picture perfect tasmania s colourful north Coast

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1 picture perfect tasmania s colourful north Coast itinerary No. 2: A SEVEN-DAY INSIDER S GUIDE TO the producers, providores and pretty landscapes of launceston, tamar and the north coast.

Tasmania W H E R E yesterday A N D today M E E T. THERE ARE PLACES IN A N D T H E Y R E J U S T A CO N V E R S AT I O N A W AY.

from $ launceston highlights half day tour Wine and beer tasting Grindlewald Swiss Village Historic Village of Evandale Valid for travel until 31 May 12, unless sold out prior.

$ 78* from PER PERSON TWIN SHARE BarnBougle dunes and lost farm golf courses $ 2 nights in a Lost Farm Lodge room from hurry, availability is limited!

2 Tasmania W H E R E yesterday A N D today M E E T. THERE ARE PLACES IN A N D T H E Y R E J U S T A CO N V E R S AT I O N A W AY. Launceston mercure launceston 3 nights in a Standard room Includes 1 FREE night Valid for travel 1 Apr 30 Sep 12, unless sold out prior. from $ launceston highlights half day tour Wine and beer tasting Grindlewald Swiss Village Historic Village of Evandale Valid for travel until 31 May 12, unless sold out prior. Valid for travel 1 Apr 31 Oct 12, unless sold out prior. $ 78* from PER PERSON TWIN SHARE BarnBougle dunes and lost farm golf courses $ 2 nights in a Lost Farm Lodge room from hurry, availability is limited! 169* PER PERSON TWIN SHARE 190* PER PERSON TWIN SHARE *Travel Agent Service Fees & Credit Card Fees may apply, please check at time of enquiry. Conditions apply. Prices & information are correct as at 16 Feb 12 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Price is per person twin share. Airfares not included. Savings and price are subject to change based on the time of purchase. Offer is subject to availability at time of booking. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. ^Only available to Membership Rewards Ascent Premium, Ascent, Choices or Blue Sky enrolled Cardmembers (an annual fee may apply). Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program. American Express International Inc., (ABN ), Incorporated with Limited Liability in Delaware, USA. Registered trademark of American Express Company. Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty Limited (ABN ) trading as Travelscene, Travel Agents Licence Nos NSW 2TA , VIC 30204, QLD TAG252. Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty Limited (ABN ), Travel Agents Licence Nos WA 9TA284, SA TTA108, ACT Independently owned & operated by Travelscene Pty Ltd. TSL02825_TWA MITC7159rj Discover a Tasmania where the stories of yesteryear breathe life into the experiences of tomorrow. Travel through National Trust-listed Evandale, the world-class wineries of the Tamar River, and Launceston s Georgian splendour. Experience villages ﬁlled with history and perhaps uncover your own family chapter. So, start a journey in Launceston... where everything old is new again. Visit discovertasmania.com Call visit 13 travel ( ) travelscene.net.au or connect to facebook.com/travelsceneaustralia

the weekend australian magazine advertorial Editor s note here s a little town in northern Tasmania called Mole Creek.

Yet it s one of my favourite places for two reasons: the memories it holds and its splendid setting beneath the mighty Great

I remember Mum would take us kids on stomach-churning drives along the winding backroads from Sheffield to Mole Creek, pointing out

We d explore the Mole Creek Caves, hike to Liffey Falls, visit the Trowunna Wildlife Park and would inevitably end up at the local

Years later, from my home base in Launceston, I d take the wheel for my own family drives around the north.

3 the weekend australian magazine advertorial Editor s note here s a little town in northern Tasmania called Mole Creek. You may not have heard of it because it s a blink-and-you llmiss-it sort of village. Yet it s one of my favourite places for two reasons: the memories it holds and its splendid setting beneath the mighty Great Western Tiers. I remember Mum would take us kids on stomach-churning drives along the winding backroads from Sheffield to Mole Creek, pointing out the lush crops and fields full of dairy cows. We d explore the Mole Creek Caves, hike to Liffey Falls, visit the Trowunna Wildlife Park and would inevitably end up at the local hotel for a meal in the beautiful gardens bisected by a stream. Years later, from my home base in Launceston, I d take the wheel for my own family drives around the north. We d head deep into the Tamar Valley or travel west along the old Bass Highway for lunch at Deloraine or the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm. It didn t matter how many times we made those trips, there was always something different to see and do and discuss. Christine Middap Cover: Barnbougle Lost Farm golf course. From above: World Heritagelisted Brickendon Estate, a working farm for seven generations; Pine Lake Walk, 30 kilometres south of Deloraine; wine tasting at Pipers Brook Vineyard

Northern exposure LIGHT-FILLED AND LOVELY, TASMANIA S DIVERSE NORTHERN TAMAR REGION IS ALSO RICH IN HISTORY AND COMPLEX CHARACTERS MUCH LIKE THE SPARKLING WINE IT HAS DEVELOPED A REPUTATION FOR With

Excellent roads make driving a joy, taking travellers past serene fields where caramel-coloured cows submerged in waving grass exude an aura of bovine bliss.

The Tamar Valley Wine Route is so clearly marked, all you have to do is follow your nose and pause at one of the vineyards offering cellar door sales.

Classy ales and wines deserve to be paired with fresh fare, also in abundance throughout the region the sweep of countryside extending out from the Tamar River and into the north is a huge larder for

4 Northern exposure LIGHT-FILLED AND LOVELY, TASMANIA S DIVERSE NORTHERN TAMAR REGION IS ALSO RICH IN HISTORY AND COMPLEX CHARACTERS MUCH LIKE THE SPARKLING WINE IT HAS DEVELOPED A REPUTATION FOR With its vineyards, rows of opium poppies and wooded hillsides, the region that encompasses Launceston, the Tamar Valley and Tasmania s northern coastal towns is intoxicatingly beautiful. Excellent roads make driving a joy, taking travellers past serene fields where caramel-coloured cows submerged in waving grass exude an aura of bovine bliss. And on the horizon there s Bass Strait, with its seaside towns, lighthouses and windswept golf links. The area is renowned for its cool-climate sparkling and pinot noir, so a winery stop is essential. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is so clearly marked, all you have to do is follow your nose and pause at one of the vineyards offering cellar door sales. If you are a beer drinker, all roads lead to Boag s Brewery, which produces Launceston s most popular export. Classy ales and wines deserve to be paired with fresh fare, also in abundance throughout the region the sweep of countryside extending out from the Tamar River and into the north is a huge larder for cheese, seafood, berries, honey and vegetables. It s enough to whet the appetite of even the most seasoned traveller. Where Launceston comes to play Country Club Tasmania in the thriving heritage city of Launceston has all the features and activities of a genuine country club an 18 hole championship golf course, pool, tennis court, trail riding, fine dining, live entertainment and a range of accommodation options. Vineyards, landscapes and colonial heritage are close by to explore. Country Club Tasmania is the ideal choice as you tour Tasmania s north, with accommodation from $129*. Call a Tasmanian expert today to plan your holiday on or book online at countryclubtasmania.com.au *Per room, per night. Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Valid until 20 December Quote GS095 when booking

the weekend australian magazine advertorial Clockwise from left: The Batman Bridge, spanning the Tamar River; the main attraction at Seahorse World; the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Day 1

Two walks commence from King s Bridge: the demanding Zig-Zag Track or the less arduous Cataract Walk.

The four-hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise, departing at 10am daily, takes in the gorge, rural districts and native waterbirds.

When it comes to dining out, you are spoiled for choice in Launceston, from the stylish restaurants in the modern Seaport precinct to the elegant, historic ambience of Stillwater, one of Australia s

As well as preserving the elegant features of its era, the newly restored 120-year-old Royal Park site at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery now contains 10 new galleries to be explored.

5 the weekend australian magazine advertorial Clockwise from left: The Batman Bridge, spanning the Tamar River; the main attraction at Seahorse World; the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery Day 1 launceston Cataract Gorge Reserve, the green lungs of Launceston, is a 15-minute stroll from the city centre. Two walks commence from King s Bridge: the demanding Zig-Zag Track or the less arduous Cataract Walk. The First Basin, a vast natural pool, is the centrepiece of the gorge and can be crossed by a chairlift boasting the world s longest single span. Another option is to take a Tamar River Cruise. The four-hour Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise, departing at 10am daily, takes in the gorge, rural districts and native waterbirds. Follow up with an educational but fun tour of Boag s Brewery, which takes between an hour and 90 minutes (book ahead). When it comes to dining out, you are spoiled for choice in Launceston, from the stylish restaurants in the modern Seaport precinct to the elegant, historic ambience of Stillwater, one of Australia s best regional restaurants, located at the mouth of the Cataract Gorge. Victoria s secret Art lovers, rejoice. As well as preserving the elegant features of its era, the newly restored 120-year-old Royal Park site at Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery now contains 10 new galleries to be explored. DAY 2: Launceston to TAMAR VALLEY Time for some culture. The newly refurbished Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery is known for its eclectic mix of Australian colonial art, contemporary design, Tasmanian artefacts and natural science collections. From here, move on to living art at Tasmania Zoo, 20 minutes north at Riverside, home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in the state, including more than 40 Tasmanian Devils. Also in Riverside are the Tamar Island Wetlands, a unique urban reserve providing shelter for ducks, cormorants, egrets and other native species. At Rosevears to the north, stop at Brady s Lookout for a romantic view of rivers and grapevines. Ninth Island Vineyard, Iron Pot Bay Wines and Rosevears Vineyard are among many establishments offering wine tastings. Stay overnight in Tamar Valley. Day 3: NORTH-EAST REGION Tamar valley Leave the Tamar Valley and head north-west to Narawntapu National Park, facing Bass Strait. An hour from Launceston, its coastal vegetation harbours prolific birdlife and native animals. South of here is Beaconsfield, where you can take a break at the photogenic Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre. Ten minutes north is Beauty Point with its two must-sees: Seahorse World, home to Tasmania s own Pot-bellied Seahorse; and Platypus House, where echidnas and platypuses can be observed in daylight. Crossing the Tamar, drive north to George Town, where the Bass and Flinders Centre houses historical boats, including a replica of the Norfolk. Further north at Low Head, the 1835 Pilot Station is now an engrossing maritime museum bearing tales of pirates and relics of a bygone age of sail and steam. The air sparkles here, like a good cuvée. Go west to the adjoining vineyards of Jansz and Pipers Brook for a celebratory glass of fine bubbly. Nearby, at Bridport, an easy coastal trail will sharpen your appetite for local seafood. Bunker down overnight. ECTOURING TA S T E Tasmania s F I N E S T NIGHT SELF DRIVE H O L I DAY S F R O M $699* P P... A N D I T S JUS T OV E R T H E H O R IZO N. Enrich your senses in Tasmania s north a place of extravagant nature, a wealth of food and wine and priceless history. Discover more with Innkeepers Discovery Inns, 7 nights accommodation and 7 days car rental plus complimentary Picnics in Paradise book. * Offer valid until 30 April Price shown is per person twin share, accommodation is room only. Prices for travel after this date are available on application. Terms and conditions apply. Call 1300 innkeeper or visit

From top: The spectacular Barnbougle Dunes golf course; striking sandstone architecture at Patriot Inn at historic Evandale Day 4: North-east Golfers should start the day with 18 holes at Barnbougle

An adjoining course, Barnbougle Lost Farm, is another option and has a luxurious spa offering treatments overlooking the ocean.

Further west at Derby is the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre. Tin mining put Derby on the map over a century ago, but these days cafes, art, crafts and walks help to keep it there.

Sate your appetite further at Tunnel, a few minutes west, where Yondover Farm House Cheese makes award-winning chèvre and goat s-milk feta.

Day 5 HERITAGE HIGHWAY Plunge into Tasmania s past. Drive down the Heritage Highway to Ross, an hour from Launceston.

Turn north again and linger at Campbell Town, where the colonial mood survives in historic buildings.

6 From top: The spectacular Barnbougle Dunes golf course; striking sandstone architecture at Patriot Inn at historic Evandale Day 4: North-east Golfers should start the day with 18 holes at Barnbougle Dunes. Ranked the 35th best links in the world, this challenging public course at Bridport enjoys a windswept coastal setting. An adjoining course, Barnbougle Lost Farm, is another option and has a luxurious spa offering treatments overlooking the ocean. Twenty minutes away, Scottsdale Art and Framing showcases celebrated and emerging local artists. Nearby is the Forest EcoCentre, an upturned wooden bowl of a building odd enough to be interesting. Further west at Derby is the Tin Dragon Interpretation Centre. Tin mining put Derby on the map over a century ago, but these days cafes, art, crafts and walks help to keep it there. At Bridestowe Estate in Nabowla, established in 1922, you can smell the lavender before you see it. Every product here is lavender based, even the cheese. Sate your appetite further at Tunnel, a few minutes west, where Yondover Farm House Cheese makes award-winning chèvre and goat s-milk feta. Finish with an uplifting trip to Hollybank Treetops Adventure, where harnessed visitors glide above the forest canopy along a kilometre of cable. Stay overnight in the north-east. Day 5 HERITAGE HIGHWAY Plunge into Tasmania s past. Drive down the Heritage Highway to Ross, an hour from Launceston. This former garrison settlement, named by Governor Macquarie, boasts a picturesque sandstone bridge built in 1836 by convicts. Turn north again and linger at Campbell Town, where the colonial mood survives in historic buildings. Closer to Launceston, at Longford, are Woolmers and Brickendon Estates, both World Heritage listed. Start at Woolmers, where time-capsule buildings give an accurate portrait of early 19th-century Tasmanian life. Brickendon is more humble, retaining the feel of an 1830s English farm. In direct contast is the rugged majesty of Ben Lomond National Park, 45 minutes to the east. Its 1500-metre dolerite plateau attracts skiers, rock climbers, abseilers, mountain bikers and ambitious walkers check conditions. Continue to charming Evandale. If it s Sunday, make sure to visit Evandale Market, held every Sunday morning. This village also hosts the annual Glover Prize exhibition, Australia s richest award for landscape painting. All winning entries are displayed in the Glover Gallery. Rest your head in cosy Evandale. Day tour, night tours & NEW Segway tours available! tasmanian tourism awards 2008 and 2009 winner Ph. (03) zest. 3119dev

the weekend australian magazine advertorial Day 7: LAUNCESTON Time to surrender to the pleasures of retail.

Two more George Street must-sees are the Old Umbrella Shop, built in the 1860s entirely of Tasmanian blackwood, and the factory outlet store for Waverley Woollen

Grab some last-minute bargains at the Harvest Launceston Farmers Market, from 9am to 1pm every Saturday in the Cimitiere Street Car Park, then have lunch at Josef

You can t go wrong with a visit to one of the gorgeous Tasmanian wineries that have built a reputation on quality produce and friendly hosts Kathy Ellerman, Discover

appropriately named Meander Valley, which embraces the alpine beauty of the Great Western Tiers. The rural town of Deloraine is the touristy heart of the region.

Sample more delicacies at 41 South in Deloraine a unique salmon and ginseng farm set in wetlands.

Continue to Mole Creek and the wondrous King Solomons Cave.

7 the weekend australian magazine advertorial Day 7: LAUNCESTON Time to surrender to the pleasures of retail. Gourlay s Sweet Shop is a Launceston institution, located in the Quadrant Mall (see their classic goodies being handmade at the factory in the Penny Royal complex nearby; check ahead for opening times). Or pop around the corner to Cocobean Chocolate in George Street, where gourmet chocolates are lovingly crafted from secret Swiss recipes. Two more George Street must-sees are the Old Umbrella Shop, built in the 1860s entirely of Tasmanian blackwood, and the factory outlet store for Waverley Woollen Mills, Australia s last blanket-weaving mill. Grab some last-minute bargains at the Harvest Launceston Farmers Market, from 9am to 1pm every Saturday in the Cimitiere Street Car Park, then have lunch at Josef Chromy, Launceston s most impressive winery, before flying home. You can t go wrong with a visit to one of the gorgeous Tasmanian wineries that have built a reputation on quality produce and friendly hosts Kathy Ellerman, Discover Tasmania blog DAY 6: GREAT WESTERN TIERS Enjoy a light breakfast at one of Evandale s quaint cafes, then prepare for a day of nibbling and wandering in the appropriately named Meander Valley, which embraces the alpine beauty of the Great Western Tiers. The rural town of Deloraine is the touristy heart of the region. Five minutes north, at Elizabeth Town, are two inviting stops: tours and tastings at Ashgrove Cheese and berry treats at Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Cafe. Sample more delicacies at 41 South in Deloraine a unique salmon and ginseng farm set in wetlands. At The Honey Farm at Chudleigh, honey is transformed into salad dressings, make-up, health remedies and more. Continue to Mole Creek and the wondrous King Solomons Cave. Or try your hand at catching a brown trout in one of the Great Western Tiers many pristine lakes and streams. Stay overnight in historic Deloraine or Westbury. From top: Ashgrove Cheese; fresh vegetables for sale at Pipers River; Josef Chromy vineyards e x p e r i e N c e L A U N c e S T o N i N Tasmania 2 NighT ShorT bre A k f r o m $169* p p T w i N Sh A r e 481 LAUNSTAY... A N D i T S jus T A r o U N D T h e co r N e r. Enrich your senses in Tasmania s north a place of extravagant nature, a wealth of food and wine and priceless history. Enjoy 2 nights accommodation in a studio apartment at Quest Apartments Launceston and receive a FREE upgrade to a one bedroom apartment. * Offer valid from April 1st September 30, (Minimum 2 nights stay and some block out dates apply around special events). Terms and conditions apply. Call 1300 innkeeper or visit

There s never been a better time to explore one of the world s greatest touring destinations an island of breath taking diversity that often catches

There s never been a better time to explore one of the world s greatest touring destinations an island of breath taking diversity that often catches people by surprise. From luxury wilderness lodges to