School holidays are upon us and for many our well laid plans to intrepidly explore off-island and/or catch up with far flung family have been scuttled.
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The open again, closed again borders and the uncertainty of being able to return to Tassie without home schooling for two weeks have seen many of us put off travelling abroad.
So now what? Two weeks of managing disappointed children while we lament about where we would rather be does not sound particularly appealing.
Fortunately, I have solutions.
Let me be your Tasmanian travel agent, with holiday ideas to suit every budget and timeframe.
Let me be your Tasmanian travel agent, with holiday ideas to suit every budget and timeframe.
To help us the tourism industry has been conspiring to create compelling winter experiences for visitors to our State.
These experiences are presented via Tourism Tasmania's Off Season marketing campaign. The good news is they are all available to Tasmanians as well.
So how will these help you plan a family holiday, or a sneaky weekend away for yourselves? Let me break it down for you.
Launceston family day trips offering Off Season experiences are abundant.
Wildlife encounters of the Tamar Valley; Tasmanian Zoo, Seahorse world and platypus house and Low Head Penguin tours.
Tick off a bucket list item.... Hot Air balloon rides or helicopter flights.
Adventure awaits at Hollybank treetop adventures and mountain biking, Penny Royal Adventures and cruising on the Tamar River.
There are plenty more available.
Do one, two or more experiences, throw in a lunch somewhere nice and enjoy watching your kids play without a tablet screen interface.
Take a long weekend, you deserve it, and children are optional.
There are fantastic longer stays across Northern Tasmania and beyond. Let me package up some ideas for you.
1. Waterfall hunting
Yes, it has been wet of late and no doubt we will see a bit more rain over the holidays. That only makes our numerous waterfalls that much more stunning when you find them. Design your own 'treasure map' of waterfalls, book your accommodation in the Meander Valley and get hunting.
2. Mountain bike riding
This has to be one of the best times to get the kids and yourself on a mountain bike. The trails are in brilliant condition and Derby in particular, has plenty of learner and intermediate trails just waiting to be explored. No bike? No worries, the best hire bikes can be found locally.
3. Local seasonal produce indulgence
It is truffle season - need I say more? Marry a truffle hunting tour with lunch and your favourite pinot noir on farm or nearby. Tasmanian Black truffles are sought after globally, and as with so much other Tasmanian produce; wine, whisky, cider, cheese, salmon, we can enjoy it at its source.
4. Snow Play
If you were aiming for a ski holiday, be assured that the weather forecast for next weekend has a touch of the white stuff scheduled for Ben Lomond. Get out the toboggan and gloves and book some accommodation locally.
5. Discover our dual histories
When was the last time you stayed in the Midlands and explored our convict stories? Base yourself at any of our historical villages and map out how modern Tasmania came to be through the process of convict reassignment. Better yet go further back in time with Kooparoona Niara Tours to learn how Tasmanian aboriginals lived off and cared for this land, and how they still do.
If your original plans involved something longer, I can recommend replacing that 5-to-7-day mainland holiday with a Tassie alternative.
6. Replace the Gold Coast with the West Coast:
Yes, the temperature may differ, but the wild coastal landscapes are stunning, the history compelling and the wilderness truly breathtaking.
7. Coles Bay not Byron Bay:
So many comparisons, but I think the east coast has better wine, and oysters, and cheese, and scenery ... There are also some great accommodation listings across the East Coast. Definitely worth trading up from your mate's shack for something a little fancier.
8. The Blue Mountains or Cradle Mountain
It is all about the snow, wood fires, warming food and bracing walks through the winter landscape. And those wildlife encounters in the bush that kids of all ages remember for a lifetime.
NOTE: weather forecast dependent
9. Sydney Harbour views, Hobart harbour views:
Replace the opera house with a tour of MONA, a harbour cruise with a shuttle bus up Mount Wellington, easily comparable restaurant dining and of course a show at the Theatre Royal.
Across our tourism industry border uncertainty has unfortunately resulted in cancellations, which means booking short notice should not put you off. Remember, where you can book direct, check-in with the Check-In Tas app and if you are looking for local secrets call into the nearest visitor information centre.
Off Season deals and exclusive experiences can be found here: www.discovertasmania.com.au/off-season
- Chris Griffin, Visit Northern Tasmania chief executive