24 Apr 2013
Tasmania's wild winter presents a good time to delve behind the scenery and discover the alluring stories that wait beyond the state's historic and well-known facades. Not to be outdone by MONA, the Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery (TMAG) has undergone a striking redevelopment, with new exhibitions bringing visitors face to face with the elusive, mystical Tasmanian Tiger and many more moving Tasmanian stories, while the Australian Fly Fishing Museum - the only one of its kind in Australia - is a must-visit for fishing enthusiasts, showcasing private collections from prominent Australian fishermen and fly fishing artefacts. New and unexpected discoveries abound on the accommodation front in Hobart, from Avalon City Retreat, perched atop an office block in the CBD, to Gibson's Mill, luxe apartments housed in a 19th century flour mill. There is also much to be found on Bruny Island, from Cloudy Bay Beach House nestled amongst the bushland, to catching a glimpse of the island's rare white wallabies on the new Bruny Island Safaris day tour.
The redeveloped Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery
On Friday 15 March this year, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), one of the most historically significant museums in Australia, unveiled its spectacular million redevelopment on Hobart's waterfront. The second oldest museum in Australia, TMAG has its origins in the collections of the country's oldest scientific society, the Royal Society of Tasmania, which was established in 1843. The redevelopment includes more than 2,000 square metres of new public and exhibition spaces, a centralised visitor services hub and a new Courtyard Café. Visitors can now experience more of this unique site than ever before including a fascinating range of nationally significant archaeological material, some of which has been hidden for over 150 years. Twelve new exhibitions, as well as some refreshed favourites, provide a chance for objects from Tasmania's State Collection to shine. The historic lantern roof of the former zoology gallery has been raised to create a spectacular new Central Gallery, which has become the heart of the new museum. New exhibitions examining major themes in Tasmania's nineteenth century history now occupy three levels of the 1826 Bond Store, while the thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, gets pride of place in a dedicated gallery which tells the story of this intriguing marsupial and its interactions with society. TMAG is open to the public daily from 10am to 5pm, with the exception of Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. Admission is free.
A: Dunn Place, Hobart, Tasmania
P: 03 6211 4134
Avalon City Retreat
Avalon City Retreat, which opened to guests on Thursday 28th March, is the latest stylish offering from the award-winning hospitality group that own Avalon Coastal Retreat and Rocky Hills Retreat, and boasts possibly the best view in Hobart. Described as an 'omnipod in the sky', Avalon City Retreat is perched atop a seven story office tower on Hobart's Macquarie Street with spectacular views of the city, waterfront and beyond. The fully self-contained space features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and is luxuriously appointed with the 'Avalon' sensibility and attention to detail. There are two custom made king sized beds, a full kitchen with Scholtes appliances, and an artisan 3.3m Huon pine table which seats up to 10 people. The outdoor deck, complete with BBQ and outdoor bath, is the ideal spot for stargazing by night. Accommodation at Avalon City Retreat costs 0.00 per night. It sleeps up to four people and includes breakfast provisions and late check-out (11am).
A: 152 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania
P: 1300 36 11 36
Gibson's Mill Apartments
Situated in the original Gibson's City Flour Mill building (c 1860) on Morrison St (the first mill in Australia to use a steel roller rather than stone, resulting in ultra-fine flour) Gibson's Mill is the latest addition to the Sullivans Cove Apartments group. The collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments at Gibson's Mill mix industrial heritage with modern convenience and extreme comfort and feature an impressive range of locally sourced original artworks. Located amongst the hustle and bustle of Hobart's exciting harbour and nearby night life, premium restaurants and a stone's throw to the Salamanca markets and the cruise terminal, Gibson's Mill Apartments are ideal for couples, families and business travellers alike.
A: 17 Morrison Street, Hobart, Tasmania (with check in at 5/19a Hunter Street, Hobart, Tasmania)
P: 03 6234 5063
W: www.sullivanscoveapartments.com.au
Australian Fly Fishing Museum
The Australian Fly Fishing Museum, situated on the banks of the South Esk River, just 15 minutes from Launceston, is set to open on 4th May 2013 in a refurbished cottage on the grounds of Clarendon House, one of Australia's finest Georgian mansions. Fly fishing enthusiasts can go behind the scenes at this historic location, chosen for its connection to James Cox, the original settler of Clarendon and a man who had an extensive vision for Clarendon and Tasmania. Discover enlightening displays of fly fishing artefacts and beguiling installations sourced from major private collections of prominent Australian fishermen, all celebrating the history and the joy of fly fishing in Australia. The museum is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm and on Sundays from 12noon until 4pm (and by appointment only during the winter months of July and August). The museum is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday. Entry costs for adults, for seniors and concession card holders. Children are admitted free if accompanied by an adult.
A: 234 Clarendon Station Road, Nile, Tasmania
P: 03 6398 6250
Bruny Island Safaris
The recently established Bruny Island Safaris offer day trips from Hobart to magical Bruny Island; a place of natural beauty and gourmet indulgence. The full day tour departs Hobart at 8am and returns at 6.30pm and takes in many of Bruny Island's highlights, including the Neck (which connects north and south Bruny Island), Adventure Bay and Cape Bruny Lighthouse. Participants will also go behind the scenery to taste of some of the island's best local produce with stops at Bruny Island Berry Farm, Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island Cheese, Bruny Island Smokehouse and Bruny Island Premium Wines; with a few short walks, including the White Wallaby Walk, to burn off the calories along the way! The day finishes on a high with an exclusive tasting and demonstration at Nut Patch Nougat in Kettering. Tours cost is 0 per adult (0 concession) and includes lunch at Hotel Bruny plus local produce tastings.
P: 0437 499 795
W: www.brunyislandsafaris.com.au
Cloudy Bay Beach House
Nestled among sand dunes and coastal vegetation, Bruny Island's new Cloudy Bay Beach House features stunning views of Cloudy Bay, South Bruny National Park, Cape Bruny and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. It is the ideal base for visitors to discover the treasures of Bruny Island, from artisan producers to pristine beaches and seldom seen wildlife. Built on an eighty-five acre Land for Wildlife property, the accommodation was designed to complement its environment with contemporary, linked pavilions offering understated comfort and lifestyle spaces. The fully self-contained property can accommodate up to six adults (and children over 12 years of age). The property is open for visitors from September through to mid-May and overnight accommodation costs from 0 to 0. A two night minimum stay applies.
P: 0417 359 715
W: www.cloudybaybeachhouse.com
Freshwater on Berry
The recently opened Freshwater on Berry is the latest addition to the Freshwater Lodges group and offers high quality, self-contained accommodation in Tasmania's Central Highlands. The fresh, two bedroom property is decked out with all the essentials for a relaxing break including a fully equipped kitchen, linen and towels and is ideal for individuals, couples, small families or groups of friends. Freshwater on Berry's peaceful and secluded location make it the perfect starting point for a behind the scenery glimpse of all that this breathtakingly beautiful part of Tasmania has to offer; from trout fishing and bushwalking to bird-watching and pristine waterfalls, a world of discovery awaits adventurous travellers. Accommodation at Freshwater on Berry costs 0 per night for two people with additional guests charged at per person per night.
A: 24 Berry Drive, Miena, Tasmania
P: 0427 856 876
W: www.freshwaterlodges.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).
Background Notes
Tourism Tasmania's role is to maximise the contribution of tourism to Tasmania's economic growth. Tourism Tasmania is a Statutory Authority operating under the Tourism Tasmania Act 1996, and is part of the Tasmanian Government's Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts.
Media Contact
Tina Orr
Tel: (03) 9836 2167 ext.7
Mobile: 0413 378 081
Email: tina@mediamoguls.com.au
Caryn Ng
Tel: (03) 9836 2167 ext.6
Mobile: 0488 664 857
Email: caryn@mediamoguls.com.au
