What's New in Tasmania

Tasmania

Tasmania, the island state of Australia, has several exceptional new tourism offerings.

An array of exciting new travel experiences are now available for visitors, from seaplane tours with Tasmanian Air Adventures, to thrilling mountain biking daytrips with Vertigo Mountain Biking. The Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tour combines adventure with dining, while those seeking a more sedate epicurean experience can be content sampling cheeses and wine at the new Wicked Cheese Co. tasting house and Josef Chromy winery respectively. The island's convict past is explored in a new play entitled "Her Story" at the Cascades Female Factory, and indulgent accommodation awaits at the recently revamped 2 on 2 and new Dragonfly Lodge.

Tasmanian Air Adventures

Tasmanian Air Adventures (TAA) has just released three exciting new sea plane adventures that showcase Tasmania's natural beauty. Departing from Hobart's picturesque waterfront, guests can choose from one of three scenic flights - a Hobart, Mt Wellington and Port Arthur experience (Wild Capes Air Adventure); a journey over the striking tannin-stained waters of the Gordon River and Tasmania's iconic World Heritage Wilderness; or an aerial expedition over the aqua blue seas and white sands of the Freycinet Peninsula and

Wineglass Bay. The planes land at each of the locations, allowing guests to disembark and walk along secluded beaches, through ancient forests and past waterfalls. Tasmanian Air Adventures also offers transfers

Tasmanian Air Adventures

to MONA, Saffire, Freycinet, Port Arthur and Cradle Mountain. Prices range from $99 to $399 depending on the experience.
Address:  Elizabeth Street Pier, 1 Elizabeth Street Hobart.

Open: 7 days a week 8am - 6pm

Telephone: 1300 359 822
Website: http://tasmanianairadventures.com.au/

Dragonfly Lodge

Only an hour and a half from Hobart and Launceston, the luxurious and secluded Dragonfly Lodge sits in Rocky Hills on the East Coast of Tasmania facing the stunning Great Oyster Bay and Freycinet Peninsula. The stunning property features Chinese and Mongolian décor in the spacious living area, three lavish bedrooms with king beds, breakfast and pantry provisions, a double sided open fireplace, a telescope to spot local wildlife with and a fully stocked library of books, CDs and DVDs.

Dragonfly Lodg

Excellent wineries and restaurants and leisurely walks are within close proximity and the striking views offer a relaxed backdrop for those wishing to unwind. Dragonfly Lodge can accommodate up to six people and costs $780 per night (minimum of two nights per booking).

Address: 11903 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills, Swansea 

Telephone: 0412 203 743

Website: http://dragonflylodge.com.au/

The Wicked Cheese Co.

Boutique cheese makers, The Wicked Cheese Co have set up a new tasting house in the historic town of Richmond, just 25 minutes from Hobart. Visitors can watch cheese being made through windows to the production area, enjoy a light snack or lunch at the licensed café, taste and purchase Wicked Cheese's delectable offerings at factory prices, and peruse a range of other Tasmanian cheese and gourmet products,

The Wicked Cheese Co.

including locally grown and produced olive oil, Tasmanian Whisky (used in Wicked Cheese's Marinated Whisky Cheddar), and locally produced fruit pastes. Wicked Cheese was founded by cheese making

connoisseur, Ashley McCoy, who uses the purest hormone and chemical free milks from grass-fed cows in his traditional French recipes.

Address: 1238 Richmond Road, Richmond.

Open: 7 days a week, 10am - 4.30pm

Website: www.wickedcheese.com.au

Josef Chromy Winery

Famed winemakers Josef Chromy have built a striking new state of the art winery on their stunning 61 hectare (150 acre) vineyard and estate, where their acclaimed wines are produced from premium cool climate fruit. Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewurtz Traminer, Pinot Noir, a sparkling wine and Botrytis Riesling are just some of the wine varieties created by Josef Chromy, which can be tasted at the Josef Chromy Cellar Door and Café located in the estate's original 1880s homestead.  The cooler months are a good time to visit, with an open log fire and views of the surrounding vineyards and landscaped gardens making the homestead a welcome place to linger over lunch. The menu offers light lunches, gourmet platters, and the Chef's seasonal specialties paired with estate grown wines. Josef Chromy is 15 minutes drive south from Launceston. 

Address: 370 Relbia Road, Relbia

Open: 7 days, 10am - 5pm

Telephone: 03 6335 8700

Website: www.josefchromy.com.au

2on2

Located a gentle five minutes stroll away from Hobart, 2on2 are two fully-self contained 1880 Victorian townhouses with contemporary interiors and all the modern luxuries expected by today's traveller. The 3-bedroom 'Big One' features a chic palette of black, red and white, with a generous open-plan lounge,

2on2

kitchen with stainless steel appliances, deck with spa and water views. The 1-bedroom 'Little One' has a palette of aubergine, burnt orange and stained wood with views of the garden maze, a smart, sun-filled living area, a modern kitchen and a private deck.  Mid-week prices start from $275 a night and include a complimentary breakfast hamper on arrival.

Address: 2 Scott Street, Glebe, Hobart

Telephone: 03 6234 1590

Website: www.2on2.com.au

Vertigo Mountain Biking

Vertigo Mountain Biking (Vertigo MTB) is known for its thrilling rides through some of Tasmania's most rugged terrain. The company recently released a new 'Hobart Weekender' featuring cycling on Mount Wellington for those short on time. The 'Hobart Weekender' takes in the very best of Hobart, including the brand new 10km North-South Track along the escarpment of Mt Wellington; eating, browsing, shopping and people watching at the renowned Salamanca Markets; a visit to MONA, and an evening spent discovering the vibrant historic Constitution Dock area of Hobart. The package includes a choice of award-winning

Vertigo Mountain Biking

accommodation at the Henry Jones Art Hotel or the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel - the winner of the Deluxe Accommodation Category at the recent Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The two day one night Hobart Weekender costs $795 per person. Dual suspension mountain bikes are provided.

Tour Dates: March 24 & 25, April 7 & 8, April 21 & 22.

Telephone: 0488 463 448  

Website: http://vertigomtb.com.au

Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tours

Based in the wild, rugged beauty of Tasmania's North West Coast, Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tours combines adventure with luxurious rewards - the chance to fill up on some of the world's best abalone sourced from some of the purest sea waters in the world. The fully guided tours take visitors on an exhilarating journey, diving for fresh abalone in the area's pristine waters and then preparing the catch for a delicious and rewarding meal. All tour guides are highly skilled with a combined experience of over 30 years of diving,

Wild Abalone Tours

snorkeling and participating in extreme cold water adventure activities. The three-day, two-night Tasmanian Wild Abalone Tour starts from $1,200 and includes all the equipment required for abalone diving, an abalone diving license, 4WD transport to dive sites, food, refreshments, twin share accommodation, and transfers from Launceston, Devonport or Burnie Airports.

Website: http://wildabalonetours.com/

"Her Story"

"Her Story" is a brand new experience for visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cascades Female Factory in South Hobart -Australia's most significant site associated with female convicts. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Wellington, The Cascades Female Factory once held up to 1,000 women, children and babies at a time. "Her Story" is a powerful theatrical portrayal of the difficult life these women experienced, and centres on Yard One, following the arrival of the transportation ship Frances Charlotte in 1833. This

Cascades Female Factory

fascinating play vividly brings to life the conditions these women experienced and is staged at 11am daily.   

Address: 16 Degraves Street, South Hobart

Telephone: 03 6233 6656

Website: http://cascadefemalefactory.wordpress.com/
Cost: $20 adults, $12.50 children, $60 families

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania from other Australian States on Jetstar, Virgin Blue, Qantas, or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).