Tourism Northern Tasmania`s Spring Events Guide

tasmania’s north
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2015 Spring Events & Touring Guide of the North
The Tweed Ride, Junction Arts Festival
THE TASMANIAN TROUT EXPO
Cressy
19th - 20th September 2015
The Tasmanian Trout Expo is a fun weekend for everyone, not just
experienced fishermen! Families and groups of friends come from
far and wide to spend time together fishing and checking out the
Tasmanian Trout Expo.
The Tasmanian Trout Expo is based around
a competition where one lucky person could
win $10,000. All you have to do is catch a
specially tagged wild brown trout. It’s not
that hard to do...
The Expo also features exhibitors of fishing
gear and other bargains as well as food and
drink stalls. Don’t let this stop you from
packing a family picnic for the day!
Registration for the event opens at 7am
daily and the competition kicks off at 8am.
www.tasmaniantroutexpo.com.au
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FAMILY FUN ACTIVITIES
TAS MAN IA
1.Seahorse World and Platypus House –
Beauty Point
6.Westbury Maze or Tazmazia –
Westbury
2.Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery – Launceston
7.
3.Cataract Gorge and Cataract River Cruise – Launceston
8.Visit an AFL game at Aurora Stadium
– Launceston
4.City Park with monkey enclosure and train –
Launceston
5.Trowunna Wildlife Park or Tasmania Zoo – Mole Creek
Mole Creek Caves – Mole Creek
9. Aquatic Centre – Launceston
10. Airtime 360 – Launceston
ROCK & RODZ
Longford
4th October 2015
Rock and Rodz is a celebration of the 1950’s and 60’s! It is
all about the nostalgia of the era, the cars, the music, the
fashion. You will see some beautiful vehicles on display as
well as a retro fashion parade and a tattoo competition not to
mention art shows and dancing.
While parents are going to love this eclectic event, there are
also jumping castles and other family friendly activities too!
There will also be great variety of food stands and a mix of
local and national bands playing on the day.
Please keep in mind that this crazy cool event also donates
every cent of their profit to Camp Quality. Last year’s event
raised over $20,000. So make sure you come along in 2015 to
help them do it again!
www.facebook.com/RockandRodz/
NORTH EAST RIVERS FESTIVAL
North East Tasmania
16th - 25th October 2015
The Derby River Derby has been an iconic Northern Tasmanian
event since 1976. Every year, young and old tackle the windy,
rapid laden Ringarooma River vying for trophies and bragging
rights. Saturday October 24th 2015 will see the small township
of Derby come alive to thrills, spills and community magic of the
Derby River Derby.
This year will see the introduction of a Raft, Run, Ride Event at the Derby,
making use of the river and the newly developed Blue Derby Mountain
Bike Trails. This event is for teams as well as solo participation.
From Friday October 16th through to Sunday October 25th there will
be 11 quite different festival activities across the entire North East of
Tasmania. The first weekend highlights the opening night, a fishing competition and Pony Club Gymkhana.
The second weekend brings on the excitement of spectating and participation with the Crowe Horwath
Golf Challenge at Moorina Golf Course just past Derby, the Jackson Security Derby River Derby on Saturday
followed by the Access Locksmith Bridport 10 Fun Run on the Sunday.
If you are looking for something more relaxing Pipers Brook Vineyard is hosting “A Night at the Vineyard” on
the evening of October 23rd featuring local food and wine.
www.neriversfestival.com.au
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ADVENTURES
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1.Hollybank Tree Top Adventures Zipline and Segway
Tours – Underwood
6.Mountain Biking the Juggernaut and
Blue Derby
2.Pepper Bush Adventures, Quoll Patrol – Scottsdale
7. Cable Hangliding – Launceston
3.Vertigo MTB tours – North East Mountain Biking
8. Scuba Diving at Flinders Island
4. Mole Creek Caving – Mole Creek
9.Quad biking at Flinders Island or
Bridport
5.Liffey Falls, Quamby Bluff and Meander Falls –
short walks
10. Kanamuluka Trail – George Town
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TOURING MAP
TAMAR VALLEY
Welcome to the Tamar Valley Wine Route – one of the world’s top 10 wine routes. With many small and
family-owned vineyards, the growers themselves will often greet you and explain just how the wine is
made... But there is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. The Tamar Valley Arts Trail – with
local artists dotted from Legana through to Clarence Point – is a unique space where you can meet
the artist in their studio! Throw in a brief stop at Brady’s Lookout, the home of the nineteenth century
bushranger Mathew Brady to get a postcard photo opportunity.
Now head to the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine,
recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history. Only a few
minutes up the road is Beauty Point where you can visit Seahorse World and Platypus House.
Return south, but this time cross the Batman Bridge. The Eastern side of the Tamar River is brimming
with experiences not to be missed! You will find more wineries, the Hillwood Berry Farm, or further north
you will find George Town where you can dine at The Cove Restaurant and Bar at Peppers, York Cove.
After this make sure to get to a Low Head Penguin Tour. If you stay overnight in George Town make sure
to check out the Low Head Pilot Station and the Bass and Flinders Centre to get your history fix.
Low Head
Pilot Station
Greens
Beach
GEORGE
TOWN
a
m
Ta
BEAUTY POINT
BEACONSFIELD
DEVONPORT
rV
Near Westbury is Liffey Falls, a series of picturesque waterfalls in a
beautiful rainforest setting, with easy walking tracks and good picnic
facilities.
t
LEGANA
ELIZABETH TOWN
oute
Great West ern Tier s R
DELORAINE
King
MOLE CREEK
Solomons Marakoopa
Cave
Cave
e
Travel through Hagley and on to Westbury, renowned for its English
country character with its variety of wonderful colonial architecture.
Whilst in Westbury, visit Pearn’s Steam World and the Vintage
Tractor Museum.
Brady’s Lookout
u
Ro
GREAT WESTERN TIERS
ey
all
EXETER
Cataract
Gorge
LA
P
LONG
WESTBURY
Bric
Liffey
Falls
Woolmer
Cradle
Mountain
C
Travel on to Deloraine, a historic town well known for its classic
Tasmanian crafts, artwork and quality, all available at local galleries.
As an afternoon treat, sample raspberries at the Christmas Hills
Raspberry Farm and cheeses at Ashgrove Cheese on the Bass
Highway via Elizabeth Town.
BOTHWELL
For more information on Tasmanian itineraries www.discovertasmania.com.au/
to Sydney
to Bri
sbane
NORTH EAST
KILLERCRANKIE
Say good morning to Lilydale with its distinctive painted telephone
poles that line the town’s streets. For those with a need for
adrenalin, pop into Hollybank, for a treetops adventure or segway
experience, five minutes from Lilydale.
FLINDERS
ISLAND
WHITEMARK
From here calm down at Bridestowe Lavender Estate, and say
hello to Bobbie the bear. Drive a further 15 minutes to Scottsdale
for culture and coffee at the Scottsdale Art Gallery and Café!
LADY BARON
North of Scottsdale, the coastal village of Bridport on beautiful
Anderson Bay. Bridport is home to Barnbougle Dunes golf links, a
challenging 18-hole championship course rated as Australia’s No.
1 public course. Next door is Lost Farm, an alternate 20-hole golf
course with luxury accommodation, restaurant and spa sanctuary.
Derby, once a thriving mining town, is today a pretty place to
stop with its original streetscape largely intact. Get up close and
personal with Derby’s beautiful wilderness starting right within the
town! Hire a bike and ride the newly opened and widely acclaimed
world class mountain biking trails – Blue Derby.
Mount William
National Park
Barnbougle Dunes & Lost Farm
BRIDPORT
Blue Derby MBT
Bridestowe
SCOTTSDALE
Nort h East
LILYDALE
il
Tra
DERBY
Bay
of
Fires
Follow the Trail of the Tin Dragon, a fascinating story of North
East Tasmania’s tin rush, to Derby’s Corner Store @ The Tin Centre
to watch the amazing story of ‘Life, The Universe & Tin’. The trail
continues through Moorina and on to St. Helens.
ST HELENS
AUNCESTON
EVANDALE
PERTH
GFORD
Ben
Lomond
ckendon
FINGAL
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w ay
igh
eH
ag
rit
He
TO HOBART
From Launceston the first stop is Evandale, a charming colonial village with
buildings dating back to the 1820s. Then it’s on to the gracious Clarendon
homestead,
11km south on the banks of the South Esk River.
BICHENO
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Rout
CAMPBELL TOWN
HERITAGE HIGHWAY
ROSS
A short drive from Perth are two UNESCO World Heritage listed estates – Brickendon
and Woolmers. Brickendon is an historic working farm continuously owned and managed
by the Archer family for almost two centuries, while the adjacent Woolmers Estate is a
Freycinet
time
capsule of early nineteenth century life and home to the National Rose Garden.
Continue on to Campbell Town, the historic heart of Tasmania, with more than a
100 houses over 100 years old. Just 10 minutes from Campbell Town is the timeless
village of Ross with huge English elms lining the main street and the famous Ross
Bridge (1836), built by convict labour and featuring 186 intricate colonial carvings.
Continue on to Hobart via the Heritage Highway, through the villages of Oatlands,
Kempton and Bagdad.
TASMANIAN CRAFT FAIR
Deloraine
30th October - 2nd November 2015
Every year in spring, Deloraine bursts into full bloom. For four days a year this
already vibrant northern regional village is transformed with more than
30,000 visitors – 10 times its population!
From 30th October to 2nd November 220 exhibitors from across
Tasmanian and Australia showcase their products, talents and techniques
as part of what is now the largest working craft fair in the southern
hemisphere. Highlights this year include boat builders from the Wooden
Boat Centre in Franklin, stained glass artist, Pam Skurulis, and feather
artist, Emily Valentine.
This year the Tasmanian Craft Fair turns 35 and joining in the
celebrations is Lark Distillery who have been coming to the Fair for
20 years. To commemorate this momentous occasion Bill Lark, the
Godfather of Australian whisky, has created a special 20th Anniversary
limited release available only at the event.
Whether you’re looking for a fun day out with the kids, or searching for
that unique treasure, there will be something to float your boat at this
year’s Tasmanian Craft Fair.
www.tascraftfair.com.au
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TAS MAN IA
1st Saturday of every month
Every Saturday
Every Sunday
Every Sunday
2nd Saturday of every month
2nd Sunday of the month
3rd Saturday of the month
3rd Sunday of the month
Deloraine Market (9am-1pm)
Harvest Launceston Farmers' Market (8.30am-12.30pm)
Evandale Market ( 8am-1.30pm)
Launceston Esk Market (9am-2pm)
Liffey Valley Market (9am-1pm)
Lilydale Village Market (10am-2pm)
Avoca Market (9am-2pm)
Ross Sunday Market (from 9am)
The last Sunday of every month Campbell Town Market (8am-3pm)
25 Sep, 30 Oct and 27 Nov
Yorktown Square Night Market (from 5pm)
Deloraine
Launceston
Evandale
Launceston
Liffey
Lilydale
Avoca
Ross
Campbell Town
Launceston
ANNUAL
STEAM SPECTACULAR WEEKEND
PEARN’S STEAM WORLD
Westbury
31st October - 2nd November 2015
Every year Pearn’s Steam World holds a special Steam
Spectacular on the first weekend in November, a long weekend
in Northern Tasmania. They have many of their exhibits working
and visitors can enjoy a ride on the traction engines, tractors or
the miniature train. This of course is a people pleaser for young
families and any other train enthusiasts. For
the train fanatics out there, you will be happy
to know there are two miniature trains on
exhibit; a steam train and a petrol engined
train. Pearn’s Steam World also has a scale
traction engine that runs rides!
www.pearnssteamworld.org.au/
steam-spectacular-weekend
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ARTS & HERITAGE
Northern
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1. Trail of the Tin Dragon – North East
6. Bass and Flinders Museum – George Town
2. Zaadstra White Church Gallery – West Tamar
7. Low Head Pilot Station – Low Head
3.Woolmers and Brickendon World Heritage
Convict Sites – Longford
8.Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre –
Beaconsfield
4.Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery
(QVMAG) – Launceston
9. Ross Historic Village – Ross
5. Design Tasmania – Launceston
10.Red Bridge and Convict Brick Trail –
Campbell Town
BOFA
Launceston
4th - 8th November 2015
The Tasmanian Breath of Fresh Air (BOFA) Film Festival is intimate,
thought-provoking and fun. BOFA is a boutique festival with both a
regional focus and international perspective.
BOFA brings to Tasmania the world’s best features and documentaries
inspiring audiences to see their world differently – it’s truly a ‘breath
of fresh air’.
This year’s BOFA will showcase films and experiences to suit all tastes
and interests. There’s Food and Wine BOFA where you can enjoy food
films, wine tours, and parties every night... There’s Family BOFA with
kids’ films, a drive-in, and a short-film day celebrating 150 years of
Aussie Rules Football in Tasmania... There’s Offbeat BOFA with leftof-centre, quirky films... Then there’s Eco BOFA and Ideas BOFA...
BOFA is for everyone. Which BOFA will be your BOFA?
BOFA welcomes you to join them in November. Immerse yourself in
the festival, explore the wonders of the Tamar Valley and Northern
Tasmania and enjoy a breath of fresh air.
www.bofa.com.au
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“ Should be totally
embraced by all Tasmanians!
...and the rest of the world.”
- Facebook rating for BOFA
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1. Tamar Valley Wine Route – Tamar Valley
6. Harvest Market – Launceston
2. Boags Brewery – Launceston
7. Red Feather Inn – Hadspen
3.41 Degrees South Salmon and Ginseng Farm
– 11 min from Deloraine
9. Saint John Craft Beer – Launceston
4.Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm Café –
Elizabeth Town
5. Ashgrove Cheese – Elizabeth Town
8. Little Rivers Brewing Co – Scottsdale
10. Amelia Espresso – Launceston
EFFERVESCENCE
Relbia
13th - 15th November 2015
Tasmania’s signature sparkling wine event will feature 15 of
Tasmania’s most acclaimed sparkling producers in 2015.
Together with some of Australia’s leading sparkling winemakers, Tyson
Stelzer, the 2015 International Wine Communicator of the Year and author
of The Champagne Guide, will lead the master classes to taste and inform
guests on what makes Tasmanian sparkling so special.
Effervescence is also privileged to have one of Australia’s great chefs,
Tetsuya Wakuda, participate in this year’s event. Tetsuya will be guest chef
for the official Welcome Dinner and conduct a cooking master class for the
public with some of Tasmania’s iconic primary produce.
Saturday evening finishes on a relaxed note with one of Sydney’s
leading Dj’s, Damien Goundrie, setting the mood to a relaxed night
of food, cool beats and dancing. The party continues to the south
on Sunday, with a progressive tour, tasting and lunch at some of
Southern Tasmania’s leading wineries.
www.effervescencetasmania.com
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EVENTS WORTH TRAVELLING FOR
TAS MAN IA
1. Tasmanian Craft Fair – November
6. V8 supercars – April
2. Junctions Arts Festival – September
7. AFL games – Winter
3. Launceston Cycling Festival – December
8. Festivale – February
4. Agfest – May
9. Three Peaks Race – March/April
5. Targa Tasmania – May
10. John Glover Exhibition – March
FESTIVAL OF ROSES
Longford
15th November 2015
Awarded Best Community Event of the Year in 2014 the Festival
of Roses offers an opportunity to experience the beautiful
grounds and gardens of Woolmers Estate, whilst also viewing
the spectacle of over 5,000 roses in full bloom!
This year, Celebrity Chef and Television Personality, Ben
Milbourne will be a major attraction. He will be cooking up a
storm, as well as challenging one lucky winner in a “mystery
box challenge”. On top of this there will be a variety of food
stalls on offer, including, wallaby hamburgers and kebabs,
rabbit pies, wood fired pizzas, good coffee, as well as a selection of
wines, cider and beer from local producers.
Other attractions will include plant nurseries, craft and jewellery,
displays of whip cracking, chainsaw art, vintage farm machinery and
cars. There will be plenty for the kids, with the likes of a jumping
castle, face painting and balloons.
Live entertainment will include the West Tamar Band, Don Ives,
The Tassie Drum Circle as well as Tai Chi and belly dancing displays.
www.woolmers.com.au
“ I went on Rose Festival
Day when the atmosphere
was charming. Everyone was
happy, the staff welcoming, the
gardens and estate stunning
with no lit ter just groups of
people of all ages enjoying
themselves. The food from the
restaurant was fresh, delicious
and fit ting for the day!!”
- Trip Advisor review for Festival of Roses
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PLACES TO EAT
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TAS MAN IA
1. Mud Bar and Restaurant – Launceston
6. Stillwater – Launceston
2. PX Tapas – Launceston
7. Red Bridge Café – Campbell Town
3. Cove Restaurant – George Town
8. Lilydale Larder – Lilydale
4. Cataract on Patterson – Launceston
9. Black Cow – Launceston
5. Hubert and Dan – Longford
10. Deloraine Deli – Deloraine
SPRING EVENTS CALENDAR
September
18-19
Swan Lake
19-21
Tasmanian Trout Expo
22
Hamlet
26
Lee Kernaghan
Launceston
Cressy
Launceston
Launceston
October
3
4
8-10
9
9
9-10
16-25
16
17
17
17
17
17
18
23
24-2
29-7
30-2
31-2
Rule Britannia!
Rock & Rodz
Royal Launceston Show
Frank – A Life In Song
Stage 3 of the 2015 Tour of Tasmania – Finish of the Race
Oktoberfest
North East Rivers Festival
Flinders Island Agricultural Show
Longford Show
Launceston Eye Institute Run For A Wish
My Closet Market (12pm-3pm)
Affinity
Fiesta on George
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase
Col Elliot Live
Tasmanian Art Award at Eskleigh
Mary Poppins
Tasmanian Craft Fair
Pearn’s Steam World Annual Steam Spectacular Weekend
Launceston
Longford
Launceston
Launceston
George Town
Grindelwald
North East Tasmania
Flinders Island
Longford
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Launceston
Perth
Launceston
Deloraine
Westbury
November
1
4-8
6-8
6-9
7
13
14
14-15
15
21
29
Tour de Flinders
Tasmanian Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival
Woolmers Spring Antique Fair
Writers’ Retreat with Maggie Mackellar, Red Feather Inn
Westbury Show
Scottsdale Show
Baby and Kids Market (9am-12pm)
Woolmers Art Exhibition
Festival of Roses
Deloraine Show
New Writing for Tasmanian Theatre
Flinders Island
Launceston
Longford
Hadspen
Westbury
Scottsdale
Launceston
Longford
Longford
Deloraine
Launceston
For a full list of events visit www.northerntasmania.com.au/events
Tourism Northern Tasmania would like to thank the following talented photographers and organisations
for their images: Rob Burnett, Chris Crerar, The Examiner, Junctions Art Festival, Trout Territory, Rock & Rodz,
North East Rivers Festival, Pearn’s Steam Word, Tasmanian Craft Fair, BOFA and Festival of Roses.