North and West, Here's the New Stuff in Tassie That's Among the Best

Unique Charters

With so much newness across the island, now is a great time to get to travel a little deeper. From accommodation and infrastructure to new trails, art, food, and adventure, it's a great time to visit (or revisit!) Tassie.

Unique Charters
Get out and experience remote areas of Tassie's north in style with Unique Charters, who are now offering scenic helicopter tours directly from Peppers Silo Hotel in Launceston. Guests can choose from a range of flights from the hotel. Take the 15 minute Tamar Gorge flight, or try something longer like the Tamar Valley Wine Route, Ben Lomond Mountain Explorer or the Cradle Mountain and Great Lakes experience. There are also flights departing from Bridport (Barnbougle) and prices start from $360 for two people and can include a range of extras such as picnics, sparkling wine and pre and post lunches and dinners. Book at www.uniquecharters.com.au 

Kooparoona Niara Cliffs Walk
One of Tassie's newest indigenous experiences, the Kooparoona Niara Cliffs Walk in Deloraine winds along the banks of the Meander River, past native plantings and artworks inspired by the Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. Join a tour with Kooparoona Niara tours - choose between a half  or full day tour and explore the walk then enjoy a wander through the wilderness to see the Alum Cliffs Gorge at Toolumbunna. Kooparoona Niara is the Aboriginal name given to the Great Western Tiers, a mountain range behind the town and a significant site in Tasmanian Aboriginal culture—it means 'mountain of the spirits'. There's also a Yarning Circle and Fire Pit that can be booked and used by the public. More information at www.meander.tas.gov.au/page.aspx?u=678

River Sledding at Meander
Wanting to recreate the simple fun of a childhood spent on the family property on the Meander River near Deloraine, founder Daniel Wickham came up with river sledding. But what's river sledding? Up to ten guests jump on inflatable lilos and enjoy a gentle whitewater experience floating and paddling through grade one and two rapids over three tranquil kilometres. It's fun and exciting and the perfect way to slow down and take in the beauty of the region. Tours run for 3-4 hours and start at $120 for an adult, with kids over 13 welcome to join in the fun too. More information at www.meanderwildernessexperiences.com

Wild Mersey and Kelcey Tiers MTB
Devonport is home to Tassie's newest mountain bike trail network with the opening of stage one of Wild Mersey, which will eventually become over 100 kilometres of mixed-landscape riding. The first stage is at the northern end of the network in the Warrawee Reserve near Latrobe, and features 15 kilometres of green, blue and black trails with epic views and flowing descents. Nearby Kelcey Tiers is another option for mountain bikers, from smooth and flowing green trails to technical black trails to test more experienced riders. A little like a 'choose-your-own-adventure' story, the green trails were built with advanced riders in mind too, with both A and B-line options to try. The best part is that all of this is only ten minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport. And all across the Cradle Coast area are hand-built tracks constructed by local community mountain bike groups, so there's plenty of dirt to explore. Access track information via www.trailforks.com

Horsetails Falls and other Short Walks of the Cradle Coast
On the winding Lyell Highway on the way to Queenstown there's a curious sight - a long, snaking boardwalk hugging the rocky contours of the hill, leading walkers to Horsetail Falls. The boardwalk was designed by a local company to replace an informal track, and is now safe in wet weather (when waterfalls hit their strides!). With Mount Owen is a backdrop, Horsetail Falls is a large seasonal waterfall that's best after heavy rain. For more Short Walks of the Cradle Coast check out the new easy-to-use Google Map which includes the short walks, waterfalls and long walks in the region. And there's so much to see in the region with each season offering something unique—endemic fagus in Autumn, fungi of all colours and shapes in Winter, flowing waterfalls in Spring and Summer and local wildlife year round. Access the map at www.visitcradlecoast.com.au/experience/short-walks/

Travelling The Tarkine
For an ancient temperate rainforest, there's a whole host of new things to discover in the region. There's been a significant infrastructure upgrade with the reopening of the Milkshake Hills Regional Reserve. The reserve has been closed for nearly two years after wildfires tore through the area in 2016 and the new works include upgrades to walking tracks. Want to try some incredibly pristine seafood? Tarkine Fresh Oysters recently opened their new cafe and store serving up freshly shucked oysters from their own oyster farm nearby. Finish with something sweet from Blue Hills Honey at Mawbanna, where the Charles family set up an apiary over 60 years ago. The honey is produced via over 2000 hives placed within the Tarkine rainforest making this possibly the cleanest honey you're likely to eat! Or take a guided tour with RoamWild in Queenstown - their Lake Margaret Hydropower tour now includes a visit to the hallowed Mt Lyell Mining & Railway companies general offices.
For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website discovertasmania.com.au.

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