tailored tasmania
tailored tasmania
  • SHOP
    • LATEST BOOKS & BUNDLES
    • WAY INTO THE WILD - TASMANIAN JOURNAL
    • THE TAILORED TOUR
  • EAT+DRINK
    • CAFES
    • RESTAURANTS >
      • FOOD + DRINK
    • BREWERIES + DISTILLERIES + WINERIES
    • BARS + PUBS
    • COOKING SCHOOLS + FOODIE TOURS
    • FARM GATES + PROVIDORES
    • EVENTS
  • PLAY
    • ADVENTURE + OUTDOORS
    • SHOPPING + MARKETS
    • GARDENS
    • TOURS & CAR HIRE
    • GUIDED WALKS
    • LIVE MUSIC + ARTS
    • WELLNESS
    • WILDERNESS + WILDLIFE
  • STAY
    • LUXE
    • MID-RANGE
    • BOUTIQUE BUDGET
    • BOOK ACCOMMODATION
  • BOOK NOW
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT TASMANIA
    • ABOUT TAILORED TASMANIA
    • GALLERY
    • WHAT'S ON
    • TAILORED TASMANIA 4 PACKAGES
  • CONTACT
    • MEDIA
    • ALICE HANSEN
  • SHOP
    • LATEST BOOKS & BUNDLES
    • WAY INTO THE WILD - TASMANIAN JOURNAL
    • THE TAILORED TOUR
  • EAT+DRINK
    • CAFES
    • RESTAURANTS >
      • FOOD + DRINK
    • BREWERIES + DISTILLERIES + WINERIES
    • BARS + PUBS
    • COOKING SCHOOLS + FOODIE TOURS
    • FARM GATES + PROVIDORES
    • EVENTS
  • PLAY
    • ADVENTURE + OUTDOORS
    • SHOPPING + MARKETS
    • GARDENS
    • TOURS & CAR HIRE
    • GUIDED WALKS
    • LIVE MUSIC + ARTS
    • WELLNESS
    • WILDERNESS + WILDLIFE
  • STAY
    • LUXE
    • MID-RANGE
    • BOUTIQUE BUDGET
    • BOOK ACCOMMODATION
  • BOOK NOW
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
    • ABOUT TASMANIA
    • ABOUT TAILORED TASMANIA
    • GALLERY
    • WHAT'S ON
    • TAILORED TASMANIA 4 PACKAGES
  • CONTACT
    • MEDIA
    • ALICE HANSEN

​Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest Pilgrimage

7/15/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
kunanyi/Mount Wellington
It began over a cuppa. “You should come with us,” said Cody taking a sip from his tea cup. “Okay,” I replied, wondering what I’d just said yes to. With Cody and Lou from Wild Pedder, it’s best just to say yes straight away because it’s guaranteed to be wildly good fun. And the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Fest Pilgrimage I’d just been told about, seemed a terribly good cause.
​
Picture
Outside Bethlehem House Image Credit: Glenn Wardle
Before my cuppa was over, I’d committed to a 40 kilometre trek over kunnayi/Mt Wellington from Hobart to the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival to raise dollars and awareness for the Hobart Women’s Shelter and Bethlehem House crisis and emergency accommodation in Hobart. I was well aware too many people have it hard in winter, so spending a night in icy conditions on the side of a mountain seemed a fitting way to the raise profile of their plight.

We departed from Wild Pedder HQ, which is almost next door to Bethlehem House. Twelve of us (looking rather like we were lost in the city) took to the CBD streets with walking poles and backpacks – the mountain as our evening destination.
​
Picture
TV stop
Picture
Cascade Brewery
Picture
Myrtle Gully Track
We wandered past the mighty Cascade Brewery and in little time were enveloped by the wilderness on our city doorstep. Some 17 kilometres and a few pretty waterfalls later we were setting up camp at The Springs. By a crackling fire in the Spring’s stone hut we shared dinner before settling in for a freezing night in our little cocoons.

Picture
Setting up camp
Few slept well and 5am came round abruptly as we crawled out with head torches ready for the 23 kilometres ahead. Many hands made light work when Andy and Ciara (of impending venture Walks on Wellington) busied themselves helping out with pack up.
​

Picture
A moment of pause
We slipped on spikes and I must admit walking in snow, in pitch black darkness en route to the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival I found a touch exciting. I think each of us had every layer we could muster on – I had a thermal, a jumper, a polar fleece, a jacket, another jacket, two pairs of gloves and was looking decidedly like a Michelin woman but spirits were high. The banter between representatives of Bethlehem house, Parks, the midwinter festival and new friends remained jovial for the entire trip despite weary legs.
​

Picture
Early morning start. Image: Glenn Wardle
Picture
Morning Tea. Image: Glenn Wardle
Picture
Potato Fields
Picture
Baristas at work
At the morning tea stop, coffee was served the Wild Pedder way. Crouched precariously on a rock in the middle of a stream, hot drink orders were taken. I was equally taken by the pure waters thundering past us and over the 40 metre drop that is Wellington Falls. Many kilometres stood between us and the festival but we soldiered on happily and ate lunch near Norris/Thurstons Hut on the shoulder of Mount Montague where we were able to capture our first glimpse of Willie Smith’s Apple Shed.
​

Picture
Lunch views
Picture
Not long now. Image credit: Glenn Wardle
Picture
Home stretch. Image credit: Glenn Wardle
Picture
Generous locals
It was a downhill pursuit from here, traversing private land and entering the main street of Mountain River. This is where locals pulled open their front doors, much to our surprise and delight. We had our photo snapped, we had dollars handed to our cause and friendly waves from a tractor. Smiles spread across rosy winter faces. It was all we needed to continue to the finish line. There at the Midwinter Feast we were welcomed into much merriment, toasty fire pots, warm cider, hearty food and the lighting of Willie, aka Burning Man.
​

Picture
Made it! Image credit: Nat Mendham
Never have I walked a distance driven by such a worthy cause and with such enthusiasm and cheery comrades. If you have a moment head to the My Cause page that will remain open about 2 more weeks for donations.

Other thank yous extend to: Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival Hill Street Grocer Drive Car Hire Tasmanian Walking Company Wild Island Adventure HireHobart & Beyond Hype tv Osborne Images FIND YOUR FEET Walk on Wellington ABC Hobart Triple M Hobart
​

Images and words: Alice Hansen (unless otherwise captioned on images)
​
Book Tasmanian adventures in real time and book accommodation with Tailored Tas. We've got your trip sorted and can also deliver the latest edition of Tailored Tasmania with free shipping to your doorstep.

Happy adventuring,
Alice :)
Picture
0 Comments

FREYCINET LODGE COASTAL PAVILIONS ESCAPE

7/6/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Alistair Bett
We push open the pavilion door under the cover of darkness. It’s winter in Tasmania, so it’s barely hit 6pm and stars are sprinkling across a clear sky. I’m not sure if this late arrival adds to the ambiance and sensory wonder that is the new pavilion experience.
​
The lighting is moodily low. The space is cosily intimate. The scent is rich with Tasmanian timber. The walls are tactile and discovery-prompting. Push lightly and a hidden bathroom shelf emerges. Slide gently and there are plush slippers and robes. Dig a little deeper and we find sketch paper and board games. There’s a sensuous mystery about our new little home. Peek beyond the curved glass and there it is … The outdoor tub. The tap is nudged on at once.
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Alistair Bett
Sinking into rainwater on a chilled East Coast eve is a treat. Pushing open the door, I’m hit with a sharp winter nip to the air. The bath glows warm and begs for a swift entry. Above, those stars are twinkling handsomely, across skies we flew earlier on a scenic jaunt over the peninsula.
​
The impromptu flight was the result of alfresco tunes at Devil’s Corner Vineyard as part of the Festival of Voices. We took a grassy seat beside what turned out to be the local pilot, happy to launch us into a sunset flight. Now in the bath, the merriment of a surprise-filled day drifts into enveloping silence. I hear nothing but the lap of affable waves beyond our deck.
Picture
Freycinet from the air - Alice Hansen
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Alistair Bett
Picture
Charcuterie Platter - Alice Hansen
There’s little to worry about at this moment. My biggest concern is making it to dinner on time over at the lodge and if the resident possums have eyed off our charcuterie platter sitting by the bath. Word on the street is they can be pretty swift on a deck visit.
​
The next difficult decision is between Cape Grim beef and a dish piled high with local mussels and octopus. This is all the more reason to stay two nights. I go seafood on night one. Excellent decision. That night, an uber lush king-sized bed calls. I pull the velvety curtains across knowing that Great Oyster Bay will be waiting in the morning.
Picture
From the Lodge deck - Alice Hansen
Day two begins with a long breakfast. (Get the brekkie hamper delivered to your room if you prefer to stay snuggled in your pavilion nest.) Our day has only one reference to the clock: be at the Freycinet Lodge jetty at 12 noon. There we are greeted by Nathan in his chariot - the Freycinet Aqua Taxi. He and wife Susan run Freycinet Adventures and I’ve enjoyed exploring by kayak paddle with these lovely folk on a previous trip.

​Today, Nathan steers us toward Schouten Island, pointing out coastal features between telling us about his third child on the way. It is equal parts ‘tourism experience’ and ‘boat trip with a mate’ in its feel. Meanwhile, seals nod hello to us from Refuge Island. They barely raise the energy for a quick synchronised swim routine.
Picture
Local seals - Alice Hansen
Picture
Local seals - Alice Hansen
Arriving at Bryans Beach is like stepping onto Wineglass Bay’s little brother that few know about. The beach is empty of people, its sand is blazing white and the water is some crazy shade of blue sapphire. I take my sunglasses off to assess reality. The shade is staggeringly correct.
Picture
Bryans Beach - Alice Hansen
Picture
Bryans Beach - Alice Hansen
We step ashore and begin the easy three kilometre wander through to Cooks Beach. It’s largely flat and resident wallabies are our only company. There’s a quaint stone hut to peek inside near Cooks then we’re ushered to the beach – apparently a wombat is roaming the sands. Unfortunately, he takes one look at us and gallops off. Who knew wombats could run faster than it takes to turn on an SLR. He departed in a puff of sand.
Picture
Freycinet Coastal Pavillions - Alice Hansen
After delivery back to the lodge jetty there’s little more to do than turn the bath tap again. It’s the most practical way to pass time before dinner. Tonight, it will be the Cape Grim option. It doesn’t disappoint, cooked to mid-rare perfection.

Lying back against comfy Tasmanian Shall Design cushions back at our cocoon, I smile. Floor to ceiling windows bring the starry night in. Slithers of lighting encourage a sleepy feel. Drifting off, I wonder if the morning will bring time for just one more bath …
​
​
​Book your Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavillion Escape here.
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Alistair Bett
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Mel Ferris
Picture
Freycinet Lodge Coastal Pavilion - Alistair Bett
Book Tasmanian adventures in real time and book accommodation with Tailored Tas. We've got your trip sorted and can also deliver the latest edition of Tailored Tasmania with free shipping to your doorstep.

Happy adventuring,
Alice :)
Picture
0 Comments

    TAILORED TASMANIA

    Your launch pad for exploring Tasmania like a local.

    Archives

    March 2025
    November 2024
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    December 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    October 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

    Categories

    All
    Adventure
    Bay Of Fires
    Hobart
    Seaplane
    Tas Air Adventures
    Tasmania
    Walking

    RSS Feed

ABOUT TAILORED TASMANIA
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
DISCLAIMER, TERMS & CONDITIONS