Holiday Here This Year campaign urges Tasmanians to buy local experiences, stays for family

Tourism Australia has launched ‘The Gift of Travel’ campaign to help local operators post-pandemic featuring some famous Aussie faces. WATCH + 7 OF THE BEST TASSIE GIFT IDEAS >>

Santa has been spotted paddling at Hobart’s waterfront 51 days before Christmas, as part of a new campaign to encourage Australians to give the gift of travel this Christmas.

The campaign by Tourism Australia has launched The Gift of Travel in an effort to help tourism operators that have struggled during the pandemic.

“The pandemic has left people wanting to make up for lost time and giving a travel experience will help people do just that,” Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said.

Santa with Reg Grundy from Roaring 40s Kayaking. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Last year, Australians spent on average $770 on gifts during the holiday season equating to $16bn in total.

“If we can encourage people to spend just a fraction of that on travel instead it would be a multi-billion dollar boost for the tourism industry.”

Ms Harrison said Tasmania had a variety of experiences to choose from.

“There are plenty of tourism experiences on offer in Tasmania, which would make great gifts,”

“Whether it’s a kayaking tour, wine or whiskey masterclass, or a tour that gets you close up to Tasmania’s incredible wildlife – there’s so much to choose from.

“I encourage locals, and those looking to travel to Tasmania, to get behind this campaign and give the gift of travel this year.”

Santa. Tourism Australia campaign with a Tasmanian focus to get interstate visitors back when our border opens up again on December 15th. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

On Thursday the man in the red suit donned a lifejacket, and swapped his sled and reindeer for a kayak and paddle in Hobart.

“I’ll be all across the country from the tail end of November through most of December up til Christmas Day,” Santa said.

Owner of Roaring 40s Kayaking Reg Grundy said the pandemic had been tough on business.

“The tourism industry here in Tasmania has definitely been struggling over a period of time,” Mr Grundy said.

Holiday Here This Year campaign.

“Things have been very quiet, things have been starting to ramp up as we get closer to that opening date of December 15.

“We’re looking forward to more tourists coming to the state after that date.”

He said interstate tourists had already started booking in.

“We’re seeing a definite uptick in our bookings for people forward planning,” he said.

“From there we’re looking at employing more staff for that time.

“I think it’s great if the Tasmanian people can support us during this time.”

The campaign also features a television campaign featuring Pumphouse Point, promoted by Tasmanian comedian Hannah Gadsby, and campaign ambassadors Hamish Blake and Zoe Foster-Blake.

Tasmanian comedian Hannah Gadsby appears in the new tourism ad, at Pumphouse Point.

A totes rugged Pumphouse Point Hotel experience – Lake St Clair, Tasmania

Book a stay at Tasmania’s wilderness retreat, The Pumphouse Point Hotel. Surrounded by natural landscapes, this is a unique, adults-only accommodation experience inside the Tasmanian World-Heritage Area. The retreat sits on top of a glacial lake and is surrounded my forest for ultimate calm and relaxation. This is a perfect gift for those who simply want to get away from it all while staying in luxury.

Buy: Gift cards are available on their website

Cost: Gift cards are for any value.

A city tour – on the water

Hobart in Tasmania is known to have one of the most picturesque harbours in the world. One of the best ways to explore the harbour is via a paddle on a kayak, where the Roaring 40s Kayaking team will guide you through different corners for special views – and potential animal encounters! Your exploration wouldn’t be complete without some local seafood, so the tour takes you to the city’s famed floating fish punts, where you can enjoy some fish and chips with the best view in town – from the water!

Buy: Bookings can be made on their website or purchase a gift voucher, redeemable for three years.

Cost: $60 (Child aged 7-16) / $100 (Adult).

Crayfish/southern rock lobster Picture: Tourism Tasmania/ Rob Burnett

A seafood experience across the sky and sea

For the seafood enthusiasts, this Crayfish Heli-Adventure is guaranteed to leave all seafood lovers truly speechless. The experience begins with a back-vintage wine tasting and selection of local cheeses in the Clover Hill Cellar Door VIP room, before they take to the skies to enjoy a panoramic flight over the vineyard and northeast Tasmania region, across the Bass Strait and out to Flinders Island. Guests then meet a local fisherman to hand-pick a crayfish that will be prepared by the chef, and served on a secluded beach. The day is finished off with a quick flight to Lady Barron Island for a refreshing beer at the Furneaux Tavern, before flying home along the spectacular coastline.

Buy: Bookings are available on their website, with gift cards worth $25 – $200, valid for one year.

Cost: $1,495 per person, a minimum of two guests.

Yoga in the vines

For the practising yogi, book a personalised yoga session through the Yoga in the Vines experience at Josef Chromy winery in Launceston, Tasmania.

Josef Chromy. Photo: Andrew Wilson

The session is tailored to the group, including modifications for all levels, followed by a glass of award-winning Josef Chromy wine and a scrumptious two course meal. They can experience all of this while soaking up the picturesque vineyard and lake views at Josef Chromy. Guaranteed to be a favourite gift this holiday season.

Buy: Gift cards are available on their website, valid for three years.

Cost: $165 for over 18s / $150 for ages 12 – 18.

A guided walk or hike through a World Heritage site

For the person who loves to go on a walking or hiking adventure, book a guided tour through some of Australia’s most sensational trails. Tasmanian Walking Company’s Cradle Mountain Huts Walk is a six-day fully guided journey from World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Across the 65 kilometre walk, they will witness pristine wilderness and unwind in private accommodation – all with beautiful food and wine along the way.

Buy: Bookings can be made on their website.

Cost: From $3995 per person (date-dependent).

Floating sauna Lake Derby.

A floating spa experience

For someone that needs to detox the year away, Tassie’s Lake Derby Floating Sauna is the height of luxury – without the usual price tag! Located in the beautiful Derby region of north eastern Tasmania, relax to the sounds of peace and quiet in this nature-lovers sauna experience. Not only is it a great way to rid the body of toxins, but it has great benefits towards overall physical and mental health too. What a merry Christmas indeed.

Buy: Gift cards for private sessions, or one or two people are available on their website.

Cost: $45 for one, $90 for two, $225 for a private session.

An after dark feeding with a devil

For the nocturnal animal lovers, gift a ticket to The After Dark Feeding Tour at Devils@Cradle and watch the Tasmanian devils in ‘action’ as they wake up to feed. Over the hour-long tour in Tassie’s Cradle Mountain, the experienced keeper will discuss biology, behaviour, threats and the important conservation work being undertaken for these species within the sanctuary. As Devils are primarily nocturnal, the tour uses sensitive lighting to show the social interactions and feeding habits, allowing visitors a rare and up-close opportunity.

Buy: Gift cards to any value are available on their website, which will be posted to the recipient.

Cost: Tickets for the After Dark Feeding Tour only, $20 (Child) / $37.50 (Adult) / $105 (Family pass).