​I’m met with two big smiles as I hurry along the Strahan Wharf to board Stormbreaker. It’s a few minutes after my scheduled arrival time but Sean and Kel seem delightfully unperturbed by this. We’re on West Coast time and as Kel artfully pulls the 20-metre steel ketch a little closer, dancing between bobbing buoys, I feel right at home. This also reduces the gap for my laptop to slip into the moody harbour. We’re bound for Sir John Falls on an overnight adventure 35 kilometres, up the famed Gordon River.
I’m directed to cosy quarters down below and zip up my laptop for good, deciding it doesn’t belong on the grand Gordon River. My good intentions of writing the story aboard were swiftly replaced with a plan to not miss one moment of a river I first met as a one-year-old aboard our trailer-sailor family yacht. Dad built a ‘fence’ so I wouldn’t venture from the quarter berth and off sailed a family of five. Though I don’t recall that trip, I sure do remember the spell-binding mirror reflections later in childhood when doing an on-deck handstand might reveal the same scene as standing right way up.

Today, now in my forties, I’m heartened to know it’s another family adventure of a different kind. Sean and Kel are not only enthusiastic siblings waiting to share the Gordon with me, but they’re twins. Their older brother is also in the business and the local team have more than three decades of experience exploring the southwest waterways.

We go through a safety briefing down in the saloon and Sean points out our mission ahead on the sprawling map. We are off on an Upper Gordon River Cruise, only possible when combined with collecting rafters from their Franklin River Rafting adventure. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the wilds of the Gordon’s far reaches with the only company granted a government license, so it’s a privilege to venture far beyond where others can go.
We head out into Macquarie Harbour under grey skies as rain sprinkles the deck. Sarah Island looks ominously brutal, as it no doubt felt to the convicts taken there in the 1820s. For a moment I feel frustrated it’s not a blue-sky day but promptly accept this is the West Coast as it is. Here, winds can howl, rain can strike sideways and next a sunrise can deliver glassy calm. With a hot coffee warming my hands, I look at the twins, perched up on the captain’s chair together. They’re bare feet, happy as can be. They don’t even need to try to look like locals.

It's about a six-hour cruise to reach the intrepid rafters, across the harbour and into the Gordon with its World Heritage Area magnificence as a platter of Tasmanian cheeses and treats emerge from below. Bird calls are about the only sounds that interrupt our quiet wilderness and we spot only one human along the way. He’s sitting on a chair and raises his teacup happily from Boom Camp, surrounded by a cacophony of greens from Myrtle to ancient Huon pines. We then pass where the world-famous Franklin blockade played out, Bob Brown and his fiercely passionate protestors triumphing. I listen as Sean describes those early 1980s times with humans on foot and in rafts versus imposing bulldozers. Today, the Franklin remains in all its wild glory. We’re about to collect rafters who have flown from as far away as Germany and the UK, having completed what’s described as one of the planet’s last wild river expeditions.

We meet a very happy crew on the jetty, huddled together over soup. Also excited to see us are my parents, who have spent nine days kayaking and exploring the area, staying in a former Hydro hut. My father is a member of the Mountain Huts Preservation Society, who have assisted as one of many volunteer groups (public service announcement: volunteers welcome and a brilliant way to explore far-flung Tassie wilds!)  It’s a sweet moment to see a smile beam across Dad’s unshaven face and Mum waving happily ready to lead me along a fairyland-style mossy trail to what had been their home for more than a week.

As I approach Sir John Falls my mouth falls open as its beauty envelopes me in the fading light. I’m then led past the rafter’s camp site to the hut and private river beach where my parents have kayaked, swum and frolicked in the rhythms of nature. I wonder how I could possibly leave this place in a matter of hours when the rafters pack up camp at 5am to return to civilisation by noon. I’m distracted from chats with rafting guide and owner Elias, by the call for dinner back on board in the toasty saloon. It’s a delicious close to the day, topped off by curling up to the sound of giggling twins. What an office they share!
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I wake to rafters hopping aboard in darkness and open my private cabin to meet a saloon full of jolly grins as they tuck into brekkie. Their expressions convey an unforgettable time in nature without any need for words. We return under blue skies as they play a few last card games, read onboard books, and share about nights under cave overhangs.

I snap pictures of my elated parents beside their kayaks, as we’re swept back to many decades before on this very same river in 1981 when Dad ‘reached out an arm from the cockpit to catch me tipping over my makeshift gate.’
I don’t question the adventurous parenting of that era; I’m simply thankful to the parents beside me, who took me exploring this island before I could walk.
The Gordon River will always have my heart.
I will return.
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Words and images: Alice Hansen

UPPER GORDON RIVER CRUISE
The details: Upper Gordon River Cruise
Inclusions
Afternoon tea, dinner, breakfast, and morning tea are included
A complementary drink is served with your evening meal, and you may bring your favourite drinks.
Adult – $450 per person
Child 10 – 16 years $225 per child
From Sir John Falls to Strahan – $300 per person
Your Itinerary includes:
12.45pm board the yacht at the Strahan Wharf for a 1pm departure. Spend the night aboard on the Gordon River, returning to Strahan at approx. 12 noon the next day.
What you will need to bring:
You will need a coat, a hat, camera, any favourite drinks, sunscreen.
Note: We do not have wet weather gear for you. If you have special dietary requirements, let us know at the time of booking, and we will endeavour to cater for you.
Southwest Expeditions 
Sean Gerrity 0427 889 740
Sam Gerrity 0409 547 398
The Esplanade, Strahan
southwestexpeditions.com.au
 
*Head to Southwest Expeditions to find out more about their fleet of 4 specific vessels that operate out of Strahan and offer custom trips as well as an Overnight on the Gordon River complete with Sarah Island tour, Southwest Conservation Area Expedition and more.
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Click here to find our latest edition of Tailored Tasmania, featuring Franklin River Rafting. It's your launch pad for exploring Tassie like a local - featuring the best places to eat, play and stay. Plus we have a 2 for $40 Tassie kids book offer. Remember, you can also book Tassie adventures and accommodation in real time with Tailored Tasmania.

Travel into the Moment

In a turbulent world, I couldn’t be more grateful to call this place home. Here, we have some of the world’s cleanest air, beautifully fresh water, dark night skies with blazing auroras, secret waterholes, and wilderness so wild it’s unmatched anywhere on the planet. It’s a wild playground that has me feeling like Alice in Wonderland – a place to tread lightly, nurture and protect.

Yet … why is it that Tasmania and its wild places are the envy of the world but we rarely get out there to explore?

Traveling into the moment is about seeking experiences that land you in the present. The here and now. These precious moments when the world falls still and every sense tingles … it’s hard to describe in words … it’s a feeling.
Perhaps you’ve felt it walking into a rainforest … shards of morning light streaming through the canopy warming your skin … the lively forest scents … and that precise moment where it’s just you and nature. Suspended in time… held by the wilderness. It’s here that we feel most alive. Computer simulation and AI might have come a long way but will never compare to this. There’s a lightness to this kind of conscious travel and a knowing that it is good for our soul … our land … our children.

Use these 10 prompts that are open by design and don’t include photos …. Who wants to know the final destination from your armchair … you’ve got to go there and FEEL it… chase these moments like you’d chase a toddler.

The rules are simple:
Step 1: pick a destination and if you must, decide on a time length (20 minutes of micro-adventure bliss or 3 nights of immersive discovery in SW Tasmania … my favourite corner along with Flinders). Head to the Tailored roadmap for prompts.
Step 2: who is coming? Is it just you and Tassie on your date? Or could you nudge that person beside you to come along?
Step 3: go. Travel into the moment. Don’t pause … bloody well go!

1. Head up kunanyi and discover a secret hut or two - you’ll find a few tips on Tailored Tasmania’s most-read blog including a curious ice rink up the mountain … Take it a step further and volunteer with the Mountain Huts Preservation Society where you can play a part in restoring our precious huts. Oh, and find out their stories and those who crafted them way back when.
2.  Seek out seahorses at Tinderbox – did someone say there’s seahorses near Hobart? Yes, well someone did at a recent writing retreat I attended. So, pop on a snorkel and see if you can happen across a seahorse. Regardless, you’ll have a glorious time!
3. Hit a Knocklofty trail – in a matter of minutes from our GPO, we can swap street posts for tall trees. Steal a moment in your lunch hour or in twilight hours after work to step into our wilds right on our doorstep. From the Pipeline Track to Knocklofty to the mountain proper, we’re spoiled for choice.
4. Serve lunch with a side of coastline – no one remembers lunch at the desk. Pop it in a container and head for somewhere with a view. Being an island water is never far away. Find a quiet cove, a surf break for lunch with calming surfer vibes, or a sandy patch with your name on it. Faves include Conningham, Baronia and for those dreamers keen for a little walk … Paradise Cove in the NW has been the backdrop for many childhood birthday parties.
5. Bathurst Harbour beauty – yes, this one takes more planning but the South West MUST be visited at least once in a lifetime. Having returned some 9 times, nothing compares to the glorious silence of this wild corner. Fly in for the day or discover on the seat of a kayak for days … or is the South Coast Track your distant dream. I can confirm making it reality is worth every wild step.
6. Wineglass Wandering – mmmm there’s reason Wineglass Bay is on the world map as one of the planet’s finest beaches. But there’s ways to tap into it beyond the popular route. Consider sunrise atop Amos? Or … when all the visitors go home imagine tucking into your sleeping bag not far from that azure Wineglass with its squeaky white sand …
7. Mona with fresh eyes – is Mona a place that tends to sit in your mind as the territory of tourists? It is for me, too. But why not do it different …. hop on the ferry for a rare Derwent boat trip, head there for live tunes on the grass, grab delish pizza and enjoy Golden Hour as sunset … or as Andy Crawford of Walk on kunanyi recommends in Tailored Tas 4, ask museum staff about any lesser-known wings or what’s behind a particular mirror …
8. Douglas Apsley Waterhole but deeper – heading up the East Coast? On a glorious day you’ll likely not be alone during a dip in the glorious waterhole. But those who are willing to pull on walking boots will be rewarded … there are more delightful waterholes further up!
9. Corinna calls – there’s something absolutely wonderful about that moment phones can no longer connect us with the world. Head for Corinna and simply switch off. Hop in a kayak and paddle to lover’s falls. Frolic through the Tarkine discovering rare fungi or just sit with the Huon pines and listen in to their ancient wisdom.
10. West coast wilds – many years ago I lay on Ocean Beach with a friend from America. We lay there as thousands of mutton birds flew in above us. It didn’t cost a cent … the birds don’t take tap and go … but they do travel thousands of kilometres and their remarkable voyages are worth lying down to contemplate!

These 10 Tailored Tips will change with time … like Tasmanian weather. Got one you love? Share it with us and we’ll add it to the fold. Experienced one of the above? Tell us about it too. Sharing micro-adventures is how we each ‘travel into the moment’ more often in the wonderland that is Tasmania.

Want more? There’s plenty in Tailored Tas 4 and ideas across our Tailored Tot range including Tiny Tassie our new board book! Or join us on our Tailored Tour.

Happy travels,
Alice xx

Born in the Netherlands I was fortunate enough to experience the real deal when it came to indulging in chocolates filled with rum.  Since living abroad often I have experienced liquor chocolates filled with a praline or ganache made to taste like whiskey or rum. Longing to experience the real deal again, my son and I set off on a quest to perfect the art of making liquor filled chocolates here in Tasmania using carefully crafted liquors from Tasmanian distillers. We have been perfecting this over the last two years!
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Our liquor-filled chocolates are meticulously handcrafted by us. Each chocolate is created with passion, precision, and attention to detail, ensuring an unparalleled taste and of course aesthetic appeal. We pride ourselves on using only the finest ingredients, combining the richness of high-quality chocolates with carefully selected rum, brandy, whiskey and gin from local Tasmanian distilleries. We continuously strive to push boundaries and enjoy surprising our customers with innovative combinations, infusing classic flavours with a modern twist.
 
Liquor Lips promises an extraordinary taste journey, with each bite offering a harmonious balance of sweetness, smoothness, and a delightful shot of spirits. But be aware there is only one way to eat our chocolates ... that is to commit by putting the whole chocolate in your mouth, crunch through the shell, then let the explosion of your liquor take you on a little journey of flavours. Bite into it halfway and you’ll wear it and let’s just say ‘you wouldn’t sip a shot’.
 
We invite you to embark on a unique journey of flavour, luxury, and indulgence. Experience the perfect harmony of chocolate and spirits with Liquor Lips.
 
We will be attending 3 events in the Tasmanian Whisky Week from 7th – 13th of August 2023 where we will showcase chocolates filled with some amazing Tasmanian whiskies in an exquisite chocolate tasting experience.

Find out more about Liquor Lips and Tasmanian Whisky Week.
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Then, as pitch blackness engulfs the village, I look up. The stars are intensely shining. No wonder a lady on our Pieman River Cruise aboard the heritage-listed Arcadia II had seen an Aurora (Southern Lights) the night before.
Tucked up in my cosy cottage in the rainforest, I drift off to dreams of the Tasmanian Tigers who still might just roam about Corinna …

Find out more about Corinna. And get excited ... Corinna Wilderness Village have a special Winter Deal where you can stay for 3 nights and pay for 2, July 1 - Aug 30, 2023.  Hop in fast and escape to the wilds!

A Taste of Ireland brings a cast of 15 to Tasmania; dancers hailing from the US, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and Australia. With up to three tours on the go at any one time, it’s important to the company that dancers are culturally diverse and offer work opportunities as well as a launching pad particularly for Australian dancers and artists.

“I love performing at the Theatre Royal because its three tiers provide such an intimate feel. The audience is so close and by design the acoustics and sound are incredible. People can see our facial expressions and literally become part of the show – I can connect with faces in the dress circle, stalls and gallery. It’s raw and live and so special to perform in this way,” describes Brent.
“Big theatres might feel grandiose and amazing, but I do love the closeness of the Tasmanian venues we’ve selected. “I do a solo in the middle of the show where the microphone is attached to my shoe - if I miss a beat, I miss a beat. Everything is live and I tend to change it depending on how the audience responds. I’ll often extend it if everyone is feeling this acapella solo – just me and my shoes and the floor.”
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The show follows a format that journeys through the Irish motherland’s tale. The first part is a darker narrative, with early twentieth century days highlighting everything from stone age beginnings and nomadic warrior tribes to mythology and the potato famine. Video screens and audio capture real moments in history as the second part leads right through to current-day Ireland.
Join us as we meet Ireland and these fine dancers on stages across Tasmania.
For more information and tickets visit: A Taste of Ireland
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Show times:
Devonport: April 19, 7.30pm- 9.20pm Paranaple Arts Centre
Burnie: April 20, 7.30pm- 9.20pm at the Burnie Arts & Function Centre
Launceston: April 21, 7.30pm- 9.20pm at the Princess Theatre
Hobart: April 22, 2pm- 3.50 & 7.30pm- 9.20pm at the Theatre Royal
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When I think back myself moving from Australia to America, it conjures thoughts of unfamiliar feels. Pulling away from the airport in my tennis coach’s Cadillac on the ‘wrong side’ of the road. Knowing not a soul. But for Marcia, it wasn’t just getting to know a new country and hitting tennis balls. After feeling off and visiting an Aussie doctor, the 16-year-old was told that she was six months pregnant. As per the heart-warming Anh's Brush with Fame episode about Marcia, the young American thought “I was just developing … but I was developing into a Mum.”

What do you do when you’re about to give birth and you’re in a foreign country and have a lead role in a smashing national production? If you’re Marcia, you don’t let it slow your stride. You get back on stage just nine days after giving birth to the ever-talented singer, Deni Hines. Later, Marcia’s mother would come to Australia in support.

Marcia’s shining career continued to rise. Few might know she grew up with asthma and would miss months of schooling to the harrowing attacks. She went on to hit the high notes in her role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar. Some may know her finest successes as a recording artist including cover hits like Fire and Rain and Tom Snow's, You, that reached number two on the Australian charts. Her Discotheque album hit number six and Hines was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2007, during her time as an Australian Idol judge. Though, mixed in with these career highs, few would know she returned to bury her only brother after he took his own life. Many years later, she would say farewell to her mother, too.

Known as the ‘kind judge’ on Australia Idol, things are starting to make more sense as I listen to Marcia. “I just told the kids what I’d like said to me at that stage. It’s simple really. Everything I’ve done has come with that support and enthusiasm; to strive forward.”
As I look at Marcia, perhaps I see a hint of the personal loss, but somewhat little. Is it the actress in Marcia? Is it an eternal optimism that drives her forward? Is music what sings to her soul? I think about how she recorded Rise, an official Sydney Olympic song and my empathy fades into an admiration for her tenacity. Her eyes shine radiantly, even though she’s just having a chat with a local. They light up when I ask about Velvet Rewired, the upcoming show. They dance when I query why she loves live music so much. And I know she’s a lifetime performer; maybe a touch of acting through those hard life moments but a resilient diva ready to put on a serious Hobart show.
I could go on, about the successes of her Carole King tribute album Tapestry or her cover of These Boots Are Made For Walking that was created for The Real Housewives of Melbourne trailer. But let’s move onto Velvet Rewired…
“I love performing live,” gushes Marcia of the aptly described ‘global smash hit discotheque circus that is Velvet Rewired. “Being on stage – it’s real. It’s genuine. It’s exciting. And I love Hobart so I can’t wait to return to the Theatre Royal.”
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2. Get Social at The Flinders Wharf
​This is where the crays happen! Let Head Chef Mikey of The Flinders Wharf cook you up a storm and drop into Flinders Island Distillery next door where notes of the island are infused. Much of a community hub, Park Runners leave from the Wharf and there’s always a cheery island buzz. Drop a line off the wharf, head just up the road to Condimental for amazing pies from Jon (once a pro juggler!) and don’t miss Cate Cook’s tuckshop for coffee and treats.

3. Meet a Bundle of Wombats
​Look we can’t promise this, but if you head to The Purple Swamphen in Whitemark, you might just find a wombat or two hanging out there. Regardless, the store is packed with handmade and eco-conscious gifts so shop away. Owner Mel helps Kate Mooney (aka the Wombat Lady) to look after orphaned baby wombats. Kate does this all off her own bat, so be sure to donate to her incredible work rescuing and releasing 150 plus. That reminds us, go slow on those roads at night. And don’t forget to wave to every car!

6. Burrow away at Wombat Lodge
​This gorgeous property is nestled on the owner’s cattle farm, that’s been in the family since the 1930s. Thoughtfully appointed, and all style, the Wombat Lodge deep bath is perfect after a day of exploring. What’s more the property spills down to a coastline where just a short walk away is …

7. Soak up Stacky’s Bight
​You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled on secret treasure here. Pack a picnic and swim beneath the limestone arch at Stacky’s Bight. On return to Wombat Lodge, we came across a trickling river at the far end of Killiecrankie Beach and found the tiniest speck of Killiecrankie Diamond (as confirmed by island gold and silversmith Sandro Donati!) Be sure to visit his little workshop by the sea. Killiecrankie Diamonds are a colourless topaz and my spec is maybe worth a cupcake but, it does feel like striking gold to find one at a Flinders beach.

8. Castle Rock Hugs
​Go and give Flinder’s biggest beach rock a hug … just try and wrap your arms round this one. You can nearly drive right to it but it’s a great day out to walk there, paired with a visit to the Furneaux Museum and Wybalenna to dip into the island’s rich (and confronting) indigenous past.

10. Summit Strzelecki
​Is the tallest peak calling? Climbing to the top of Mount Strzelecki is done best with the new walking outfit, Walk Flinders Island. David and Kathleen serve up tasty treats from their orchard down below at Trouser’s Point, where you can catch a yoga class with Kathleen to settle into island time. Not up for a 6hr+ return hike? Hop on the bikes with Amanda and Claire of Mountain Biking Flinders Island, who go generations back on this island. They are all smiles and have an epic ride round Strzelecki plus another that takes you to the cellar door of Unavale.

Getting there: we went with Flinders Island Aviation which we highly recommend if flying out of Tassie. They can even take a bike or two! From Bridport, it’s a short 35-minute flight, plus they can whip you across by chopper from Clover Hill Wines. Want to touch down on another island on the way? No worries? Sharp Airlines currently have flights from Launceston and Hobart, too. If coming from the big island, it takes about an hour from Melbourne. Or, go by boat from Bridport with a carload of kayaks!

We stayed at Allports on the Beach at Emita and Patridge Farm at Lady Barron during our recent visit. We also stopped in for a mini cooking class at Flinders Island Gourmet Retreat. Do check these out too.

​Special for blog readers! Until Nov 30 click here to enjoy $10 off the latest edition of Tailored Tasmania, delivering free to your door. It's your launch pad for exploring Tassie like a local - featuring the best places to eat, play and stay. Perfect for that special someone for Chrissie who has been missing their travels. Plus we have a 2 for $40 Tassie kids book offer. Remember, you can also book Tassie adventures and accommodation in real time with Tailored Tasmania.

Words & images: Alice Hansen

Next morning, in just a few steps we’re on the beach. I’m on a cold water mission courtesy of Dutchman Wim Hof and gallop straight into the chilly waters, no doubt waking most of the village. It’s exhilaration followed by the promise of that deep bath and brekkie on the sunny balcony.

There’s only one word that keeps returning across our morning coffees. “Magic. It’s so magic here.” As we venture off to explore Rocky Cape National Park, we agree that indeed they got the name right on this one.

Find out more about Magic Beach Villa and other stunning Boat Harbour properties including Mallavale Farm here.