Campervan Blog

One of Tasmania’s most well known and mystical places is Port Arthur.
Originally built in 1830 the town has survived a very turbulent history. Port Arthur originated as a timber station in 1830 and quickly progress to a well know penal colony for the less reformed convicts of both British and Irish descent. These convicts were found to be unchanged by their deportation to Tasmania and were often second offenders once they arrived.

The prison which was completed in 1953 and became known as the “Inescapable Prison” due to its location and lack of connection to the main land of Eagle Hawk Neck. Though many escape attempts were made, the most successful being through seized boats, most were thwarted and lashes doled out in punishment. The prison was abandoned in 1877 and was ravaged by fire in the 1890 and has remained as a ruin since

Port Arthur is now a well known popular destination for exploration into the past. The prison makes up only one part of all there is to offer in this beautiful town. The gardens and grounds transport you back into the past, you feel yourself become a part of the history. You can imagine the people of colonial Tasmania a new town being built up around them, the convict farms situated only a few hundred meters away, trying to eke out a living in a new inhospitable land.
Port Arthur offers a multitude of ways to explore the heritage listed site, both by your on recognisance and a multitude of walking tours or harbour tours running all day. There are tours to over 40 historical parts of Port Arthur with experienced guides to show you this historically beautiful town.
 

This town is a not to be missed destination for your Tasmanian experience holiday.
For more information on tours see http://www.portarthur.org.au/

Tasmanian weather, it is quite the marvel. Having recently moved from Queensland I can honestly say it was a bit of a surprise to experience the forever changing Tasmanian weather. Tasmanian weather constantly remains interesting, with its fair share of rainy; windy; overcast and sunny days; occasionally Tasmanians are lucky enough to experience all of those on the one day. However, snowy days, in my opinion, are the best. Tasmanian weather is fairly unpredictable; with snow occasionally forming during the, usually gloriously warm, months of November and December. I find this to be quite delightful, allowing you to really appreciate each and every weather form. You can tell a snowy day by the unmistakable chill that seems to creep into the air. Thick clouds form over the breathtaking mountains that puncture much of the Tasmanian landscape and excitement builds within the community.

On snowy days, many Tasmanians, particularly those living in Hobart and other low lying areas, choose to take a drive up the glorious slopes of Mount Wellington. Here they are able to make snowballs, snowmen and otherwise frolic happily in the snow. Some residents, and holiday makers, choose to spend a day skiing in Tasmania’s northern ski fields while others spend their time in the national parks, to Tasmania’s south. Some decide to spend the day indoors, cosy by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea. No matter your preference of activity, snow days are beautiful. The glorious scene of snow, blanketing the idyllic Tasmanian countryside, is definitely a sight for sore eyes.  -L

Cruising North West Tasmania

Why not begin your caravan holiday in the stunning North West of the state. With beautiful farmland backing onto some of the states most spectacular beaches North West Tasmania is a sightseers dream. Here are just a few of the main attractions along the remarkable North West coast.

Table Cape Lighthouse
Standing on top of table cape, the table cape lighthouse is an attraction not to be missed when traveling along the north west coast of Tasmania. First used in 1888 the lighthouse gives you views of rugged cliff faces and rolling and world-renowned farmland as well as the 180m decent to the sea below. There are tours into the lighthouse which take around 45 minutes which gives you not only the history of the lighthouse but the surrounding areas as well.

Bloomin Tulips

If you are lucky enough to be traveling through Tasmania in the spring time then why not plan your trip around bloomin tulips held in Wynyard during early October. The event is to celebrate the spring flowering of the tulips at Van Diemens Quality Bulb Farm on Table Cape. The festival has been running since 1991 and includes arts and crafts, music and even a fireworks display.

Boat Harbour

Just a little further along the highway is stunning Boat Harbour. A beachside village that is a beachgoers dream throughout the summer with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. Settled in the 1830s, it was originally a port town for farm produce but these days there is no evidence of this past life. The beach is well protected by surrounding cliff and has been voted in the top 10 beaches in Australia.

Dismal Swamp

Don’t let the name fool you! Dismal Swamp is one of the most beautiful and spectacular places to visit on your stay in Tasmania. Situated in the Tarkine forest you will soon feel like you are a million miles away from civilization. Dismal Swamp has many different adventure tourism activities to partake in including bushwalking, mountain biking, and the Dismal Swamp slide. The slide is more than 100 metres in length and sends you catapulting through the bush on the ride of your life. It is safe for both adults and children alike and is a must do if you are in this area of the state. 

You will not be disappointed!

-NU

Check out the snow on Mt Wellington, near Hobart this month!

Hawks v Brisbane Lions @ Aurora Stadium

Details:
Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions
Saturday 9 July
Aurora Stadium, 2.10pm
Gate opening times: 11am
Tickets: http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au/aurora/
Info:  http://www.aurorastadiumlaunceston.com.au
Tasmanian football fans are heading out to watch Hawthorn versus the Brisbane Lions at the Aurora Stadium today.
Aurora Stadium is superb venue located within walking distance to Launceston’s CBD. Aurora is most commonly known to locals as Hawthorn Football Club’s second home, this year hosting four home games. Not only known as a sporting venue, Aurora has hosted many events including many New Year’s Eve Countdowns and major artists including Jimmy Barnes
If your travelling around Tasmania, be sure to check out one of the AFL matches at Launceston’s Aurora Stadium – it’s a great venue with plenty of parking. Grab a meat pie, rug up through the winter chills and enjoy the football with the locals!
While in Launceston why not take in the natural beauty of Tasmania by strolling through the nearby Cataract Gorge. Equipped with two restaurants, a swimming pool, playground areas for the kids, peacocks and plenty of other wildlife to see. It is one of northern Tasmania’s most stunning attractions and definitely a must when visiting the State.

The ‘Longest Night Film Festival’ is an arctic-based film and film-footage marathon held at the Hobart State Cinema (located on the main North Hobart strip) from 18th – 26th June.
Programme I – Australian Antarctic Explorers
- Frank Hurley’s Antarctic footage of Mawson’s expedition.
- Footage of the Nella Dan in the Antarctic.
- Footage of Wilkins and the Voyage of the Nautilus
Programme II – International Polar Exploration
- The Red Tent (produced in 1969) – this feature film tells the tale of the notorious 1928 crash of the airship Italia in the Arctic.
Session Times
Programme I
1:00pm Sat 18th June
8:30pm Tue 21st June
6pm Sun 26th June
Programme II
6:00pm Sun 19th June
1:00pm Sat 25th June

If you are interested in films of polar expedition or a film-goer eager to see something different … be sure to head to the Hobart State Cinema, located in North Hobart between 18th – 26th June. Purchase yourself a beer and nice glass of wine and be satisfied that you are witnessing this extraordinary footage in the confines of a warm and cosy cinema complex.

This weekend (28-29 May) the annual Tasmanian Red Wine Weekend is being held at the Long Gallery, Salamanca in Hobart.  Held on both the Saturday and Sunday the Red Wine Weekend showcases Tasmania’s best wines with over 70 available to sample. Like its sister event the Tasmanian White Wine Weekend (held in October) the Red Wine Weekend gives the wine buff the opportunity to get up close and personal with the winemakers themselves.  More information can be found at http://www.winesouth.com.au/
Tasmania’s cool climate means we are fast developing a reputation for elegant Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A relatively young region for wine Tasmania’s boasts some 1550 ha and 234 vineyards. We think that a motor home vacation following our beautiful wine routes is the perfect way for you to see our beautiful State.
There are four major wine routes in Tassie: The Tamar Valley Wine Route, The Southern Wine Route, The East Coast Wine Route and The North West Wine Route. Depending on where you’re staying and how long for depends on which route will most appeal, but all have some great cellars that are worth a visit.
The Tamar Valley is the oldest wine region in Tasmania and is home to some of Australia’s best Riesling and Pinot Noir. There are over 20 cellars doors in the route that stretches from Launceston to Rowella, Pipers to Relbia. There are also some great activities in the region for families including a giant flying fox at Holly Bank Tree Top Adventures (www.treetopadventure.com.au) and lunch at the Cataract Gorge (www.launcestoncataractgorge.com.au).
The Southern Wine Route actually starts at the Coal River Valley near Richmond which conveniently is only a few minutes drive away from the Crusin’ Tasmania depot. Check out the cellar doors in the area and then stop by Richmond for lunch at the Richmond Arms Hotel (www.richmondarmshotel.com.au). You can then follow this route south to explore the fabulous wines of the Huon Chanel region or head west towards the Derwent Valley and beyond where there are some gorgeous vineyards lining the picturesque Derwent River.
The East Coast of Tasmania certainly offers a unique route for the wine lover, combining both beautiful beaches and great wine and food. The people of this area are a relaxed and friendly bunch and will leave you envious of their decelerated lifestyle. Pick up a wine from your favourite cellar door, some local produce for a picnic and walk into Freycinet National Park’s Wineglass Bay. Beautiful!
The North West of Tasmania may just be Tassie’s best kept wine secret.  While not a heavily populated with vineyards as the other three regions it still has some great wines on offer and there is so much to see and do in your motor home that it is well worth the trip. Sheffield is a personal favourite of ours; the town is covered in murals! Over 60 murals are scattered throughout the town depicting the areas history and scenery using many mediums including paint, glass and ceramics.
Whether you have time to visit one or all of our beautiful wine regions we are confident your motor homing vacation will be a fun filled, food filled and wine filled experience you’ll be talking about for years to come

If you have been thinking about a visit to Tasmania January is a great time to come.

In January, from Friday 7th January, 2011 to Saturday 15th January, 2011, Hobart will play host to the Morilla Hobart International.  At this event, some of the world’s top female tennis players will compete.

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