Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Bountiful Produce, a Cycling Adventure and Dulcet Tones - What's On in Tassie this Autumn


Tasmania's abundant produce, breathtaking scenery and thriving cultural scene will be celebrated this autumn with an eclectic array of events for visitors. From the excitement of the Pure Tasmania Cycle Challenge, which weaves its way through some of the state's purest and most beautiful wilderness areas, and the internationally renowned Targa Tasmania driving challenge, to mouth watering food and wine events (Taste the Harvest Food & Wine Festival, A Taste of the Huon and Savour Tasmania) and a slice of Tasmanian culture (Ten Days on the Island, Hobart Baroque and the 175th Campbell Town Show), autumn is the perfect time for visitors to experience the diversity of our island state.

PURE TASMANIA CYCLE CHALLENGE

 - 2 MARCH 2013
Now in its second year, the Pure Tasmania Cycle Challenge has been described as the most difficult ride in Australia. Participants can choose from two equally scenic courses including the 135km ride from Cradle Mountain to Strahan or the 219km ride from Devonport to Strahan, both covering some of the state's purest and most beautiful wilderness. The event raises much needed funds for Make-A-Wish Australia, a charity established in 1985 which grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Entry costs $185 per person and includes cycling jersey and knicks (valued at $200), cycling cap, finisher's medal, sling bag, on-course catering and support and post event massage.
What: Pure Tasmania Cycle Challenge
When: Saturday 2 March 2013, 6am start for the 219km cyclists and 10am start for the 135km cyclists
Where: The 219km challenge begins at the Devonport Surf Life Saving Club and the 135km challenge begins at Cradle Mountain Chateau. Both finish at Banjo's Bakery in Strahan.
How: The event costs $185 per person. For more information or to register for the event visit www.puretasmaniacyclechallenge.com.au

TASTE THE HARVEST FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 

- 10 MARCH 2013
Taste the Harvest, now in its 15th year, is a family event not to be missed with delights from more than 50 local food, wine and beer producers on offer along with cooking demonstrations, an interactive agricultural marquee, live music on two stages, roving performers and a dedicated children's area. 
What: A family event celebrating local Tasmanian produce
When: Sunday 10 March 2013 from 10.30am - 6.30pm
Where: Roundhouse Park, Mersey Foreshore, Devonport
How: Tickets can be purchased at the gate and cost $10 for adults and children under 16 years are admitted free. For more information visit www.tastetheharvest.org.au.  

 A TASTE OF THE HUON 

- 10 & 11 MARCH 2013
Now in its 21st year, A Taste of the Huon is a celebration of the bountiful produce of the Huon Valley and Channel region, just 30 minutes drive from Hobart. The two day harvest festival, held at the Ranelagh Showgrounds features more than 90 stalls showcasing a sumptuous array of local delights from cherries, mushrooms, salmon and gourmet meats to berries, truffles, wine and award-winning cheeses, along with local crafts and more. Visitors of all ages will love the program of free entertainment including Sunday's headline performer, Deborah Conway. The event boasts two seminar tents each with a jam-packed program of food, theatre, demonstrations and presentations.
What: A two-day harvest festival in Tasmania's Huon Valley
When: Sunday 10 March from 10am - 5.30pm and Monday 11 March from 10am - 4pm
Where: Ranelagh Showgrounds, Ranelagh
How: Entry costs $8 for adults and children under 12 years of age are admitted free. For more information visit www.tasteofthehuon.com or call 0457 877 723. 

TEN DAYS ON THE ISLAND

15 - 24 MARCH 2013
The biennial event, Ten Days on the Island will return to Tasmania from 15 - 24 March 2013, bringing its extensive, multi art form program to Tasmanians and visitors alike. Australia's only state-wide arts festival, Ten Days on the Island is a celebration of global island culture and boasts an illustrious line up of international arts experiences for all ages and interests. With a cacophony of cultural delights spread across Tasmania from Hobart and Launceston to St Helens and Queenstown, Ten Days on the Island provides an original platform for touring the island state. The 2013 programme features an impressive collection of theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literature, film and free events by artists from the United Kingdom, New York, Republic of Seychelles, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Ireland, Malaysia, Thailand, Iceland, mainland Australia and Tasmania's talented local artists.
What: Tasmania's International Arts Festival
When: 15 - 24 March 2013
Where: Ten Festival towns across the state including Launceston, Burnie, Hobart, Huonville, Campbell Town, Swansea, Deloraine, St Helens, Queenstown, Devonport & Latrobe. The festival will also bring one of the highlight experiences to King Island, Flinders Island and Port Arthur.
How: For complete program details and to purchase tickets visit www.tendaysontheisland.com. 

HOBART BAROQUE

 - 12 - 20 APRIL 2013
Australia's first festival of baroque music will be held in Hobart this April. The nine day program of local and international performances will celebrate music from the 17th and 18th centuries with highlights including the first ever Australian performance by London's Royal Opera House, with their production of L'isola Disabitata, a once only recital from young Sydney tenor on the verge of international opera stardom, David Hansen, Melbourne Baroque trio Latitude 37 and renowned soprano, Jane Edwards.
What: Australia's first festival of baroque music
When: 12th - 20th April 2013
Where: Venues across Hobart including the Theatre Royal, Hobart Town Hall and MONA
How: For bookings and more information visit www.hobartbaroque.com.au.  

TARGA TASMANIA

- 16 - 21 APRIL 2013
Each year up to 300 of the world's finest cars and drivers compete under the toughest conditions as they travel more than 2000 kilometres to challenge the best in their category for Targa Tasmania. Over six days the world's best touring, sports and GT cars from Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari, to Mercedes Benz, Holden and Subaru battle it out along some of Tasmania's most breathtaking driving routes.
What: A six day driving challenge
When: 16th - 21st April 2013
Where: Across Tasmania
How: For more information about the event visit www.targa.com.au or call 03 6221 8800.

SAVOUR TASMANIA 

- 29 MAY - 2 JUNE 2013
Now in its fifth year, Savour Tasmania's delicious program of events showcases the flavour, diversity and purity of Tasmanian produce and has placed the island state firmly on the map of gourmet destinations around the world. Gourmands will be spoilt for choice with a sumptuous array of events to choose from including a major celebration of Tasmanian produce, wines and beers on Hobart's waterfront on 1 June, a large scale, Long Table Dinner on 1 June and the Red Wine Weekend on 1 & 2 June. Savour Tasmania has a reputation for attracting talented chefs from across the globe and in 2013 organisers are thrilled to have secured emerging Belgian star Kobe Desramaults, who is exciting food audiences at his Michelin-starred restaurant In de Wulf.   Kobe will join forces with other local Tasmanian and national chefs including Shane Delia of Melbourne's Maha, at the Long Table Dinner on 1 June and will also present a more intimate dinner in conjunction with Luke Burgess at Hobart restaurant Garagistes. Tickets will be on sale from 20 March. Other guest chefs, dinners and events will be announced in coming weeks.
What: A celebration of the flavour, diversity and purity of Tasmanian produce
When: 29th May - 2nd June
Where: Events will be held across Hobart with the long-table dinner event taking place in the city's waterfront precinct
How: For full program details, ticket information and to register to receive regular event updates visit www.savourtasmania.com.au.

THE 175TH CAMPBELL TOWN SHOW

- 31 MAY & 1 JUNE 2013
A vibrant celebration of all things rural, the Campbell Town Show will celebrate its 175th Anniversary in 2013. The show is the oldest, continually-running agricultural show in the Southern Hemisphere and is listed by the National Trust as part of Tasmania's living history. Featuring an exciting line-up of agricultural activities from sheepdog trials, wood chopping and sheep and wool judging to fashion parades, shearing competitions, an animal nursery and children's activities, it's a great day out for the whole family.  
What: The Southern Hemisphere's oldest, continually-running agricultural show
When: Friday 31st May and Saturday 1st June 2013. Gates open at 7.20am and close at 5pm each day.
Where: The Campbell Town Show Grounds, Corner Church Street and Glenelg Street, Campbell Town
How: Entry to the show costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. For more information visit www.campbelltownshow.com.au.  

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website at www.discovertasmania.com.au. 

Travel to Tasmania

Travellers can fly to Tasmania on Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Qantaslink, Tiger Airways, Sharp Airlines or Rex Airlines, or take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Port Melbourne (VIC) to Devonport (TAS).

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