As Autumn falls, check out these fresh new experiences on the island

Ascending spiral staircases, floating on piers, driving through forests and flying down bike trails, the newness in Tasmania this Autumn is all about movement.. Enjoy fun foodie experiences like Masterchef Ben Milbourne's new farm and food tours and Bespoke Tasmania's Gin Workshop, try out the new MTB trails at Blue Derby Trails and stop to smell the lavender at the Port Arthur Lavender Farm. Whichever way you choose to move – slowly or swiftly – Tasmania will fill you with momentum.

One Degree opens the doors at Fairholme

Masterchef Australia launched Ben Milbourne to fame, but his casual style and Channel Ten show, Ben's Menu has kept him in the forefront of our minds. Ben recently opened the door to his home, Fairholme on Tasmania's North West Coast, for the One Degree experience. One Degree describes Ben's food philosophy, remaining as close to the source as possible. Guests can go behind the scenes to have the paddock-to-plate 'One Degree' experience with Ben's favourite producers on the North West Coast and forage for ingredients; learn skills and flavour combinations with demonstrations or enjoy a private degustation dinner in the grounds of the 1920s farmhouse. www.benmilbourne.com.au

Brooke Street Pier

The Brooke Street Pier has been around since the 1820s and has always helped along trade in Hobart. Now, there's a new contemporary take on the old pier, in the form of a four-storey floating pier. Is a building? Or is it a boat? Either way, it now plays host to unique boutique Tasmanian businesses who take on flexible leases – from one-month pop-ups and beyond. It's an ever-changing space full of food, artisans and tourism, currently featuring the likes of The MONA Ferry, William McHenry Distillery, Grandvewe Cheeses and Bright Eyes coffee. www.brookestreetpier.com.au

Bespoke Tasmania Tours and Gin Workshop

Well travelled, well-heeled local, Kim Dudson's Bespoke Tasmania features exclusive and bespoke tours of the very best Tasmania has to offer – artisan brewers and distillers, and access to exceptional historical properties and premium food producers. Kim will handcraft tours to suit the visitor's interest and now also offers Gin Workshops with none other than Master Distiller, William McHenry of McHenry's Gin. In four spirited hours, you'll tour his distillery, enjoy a tutored tasting learning about the gin flavour profile in depth and finish with a gin-matched lunch in the pretty mountainside grounds. Tours start from $225 or can be incorporated into a Bespoke Tasmania day tour. www.bespoketasmania.com/gin-workshops/

Blue Derby MTB trails

Mountain bike enthusiasts will now be adding the Blue Derby trails in Tasmania's North East to their must-ride lists, with the opening of 20 kilometres of new track in February, 2015. With another 30 kilometres set to be laid down by the end of 2015, Blue Derby takes riders through the stunning forest landscape from beginners to advanced. Enjoy climbing track, flowing track, river crossings and undulating tracks, designed to get your heart pumping and your legs thumping. www.ridebluederby.com.au

Three Trees Retreat

North Bruny Island really feels like a world away. A short ferry ride from Kettering, south of Hobart, transports visitors into a world of wide open pasture, beautiful bushland and tasty providores. Three Trees Retreat is a two bedroom beachfront villa sleeping four people set on 80 acres of pristine bushland. There's abundant wildlife, especially birds, penguins and dolphins, a beach to swim at and importantly, a local café just a short drive away. From $220 a night. www.threetreesretreat.com.au

Devils in the Dark

Endemic to the island, Tasmanian devils are pocket rocket carnivores who are as interesting as they are feared. Seeing them up close during the day is such an experience, but visitors can now take it to the next level and watch the nocturnal interactions of devils at East Coast Natureworld in Bicheno. The hissing, screaming and fighting begins at sunset and was developed by a devil expert with over thirty years' experience with these incredible creatures. www.devilsinthedark.com.au

Queenstown Lost Pines and Ancient Mines

Want to know more about Queenstown's fascinating pioneering past? Jump on a Lost Pines and Ancient Mines tour. In four hours discover the West Coast's forgotten gold and copper mines, see a Huon pine sawmill, visit Mt Jukes and the North Mt Lyell railway, and journey into Bird River rainforest. Tours operate in air-conditioned comfort at 9am and 2pm - adults $80, kids $40. http://www.queenstowntasmania.com/Lost_Mines_Tour_Page.php

Port Arthur Lavender Farm

With the delicate scent of fresh lavender, the Port Arthur Lavender Farm is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner while in the Port Arthur area, a little over an hour from Hobart. Owners Clare and Brendan Dean recently opened their new distillery, making pure essential oils using organically farmed lavender and even offer a new organic skin care range for adults and babies. www.portarthurlavender.com.au

Table Cape Lighthouse Tours

Shining like a beacon as you approach, the Table Cape Lighthouse has been protecting sailors and ships since 1888. The only operating lighthouse open for touring on Tasmania's mainland, it now offers an insight into what it takes to operate these life-saving warning lights. Learn about the history of the lighthouse and ascend the spiral staircase for sweeping views of Table Cape, formed over 13 million years ago. Adults $10, children $5. www.tablecapelighthousetours.com.au

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website www.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).
 
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
Joshua Iles
media@tourismtasmania.com.au