Mark Webber slows down in Tasmania

TASMANIA gives Formula One driver Mark Webber the chance to slow down and enjoy life at a quieter pace.

Mark Webber

TASMANIA gives Formula One driver Mark Webber the chance to slow down and enjoy life at a quieter pace. He loves the laid-back nature of the locals and the beautiful scenery.

"It's not an overpopulated area, no one's going to do anything in a hurry,'' he says.

"It's a pretty stress-free place.''

Webber started to get to know the island state when he competed in his first Tasmania Challenge adventure race a five-day event including mountain biking, kayaking and trekking.

"I'm a big lover of the outdoors,'' he says.

"I love mountain biking and trail riding. Once I had a taste of Tasmania, I really enjoyed coming back. I have been fortunate with the race to go to places that are heritage listed. Most of the significant locations are really breathtaking.''

Webber particularly loves Cradle Mountain, in the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, two hours from Launceston, with Dove Lake at its base.

"On a nice day it's very, very peaceful,'' he says.

The South East coast, which includes Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, is another favourite.

"You get a great view of the beach from Mt Amos,'' Webber says.

"It doesn't take that long to climb but it's steep and on a slippery day you probably wouldn't go up there. There are a few snakes, so you have to watch them. You'd need a couple of hours to do it properly. There are not many beaches in the world that look like that.

"It's stunning.''

Tasmania is also known for its fresh produce. Webber points to some fine eateries in Hobart and Launceston, and makes note of the restaurant at Saffire Freycinet lodge.

"You can take anyone from anywhere in the world there for a very, very nice meal,'' he says.

"The seafood is all fresh and generally caught daily. You have a very special climate down there capable of producing some stunning wines and cheese. It's something that I can't get into too much these days because I have to watch my waistline I won't fit in my car otherwise.''

Webber says the best time to visit Tasmania is from November to April.

"You can get some pretty cold starts to the day in winter. If you're not into rugging up completely you'd probably want to avoid that but if you want to get in among the elements and feel like you're alive, winter is a great time to visit,'' he says.

Mark Webber is a Qantas ambassador.