What’s New in Tasmania

The Island State’s Latest Sleeping, Spinning and Succulent Sensations

So they say Spring has sprung, but in Tassie, it’s not just the joeys, poppies and tulips making an appearance, there’s a whole host of new experiences and venues popping up around the island that are ripe for the picking.

Pumphouse Point

On the edge of Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage area, jutting 250m out from the shoreline of iconic Lake St Clair is the Pumphouse building, an art deco throwback to pioneering hydro-electric days gone by. Opening early January, Pumphouse Point is set to be a completely immersive boutique wilderness retreat where guests can walk, paddle, explore and breathe in the spectacular forests and lake. Put this on your bucket list for 2015! www.pumphousepoint.com

New Mountain Bike tracks at Hollybank

Hollybank Mountain Bike Park Wall Ride Copyright: Heath Holden

Want to take a wild ride? Just outside Launceston sits Hollybank, a parcel of perfect Tasmanian wilderness, criss-crossed with brand new mountain bike tracks. With five cracking tracks for all abilities – from absolute beginners through to highly-advanced daredevils – riders will barrel through creek crossings, over rock slabs and even up a timber wall! www.facebook.com/hollybankmountainbikepark

Wineglass Bay Sail Walk with Tasmanian Walking Co

Wineglass Bay Sail Walk Copyright: Tasmanian Walking Co

Walking iconic Wineglass Bay is one thing, but retiring at night to the exclusive 23 metre luxury yacht, Lady Eugenie – now that’s a journey! Join the Tasmania Walking Co for the new Wineglass Bay Sail Walk over four or six days, luxuriously sleeping and eating on board while exploring the Bay, Maria Island and Tasman Island. Set sail! www.wineglassbaysailwalk.com.au

Driftwater

Fly fishing in Tasmania is among the best there is, for learners through to seasoned pros. Passionate fly fishers Karen and Peter (a freshwater biologist!) have opened Driftwater – a stunning fishing lodge outside Deloraine in Northern Tasmania. All abilities can fish the Highland lakes in purpose built, handcrafted timber drift boats, or enjoy walking, cycling or golf itineraries. Local ingredients are on hand for breakfast, lunch and dinner in house or packed for on the go expeditions. www.driftwater.com.au

Ratho Farm

Opening in October, Ratho Farm, an hour north of Hobart in historic Bothwell, boasts having Australia’s oldest golf course. Stay in former convict barns and stables or the classic highland homestead and learn about the colourful history of the farm guests – from bushrangers, 100-year-old gardeners, golfing royalty and one of England’s best known artists. Swing a club, enjoy four kilometres of prime river fishing and walks, devour hearty meals prepared by warm hosts and visit nearby attractions Nant Distillery, Lake St. Clair and the Waddamana Hydro-power Museum. Make your own history and tee off in 2015! www.rathofarm.com

Tasmanian Expeditions: Self-guided Overland Track

The Overland Track is one of Tasmania’s iconic, must-do activities, but not every body wants to join an organised group to share the walk. Tasmanian Expeditions has developed a new self-guided Overland Track itinerary for walkers who prefer to travel without a group yet still enjoy having all the planning, food and logistics arranged in advance. Walkers take in a full briefing upon arrival in Launceston and pick up food, equipment and transport to head out and discover the World Heritage wilderness in their own time. www.tasmanianexpeditions.com.au

Stanley Heritage Walk

Heritage buffs would be Nuts not to check out the new Stanley Heritage Walk. Using the walker’s own smart phone or tablet, the trail gives a behind-the-scenes look at Stanley’s rich heritage – as a treasured fishing village, birthplace of the first Tasmanian prime minister, and a town full of incredible characters. It takes a little over an hour and hard copies are available. www.stanleyheritagewalk.com.au

Thalia Haven

Having opened in April this year, Thalia Haven has quickly become a sought after luxury experience for eco lovers. Set overlooking Great Oyster Bay, the ten-berth house is made from local stone and incorporates environmentally sound building principals. Not to mention an incredible outdoor bath with taps creeping out from a Huon Pine branch. The house comes stocked with a complimentary local pantry, packed with international artwork from the owner’s travels and a 5km private stretch of beach. www.thaliahaven.com.au

Shutterbug Walkabouts new photography tours

Visitors can get more out of their Tasmania experience with a Shutterbug Walkabouts photography tour with award-winning photographer, Roy Veith and his local history buff wife Coreena. Roy is up to speed on all the cameras out there and shares his extensive knowledge at a relaxed pace. They also run shore trips for cruise passengers and general sightseeing tours.www.shutterbugwalkabouts.com.au

New food glorious food!

Gourmet Tassie travellers will get their tastebuds tingling with these new taste sensations.

Franklin

Skilled Tasmanian chef, David Moyle, the man behind the successful Stackings at Peppermint Bay is getting back to the city with the opening of his new restaurant and bar, Franklin. In the classic art deco surrounds of the old Mercury newspaper building, Franklin promises to showcase lesser-known local treasures as well as a 100% natural wine list with an Italian bent. www.franklinhobart.com.au

Ethos Food Precinct

Hobart is set to have a new food precinct, brought to you by the team behind Ethos. Ethos are creating a mini empire on Elizabeth Street – new offshoots including Vita frozen yogurt bar with premium gourmet toppings, a self serve salad smorgasbord and sandwich deli, a providore, new cocktail bar Ash & Bester and a partnership with new Japanese grill, Three Japanese. www.ethoseatdrink.com

Kiss A Fish Cookery School

Experienced cooking teacher and food writer Roz MacAllan shares her love of fresh food with students in a group or private one-on-one setting. Classes are held in a fully appointed commercial grade kitchen and all food is heartily enjoyed after class. www.kissafishcookeryschool.com.au

Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed

45 minutes from Hobart is the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed – the family-run cellar door for Bangor Wines and farm gate shop for Lease 170 oysters. The shed sits beside the vineyard and overlooks the sea where the oysters are harvested daily. Here you will experience what Tasmania is all about, wonderful views, wine and fresh seafood. www.bangorshed.com.au

Small Fry

Promising a ‘touch of the irreverent, Small Fry is many things – big plates for dinner, small plates for snacking with a drink and coffee and sweet treats for in between. Don’t leave without trying one of the incredible pimped-up donuts like the delectable salted caramel with caramelised banana jam and a Ritual coffee. www.facebook.com/smallfryhobart

For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events, and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website www.discovertasmania.com.au.