Hot Tassie tourism treats to warm up winter

THE state’s tourism industry is urging Tasmanians to get out and experience the best of their island in winter.

Sunday Tasmanian speaks to Andrew Smith from Willie Smith Cider Company about winter tourism

THE crisper temperatures and shorter days of winter are no excuse to stay huddled under the doona at home, with the state’s tourism industry urging residents to get out and experience the best of their island.

Tourism Industry of Tasmania boss Luke Martin said that while the tourism offering was slightly different over the winter months, the state was a great place to be, with plenty of value for visitors and locals alike.

“To enjoy winter in Tasmania, you just need a coat,” Mr Martin said.

“The weather is not prohibitive to having a good time. We have whisky and cider trails, and Tasmania’s food and wine industries have much to offer.

“We need to encourage tourism operators to keep their businesses open and their tours running

“That’s why events like Dark Mofo and the Festival of Voices are so important – they encourage local tourism firms to remain open right through the winter months.”

Just south of Hobart, Willie Smith Cider owner Andrew Smith said the recently opened Apple Shed was warming up for its first winter with an inviting mix of wood fires, live music and mulled cider – peaking with the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest in July.

“There’s also an ever-changing food menu. We’re ­really trying to liven up the venue by constantly changing the offer,” Mr Smith said.

“The Midwinter Fest for us is all about activating the winter experience in Tasmania. Obviously, Dark Mofo has made it very cool to come to Tassie in winter, and we are trying to extend that winter ­activation out to six or seven weeks.

“As part of that, we are going to host a wassailing festival, which is an English tradition that’s about getting a bit crazy by awakening the gods and thanking them for everything they are going to give us in the next fruit harvest.”

For those wanting a little winter comfort, Andrew Smith has a warm mug of cider waiting at The Apple Shed, just south of Hobart.

Roaring 40s kayaking expeditions manager Jenny Grundy said that although her company did not run its longer South West expeditions over winter, it still offered day trips on ­demand and the cooler months offered some of the state’s best outdoor experiences.

She urged people to get some warm clothes on and get out and enjoy nature.

“Winter days can be stunning. We were out there last weekend on glassie waters from Tinderbox across to Bruny Island with no wind,” Ms Grundy said.

“It’s obviously a bit cooler at the moment, but we have things called Pogies that you put your hands in to keep warm, waterproof jackets and a spray-deck on the kayak to keep your legs dry.

“And in the right weather conditions, our Tasman Peninsula paddle around Fortescue Bay, which is about four to five hours, can be beautiful as well.

“Getting right up close to dolphins, penguins and seals is always great on a nice day.”

Parks and Wildlife Services acting director Jen Fry said winter was a great time to enjoy Tasmania’s great outdoors, especially with the ­absence of summer crowds at hotpots such as Freycinet, Cradle Mountain and the Bay of Fires.

While longer bushwalks could still be attempted by more experienced campaigners, winter was the perfect time to attempt the state’s 60 Great Short Walks, which included coastal and mountain environments, she said

“But the key thing is to pick your weather. Check the BOM and never begin a trip when a deep winter low is forecast to arrive,” she warned.

“Other ideas include heading to the North East, where the temperatures are generally the warmest in the state.

“Or you can get a taste of the Three Capes Track by going to Fortescue Bay for the day.”

Ms Fry said whale watching was especially popular in winter. Southern rights and humpbacks have been showing up recently on their northerly migration, with Freycinet, the Tasman Peninsula coast and Bruny Island the best watching spots.

When sufficient snow ­arrived, Mt Field and Ben Lomond offered snow-sport fun, with Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair offering picturesque snow scenes along with rustic, self-catering accommodation options, Ms Fry said.

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