Tassie prepares to get back to nature as restrictions ease

As tourism operators and Tasmanians alike gear up for a big weekend, Parks and Wildlife has revealed a few hidden gems it thinks will be clear of the crowds – and some are free.

WHEN Jayne King told her sons Mitch, eight, and Max, nine, that they would be going camping for the first time since coronavirus hit, their excitement levels were off the chart.

“I think, out of 10, they’re probably about a 12,’’ the Cambridge mum laughed.

The family usually spends Christmas, Easter, long weekends and school holidays at a shack at Eaglehawk Neck, as well taking their caravan on regular trips with friends, so there were “a lot of tears” at Easter when they couldn’t go.

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Riding bikes, playing at the beach, bushwalking, spending time with grandparents and enjoying fish and chips and ice cream are just some of the activities the boys have missed in recent months.

So they’re excited to be heading to the shack this weekend, followed by a camping trip with friends later this month.

Brothers Mitch, 8 (left) and Max Tew, 9 with mother Jayne King. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

And they’re not alone, with a surge of Tasmanians expected to hit shacks and campsites this weekend, embracing the chance to return to their favourite holiday hot spots as COVID-19 restrictions ease.

Caravan park and campgrounds owners have been busily taking bookings while camping stores have also been busy.

White Beach Tourist Park owner Bev Bailey said she’d had a steady stream of bookings for camp sites and cabins however there was still space available for Tasmanians who decided to book a last-minute long-weekend getaway.

She said people seemed undeterred by the cold weather and were taking advantage of lower winter pricing.

“I don’t think the weather is going to be the greatest this weekend, but it really doesn’t matter,’’ she said.

“Crank the heater up, and you’ll be sweet.’’

Avoid the rush and consider exploring some less-crowded nature areas this weekend:

• Enjoy a scenic day walk at Cape Raoul or Crescent Bay on the Tasman Peninsula
• Visit the waterfalls and gorges at Douglas Apsley National Park near Bicheno
• Check out Waterhouse Conservation Area in the North-East
• Discover the beauty of the many waterfalls, valleys and day walks surrounding Deloraine, which form part of the Great Western Tiers.
• Visit parks.tas.gov.au for a full list of places to visit, as well as maps, walks, safety advice and booking information

Meanwhile staff at Allgoods in Hobart said people had been busily stocking up on camping gear throughout the coronavirus pandemic, ready to explore the great outdoors as soon as restrictions were lifted.

And they expect demand to increase in the next couple of days as people grab last-minute supplies.

Parks and Wildlife Service deputy secretary Jason Jacobi said Tasmania’s parks had been closed for 11 weeks so it was no surprise Tasmanians were eager to return.

The Gardens, Bay of Fires. Picture: Tourism Australia

He expects Freycinet, Bay of Fires, Lime Bay and Mt Field to be among the most popular spots for campers and day trips this weekend and is encouraging people to consider exploring lesser-known parks and reserves around the state instead.

“We have 16 national parks where people are required to have a valid Parks Pass but we’ve also got close to 700 other reserves across Tasmania that don’t require a Parks Pass.’’

Campers and walkers should ensure they are well prepared for winter and should also check whether campsite bookings are required.

The Three Capes Track, Overland Track, Frenchmans Cap and Maria Island remain closed until June 15.

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