Discover Tasmania – The Poppy Files

Tag: Discover Tasmania

A Winter Treat

Winter Feast

I have always loved winter – I was married in the depths of August, I love skiing and rugging up in hats, scarves, coats and poms poms. I am thankful that being a Tasmanian through and through, I am able to experience four distinct seasons each year, with winter being one of my favourites. The soft sunlight, the crisp blue skies, the bare branches and of course … Dark Mofo! The festival that has changed the face of winter in Hobart.

A festival that draws Tasmanian’s out from their cosy homes and into their black puffer jackets. A festival that attracts visitors to our State in droves – where Hipsters converge on Hobart from many varied addresses to partake in the bizarre, to sample hearty food and to enjoy a Hendrick’s Hot Gin Punch, whilst soaking up some quirky art and culture.

We have been in a Dark Mofo frenzy for the past two weeks – from the opening night with Poppy and James; to a date night where Nick and I were able to explore more of Dark Park; a Winter Feast; a walk through historic Battery Point; staying on the boat in Elizabeth Street Pier as part of a Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Cruising event and finally … a procession with thousands of others for the Ogah Ogah – The Burning, to culminate our festivities.

As we are about to snuggle down for the longest night of the year, we are now back to our normal routine and will definitely not be partaking in the Nude Solstice Swim just down the road, in the morning. I do love winter … but not that much!

Dark Mofo Dark Park TMAG TMAG TMAG Winter Feast Hobart House of Mirrors Battery Point Elizabeth St. Pier T42 Beautiful Hobart Franklin Square Brooke St. Pier Faye and James Hobart James One shoe roll Winter Cruising The Burning

Monday, 20 June 2016 0 Comments Short URLDark Mofo 2016, Discover Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Winter SolsticeToday I Am Loving

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Summer Boating

Photo – Nick Corkhill

We have spent many nights on board the boat this summer and have been heading away as much as we can, catching up with our friends and enjoying the delights of cruising the D’entrecasteaux Channel, at its best.

We have found a rhythm as we have become more used to our boat since buying it last April. James is a little older and although not fully out of the ‘trenches’, life is getting better on board. They both sleep well each night, apart from the odd hiccup and I have organised myself better with a big toy box on board and loads of books, to keep them entertained.

Toy Box

We head to the beach at any opportunity, where a fire will be lit (providing it’s not high fire danger of course) and fresh flathead will be cooked. The kids will often have their own little campfire where they cook their marshmallows. They wallow in the shallows, go rock pooling, collect shells, entertain each other and create new childhood memories. As a result, we are able to sit under a shady tree and enjoy good conversations and freshly caught seafood, cooked on the open flames.

Fresh Flatties Best friends

At times we have friends come with us on board, or visit us for the day where we enjoy lunch together, fishing, paddle boarding and watching the kids jump off the boat.

Digger & Cath Lunch with friends Paddle Boarding

Several weeks ago we took the dinghies into Simpsons Bay and walked up the Isthmus Track at the Neck on Bruny Island. We saw penguins in their burrows and hiked the steep steps to be rewarded with a stunning view.

The Neck The Neck on Bruny Island The next generation

We often gravitate back to my favourite beach – Little Fancy Bay, where the kids play for hours in the shallows before we are homeward bound – salty, sun-kissed and satisfied! Xx

Freshly caught Abalone Freshly caught Flathead Poppy at Little Fancy The crew Toy Box Nick and Brett Aitkens Point Fresh Flatties Marshmallows Summer Boating Smoochy cuddles Simpsons Point Crazy crew Morning glory Popsy Paddle Boarding Best friends Lunch with friends BBQ's ashore Heading back to the boat Pavlova The Neck Adventures on Adventure Bay Jamesy Three Highfield Dinghies Little Fancy Bay

Friday, 22 January 2016 0 Comments Short URLBoating, Bruny Island, Discover Tasmania, Family Time, Fresh Seafood, Highfield Dinghies, The NeckBoating, Travel

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New Year Festivities

New Years Eve

I love this time of year in Hobart as it always reminds me of my previous days of travelling overseas. Where you wander the streets hearing romantic languages of the French, the Spanish and other alluring accents that instantly transport you back to when you were experiencing far off shores in your twenties!

I also love the welcome the locals and other visitors provide the yachts and their crew, who have sailed for many days in the various ocean yacht races, often through treacherous seas, to be finally enveloped by the sanctuary and beauty of this harbour city and the reassuring notion that everything will be alright.

I love the big cheer from the crowd as they berth their vessels of varying sizes (and budgets) where hot showers and a comfortable bed awaits. To sample some of the local produce at The Taste – a week-long food festival celebrating Tasmania’s food and wine, where the salty taste of the sea, soon becomes a distant memory.

The flags on yachts flutter in the warm sea breezes, lazy afternoons drinking the local cider at the Rolex Tent with friends, balmy evenings on board welcoming in a New Year, with new resolutions to truly live in the moment and to appreciate all those surrounding us and the beautiful place in which we live. Xx

The Hobart Waterfront Mistraal The Taste The Rolex Tent New Years Eve Food Digger Hobart Cath and I New Years Eve Sunset

Thursday, 7 January 2016 0 Comments Short URLDiscover Tasmania, Hobart Summer Festival, Mistraal, Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, The Taste of Tasmania, YachtsBoating, Today I Am Loving

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Sailing : Hobart to Launceston

Dawn at Schouten Passage

There are times in life where all the stars align and you are presented with an opportunity that is just too good to refuse. Our good friends are sailing in the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race in their superb Beneteau 57 – Mistraal and I was asked to hop on board for the delivery trip. How could I say no?

The crew consisted of five women – our Skipper, Jacinta and also Amanda, Colleen, Emma and one tolerant fella … Chris! We all met at the Derwent Sailing Squadron in Hobart on Wednesday morning, where we headed off on a crystal clear day. As the nautical miles ticked by, we ate, talked, laughed, took photos, ate more and well … just relaxed.

I soon found the rhythmic groove of cruising – sleeping, eating, lazing in the sun, watching the changing horizons, the rising and setting sun and the amazing marine wildlife. We were visited by numerous dolphins and a show-stopping Humpback Whale who decided to wow us with the gorgeous backdrop of Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

Dolphins Humbpack Whale Breaching

Home is where my heart is, but I loved being away for a brief snippet and from the daily requests for the next sandwich, water, nappy change, bath-time, the bedtime battles and keeping everyone happy. To me, there is nothing quite as indulgent than having a mid-day sleep whilst cruising at sea. The gentle whir of the engine complimented by the roll of the sea, especially when there are no little ones on board to supervise. In the end, Amanda and I used the excuse of going below to ‘wash up’ but would sneak off for another blissful kip.

To be on this beautiful yacht, cruising the majestic Tasmanian coastline with old and new friends, I felt truly content. We arrived at our destination at day-break on Friday morning and I was excited to be heading home to ‘my crew’ but I will fondly remember this voyage and ‘this crew’! xx

The crew passing Swan Island Loading on our gear Ned Kelly Leaving Hobart Crew on deck Cape Raoul Dolphins Mistraal Heading towards Tasman Island Cape Pillar The Mermaids (with crazy hair)! Captivated by the geology Whale Spotting Jacinta Lunch Jacinta Emma, Jacinta & Amanda Emma Amanda & Em Maria Island Crazy Yacht Hair Mistraal off Maria Island Sunset Sunset over Maria Island Dawn at Freycinet Peninisula Sunrise at Freycinet Red Granite Sunrise over Freycinet Sunrise Day Beers Colleen's Lasagne! Dolphins Light reading Skipper Sailing Sailing Sundowners Our gear Our destination Mistaal Our mafia van

Monday, 21 December 2015 0 Comments Short URLBeneteau, Beneteau 57ft, Cruising, Discover Tasmania, East Coast Tasmania, Humpback Whale, Sailing, TasmaniaBoating

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The Golden Hour

On Wednesday night we went to The Golden Hour at Mona with Nick’s Family:

The Golden Hour

Communal dining at Mona, brought to you by our Executive Sous Chef Vince Trim. Soak up sunset courtesy of James Turrell’s rooftop spectacular, Amarna (2015), then retire to the Wine Bar for some top-notch tucker and flirty banter with the stranger on your left.

You arrive at 6:45pm to a glass of bubbles to compliment your oysters, before you are seated at a long communal (marble) table in the Wine Bar. Followed by introductions to our neighbours on either side – a Climatologist from Hobart and a bunch of his friends from the States and on the other, a Frenchman with his Singaporean bride in Tasmania on their honeymoon. An adjacent table were hosting a film crew from China, so the evening certainly had an international flavour, reminding me once again of the ‘Mona Effect‘ and the drawcard this museum in the northern suburbs, has become.

After an amazing entrée of Moo Brew Stout-cured and smoked ocean trout, asparagus, freekah & pickled basil we were ushered, drink in hand, to enjoy James Turrell’s light installation on dusk. Sitting on the heated seats and marveling at the changing colours above us, we huddled back inside to enjoy the rest of our amazing meal.

It really is a fantastic concept – one where you feel you are having a private dinner party, meeting new people and eating fantastic food, yet without the worry of washing up! It truly was a ‘Golden Hour’ … or two or three! xx

The Golden Hour

Friday, 4 December 2015 0 Comments Short URLDiscover Tasmania, MONA, Tasmania, The Golden HourToday I Am Loving

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Seafood Seduction

Wowsers – another week has passed and I have been so flat-out, I have barely had time to scratch myself!

Last weekend I worked again with Tourism Tasmania, hosting a group of six Indonesian VIP’s from the Bank of Asia, Clara Magazine – a gorgeous glossy for the stylish Indonesian woman, and two representatives from Tourism Australia.

The aim of their visit was to experience Tasmania with the hope of enticing more Indonesian’s to our State in the future. After meeting the group at the airport on Friday morning, they were whisked out to Mona in the Posh Pit where they enjoyed the museum, a beautiful lunch at The Source and then a wine tour and tasting with my friend, Dan.

A drive to the top of Mt. Wellington (Kunanyi) bought many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’, followed by another beautiful meal at the Wrest Point Revolving Restaurant.

The next morning, we blitzed the Salamanca Market (where I quickly found out than Indonesian’s certainly love their shopping) but the highlight of their trip however, was Rob Pennicott’s Seafood Seduction Tour.

Enjoy oysters shucked straight from the water, rock lobster and see your guide dive for abalone and sea urchin. Be delighted as your catch is turned into a delicious seafood feast accompanied by gourmet local produce and Tasmanian wines, boutique beers, ciders and juices.

Hopping on a boat in Kings Pier, our wonderful guides – Ido and Kate hosted the perfect day, despite the lumpy conditions in the Channel.

Seafood Seduction

I will let the photos speak for themselves but it was the ultimate trip for our international guests – combined with professional yet laid-back guides and amazing seafood including the freshest oysters you will ever eat. The highlight for the group was experiencing Ido and Kate don their wetsuits and actually dive for our lunch, where they caught fresh sea urchin and abalone.

Abalone

As we rolled off the boat, full to the brim with seafood we then had dinner (and more seafood) at The Glass House on the Brooke Street Pier.

I waved the group off at the airport the next morning and I am sure we will see many more of their counterparts coming to Tasmania in search of our amazing seafood and beautiful scenery. xx

Mona

MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA MONA Seafood Seduction Sea Urchin Ido diving at One Tree Point Abalone Abalone The Glass House

The Glass House

Friday, 13 November 2015 1 Comment Short URLDiscover Tasmania, MONA, Mt Wellington, Rob Pennicott, Seafood Seduction, See Australia, Tasmania, Wrest Point Revolving RestaurantTravel

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Show Weekend : Boat Weekend

Sunset at Partridge Island

The Hobart Show weekend always allows for an extra long weekend where we escape Hobart to explore further waters. This year was no exception and we headed to South Bruny Island for four glorious days.

We left on Thursday morning and enjoyed a smooth voyage to Partridge Island, some three hours later, to catch up with our friends. Arriving to an oasis of turquoise blue waters due to a phytoplankton bloom in the water at this time of year. Blue, blue waters, radiant rainbows and a gorgeous sunset. What more could we ask for?

Partridge Island

The next day we went for a walk on the island where we discovered signs of European gardens and mature oak trees. We moved over to Mickey’s Bay in the afternoon and had a big roast pork on board ‘Mistraal‘. The next morning we donned our packs and walked over to Cloudy Lagoon where James fell asleep as usual, and Poppy did a stellar job walking most of the way and learning more native plants.

In the afternoon we went to Tailors Beach for a picnic with all our boating friends and the kids were in their element making sand castles and playing in the water until little teeth were chattering and I had run out of dry clothes.

I love being in my happy place with my family and our amazing friends. Not to mention the breathtaking scenery of this part of the world. xx

Little Pirate

Partridge Island Yum - mayo and lettuce Fishing lessons Jamesy cuddles Doggy kisses Spellbound, Yoda and Pops The Davies at Cloudy Bay Pops Squiggly cuddles Smoochy dog. Smoochy toddler Sunset kiss

Friday, 30 October 2015 0 Comments Short URLBoating in Tasmania, Bruny Island, Discover Tasmania, Partridge Island, SpellboundBoating

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Boat Festivals & Birthdays

Wooden Boat Festival

Woah – my poor blog! I started back at work last week and clearly I haven’t found my multi-skilling groove yet (blogging, teaching and mumming)!? I am back on deck now and have had an exciting weekend.

My dear old Dad turned 80 last Friday and we had a wonderful celebration for him in Westbury with all of the family, friends and community members. My gorgeous sister Rob and her husband Paul, were also staying with us from Castlemaine during the week. I love having them here and each time they stay I selfishly wish they lived in Hobart! My hopes and dreams are getting closer as they are looking at relocating ‘home’ at some stage … yippee!

To add to the excitement of the weekend, Hobart hosted the Australian Wooden Boat Festival.

Hobart was abuzz with hardy sailors, boating enthusiasts, cruise ships and the Air Force Roulettes. It was all happening and we enjoyed an (early) night out riding a classic Merry-Go-Round, followed by music and drinks at T42 and Rectango with my sisters, brother-in-law and little people.

Wooden Boat Festival

We took our (fibreglass) Speedy Boat out on a gorgeous Saturday morning and buzzed around the docks for some waterside viewing of the festival. We also caught up with our friends, Leesa and James onboard their wooden beauty – Iverus – which was an entrant in the festival.

We caught up with more friends in Launy for Breakfast on Sunday morning and I took Poppy and James to the Launceston Aquatic Centre on Monday, followed by a picnic on the lawns.

I’ll let the photos do the talking – as it certainly was another wonderful weekend in Tasmania!

My gorgeous sister Cath and Brother-in-Law, Pauly

The Diamond Princess - watch where you are going Poppy!

The Butler's at the Wooden Boat Festival

Wednesday, 11 February 2015 1 Comment Short URL80th Birthday, Australian Wooden Boat Festival, Boating, Discover Tasmania, HobartBoating, Poppy : James

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Wild Oats XI Welcome

Wild Oates IX

Hobart certainly turned on the welcome for Wild Oats XI as they sailed in to accept their first line honours in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on a perfect Sunday afternoon.

We were fortunate to be out on the water with Nick’s parent’s where we enjoyed a relaxing lunch at Maryanne’s, awaiting the spectacle to begin. We then entered the craziness of the flotilla, managed a wave from the crew and then were spat out into the ‘washing machine’! Boy are those maxi yachts fast?

Poppy was holding on, James was safely asleep in his bunk and we were on cloud nine with all the excitement. Helicopters flying overhead, pleasure craft everywhere and thousands of people lining the shores to see these sailors cruise through to their eighth win! Fabulous.

Here is a video of our experience! Xx

James and I

A beautiful day

James and Nick

Spellbound

Lunch

Pops and Bear

Wild Oats XI

Nick, myself, Pops and Barb

So exciting!

The crew

Wild Oats XI

Hobart

Popsy

Pops pointing out Camanche

Camanche

Wednesday, 31 December 2014 1 Comment Short URLDiscover Tasmania, Hobart, Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, Wild Oats XIBoating

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GASP + Botanical Gardens

GASP! Sunday was an absolutely glorious day in Hobart and with my parents still in town, we got out and enjoyed the sunshine. We visited GASP – the Glenorchy Artist & Sculpture Park in the morning, followed by lunch at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens.