Tassie On My Mind, January 2011
- next stop Tasmania

Welcome to the January 2011 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.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you a very happy 2011. May the new year bring everything you had hoped for, and more...

Yes, your next stop could be Tasmania, and I don't just mean this ezine. I'm also referring to recent news that we may be seeing international flights direct to Tasmanian cities very soon. Wouldn't that be grand?

This issue:

  • Secret of success
  • Kid stuff
  • Snake
  • Biggest and richest
  • Tasmanian heritage icons

Plus... your chance to be a part of tasmania-attractions.com!


Secret of success

In the case of the 2010 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, the secret of success is Secret Men's Business 3.5, named as the overall winner. Adelaide based skipper Geoff Boettcher must certainly know what secret men's business is all about.

As he put it, "Just doing the race is fantastic, but to be a winner is the ultimate in sailing for Australian blokes".

Getting to the finish line was an achievement in itself. Severe weather conditions resulted in 20 per cent of the fleet having to retire from the race.

In fact the previous year's winner, Two True, was one of the yachts forced to retire following engine problems.

I, for one, am glad that skippers do not try to beat unsafe weather conditions, especially after what happened in 1998.

Don't go by the yacht names though. Line Honours went to a yacht named Wild Oats!


Kid stuff

Need to keep the kids (of all ages) entertained this summer? Any of this take your fancy?

Archaelogy at Port Arthur
I've always been fascinated by archaelogy. Exploring the remains of old buildings, learning about how people lived in the past...

This January, kids are invited to meet with archaelogists and learn more about the past at Port Arthur. Imagine - being able to talk to an archaelogist, get your questions answered, find out about their craft. Having visited Port Arthur, I am fascinated by the history of the place.

Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site website for more information about their summer program.

Fun at Tahune Airwalk
I really enjoyed walking through the tree tops on the Tahune Airwalk. So I know the kids will love it there. Especially on days designed specifically with them in mind.

Here is a list of the activities that will be available on Kids Day Out:

  • Eagle Hang Glide
  • Sausage Sizzle
  • Treasure Hunt
  • Guided Walk
  • Face Painting

Visit the Tahune Airwalk website for more information on Kids Day Out and other upcoming events.


Snake

Don't be alarmed, it's not poisonous, it's not deadly, in fact it's not even real. I'm referring to a series of paintings by one of Australia's greatest artists, Sir Sidney Nolan. It's named Snake.

Forty six metres long and six metres high, it will be on display at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) which opens on 21st January.

MONA is actually a free private museum owned by Tasmanian philanthropist and art lover, David Walsh. Built at a cost of $75 million dollars, the three level building will showcase works from Walsh's private collection. A privately owned museum featuring exceptional art, open to the public, with free admission? I like the sound of that!

You've probably been told to look out for snakes in Australia. Well here's a Snake you should definitely look out for. Come on you art lovers! Don't miss out!


Biggest and richest

Now for something a little different...

I'm referring to Ulverstone Rodeo, Tasmania's biggest and richest rodeo. It will be held on 22nd January at Batten Park, South Road in West Ulverstone.

Non stop action is promised, including:

  • Bullriding
  • Bareback
  • Steer Wrestling
  • Roping
I don't know about you, but I'm going "ouch, ouch, ouch" as I think about those activities.

There will be lots of laughs thanks to the antics of professional bullfighting clowns plus pleasant viewing provided by the Miss Rodeo Australia competition.

Sounds like fun for all the family and it will be for a very good cause too. Proceeds from the rodeo will go to "Beyond Blue", a charity that does great work to help people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

So ride on down, you cowboys and cowgirls out there! With $16,500 prize money up for grabs, there will be many talented competitors to dazzle you with their skills, I'm sure...


Tasmanian heritage icons

Do you know which Tasmanian location was recently named by the National Trust as Tasmania's top icon?

It's Shipstern Bluff, located at the south-east coast of Tasmania.

I know of at least one person who will be pleased about this. This person's One Day In Tasmania dream is visiting Shipstern.

These are the top 10 Tasmanian icons named by the National Trust:

  1. Shipstern Bluff
  2. Waddamana power station
  3. Penitentiary chapel, Hobart
  4. Abt Railway, West Coast
  5. Launceston post office
  6. Campbell Town show
  7. Burnie pulp mill buildings
  8. Nothofagus gunnii plant
  9. Macquarie House in Hobart
  10. The Nut at Stanley
Trish of Ormeau in Queensland will be happy about number 4 making the list, going by her One Day In Tasmania contribution.

I got to see and even take a photo of number 5, the Launceston post office, on the heritage walk I did in Launceston.

As for the rest of the icons, I am yet to see them. No matter how much I see of Tasmania, there's still so much more to see - I love that! So much to look forward to on my next visit...

Well that's it for this issue.

Will you be easing slowly back into work as the New Year kicks on? Or will you be inundated with work from the first day back? Are you still on holidays, taking time out for yourself and your family?

Whatever you're up to, I hope January 2011 is very good to you.

See you in February!


To contact me, click here.

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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.

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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.



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