Hello
Tassie On My Mind, July 2014
- the pleasures of winter
Welcome to the July 2014 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.
Can winter be a pleasant experience? Well it all depends, doesn't it? Where are you, what are you doing? Are you in Tasmania, enjoying some of the many pleasures available?
Read on to see what I mean...
This issue:
- Mid-winter Fest
- Taste of the Tamar
- Afternoon Tea at Woolmers
- Mines of Memory
- Axemans Makers Market
Plus... your chance to be a part of tasmania-attractions.com!
Mid-winter Fest
Let's face it and embrace it - mid-winter! A great way to do that is to attend the Huon Valley Mid-winter Festival.
On the weekend of 19th/20th July, celebrate the apple-picking history of the Huon Valley at Willie Smith's Apple Shed.
For your enjoyment:
- craft ciders
- artisan cheeses
- live music
- children's activities
- Morris dancing and Morris ale
- costume competition
- wassailing parade
What's wassailing, I hear you ask - well to be honest, I only just found out myself!
Apparently it's the "ages-old tradition of scaring nasties out of cider apple trees". There you go, that's something you don't see every day. Why not go check it out?
For more information, visit the Huon Valley Mid-winter Fest website.
Taste of the Tamar
Competing for your attention on the same weekend as the Mid-winter Fest - is the Taste of the Tamar, an annual event focusing on the premium cool climate wines from the Tamar Valley in northern Tasmania.
It will be held at the beautiful Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart.
Entry is $15 which includes an engraved souvenir tasting glass and free tastings of the products on display.
There is an attractive Lucky Door Prize of 1 night's accommodation at Pepper's in York Cove Tamar, plus a 3 Course Dinner for 2 at Cove Restaurant and Bar.
I just looked at the Cove Restaurant and Bar menu and it looks too enticing for words! I would love to go there plus travel the Tamar Valley Wine Route!
Find out more at the Taste of the Tamar website.
Afternoon Tea at Woolmers
Why not spoil yourself even further - it's mid-winter after all!
A great way to do that would be to take in Afternoon Tea at Woolmers Estate.
Following afternoon tea, view the Exhibition of Quilts commemorating the famous Rajah Quilt, created by convict women while they were being transported on the convict ship Rajah, in 1841. Four convict women from the ship were actually assigned to Woolmers Estate.
Finally watch a moving video presentation titled "Wrapped in Guilt" - it tells the story of the Rajah women at Woolmers Estate.
Sound like a very special afternoon to be had at a World Heritage Listed Convict Site.
Visit the Woolmers Estate website for more information.
Mines of Memory
I just read about an interesting exhibition being held at the Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery (QVMAG)- it's called Mines of Memory: The works of Vincent McGrath.
Who is Vincent McGrath?
For 25 years, he was the Head of School at the School of Visual and Performing Arts. One of his greatest legacies is the Arts precinct at the Inveresk Rail yards.
Professor McGrath's work is represented in all State galleries across the nation as well as the National Gallery of Australia and in many significant international collections.
The collection of his work on display at QVMAG has been graciously donated by his wife Debbie.
The works focus on the relationship between people and nature. Much of his work looks at how we engage, respond and impact upon our environment. These pieces are influenced by Vincent's exploration of Tasmania's mining sites.
I think this exhibition got my attention particularly after hearing about what
happened at the Mount Lyell copper mine on Tasmania's west coast - the deaths of the three workers and the job losses. I was sad to hear about that - my heart goes out to all the families and loved ones. Perhaps this exhibition is one way we can reflect and remember.
The QVMAG website has more information on the exhibition.
Axemans Makers Market
Do you know where the first world woodchopping championship was held? It took place at Bell's Parade, Latrobe in Tasmania in the year 1891. And so was born the sport of woodchopping!
The Axemans Makers Market is held every Sunday at this same location, now the site of the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame and Timberworks.
The market features:
- local and Tasmanian handmade candles
- glass art
- hand spun wool
- paintings
- sculptures
- local produce including honey, meat, fruit and vegetables, jams and more on sale.
As stated at the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame website, "Come for breakfast and stay for lunch". I like the sound (or taste) of that!
Well that's it for this issue.
And what about Deception - A Night of Unique Illusion - is that something that would interest you? Then
don't miss Tasmanian-born illusionist Bodane Hatten for one night only - 26th July at Princess Theatre, Launceston.
See you in August!
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.
