Tasmanians plan to get back to nature with visits to West and North-West coasts
Interest in one regional Tasmania area has skyrocketed for the upcoming September school holidays, as the most popular spots booked by families are revealed. SEE THE LIST >>
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE WILD beauty of Tasmania’s West Coast has enticed a growing number of families to consider the region for a school holiday destination.
But a peak regional tourism body says our cities are beginning to struggle.
Data from travel website Wotif has revealed interest in visiting the West Coast and North-West Coast in September has skyrocketed.
West by North-West chief executive Tom Wootton said it was the perfect area to visit for Tasmanians looking to experience the state at its “most authentic”.
“It’s still strangely undiscovered by most Southern Tasmanians,” he said.
“I think now one of the things people will be seeking is really authentic experiences — we can offer that in droves.”
There’s also an abundance of hidden gems in the region, Mr Wootton said.
“Some of the really inspirational and high-end accommodation offerings on the coast remain largely undiscovered,” he said.
“There are some really beautiful places to say along the pristine coastline.”
Wotif managing director Daniel Finch said their data showed Tasmanians were looking to make the most of the great outdoors these holidays.
“As a result, we’re seeing a spike in interest for destinations in the western wilderness and along the East Coast,” he said.
“With over 176km of coastline, countless national parks and excellent nature-based activities on offer in Tasmania, it’s fantastic to see Tasmanians are taking advantage of the kid’s time off and making themselves at home these school holidays.”
Wotif’s data looked at the differences in searches for Tasmanian holiday destinations from July 1 to 30 compared to August 1 to 30.
It showed interest in the West Coast spiked at more than 130 per cent interest, with the North-West Coast close behind at nearly 130 per cent.
Interest in Launceston went up 90 per cent, with the East Coast up 70 per cent and South-East Coast up 50 per cent.
Interest in Hobart was up 30 per cent.
Tourism Northern Tasmania chief executive Chris Griffin said at an anecdotal level they are expecting a good trade across the school holidays.
But without interstate visitors, things were still very difficult for the Northern Tasmanian tourism industry.
“Last year we saw 192,000 visitors into the region from interstate and internationally,” he said.
“Tasmanians just can’t fill that. It’s a very hard market to replace and we can’t sustain that type of loss.”
He said he expected destinations like Derby and Bridport to do well.
“Place like Derby will do well, Bridport will do well — all around those regional destinations where people can get away for a nature-based weekend,” he said.
“But the cities are in need of more promotion. We’re encouraging Hobartians to come visit us.”
An Airbnb spokesperson said most Tasmanian regions had seen an increase in searches and bookings — in particular, Bruny Island had seen a massive spike for the Christmas and New Year periods.
Loggers’ year-long discrimination case dismissed
A 16-month long discrimination case filed by logging supporters against the Bob Brown Foundation has been dismissed. What the anti-discrimination commissioner had to say.
Industry support for $65m Kangaroo Bay Hotel project
While in the midst of legal battles for the project, Kangaroo Bay Hotel developer Chambroad has received some industry support for the $65m plan: Who’s behind it: