can even try your hand at harvesting oysters.

Maria Island is a veritable Tasmanian ‘Noah’s Ark’ with wombats, echidnas and a recently relocated population of Tasmanian devils. It is also recognised as having one of the highest marine biodiversity counts in Australia – the Troy D artificial reef is a drawcard for divers. Guests of the award-winning Maria Island Walk stay in environmentally sensitive wilderness cabins or the beautifully restored home of 19th-century resident Diego Bernacchi, enjoying gourmet candlelit meals of fresh local produce, and benefit from the knowledge of expert guides.

brunyislandlongweekend.com.au; 43degrees.com.au; adventurebayretreat.com.au; brunyislandcruises.com.au

Book in advance at this spa, deep in the Tasmanian wilderness. For the ultimate indulgence, the full-day Wilderness Retreat Package includes treatments, meals and access to The Sanctuary therapeutic area. cradlemountainlodge.com.au

EAGLES NEST RETREAT A favourite with honeymooners, this contemporary retreat offers stunning Cradle Mountain views and spa treatments on tap. eaglesnestretreat.com.au

NICHE YOGA RETREAT Deep in the Huon Valley, near Cygnet, this peaceful, waterfront site offers a range of yoga, wellness and creative retreats. nichetas.com.au

mariaislandwalk.com.au

Photography // courtesy Bay of Fires Lodge and Tarkine Wilderness Lodge (Tim Clark & Robert Garrad), Tourism Tasmania, courtesy the Maria Island Walk

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GR E AT DRI V E S

FULL THROTTLE Open roads, awesome scenery: driving in Tasmania will make you feel like you’re in a car ad. Here are some great on and off-roading routes – just drive off Spirit of Tasmania and start your driving adventure! are magnificent, as you travel past Lake Gordon and Lake Pedder, down to Strathgordon at the end of the road. A more adventurous off-road detour is to take the gravel-laid Scotts Peak Dam Road for 40km – prepare for some seriously awesome scenery on the way.

Did you know? For world-class ocean views, drive down the Tasman Highway (A3). It pretty much hugs the coastline all the way from St Helens in the north east down to Triabunna.

1 MOUNT MCCALL TRACK 22km / up to 1 day

1 Lake Pedder and Frankland Range in the World Heritage Wilderness Area, southwest Tasmania. 2 Views along the spectacular Mount McCall track.

spiritoftasmania.com.au

PICTURED (from top)

This is a great way to experience the superb vistas of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. This track is 4WD only, a current parks pass is required and an authority and key must be obtained from the park ranger station in Queenstown before heading out. Take the Mount Jukes Road out of Queenstown, then the Kelly Basin Road. The Mount McCall track branches off about 37km from Queenstown (signposted). This track will take you up and over Mount McCall and eventually stops abruptly at the top of a 300m drop down to the Franklin River below. PWS Queenstown, (03) 6471 2511

Photography // Alamy, Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley

GORDON RIVER ROAD/ SCOTTS PEAK ROAD 85km / 1 day

Beginning just west of Maydena, the Gordon River Road is the major artery into the World Heritage Wilderness Area of southwest Tasmania, one of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. Although often partially obscured by clouds, the vistas

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PICTURED (from top left) 4 Watch out for penguins crossing while driving on the Tasman Peninsula.

Photography // Alamy, Tourism Tasmania, Steve Bromley

TASMAN PENINSULA 220km / 1 day Allow at least a full day to appreciate all the stops on this wonderful drive around the Forestier and Tasmania Peninsula. Highlights include the stunning coastline around Eaglehawk Neck, the convict settlement ruins at Port Arthur and the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park at Taranna. W

OCEAN BEACH: CAPE SORELL 15km / 20 mins Indulge your inner free spirit on this classic beach run. Start via the Ocean Beach Road from Strahan, remembering to stay below the high tide mark to avoid destroying seabird nesting sites. PWS, (03) 6471 7122

14-15_GreatDrives.indd 15

5 View of Collins Cap in Wellington Park, near Hobart.

6 Beach driving is possible in a number of locations in Tasmania including Ocean Beach at Cape Sorell (pictured).

FORESTS AND FALLS: SCOTTSDALE TO DERBY 205km / 2 days

WELLINGTON PARK FIRE TRAILS 22km / 5 hrs

South of Scottsdale and Derby, towards Ben Lomond National Park, is a network of state forests and reserves that boast magnificent waterfalls, towering eucalypts and lush ferns. Detour to the multi-tiered Mathinna Falls and the Evercreech Forest Reserve before travelling across the Mathinna Plains towards Ringarooma. Inspect the ruins of Crown Prince Mine and its tunnel of glow worms, then visit the Ralph and St Columba Falls. Stop at Pyengana Dairy Company and Pub in the Paddock before exploring the beautiful Blue Tier forest.

A stone’s throw from Hobart, this is hardcore off-road driving – only for 4WDs and only in the right weather conditions – but on a clear day the views are superb. All access points are gated and an authority and a key must be obtained from the Parks & Wildlife Service. The route is the one-way East-West trail via Montrose Road and either out via Collins Cap trail or Jeffrey’s Track. PWS, (03) 6233 6560

NEED TO KNOW When venturing off-road, you need to follow certain rules to protect the environment. Visit the Parks & Wildlife Service website – parks.tas.gov.au – for the code of ethics brochure ‘Cruisin’ Without Bruisin’, as well as a downloadable pdf of 2WD and 4WD routes.

3 The multi-tiered Mathinna Falls in the Mathinna Falls Forest Reserve.

19/12/13 3:49 PM

CYCLING

TOP

DOWNHILL THRILLS S

Great bike rides

Adults and older kids who want a thrill should try mountain biking down Hobart’s Mount Wellington. Take a van to the summit, before tackling the 21km descent, with some off-road options. mtwellingtondescent.com.au

Planning a biking trip? Tasmania is compact and has low traffic levels. So whether you’re just bringing your bike or bringing your car as well, travel on board Spirit of Tasmania and ride off on your next adventure! 1 2

GO BUSH E

A car-free island, Maria Island is a great place for cycling. Take your bike on the ferry from Triabunna and explore the island following the tracks. Bring all your food and gear with you.

STRAIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE The 480km-long Tasmanian Trail is a multi-use trail for mountain bike riders, horse riders and walkers, from Devonport to Dover on forestry roads, fire trails or country roads. tasmaniantrail.com.au

3 4 C

spiritoftasmania.com.au

Need to know

• It only costs $6 each way to bring your own bicycle on Spirit of Tasmania • Layer up and bring waterproofs • Allow 28 days for a lap of the state • Bicycle Tasmania: biketas.org.au • Download a self-guided touring map on discovertasmania.com

16-17_Cycling_Families3.indd 16

INNER CITY S

The Intercity Cycleway is a shared cycling/walking track that runs for 15.6km from Hobart’s waterfront. Built on a disused railway line, it’s suitable for bikes, scooters and skates, and has no steep hills, making it ideal for families. cyclingsouth.org

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Getty Images, iStockphoto

THE BIG ONE The Launceston to Hobart route via either coast takes around 10–14 days. For easier terrain, take the east coast. The west coast has further distances between towns and more chance of inclement weather.

19/12/13 3:37 PM

5 For the little ones, pop into Pirate Pete’s Playroom (guardian supervision required) on Deck 7. 6 Hire a ‘Shipmate’ portable entertainment player.

10 Chat to the helpful staff in the tourist information centre ‘Tourism on Board’.

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, Getty Images, iStockphoto

7 For the bigger kids (and the kids at heart), there’s the Galactica games arcade on Deck 9.

There’s so much to do while you’re on board Spirit of Tasmania. Here are 10 ways we take care of all your entertainment and travel needs.

“We have been on “I have been four times, looking forward the Spirit on two return journeys and both to once more, maybe times we had the most in summer. I always take my car: you only fabulous time. Thinking maybe it is time for pack once. Love it.” another trip.” Tony Fuhrmann Julie Maio

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

ON BOARD

4 Enjoy an onboard activity, or in the summer months, catch the live entertainment in The Spirit Bar.

9 Unwind in the relaxed atmosphere of Lavender Cafe, with a wide selection of delicious snacks and drinks available.

HIGH SEAS

3 Sit back with a drink at The Spirit Bar and enjoy entertainment on the big screens.

WELCOME EMBARK

8 Stock up on last-minute supplies or a souvenir at ‘Tasmania at Sea’.

ENTERTAINMENT

2 Catch a current box office movie in the cinema.

ON THE HIGH SEAS

Enjoy the amazing sea views from one of our lounges or take a stroll out on deck and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

16-17_Cycling_Families3.indd 17

20/12/13 8:39 AM

D AY TRIP S

A DAY OUT TO REMEMBER

Tasmania’s abundance of natural wonders means there’s a huge choice of great day trips, from family-friendly adventures to the ultimate adrenaline high. Which ones will you book? 3

UP HIGH ON THE WATER E

GO DEEPER

WINEGLASS BAY CRUISES Get up close to Tasmania’s most famous beach, without the 2.5-hour walk. Enjoy stunning views of the Freycinet Peninsula’s coastline, spotting a variety of sea life along the way.

TAHUNE FOREST AIRWALK With a bird’s-eye view of wet eucalypt forest and the Huon and Picton Rivers, the AirWalk is one of the longest and highest forest canopy walks in the world, stretching for 597 metres through the treetops of the Tahune Forest Reserve. tahuneairwalk.com.au

2 SW

HASTINGS CAVES STATE RESERVE On the edge of Southwest National Park, Newdegate Cave has stalactites galore and a beautiful section called Titania’s Palace. Then enjoy a dip in the natural thermal springs pool.

spiritoftasmania.com.au

THE NUT, STANLEY The north-coast town of Stanley straddles a sandy isthmus under the shadow of Circular Head, otherwise known as ‘The Nut’. Climb the steep stairway or take the chairlift to the top. The summit has a short circuit walk and offers magnificent views over the Bass Strait.

MOLE CREEK KARST NATIONAL PARK Highlights here include Marakoopa Cave with its superb Great Cathedral cavern and glow-worm display. The King Solomons Cave tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

wineglassbaycruises.com.au

GORDON RIVER CRUISES Explore the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park departing from Strahan. Cruise past Hells Gates, the narrow opening to the Southern Ocean, until you reach the Gordon River’s mirrored waters. Stops include the infamous convict settlement at Sarah Island. gordonrivercruises.com.au

STOP PRESS The wonderful West Coast Wilderness Railway departing from Queenstown is back up and running for 2014. wcwr.com.au

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Photography // Tourism Tasmania, courtesy Wineglass Bay Cruises

4 5

7 PICTURED (from far left) 1 Tahune Forest AirWalk.

ABSEILING

JET BOATING

2 Hastings Caves State Reserve.

Try the Tasman National Park or, if you dare, the world’s highest commercial abseil at the Gordon Dam at Strathgordon.

Options for thrill seekers include Wild Rivers Jet Tours on the mighty King River, near Strahan, and Huon River Jet Boats.

4 Abseiling a sea stack in the Tasman National Park.

aardvarkadventures.com.au

wildriversjet.com.au; huonjet.com

CAVING

KAYAKING

Try Mole Creek Karst National Park, in the north near Deloraine; Ida Bay, near Hastings; and for hardcore cavers, Junee Florentine, near Mt Field National Park.

Kayaking in Freycinet National Park is a magical experience. Also try: Ansons Bay in the Bay of Fires; Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area; and Fortescue Bay in the Tasman National Park.

HORSE RIDING There are trails suitable for riding all over Tasmania – the challenging Tasmanian Trail from Dover to Devonport is a must-do. tasmaniantrail.com.au

18-19_DayTripsAdventure.indd 19

ROCK CLIMBING The Tasman National Park is a major drawcard for climbers with sea stacks such as The Candlestick, The Totem Pole and The Moai. Also try: Cataract Gorge, Launceston and the Organ Pipes on Mount Wellington.

3 Wineglass Bay Cruises.

5 High-speed thrills with Huon River Jet Boats. 6 Try one of Tasmania’s horse riding trails. 7 Experience a ziplining adventure amongst the treetops of Hollybank forest.

WHITE WATER RAFTING Rafting down the Franklin is one of the world’s greatest river adventures. Trips take 7–14 days and paddlers must be experienced.

ZIP LINING The three-hour zipline adventure in the Hollybank eucalypt forest near Launceston, takes you in and amongst the forest canopy. Try spotting some of Tassie’s elusive wildlife on the night tour. treetopsadventure.com.au

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, courtesy Wineglass Bay Cruises

FEELING ADVENTUROUS?

18/12/13 12:18 PM

W H AT ’S ON ?

YOUR GUIDE TO TASMANIA’S EVENTS

Tasmania has a vibrant festival calendar – here’s our pick of some great outdoor events to catch this year.

01 Hobart Cup & Launceston Cup / February Part of the Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival, the Hobart Cup and Launceston Cup are two highlights of the state ’s social calendar. A great chance to get dressed up to the nines and mingle, while enjoying some top-class horseracing. tasracingclub.com.au; tasmanianturfclub.com

02 Targa Tasmania / May Motorsport enthusiasts should check out this event, which sees the world’s best touring, sports and GT cars take the annual trip across the Bass Strait for six days of competitive tarmac racing. targatasmania.com.au

03 Point to Pinnacle / November Described as the world’s toughest half-marathon, this challenging race starts at Hobart’s iconic Wrest Point Hotel and Casino ending at the pinnacle of the majestic Mount Wellington, at an elevation of more than 1270 metres. However if you want to take things a bit easier, the race is also open to recreational joggers and walkers. pointtopinnacle.com.au

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2014

CALENDAR JANUARY

februARY

Henley-on-Mersey Festival

Evandale Village Fair and Steamfest V8 Supercars National Penny Farthing Relive the glories of the steam Tasmania 400 Championships Taking place at Symmons era at this weekend event

The ancient tradition of ferret racing takes centre stage at this fun annual festival in Latrobe. henleyonmersey.com.au

MARCH

Experience the amazing spectacle of Penny Farthing bicycle races at this historic village fair.

featuring displays of vintage machinery, traction engine, steam rollers, vintage cars and much more.

evandalevillagefair.com

steamfesttasmania.org.au

Plains, just 30 minutes from Launceston, get ready for some serious speed at Tasmania’s largest sporting event.

Photography // Tourism Tasmania, iStockphoto, Shutterstock / Photography (opposite) // Tourism Tasmania, iStockphoto, Newspix

V8supercars.com.au

april

may

MAY–JUNE

july–September

Mud Run

Agfest

Campbell Town Show

Snow sports season

Organised by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania, Agfest showcases the very best in agricultural skills including demonstrations of sheep dog trials.

The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest continually running agricultural show complete with sheep shearing, food stalls and much more.

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing with stunning alpine backdrops in Ben Lomond National Park, the only vehicle-accessible alpine resort in Tasmania, just 70 minutes from Launceston.

tasmudrun.com.au

campbelltownshow.com.au

agfest.com.au

skibenlomond.com.au

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

DECEMBER

Tiger Trail Festival

Launceston Eye Institute Cataract Gorge Challenge

Royal Hobart Show

Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race

This festival celebrates the Upper Derwent Valley’s association with the legendary Tassie tiger with community markets, open gardens, wine tastings among many other activities. tigertrailfestival.com.au

Celebrating New Year, this 285-nautical-mile race starts on 27 December. The race meets yachts from the Sydney to Hobart, and Melbourne to Hobart races in a battle up the Derwent Estuary to the finish line. l2h.com.au

walks

{page 02}

1 Russell Falls/Mount Field

National Park

2 Creepy Crawly Nature Trail 3 Liffey Falls 4 Dove Lake 5 Montezuma Falls 6 Cape Hauy 7 Hazards Beach, Wineglass Bay

Stanley A2

Burnie

Devonport 53

11 Frenchmans Cap Track 12 The Overland Track 13 Lune River

52 4 26

14 Federation Peak

camping

{page 06}

Cradle Mountain

15 Gilhams Beach Campground

16 Jeanneret Beach Camping Area

17 Myrtle Park Recreation Ground 18 Ben Lomond National Park 19 Pumphouse Bay Camping Area 20 Neck Reserve Camping Area 21 Springlawn Camping Area

69 75

12 9

Queenstown

29 58 71 79

22 Friendly Beaches Camping Area

Wildlife

21 30

8 Hartz Mountains National Park 9 Walls of Jerusalem 10 Penguin Cradle Trail

Strahan

56 11 88

{page 08}

23 Platypus House 24 Seahorse World 25 Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park 26 Devils@Cradle/Cradle Mountain-

Lake St Clair National Park

27 Seal Colony Tours 28 Bicheno Penguin Tours 29 Bonnet Island 30 Narawntapu National Park 31 Mount William National Park

Strathgordon

32 Whales: Bruny Island, Adventure

Bay, Great Oyster Bay, Freycinet

33 Maria Island

fishing

{page 10}

34 Arthurs Lake 35 Derwent Estuary 36 Georges Bay 37 Australian Fly Fishing Museum 38 Masaakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sushi 39 Blue Shed 40 Stillwater Restaurant 41 28 Gates 42 Nettley Bay 43 Lake Leake 44 Southport Lagoon

your activity planner LEGEND

Tourist information centres State route numbers Major roads (sealed/unsealed)

glamping

{page 12}

45 Bay of Fires Lodge 46 Tarkine Wilderness Lodge 47 Bruny Island, Adventure Bay Retreat 48 Bruny Island Cruises 49 Bruny Island gourmet trail 50 Maria Island

23 24 27

45 82

George Town

St Helens

56 Mount McCall Track 57 Tasman Peninsula 58 Ocean Beach: Cape Sorell 59 Forests and Falls: Scottsdale to Derby 60 Wellington Park Fire Trails

CYCLING (start point) {page 16}

28 43

Coles Bay

Swansea

61 Mount Wellington

62 Maria Island

New Norfolk

33 50 62

Richmond

87 60 61 65 35 80 Huonville

Dover

13 44 68 76 15

57 25

6 73 84 85

Port Arthur

DAY TRIPS

{page 18}

66 Tahune Forest AirWalk 67 The Nut, Stanley 68 Hastings Caves State Reserve 69 Mole Creek Karst National Park 70 Wineglass Bay Cruises 71 Gordon River Cruises 72 West Coast Wilderness Railway

ADVENTURE SPORTS {page 19}

HOBART

63 Tasmanian Trail 64 Launceston to Hobart 65 Intercity Cycleway

7 22 70 81

Oatlands

77 5

{page 14}

55 Gordon River Road/Scotts Peak Road

St Marys

19 34

DRIVES

36 39

40 64 86

Launceston

53 Eagles Nest Retreat 54 Niche Yoga Retreat

89 17

51 43 Degrees 52 Waldheim Alpine Spa

20 32 47 48 49 51 DRIVING GUIDE

St Helens » Coles Bay 114km // 1hr 29 mins

73 Tasman National Park / abseiling 74 Strathgordon / abseiling 75 Mole Creek Karst National Park / caving 76 Ida Bay / caving 77 Junee Florentine / caving 78 Tasmanian Trail / horseriding 79 King River, Strahan / jet boating 80 Huon River Jet Boats / jet boating 81 Freycinet National Park / kayaking 82 Ansons Bay, Bay of Fires / kayaking 83 Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour / kayaking 84 Fortescue Bay, Tasman NP / kayaking 85 Tasman National Park / rock climbing

Devonport » Stanley 125km // 1hr 33 mins Devonport » Launceston

Devonport » Strahan

100km // 1hr 8 mins

200km // 2hrs 18 mins

Launceston » St Helens

Strahan » Hobart

86 Cataract Gorge, Launceston / climbing 87 Organ Pipes, Mount Wellington / climbing 88 Franklin River / whitewater rafting 89 Hollybank Treetop Adventure,

164km // 2hrs 1 min

300km // 3hrs 59 mins

225km // 2hrs 56 mins

Launceston » Hobart

Launceston / zip lining

2014

CALENDAR JANUARY

FEBRUARY

OUTDOOR

» COMING SOON « E XPERIENCE TA SMANIA

EDITION «

FOOD, WINE & CULTURE EDITION This is your handy guide to the best of gastronomy, heritage and the arts in Tasmania. Including:

MARCH

Henley-on-Mersey Festival The ancient tradition of ferret racing takes centre stage at this fun annual festival in Latrobe. henleyonmersey.com.au

featuring displays of vintage machinery, traction engine, steam rollers, vintage cars and much more.

evandalevillagefair.com

steamfesttasmania.org.au

Plains, just 30 minutes from Launceston, get ready for some serious speed at Tasmania’s largest sporting event.

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Agfest

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Snow sports season

Organised by the Rural Youth Organisation of Tasmania, Agfest showcases the very best in agricultural skills including demonstrations of sheep dog trials.

The Southern Hemisphere’s oldest continually running agricultural show complete with sheep shearing, food stalls and much more.

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing with stunning alpine backdrops in Ben Lomond National Park, the only vehicle-accessible alpine resort in Tasmania, just 70 minutes from Launceston.

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19/12/13 4:12 PM