Hello
Tassie On My Mind, April 2013
- life gets better
Welcome to the April 2013 issue of Tassie On My Mind, a free monthly newsletter keeping you informed of the latest news on what makes Tasmania such an attractive travel destination.
This month I celebrate how life gets better in Tasmania.
In what way?
In so many ways... I'm talking about safety, traveling, liveability - and not just for humans, but for animals too!
Read on to see what I mean...
This issue:
- Better for whales
- Safer for all
- Hobart's more liveable
- Budget travel tips
- Exciting snippets
Plus... your chance to be a part of tasmania-attractions.com!
Better for whales
Let's start with how life gets better for whales.
Scientists like Tasmanian marine biologist Virginia Andrews-Goff have been keeping track of the activities of whales using fancy contraptions like satellite tracking devices and acoustic buoys.
Plus simply taking good old-fashioned photographs...
This is how Dr Andrews-Goff described one of her experiences:
"I was the size of an ant next to one of those giants... I was deliriously happy when I managed to attach a tag."
Satellite trackers have shown the whales traveling up to 100km a day.
How does doing research like this make life better for whales?
More knowledge about whales would better equip us to more effectively keep them safe, and from going extinct.
No need to kill them to learn more about them!
Let's hope more countries and people will follow the example of Tasmanian scientists, so that life really does get better for whales.
Safer for all
When you're driving around Tasmania, take extra care in areas where wildlife roam. Signs along the ride will warn you. A vehicle accident involving wildlife could not only cause injury to animals, but also to you and your fellow passengers.
In view of that, it's great to hear that roads in the Tarkine region will be upgraded.
According to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke,
"At least 21km of road will have a light-coloured surface so that drivers can clearly see animals in the distance, and rumble strips will sound alerts to warn animals of approaching vehicles in defined high risk areas...
New infrastructure including table drains will minimise vegetation growth to reduce the attractiveness of road verges to fauna."
I think driving safety is very important. Which is why I have listed driving tips for safe travels in Tasmania.
Hobart's more liveable
Life gets better in Hobart!
How do I know this?
I'm referring to the third annual Auspoll survey for the Property Council of Australia, in which Australian cities were rated on liveability.
Hobart jumped from eighth to third, rising up the list, based on:
- affordability,
- standard of living,
- housing,
- safety,
- roads,
- climate and
- culture.
And of course, Hobart scored better than any other city for its appealing natural environment
To me, Hobart is certainly the most picturesque of all the capital cities of Australia.
Budget travel tips
Yes, I've certainly got a couple for you!
Campervan bargains
Campervan hire at $5 a day, how does that sound? Pretty good, I would think!
Interested? You can hire a Britz campervan for $5 a day to tour around Tasmania through online company Standbyrelocs.com
Apparently, the company has about 100 campervans which need to be relocated from Hobart to Melbourne. Plus, $350 is provided, to go towards fuel and ferry costs.
Snap it up while you can!
Jetstar bargains
To mark the 30th anniversary of Tasmania's World Heritage Listing, Tourism Tasmania and Jetstar are jointly funding a $300,000 campaign to promote travel to Tasmania.
Jetstar will provide potential visitors with suggested itineraries to help plan trips to heritage-listed areas.
According to Tourism Minister Scott Bacon,
"It's about getting people to spend a few nights in these parts of the state and the regional communities that are gateways to the Wilderness World Heritage Area".
Jetstar is offering discount fares as part of the campaign launch. Don't miss out!
Exciting snippets
Here's more on how life gets better in Tasmania:
Ferry to MONA
Have you been to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) yet? Since it opened, it has become one of Hobart's top attractions.
You can travel to MONA aboard a custom-built ferry, the Mona Roma I. It is 34 metres long, with a capacity for 240 passengers, a crew of six and plenty of room.
According to the ferry operator, Tasmanian John Roach,
"There is a special emphasis on play on this new ferry...
We have worked with Tasmania interior designers Rebecca Freeman and Damian Scott and it features graffiti artwork by Jamin, Tom O'Herne, and Rob O'Connor."
Very much in keeping with the spirit of MONA, it seems...
Michael Howe
Another movie featuring Tasmania's colourful convict history is being filmed.
The Outlaw Michael Howe is based on the life of notorious bushranger Michael Howe. It tells the story of Howe terrorising colonial Van Diemens Land with a small army of outlaws from 1812-1818.
Filming locations include the Central Highlands and the upper Derwent Valley in Tasmania.
The film is directed by Brendan Cowell, and stars Damon Herriman (as Howe), Matt Day and Mirrah Foulkes.
Look out for it on the ABC!
I do think each and every convict life is remarkable, don't you?
Well that's it for this issue.
As all you racing enthusiasts probably know, international motoring Classic Targa Tasmania starts soon - on 16th April.
ANZAC day is coming up soon too - could be a long weekend for many since it falls on Thursday 25th April. Safe travels and peaceful reflections to you...
See you in May!
To contact me, click here.
Here's your chance to be a part of
Tasmania-attractions.com!
One Day In Tasmania
What if you had just one day in Tasmania? Where would you go? What would you do?
Share your dream with us.
If selected, your dream will appear as a page at tasmania-attractions.com
It doesn't matter if you have never been to Tasmania. I would love to hear your thoughts too. It's easy to find out about Tasmania, at tasmania-attractions.com or elsewhere.
This is your chance. Join in the fun. Share your thoughts with us.
We all gain so much from each other's ideas.
Hit us with your best shot
Your best wildlife shot, that is...
Have you ever been in just the right place at just the right time and snagged a great wildlife photo?
Share that photo with us.
We would love to see it. Not only that, we would love to get your tips on how you got the photo.
How did you manage not to scare the animal away? What did you do to prepare for the shot?
If selected, your photo and story will appear as a page at tasmania-attractions.com
This is your opportunity to shine. Let's share our stories around.
