Journeys Spring 2025

Top 5 weekend adventures Regional dining gems

Tassie on two wheels

When Tasmania happens.

welcome.

A word from our GCEO

Road safety and bushfire preparedness: how RACT is driving efforts to create a safer, more resilient community

There are two red lights flashing on the dashboard of our island community that deeply concern me: road safety and our individual and community ability to meet the challenges of extreme weather. Both relate to protection and preparedness. Both risks are worsening.

Tasmania’s road toll has doubled from what it was in 2024, and serious road injuries have increased too. Road fatalities and serious injuries are preventable, yet this tragic trend is going in the wrong direction.

As we move into warmer months there are more of us out and about on our roads, not just drivers but pedestrians and cyclists too.

Warmer weather brings the return of bushfire risk: a risk that is increasing as changing rain and wind patterns dry out our landscape. Awareness means seeing all road users, and it means looking at our homes and workplaces to evaluate bushfire risk.

Supporting our members and the broader community has long been a focus for RACT. Road safety has been our priority for many years. Recently, we’ve been supporting the community to prepare for extreme weather. Over the past 18 months, RACT has been working to deepen our knowledge of Tasmania’s bushfire risk. We are in the right place to do this. Tasmania has world-

recognised expertise in the UTAS Fire Centre and other local specialist organisations. Our state is a global repository of bushfire prevention and preparation wisdom that derives from our unique environment. RACT is committed to playing a lead role to support the development of this wisdom and how it can support individuals and our community to be better prepared.

RACT is also leading meaningful improvements in youth road safety.

The $8 million Youth Road Safety Project, funded through the State Government, has young people at its heart. It has been exciting to see the project take shape, including talking to parents and other driver supervisors and hearing that they need more support. We are determined to permanently shift the dial by bringing about a safer generation of drivers.

I look forward to sharing more news and learnings about these two important projects. Building road safety and bushfire resilience will make us stronger, safer and connected. RACT will be supporting Tasmania’s community resilience this spring and summer, and for many seasons to come.

Safe travels and enjoy the spring.

Tony Coleman, Mark Grey, Alex McKenzie, Keryn Nylander, Jenny Richardson, Ian Gillespie

EMERGENCY TRAINING

I watch the panicked behaviour of drivers as an emergency vehicle with sirens and flashing lights comes up fast behind them. Many drivers are put in a difficult situation, with no solution to immediately create space for the emergency vehicles. Even worse are the drivers who don’t allow cars that have pulled over to rejoin the flow of traffic.  I recently asked a new P-plater what advice or literature they had been given for dealing with speeding emergency vehicles. The answer? “Nothing”. No wonder we don’t manage it well.

Lyn Chisholm, Hobart

SAFETY FOR CYCLISTS

As a road cyclist we can only wear the clothes the cycling manufacturers make. Hi-vis clothing made for civil work does not work for cyclists for many reasons. I wear lightcolour clothing and have rear lights which can be seen for quite some distance. Why is it when in an 80km/h zone –when signs state that drivers must be 1.5m away from cyclists – I have cars tearing past me less than a metre away? A simple step to save cyclists’ lives is for car drivers to obey the road rules.

Mark Noonan

Turns me off

I passed my driving test in busy London many decades ago. One thing that was seared into my brain was that when turning off a main road onto a side road you do not disrupt traffic flow. Mirror, signal, move over to the appropriate side, slow down, turn off. Here in Tas, especially in regional and rural areas, the rule seems to be: brake in the middle of the road so that those behind don’t know what you’re about to do, signal just as you turn off. Both sexes and all ages are frequent offenders. P-platers should not have had time to lapse into sloppy habits but even they, on occasion, are guilty.

Richard Ashby

Breathing easy

I purchased a breathalyser for my daughter when she was in her early twenties, through the RACT. There was a particular brand they recommended. It was one that required annual recalibration which I thought was a necessary and safe inclusion. Since then my daughter has become a senior doctor in accident and emergency. She has continuously used the breathalyser. When out with her friends (generally other doctors) they have all made use of it. She has often said to me that it was the best gift ever given her.

Lisbeth Eastoe, Blackmans Bay

We’re keen to hear your thoughts on any motoring or travel-related topics, as well as auto questions. Please keep them brief – we reserve the right to edit.

Zip

in

and zip up

Joanna de Burgh makes a good observation about drivers not using both lanes when a merge is ahead (Journeys, winter 2025). The reason is that drivers toot and gesticulate rather than allow a merge. Transferring into the moving lane too early causes hold-ups as people are let in and blockages at intersections behind the traffic as the queue is longer than necessary. If drivers could just be polite and zip smoothly they would all save time, fuel and patience.

C. Timbrell

journeys@ract.com.au

As a trusted part of the Tasmanian community, Anglicare’s friendly and reliable aged care team delivers the support you want, in the place you love – your home.

To learn more call, email or visit our website at: anglicare-tas.org.au/homecaresupport

homecaresupport@anglicare-tas.org.au

Obscura 3 | Sequenza

The TSO’s Obscura series offers an edgier take on the orchestral experience, with 60-minute after-work performances at Hobart’s Odeon theatre. The third and last Obscura for the year brings dance into the mix, with TSO musicians accompanying performers from the Queensland College of Dance. The performance is choreographed by Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon and features a score by Italian composer Luciano Berio. For more, visit tso.com.au

what’s on.

23-26 OCTOBER 2025

EASTERN WINE

Now in its 11th year, Great Eastern Wine Week promises a four-day celebration of wine, food and adventure along the iconic East Coast Wine Trail. Cellar doors stretch from Orford to St Helens. Gala Estate will host events, tastings and immersive experiences. eastcoastwinetrail.com.au

3-5 OCTOBER 2025

Oktoberfest

Pull on your lederhosen and raise a stein at In The Hanging Garden’s bierhalle. Expect bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzels, live tunes and Bavarian cheer, all in the heart of Hobart. Cheers to three days of hearty food, flowing beer and festive fun. inthehanginggarden.com.au

31 OCT-2 NOV 2025

Tasmanian Craft Fair

Australia’s largest arts and craft fair brings more than 250 exhibitors to Deloraine this spring, from textiles and fashion to woodcraft, glass craft, sculpture and visual arts. This year’s program features a mini-makers kids’ program and maker demos. tascraftfair.com.au

MUST-SEE ART EXHIBITS

12 SEPT-11 OCT 2025

Suemi Chiba, Moonah Arts Centre

Ceramic artist Suemi Chiba’s intricate skills are on display at MAC for Thrown Identities, where rich layers of glaze, colour and texture evoke place, memory and landscape.

UNTIL 1 FEB 2026

Helen Wright, QVMAG

Shapeshifting: The Art of Helen Wright spans 40 years of the Tasmanian artist’s artworks. Recurring motifs such as vessels, birds and ruinous landscapes are each an allegory of contemporary life.

UNTIL APR 2026

Arcangelo Sassolino, Mona Sparks will fly at Arcangelo Sassolino’s industrial-inspired show in the End, in the Beginning. The Italian sculptor’s first solo Australian show is built on glass, steel and precise engineering.

Want to tell us about your event or product? Reach us on journeys@ract.com.au

22-23 NOVEMBER 2025

Highlands Bushfest

Bushfest is back for its 11th year, turning Bothwell into Tassie’s ultimate adventure hub. Dive into two days of 4WD thrills, chainsaw carving, fishing clinics, live cooking, markets and music. This hands-on taste of the Highlands will keep you busy between bites and bands. centralhighlands.tas.gov.au/ bushfest/

16-19 OCTOBER 2025

The Unconformity

This much-loved biennial Tassie festival returns to Queenstown for four days of experimental art and community-led culture. There’s a jam-packed program of contemporary performances and installations to provoke new ways of seeing this remote, post-industrial mining town. theunconformity.com.au

11 OCTOBER 2025

Wynyard Tulip Festival

Set on the banks of the Inglis River, this annual event is a highlight of the spring calendar with a full-day program of music, local produce, food trucks and some of the best makers from around the state gathering to celebrate the region’s prized flowers. Don’t miss the 9pm fireworks! warwyn.tas.gov.au/tulip-festival/

26 SEPT-4 OCT 2025

Hockey Australia Masters Women’s Championships

This spring, more than 45 women’s hockey teams from across the country will descend on the Tasmanian Hockey Centre to go head-to-head in a week of fierce competition. hockey.org.au/ eventscomps/womens-mastersaus-champs/

WEEKEND RETREATS

Pack your adventure gear for these curated weekend retreats that go big on experience, writes Nola James.

1 On Safari at Swan River Sanctuary

Hosted by owner Mathew Routley, Swan River Safari is a twonight experience that includes accommodation at luxury off-grid River Lodge, replete with in-house chef and woodfired sauna, a birdwatching tour down the Swan River by boat into the Moulting Lagoon Conservation Area and a tour of Routley’s regenerative cattle farm. The lodge is located right beside the river, so you can try your luck at catching a black bream, swimming or kayaking.

2 Blue Derby Pods Ride

These two-, three- and four-day all-inclusive mountain bike adventures were designed with luxury in mind. Departing from Launceston, cruise world-class mountain biking trails, indulge in al fresco picnic lunches, gourmet dinners at the Hub and sleep in custom ‘pods’ among the trees. Fully catered, finish each day with a hot shower followed by a Tasmanian wine or beer by the roaring fire.

3 Pure Wellness Retreats

Dr Rebecca Chabot, scientist, yoga teacher, happiness expert and the founder of Pure Wellness Tasmania, runs luxury retreats that will leave you feeling recharged, refreshed and inspired. Join her on 14-16 November

in Eaglehawk Neck at a private beachside house for a weekend of breathing, meditation, yoga and personal development work, plus gourmet vegetarian meals prepared by the in-house chef.

4 Pumphouse Point

An adults-only wilderness retreat perched on the glacial Lake St Clair, Pumphouse Point has everything you could need for the most relaxing weekend away of your life. There are massages if you feel like unwinding, comfy rooms to retreat to and peaceful shared spaces that look out over the wilderness. All meals are included in the room rate, with three-course communal dinners each night in the Shorehouse dining room on the water.

5 The Three Capes Signature Walk

You’ll need a long weekend to squeeze in this walk from Tas Walking Co. This fully guided experience includes luxury accommodation at private lodges inside the national park (with plunge baths and optional massages), gourmet meals and Tasmanian wines. It is at the top end of budgets; so if you’re looking for adventure without the $3,500 price tag, Parks Tasmania takes bookings year-round for self-catered trips. The spaced departures ensure there’s room for everyone at shared sleeping cabins.

Bothwell, Central Highlands Tasmania

for mums First foods,

North West Tasmania is home to a very special new service that ensures new mums get the delicious and nutritious postpartum food they need, plus connection at a time of isolation. Founder Isabel Sykes tells Sarah Aitken about setting up her not-for-profit postpartum food service.

when Isabel Sykes welcomed her first child three years ago, one thing she didn’t expect was how difficult it would be to get the nutrition she needed as a new mum. Such a simple task seemed impossible to this professional chef and restaurateur. And so, the idea of a nourishing food service for new mums was born.

“I couldn’t believe how hard it was just to get good food into my body in those days, weeks and months after birth,” she recalls. “It was really just a choice between what is the most convenient thing I can do, rather than what is the most nutritious thing I can do. And the isolation was challenging as well.”

Cut to today and First Foods is currently part-way through its first-year trial on the

North West Coast. First Foods offers care in a box, delivering healthy and hearty ready-made meals and snacks specifically designed to support mums in recovery after childbirth. Each meal is easy to digest, nutritionally balanced and formulated to help with a new mum’s physical healing. But it’s much more than that. As the tagline says: “When everyone wants to hold the baby, First Foods will hold the mother.”

Isabel says it’s the first of its kind in Australia, but mirrors something familiar from our past, and a way of caring for mothers that exists in other countries.

“It’s the oldest thing in the book; it’s like the casserole on the doorstep that used to exist when communities were tighter and more family oriented. And it’s something that exists pretty much everywhere else in the world, where women will be taken very good care of in early postpartum. But it’s something that we really lack in Australia.”

It’s such a simple idea, but such a big operation. First Foods is being run with Big hART, a national arts and social change organisation with a base in Wynyard, and includes a research project by the University of Tasmania. Isabel heads it up in the north and state director Lily Kirkland is based in the south. Twenty local women are included in the pilot year and Isabel says the feedback so far has been very positive, particularly when it comes to the women’s mental health and anxiety levels.

“Our focus is on nutrition, but the bigger idea is that the food is used as a seed to create a community

around new mothers. Because there is no starting point for community-based postpartum care in Australia; it’s a pretty barren landscape that we’re building something in.

“We’re building the evidence around the benefits of the service to mothers in the regions of maternal mental health and food security, which are both quite topical things at the moment.”

Many Tasmanians will remember Isabel fondly from her time running the iconic Red Velvet Lounge cafe in Cygnet, which accidentally turned into a point of connection and community for local mothers under Isabel’s watch. Looking back, it’s easy to see how the two roles at opposite ends of the state are linked.

“I wasn’t a mother when I had that cafe, but something that became really apparent to me was how mothers used cafes,” she says.

“I didn’t really expect new mums were going to be our main demographic but having a large space indoors with a kids’ play area, cheap kids’ snacks and free babyccinos on the menu meant that our cafe was so full of mothers all the time,” she remembers fondly. “Sometimes I would cut up their toast for them if they were breastfeeding and refill their cup of chai. I just really felt like I wanted to take care of them.”

The New

Already renowned for its expertise in hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology, Toyota is set to join the growing number of manufacturers offering a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with its all-new RAV4 medium SUV. A perennial favourite with Australian new-car buyers, the all-new sixth-generation RAV4 was unveiled in Japan earlier this year ahead of its expected arrival here in Oz in the first half of 2026.

The new model will come with either hybrid or plugin hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the choice of 2WD or AWD variants, and, for the first time, a range-topping GR Sport variant. Underpinning the new plug-in hybrid system is a 2.5-litre petrol engine combined with a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a targeted electric-only driving range of up to 100km (WLTP). There’s also an improved front electric motor that develops 150kW, which on AWD grades provides

combined system output of 227kW, helping the SUV cover the 0-100km/h dash in a keen 5.8 seconds.

A more affordable 2WD PHEV system will also be offered with a total system output of 201kW. The new RAV4 will also be available with Toyota’s established series-parallel hybrid system with both AWD and 2WD versions boasting outputs of 143kW.

The flagship of the new RAV4 PHEV range will be the GR Sport variant boasting lightweight 20-inch twin-spoke black alloy wheels, aerodynamically enhanced front and rear spoilers, and a distinctive grille design with GR mesh pattern. The GR Sport also features a 20mm-wider wheel track and upgraded dampers, a stiffer rear suspension brace, retuned suspension and a unique power-steering calibration that should make it the best-handling RAV4 yet. Time to get revved up for the RAV.

auto news.

Superbly positioned

Skoda’s fourth-gen Superb delivers Euro styling and performance – without the luxury badge mark-up

The saying ‘the last of the dinosaurs ate well’ seems especially apt when it comes to the Skoda Superb, flagship of the Volkswagen-owned Czech Republic-based brand that recently launched the fourth-generation version of its large car. The new Superb is the last surviving member of the sub-$70k large-car segment that once included the locally manufactured Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion, as well as the more recently departed Kia Stinger and Citroen C5 X. There’s still plenty of similar-sized

rivals north of this price, including the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, but you’ll need to find an extra $30k-$40k over the Superb Sportline sedan’s $67,990 (MRLP) price, or $69,990 (MRLP) for the wagon. Combining European design and engineering at a keen price isn’t the Superb’s only attribute, with this new model building on its predecessors’ reputation for generous interior space, strong performance and good dynamics. Both sedan and wagon come in a single highly specified Sportline trim, with

a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine, driving all four wheels via sevenspeed dual-clutch automatic. Performance is brisk and handling dynamics are excellent in either body style, thanks in part to Skoda’s Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Plus) system which automatically adjusts the adaptive dampers according to driving style and road conditions. As with previous generations, most buyers are expected to opt for the wagon with its generous 634-litre boot, expanding to 1920 litres with the second row folded.

CHANGE GEAR - VOLUNTEER!

CTST is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers door-todoor transport statewide; as well as home maintenance and social support in Devonport, powered by our volunteer workforce of over 350 Tasmanians! We support people to live well, maintain their independence and connect with their community.

SPECIAL K4 A SAFER TARGA

Dropping popular and well-established vehicle nameplates can be perilous – just ask Nissan Australia, which experienced a steep sales decline after changing the name of its popular Pulsar small car to Tiida in 2006. The decision was reversed six years later but not before the Tiida had lost a good chunk of the Pulsar’s market share. Kia will be hoping for a different outcome after replacing its popular Cerato nameplate with the all-new K4 earlier this year, in a decision mandated by the brand’s global bosses. While the Cerato name may be missed by some, the new K4 is a better vehicle in practically every area, with the possible exception that it’s initially offered only as a sedan, with a hatchback to follow later this year.

Available in four trimlines (S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line) and with a choice of two petrol engines, the K4 goes head to head with Toyota’s segment-leading Corolla, with pricing starting at $30,590 for the K4 S and rising through four variants to the range-topping K4 GT-Line at $42,990.

There’s no hybrid variant to battle the Corolla, though, with engines limited to a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder or a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder in the top-grade GT-Line.

The internationally renowned tarmac rally Targa Tasmania returns to the Apple Isle in November after a three-year hiatus, with organisers saying the time has been used to undertake a detailed review and implement significant changes to improve safety.

Regarded as one of the world’s most iconic motoring events, it was postponed indefinitely following the tragic deaths of four competitors in 2021 and 2022. Among numerous changes implemented by organisers to improve safety is a move from the traditional April/May date with its challenging winter weather, to a new start date of Sunday 16 November. Targa 2025 gets underway in Hobart with a ceremonial start followed by competition on several revamped stages across the state’s south.

The event then heads to Devonport for an overnight stop on Monday 17 November before moving to Launceston the following day, where it remains until the official finish on Friday 21 November.

With more than 30 sections of road closed to the public and more than 2000km of sealed roads traversing amazing landscapes, Targa Tasmania promises everything from rally competition through to more genteel Targa Tours, designed for people who want to enjoy driving on some of Australia’s best roads without the competition element. For more, visit targa.com.au

Ranger recharged

Ford’s best-selling ute gets a plug-in power boost. Same DNA, now with brains, brawn and battery.

Story Harry Weller

The introduction this year of the Commonwealth Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has sent many manufacturers in search of new zero- or low-emission models to help offset high-emitting models in their range. In Ford Australia’s case that has led to the development of a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) version of its best-selling Ranger ute.

Like the rest of the Ranger line-up the Ranger PHEV has been designed and engineered in Australia, with Ford starting from the position that its first electrified ute had to be able to do everything its ICEpowered siblings could, including deliver the same 4WD off-road ability and the same 3500kg braked towing capacity.

The resultant Ranger PHEV is visually identical to other Rangers, with the only external changes being PHEV badges on the front-wheel arches, a charging port above the left rear-wheel arch and a slightly longer tray. The powertrain combines a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine and a 10-speed automatic gearbox with a 75kW electric motor and a 11.8kWh (usable) battery, the latter packaged between reengineered chassis rails.

A new Modular Hybrid Transmission (MHT) integrates the e-motor between engine and transmission, with drivers able

THE SPECS

MAKE/MODEL: Ford Ranger Stormtrak PHEV

BODY STYLE: Dual-cab 4WD ute

RETAIL PRICE: $86,990 (RRP)

SEATING: 5

FUEL CONSUMPTION: 2.9L/100km (67.28g/km CO₂)

ANCAP SAFETY RATING: Not yet tested

ENGINE: 2.3-litre turbocharged fourcylinder petrol, 75kW electric motor, 11.8kWh (usable) battery, combined outputs 207kW/697Nm

TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic

DRIVE TYPE: Part-time or full-time four-wheel drive

KERB WEIGHT: 2615kg

TOWING CAPACITY: 750kg

(unbraked)/3500kg (braked)

0-100KM/H: 6.8 secs (estimated)

For more, visit: ford.com.au

CLAIM TO FAME

to choose when to utilise battery power using Auto EV, EV Now, EV Later or EV Charge modes. The traction battery can be charged to full overnight using a standard household plug, delivering a pure electric range of 49km (NEDC) and combined-cycle fuel-consumption of 2.9L/100km.

The Ranger PHEV also includes a feature called Pro Power Onboard, which uses the lithium-ion battery to provide energy to power worksite equipment, campsites or even a caravan directly from twin 15-amp, 3.45kW power sockets in the tray, and a single 10-amp, 2.3kW socket in the cabin. Like its 3.0-litre V6powered turbodiesel stablemates, the Ranger PHEV utilises a full-time 4WD system with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case offering the choice of 2H, 4A, 4H and 4L driving modes.

There’s also a locking rear-differential for additional off-road capability in rough terrain, something we put to the test over some moderately difficult tracks, which it handled easily. Open-road performance is strong, with the drivetrain switching seamlessly between electric and combustion power and the steering, ride and handling feeling just as cohesive as ICE-powered Rangers.

Combined petrol and electric power outputs totalling 207kW/ 697Nm mean the Ranger PHEV boasts more power and torque than the 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine used elsewhere in the range. The fourvariant line-up starts from $71,990 for the Ranger XLT PHEV, rises to $75,990 for the Ranger Sport PHEV, $79,990 for the Ranger Wildtrak PHEV, and tops out at $86,990 for the launch edition Ranger Stormtrak PHEV.

Among its many automotive milestones, Chrysler can lay claim to being the first brand to create a truly streamlined or aerodynamic passenger car with the 1934 Airflow, and the first to develop the legendary HEMI V8 engine.

In reverse

A century of Chrysler

This year marks 100 years since the formation of the iconic American carmaker.

Were it not for the wiles of representatives of longsince-defunct American carmaker Willys-Overland, Chrysler as we know it would not exist today. In 1920, Willys-Overland was headed for bankruptcy and needed a seasoned auto-industry executive to rescue it. They identified Walter P. Chrysler as the man for the job.

Chrysler had already made his mark at rival General Motors and was happily retired by age 45, a year before WillysOverland called and handed him effective control of that organisation and the related Maxwell Motors.

At the 1924 New York Auto Show Walter Chrysler introduced the first new car developed on his watch, the Chrysler Six, although the car was launched under the Maxwell Motor Company brand, months before it was rebranded Chrysler Corporation. The Chrysler Six personified the attributes Walter Chrysler later identified as key characteristics of a

Chrysler automobile, being an affordable luxury vehicle with a generous list of standard features and innovative engineering.

Over the course of the next 100 years

Chrysler Corporation lay claim to many automotive milestones, including being the first brand to create a truly streamlined or aerodynamic passenger car with the 1934 Airflow, and the first to develop the legendary HEMI V8 engine, with its unique hemispheric cylinder heads and exceptional performance.

Chrysler is also remembered for its contributions to the extravagantly finned designs of the 1950s and 1960s, including the Virgil Exner-designed Chrysler 300C (C-300), the first of the brand’s influential ‘letter series’ cars. Later, the carmaker pioneered the hugely influential minivan segment with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager.

Chrysler also left its mark in Australia, introducing its first locally manufactured model, the Valiant

R-Series, in January 1962. Between then and 1981, more than half a million Valiants were manufactured at the company’s Tonsley Park plant in Adelaide, including the iconic Charger coupe. Despite its undeniable impact on automotive design and engineering, Chrysler has typically been the smallest of the Big Three US automakers, a fact that led to various mergers and de-mergers, including with Daimler-Benz to form DaimlerChrysler in 1998; with Fiat to form Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in 2014; and as one of 14 brands within today’s Stellantis, created by a merger between FCA and PSA Peugeot Citroën in 2021. Walter P. Chrysler died in 1940 but his name lives on in the millions of automobiles that wear a Chrysler badge, as well as the iconic 77-storey Chrysler Building in New York City, plus a freeway in Detroit that bears his name.

Story Harry Weller

Clockwise from left Walter P. Chrysler with a 1924 Chrysler Six; the 1955 Chrysler 300; the 1963 Chrysler Turbine Car.

two wheels TASSIE

From alpine climbs to coastal loops, Tasmania is two-wheel heaven. Riley Wilson maps Tasmania’s best motorbike rides with advice from those who know them best.

Photo: Tourism Tasmania

With more than 24,000 kilometres of roads to explore, Tasmania attracts motorbike tourers from around the world. Out-of-state enthusiasts roll off the Spirit of Tasmania at Devonport ready for adventure; locals gather at lookouts, cafes and pitstops from Port Arthur to Queenstown. It’s an island made for two wheels, with winding tracks and pictureperfect views at every turn.

Motorbike heaven

“Tasmania has some of the best riding roads in the country, if not the world,” says Mike Blake of Dragonfly Classics, a motorcycle rental business based in Tasmania’s north-west. “Motorcycling places you directly in the environment: you see it, smell it, feel it.”

From tight switchbacks through mountain forests to long, winding coastal loops, Tasmania serves up a smorgasbord of riding experiences. You’re never far from your next lookout, bakery stop or windswept beach.

“The nature of the roads and the scenery and the bush is fantastic,” says Damien Codognotto, spokesperson for the Motorcycle Riders Association Australia. “The people are welcoming, and the food and wine down here are sensational.”

Ride like a local

To know where the best routes and wildest roads are found, ask someone who rides them. In Hobart, locals gather at Moto Vecchia – a motorcycle cafe in Bellerive that’s known as much for its communityfocused generosity as it is for its caffeine fix. Run by Natalie and Kerry Casten, the cafe blends coffee with collector cred: vintage bikes line the floor, from a Launceston-built 1909 Champion to a stable of Royal Enfields.

“Riding in Tassie is a group sport,” says Natalie. “There are so many little places on the way that you can just stop anywhere and see something different within 10 kilometres.”

On Tuesdays, Moto Vecchia’s courtyard fills with chatter as the Riders of Tasmania group meet for paninis, coffee and bike banter. There’s a joy and camaraderie here that captures the social side of riding, a cacophony of post-ride stories and passionate comparisons of tyres and trail snacks.

Touring tips and road smarts

Leisure motorbike touring isn’t just a thrilling way to see Tasmania – it’s also a win for local communities.

“Tasmania has some of the best riding roads in the country, if not the world ... you see it, smell it, feel it.”

“A travelling motorcyclist spends more money per kilometre than the caravan or car,” says Codognotto.

“You have to travel light. You have to stop and buy food. If you don’t want to spend the night in the tent, you stay in a hotel or motel. That’s what motorcycle touring is all about.”

But the very qualities that make Tasmania such a memorable ride – the wild roads, the remote scenery, the roaming wildlife – also call for extra care in the seat.

“You have to keep your wits about you,” says Blake. “You can never predict what other road users are going to do.”

Roadside risks are heightened in Tasmania, where stretches of long, dramatic roads – while fun

RIDER -APPROVED ROUTES

Damien Codognotto Spokesperson, Motorcycle Riders Association Australia

Ride: Moto Guzzi

V7 2017

Route: Channel Loop – Ferntree, Longley, Huonville, Cygnet, Kettering and Kingston.

Why: “It is a great ride with beautiful scenery. There are good eateries in Cygnet, too.”

Pro tip: “For a longer ride, take the ferry to Bruny Island and – if you like oysters straight out of the water – visit Get Shucked.”

Because no-one tells it better than those who ride them.

Mike Blake Owner, Dragonfly Classics

Ride: BMW R100S

Route: Anthony Road, from Tullah to Queenstown

Why: “It’s Tasmania’s most visually stunning landscape by road.”

Pro tip: “Take it easy around the mountain corners. Slow down and enjoy the view.”

Jarrod Doyle

President, Motorcycle Riders Association Southern Tasmania

Ride: KTM 1290

SuperDuke

Route: Hobart, around the Channel, including Woodbridge Hill, Allens Rivulet and Southport via the Dover Coast Road.

Why: “Lots of windy roads, not much traffic, amazing views of the coast and quiet country towns to stop in if you need food or petrol.”

Pro tip: “Check your tyre pressures, tyre tread and brake pads.”

Natalie and Kerry Casten Owner-operators, Moto Vecchia

Ride: 1947 WL

Harley Davidson and Yeats sidecar

Route: Mole Creek to Sheffield via Paradise

Why: “Just for the joy of the ride!”

Pro tip: “This is a winding road, narrow in places, and very scenic through some forest. Take care of trucks and corners.”

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNIN’

The essentials for getting out on the road.

To borrow a bike:

• Tasmanian Motorcycle Tours and Rentals, based in Hobart, rents bikes by the day and offers self-guided all-inclusive itineraries that include suggested routes. tmtr.com.au

• Dragonfly Classics Motorcycle Hire offers a nostalgic selection of bikes from the ’70s and ’80s, with day rates starting at $170. dragonflyclassics.com.au

To get among the fun:

The Spoke Motorcycle Festival connects motorcyclists, motorcycling enthusiasts and nature lovers together for a three-day event held in Little Swanport. Running 27 February to 1 March 2026, it features events such as grass and beach racing, moto polo, gymkhana, postie bike races and enduro racing. spokemcfestival.com.au

For an easy and quick guided trip:

Available as 30-, 60- or 90-minute adventures, Trikemania tours depart from Hobart to take in the sights on a three-wheel motorbike with a local tour guide. trikemania.com.au

To join a club:

The British Motorcycle Club meets across the island and runs an annual rally, and the Italian Motorcycle Club catches up in Hobart on the first Sunday of each month. bmctas.com

for riders – come with risks. Decreased visibility, blind spots, loose gravel, hidden crossroads and tree limbs loosened by the state’s quintessential winds are very real challenges that Tassie riders will undoubtedly face. Beloved wildlife, emboldened by unlit highways and freedom to roam mostly unencumbered, regularly cross roads, while carbound leisure drivers can be unpredictable. On shorter days, the low-lying sun can be blinding for all.

On narrow two-lane highways, the temptation to overtake can be strong; Codognotto urges caution.

“Riding is a three-dimensional experience that demands all your senses.” His advice? Dress for every forecast – protective outerwear and layers are a must. Pack light, but smart. Avoid riding solo where possible. If you’re unfamiliar with the region, register with a local club before heading off.

Fuel for the soul

Tasmania’s roads are a drawcard for motorcyclists.

The scenery changes fast, traffic is light and the distances are manageable. Riders can hit the coast, wind through the wilderness and climb into the highlands all in one day. With fuel stops, cafes and regional towns never far apart, the island is naturally suited to two-wheeled touring. And with events like the annual Spoke Motorcycle Festival and classic bike rentals on the rise, motorbike touring is quietly becoming part of the Tasmanian experience.

Or, as Damien Codognotto puts it: “The whole place is an adventure. If you want to go exploring, especially on two wheels, this place is paradise.”

ROAD test

We take the all-new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan for a day trip from Hobart to New Norfolk, enjoying the scenic surrounds, vintage shopping and cosy coffee stops.

Words Cassandra Charlick Photos Prime Perspectives

Every so often, something comes along you didn’t know you needed – until you do. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is packed with perks, but the moment I press the button for the in-built driver’s seat massage, I’m sold. What sounds like a gimmick turns out to be a stroke of genius in this wellappointed mid-sized SUV.

Spring is the perfect time to hit the road from Hobart. After a long winter, the change in season is enough to lift any mood. My Tiguan for the day comes fully loaded, and I’m especially grateful for the heated steering wheel as I roll onto misty morning roads. Cruising along the Derwent River, the 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system makes it easy to shift the music as the light grows and the caffeine cravings kick in.

Looks aren’t everything, but they help. The steely Nightshade Blue of this sleek and rather sexy SUV is stylish without being ostentatious or broody. Nor does the hue prove a safety hazard, with enough depth of colour to stand out from the tarmac. Instead, it’s picture perfect on the ribbon-like roads that sweep around the Derwent Valley hills, but it would be equally at home among urban alleyways and inner-city high-rises. That goes for the IQ Drive

handling, too. The ride is smooth and cushioned, with enough power to push up mountainous roads, but its ability to pull into tight U-turns is an asset in all driving situations.

Coffee is calling half an hour into the drive. I pull into New Norfolk’s Circle Coffee House with ease, thanks to the Park Assist System and 360-degree vision. I’m still getting used to the Tiguan’s dimensions, but the tech makes it feel intuitive. New Norfolk has plenty to tempt a daytripper – vintage stores, riverside parks, heritage architecture and a growing reputation for good food. The Agrarian Kitchen might be the main event, but today’s about the journey, not the long lunch.

I’ve got a soft spot for antiques; there are so many untold stories within each piece, and it’s always fun to imagine the lives of those who owned them prior. New Norfolk is a vintage-fossicker’s dream. The Drill Hall Emporium is always a good start, and it’s easy to lose an hour or two fossicking through Flywheel, the letterpress studio just down the road. I finish up at The Black Swan, a bookshop-turned-cafe with a cosy vibe.

Turning on the keyless setting, it takes a moment to feel comfortable leaving the car and returning without checking for my jumble of keys, but I quickly adapt, and it’s very handy not fumbling for them when jumping in and out while daytripping. If I’d browsed in town much longer, the automatic unlock would also have been handy for putting cumbersome purchases into the car without a spare pair of hands. Alas, it’s time to pop back to the glossy exterior of my Tiguan and continue experiencing its capabilities while exploring New Norfolk’s surrounds.

Winding through hop and raspberry farms still etched with their winter dormancy, I feel secure behind the wheel, yet there’s oodles of zip with speed when needed. The side door has a useful, wide-berthed cup holder space, which is necessary to hold the giant water bottles that are all the fashion these days. There’s also plenty of space to put coffee cups and sunnies at the front of the car without adding clutter or obscuring the wireless charging docks, of which there are several – as let’s be honest, two adults and kids means most often more than one is needed.

Clockwise from left Test-driving in New Norfolk; honey for sale; a Plenty Cider pit stop; putting the Tiguan through its paces; vintage treasures.

Hunger leads me to the Salmon Ponds, where I stop at Pancakes by the Ponds for a quick bite and a stroll. The hatchery here releases more than a million trout into Tasmanian waterways each year, but I’m more interested in the English-style gardens – and the unexpectedly bold platypus that swims right over to say hello. I’m halfway through a salmon and cream cheese crepe when I spot it doing the same for the next family. It clearly knows how to work the crowd.

With a few more hours in the day it might have been nice to potter next door at Plenty Cider, but I’m keen to reach the fern-laden boardwalks of Russell Falls and Mount Field before heading home. The mood lighting and audio personalisation bring some fun to the drive, while the panoramic sunroof fills the cabin with spring light. Road noise is minimal, fuel use feels reasonable and the auto headlights are a nice touch. The only curveball is the positioning of the gearshift paddles and indicators behind the wheel, but once I adapt, it’s smooth sailing. As I park for the last time, I’m genuinely disappointed to pass the keys back. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time behind the wheel, and the creature comforts of the optional add-ons do make a difference to the driving experience in Tassie. The Tiguan perfectly suits commuter life and weekend adventures around the island with enough grunt and get-up-and-go to tackle twisting and turning rural roads. It’s got a premium feel with plenty of zip for facing peak-hour city roads, and sits at a nice height and solid weight, without feeling like a huge car. This classy and modern SUV gets the tick of approval, though I’d love to see the option of a hybrid model down the track. And those premium optionals do come at a cost.

With thanks to Jackson Motor Company for the test drive. For more info, visit jmc.com.au

‘Red Hut Point’ 1,2,3,4 Red Hut Road, Lymwood King Island, Tasmania

This remarkable 788 hectare holding featuring over 6km of complete ocean frontage was always destined to attract a very special kind of person to become its new custodian. We feel very privileged to have been able to unite this rare and spectacular property with a like-minded new guardian who shares a deep respect for this land, its untouched beauty, and abundant wildlife. Their vision to preserve and protect this breathtaking and pristine environment whilst enjoying its tranquility and splendour makes this sale one of our most rewarding transactions to date.

Sue Gratton +61 407 599 559 sue@circaheritageandlifestyle.com.au

‘Aquila’ 1265 North Road, Loorana King Island, Tasmania

FOR SALE

Set on over 152 acres of King Island’s world renowned surf coast, ‘Aquila –Loorana’ offers over two kilometres of private beach frontage, boasting seemingly infinite Southern Ocean views. This sophisticated, architectdesigned, off-grid home has been crafted for relaxed island living, with an enviable environmental footprint. Inspection by appointment.

Sue Gratton +61 407 599 559 sue@circaheritageandlifestyle.com.au 4 2 2 152 acres

Go behind the scenes at the old Duck River dairy in Smithton, now home to the La Cantara Artisan Cheese Factory. A fully-guided Milking and Cheese tour will take you from the fields to the robot-powered milking sheds, plus a look at how La Cantara’s Venezuelan-style cheeses are made, by owners Genaro and Rosselyn Velasquez (pictured here with their sons Gabriel and Diego). Tickets also include entry into the Circular Head Heritage Centre, where you can learn more about the history of the region. For more, visit duckrivermeadowsdairy.com.au

travel news.

LITTLE CHEF, BIG DINING

Hobart’s DoubleTree by Hilton has welcomed Le Petit Chef – an animated 58mm-tall chef – to its Leatherwood Bar & Kitchen. The immersive dining experience combines culinary mastery with table-top storytelling, featuring a four-course set menu of Tassie produce. lepetitchef. com/Hobart

FROM YUNNAN WITH LOVE

Tassie-based couple Mitch Alomes and Lyla Zhu have launched Food Culture, a venture which celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Yunnan through bespoke banquets, an online tea store and in-person food tours through Yunnan, China. The duo – Mitch, a chef, and Lyla, a proud representative of the Yi minority and a descendant of chefs and agriculturists from Yunnan – are also currently running long Sunday lunches out of Luke Burgess’ Hobart restaurant Schole for $150 per person. Be warned, though: at just eight seats per sitting, they sell out quick smart. foodculture.au

TASMANIA’S FIRST BOURBON-STYLE WHISKEY

Tamar Valley distillery Turner Stillhouse has released its inaugural Rosevears Tasmanian Three Grain Whiskey. Made with 100 percent Tasmanian corn, rye and barley and matured in large-format charred and toasted new oak, the release is an American-style straight whiskey, meaning it meets the production requirements of traditional American bourbon. The new release is limited to 500 bottles. turnerstillhouse.com

SAUNA WITH A VIEW

Cooinda on the Beach is an exquisite three-bedroom, two-bathroom holiday rental just metres from the shores of Waubs Bay in Bicheno. The self-contained luxury stay features panoramic views, an entertaining deck with direct beach access and a firepit, and a traditional European Vikara sauna. Sleeping up to six guests, the property has everything you need to keep a crowd happy –from the freestanding fireplace and lounge area to a fully equipped kitchen and a dedicated office space. cooindaonthebeach.com.au

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hobart

Enjoy plenty of shady, grassy spots and pagodas. Plus, a new restaurant, kiosk and wine-tasting room are due to open in late 2025.

Dru Point Reserve, Margate

This spot features a fenced playground (including a kidsized bike and scooter area) and dog park, plus undercover picnic tables and barbecues.

Woolmers Estate, Longford

Take a self-guided tour of the gardens and convict-era buildings before picnicking on the lawns at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“So harmonious

and complete... Just superb.”

from Hobart, Kingston is the gateway

Kingston

EAT

The newly refurbished Salty Dog Hotel commands a prime beachfront position. A beer garden out the back has live music on Sundays and comedy events midweek. Beach vistas can be enjoyed from casual seating out front. Find comfort food like a panko-crumbed chicken parmi, or the popular wild abalone with ginger and oyster glaze. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week.

SEE

Originally known as Brown’s River, the district was renamed Kingston in 1851. Kingston Beach is a safe swimming beach and is dog friendly at the northern end. The Alum Cliffs Track, a 6km return trail, starts from the northern end of Kingston Beach, along the top of the bluffs above Hinsby Beach to Tyndall Beach. Find local craft, art and produce at the Kingston Beach Handmade Market held inside the Kingston Community Hall on the second Sunday of each month.

DRINK

In the shopping precinct is Maxie Coffee serving its popular house blend Collider by Single O from Sydney, with a rotating range of single-origin coffees and a tempting selection of cakes, slices and sweets.

SHOP

For retail therapy step into Boho at the Beach. Selling providore items, clothing, accessories and homewares – retro and bohemian in style. Find a table in the back garden cafe or indoors by the cosy fire, and enjoy good food in a relaxed atmosphere.

STAY

Nestled into a hill overlooking paddocks and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel are Hobart Hideaway Pods. There are two eco luxury pods for couples or solo travellers; the Pea Pod is wheelchair accessible.

You can drive to Kingston Beach in just under 15 minutes.

ESSENTIAL STOPS

• Robbie Brown’s

• Lifeline at Kingston Beach

• Gigglemug’s Antarctic Cafe

• Kingston Park adventure playground (for the kids)

• Kingston Beach (patrolled by Kingston Beach SLSC during summer)

• Panko Chan Japanese restaurant

KINGSTON

From top Hobart Hideaway Pods; Maxie Coffee; Kingston Beach

“Dining

regionally means you are eating the produce of that region, kilometres if not metres from where it’s grown.”

beyond the

city flavour

This is regional dining, the Tassie way: thoughtful, rooted in community and full of flavour. Riley Wilson rounds up some of the best spots worth a visit.

Regional dining in Tasmania is about so much more than what’s on your plate. It’s a deeply felt, consciously devised connection between the land and the people who grow, raise, catch and create the produce that makes our island state so exceptional.

“Dining regionally means you are eating the produce of that region, kilometres if not metres from where it’s grown,” says The Agrarian Kitchen co-founder Rodney Dunn. “There’s a very special connection to community with chefs working closely with farmers, fishermen and other small producers.”

At Rodney’s famed restaurant in New Norfolk, visitors can dive into a full day of experiences: gardening classes, walks through the kitchen garden, a relaxed courtyard snack at the Kiosk, and a fine-dining lunch that could feature locally grown kohlrabi, smoked beef sausage and alpine cheeses.

Regional dining experiences can be found all over Tasmania, from The Fishers at Devil’s Corner winery, to the often-on-hiatus Guide Falls Farm’s Grazings Restaurant outside Burnie, and The Waterloo Inn in Swansea. Offering more than just a meal, these eateries immerse diners in the heart of the community, where local flavours shine.

Local flavours on the road

For four years, chef Timothy Hardy and wife Laura Ducken welcomed diners to their intimate 16-seater restaurant, Van Bone, in Bream Creek, 45 minutes outside of Hobart. The unique culinary experience focused on locality, provenance and sustainability.

Dishes like blacklip abalone skewered with saltbush, line-caught trevally and grilled pork jowl reflected the seasonal produce on offer and the pair’s deep relationships with local suppliers.

“We knew all of our suppliers,” says Timothy. “We visited their farms, vineyards and cellars; we could tell their story through ours, which made our offering unique. Nothing came from out of state, so it was a very Tasmanian experience. Sense of place was everything and I think that’s why Van Bone resonated with so many people across the nation and world.”

In late 2024, the couple decided to move out of state and passed the baton to new Scottish-born owners Bob Piechniczek and Jillian McInnes, who opened Oirthir in Van Bone’s place in February 2025.

Whole-of-animal dishes and artful interpretations of game, seafood and vegetables are served with a new Scottish twist, alongside the same captivating views over Marion Bay.

“The location, the venue, the vistas and the gems of local producers in the region attracted us to the former Van Bone site,” says Bob. “We came to Tasmania on our honeymoon and fell in love with it. We were ready for a shake-up in our lives and needed a change in scenery and direction. From that point, Tasmania was always going to be our end goal.”

Supporting local and seasonal dining

Many regional restaurants face challenges in staying open during Tasmania’s quieter seasons. However, locals can make a real difference. “Supporting regional eateries is all about getting out and visiting

5 TIPS FOR

REGIONAL DINING IN TASSIE

Want to get the most out of your regional dining adventure? Here’s how:

Plan ahead

Not all eateries are open year-round. Phone first before making the drive, but also allow time for discovery and adventure along the route.

Talk to the chefs

Ask about the ingredients they use and where they come from. It’s the best way to connect with the food and the region.

Try a tasting menu

Sample a variety of local produce and let the chef take you on a regional culinary journey.

Be adventurous

Explore beyond the usual. Try native ingredients such as bush tomatoes, native pepperberries, only-inTasmania seafood and wild mushrooms. These unique flavours make Tasmania’s food scene so special.

Eat like a local

Ask around for local dining recommendations and seasonal favourites. Locals know where to find the hidden gems and new faves.

Clockwise from top left Small-group feasts at The Truffledore; Oirthir’s Bob Piechniczek and Jillian McInnes; Timbre at Vélo Wines in the Tamar Valley; The Agrarian Kitchen.

them and encouraging friends to do the same,” says Rodney. “Exploring regional eateries is about enjoying the drive, allowing enough time to stop often and enjoy the gems you find along the way.”

If you’re planning a trip, research and book ahead to avoid disappointment. In off-peak seasons, some venues may reduce hours or close temporarily; reaching out to operators can help ensure that you get the most out of your regional dining experience.

Agritourism Tasmania’s Allison Clark says the support of locals is invaluable, especially to help build regional confidence and attract wider audiences. Even just reaching out and asking about options can ensure you get the most out of your regional dining experience. Her advice? Get personal.

“Talk [to them] about the journey you’re looking to make. For some operators, depending on how many of you there are, they can choose to open for a small event, or they could direct you to another operator in the region that they’re looking to support,” she says. “Even the simple act of contacting them gives them the courage and confidence to continue doing what they’re doing.”

Grow, you good thing

Tasmania’s distinct seasons and diverse climates create a perfect environment for all kinds of growers, providores and producers to flourish. If you want to dig a little deeper than lunch or dinner, there are plenty of one-off events, immersive activities and zero-food-miles dining experiences that cater to cuisine-focused travellers.

Meatsmith and pork-centric Fork It Farm in Lebrina offers paddock picnics and seasonal long lunches; Spreyton Cider Co in Aberdeen serves lunch alongside freshly tapped cider; and in Hobart, foraging expert Mic Giuliani from Sirocco South leads day-long tours followed by six-course lunches made from the collected wild ingredients. Some operators focus on keeping their menus simple and streamlined. That’s the approach at Harvest and Light picklery in Geeveston, where you can enjoy house-made pickles and preserves on cheeseboards or take jars to go, while at The Truffledore in Lower Barrington, small-group feasts, high teas and truffle hunts put the fungi front and centre. At the 70-year-old Blue Hills Honey in Mawbanna, The Colony Café dishes up honeybaked brie and honey-sriracha-coated chicken wings featuring its signature leatherwood syrup, while the walk-in-only Lobster Shack in Bicheno is known for freshly caught southern rock lobsters and generous seafood platters.

Wine pairing for the win

Many of Tasmania’s stellar wineries also feature eateries that complement the produce they grow.

Timbre at Vélo Wines in the Tamar Valley is a standout, with what Rodney calls a “chef’s love letter to the food of the region”. Home Hill Winery Restaurant, perched in the heart of the Huon at the winery of the same name, and the cellar door at Caledon Estate, in Richmond, both offer the perfect pairing of wines and seasonal dishes.

At Ghost Rock Wines, in Northdown near Devonport, long lunches run from Wednesday to Sunday, with diners feasting on seasonal plates of oysters from Smithton, grilled Stanley octopus, wild deer loin and bowls of leaves from York Town. The 27ha property is also a stop (and founding member) of the self-drive Tasting Trail, which encompasses more than 40 producers across the state’s northwest region.

Blessed with the best

Tasmania’s exceptional produce is second to none, and local eateries know how to showcase it. As Alicia Peardon, co-owner of Ghost Rock Wines, puts it: “We are blessed with amazing, exceptionally goodquality produce. When something is out of season, there’s always something else. There never seems to be a gap in the market.”

“Supporting regional eateries is all about getting out and visiting them and encouraging friends to do the same.”

Clockwise from top left Vineyard House at Ghost Rock Wines; Spreyton Cider Co; lunching at Ghost Rock Wines; Blue Hills Honey.

roses and snip the stop

If there’s one thing better than a big bunch of beautiful blooms in your home in spring, it’s the experience of spending time on a stunning flower farm picking the arrangement yourself. Sarah Aitken meets the talented artists behind Tasmania’s first pick-your-own flower farm.

Photos:

“You’re playing with colour and form and composition and all of those traditional art principles. But also, building a landscape or a farm, to me, is like a beautiful art form.”

Emma Horswill didn’t intend to run a flower farm.

Having bought and moved to a new property in Lower Snug 21 years ago, Emma and her husband Greg set about making it their own. As she researched which trees to plant on the blank canvas of the farm, Emma found herself being pulled in a completely different and unexpected direction.

“I didn’t start with loving flowers. I started with loving trees,” says Emma, owner of Earthenry flower farm. “It was like, get the trees in first, because they take the longest to grow. So I researched all about trees and just fell in love with every aspect of them. And then I just transferred into different perennial mix borders and shrubs and then it filtered all the way down to annual flowers.”

After leaving her job at the ABC and having two kids, Emma was looking for something new career-wise. She enrolled in a fine arts degree and a horticulture certificate, which formed the perfect education for what came next.

“Flowers were just a combination of the two,” she explains. “It’s like, ‘How can I have an art practice but also continue this love of growing things?’ And I really wanted to work from home.”

It turns out growing, picking and arranging flowers is absolutely a form of art.

“You’re playing with colour and form and composition and all of those traditional art principles. But also, building a landscape or a farm, to me, is like a beautiful art form.”

Don’t fret if you want to pick flowers but don’t consider yourself an artist – Emma says the beauty of flower arranging is that you can’t really get it wrong.

“The flowers are inherently beautiful, individually,” she says. “It’s almost like it’s all packaged up for you – the beauty is just there. When you combine them together, it’s still beautiful, even if you don’t have any arranging skills at all. So it’s a nice gateway into learning creativity and realising creativity that maybe you thought you didn’t have.”

Earthenry started hosting guests in 2019, and despite the disruption of COVID shutdowns in its second year, the flower farm has continued to blossom. Its spring sales are especially popular. Last year, there was a line of 1000 people waiting their turn to check out the seeds, punnets, tubers, cuttings and more.

The farm offers more than 100 types of flowers and on top of the pick-your-own events it hosts private parties, hens’ days and specialist workshops like perfume making (using flowers from the farm), ceramics (where you can make a vase and pick flowers for it), dried-flower arranging and kids’ events plus a whole lot more. Those who just want to pick flowers are free to roam the farm and choose whatever they’re drawn to.

“It’s that screen-free, in-nature, creative experience where you have free choice,” she says. “You’re not being directed to ‘you can only pick this many’ or ‘you can only pick from this row’, or ‘you can only pick zinnias, because that’s all we grow’. Being a creative person myself, I didn’t want to limit anyone.”

Clockwise from bottom left Earthenry staff members Jade Primrose and Ella Noonan; the farm in full bloom; Emma Horswill.

When Emma started Earthenry, she had to look to the USA to find business models that were anything like what she was envisaging. Now there are other flower farms in Tasmania and on the mainland, but they’re all a little different.

You can pick your own sunflowers at various farms across the state including Mount Gnomon Farm and Coal River Farm, and wander amongst the tulips (and buy bulbs, but not pick your own) at Table Cape Tulip Farm. At Bridestowe Estate, you can take photos between rows of lavender, or you can pick an arrangement of flowers at Tamar Valley Flower Patch near Launceston. Come spring, there will be riots of colour across the state.

Two years ago Earthenry installed a new peony field, and Emma hopes it will yield plenty of flowers this season. Among the other spring flowers she’s eagerly anticipating are ranunculus, anemones, Iceland poppies, delphiniums, lupins and Dutch irises. But the greatest joy for Emma will always be watching the faces of guests who delight in picking the flowers.

“Every single time we host an event, we have such positive feedback, and people leave with huge smiles, and they’re just so happy – you can feel it,” she says. “That’s really powerful. And it’s just so rewarding for us to see it.”

Earthenry’s farm is open for visitors from October through to April. For more info, visit earthenry.com.au

Photos: supplied

EARTHENRY STAFF SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE FLOWERS

Emma Horswill Owner

“The dahlia is the main workhorse on our farm. It’s a very generous, hardworking and multi-flowering plant. It has so many forms and so many colours. I love to breed them as well and try to create new beautiful flowers to offer.”

Ella Noonan Field and floral design

“The didiscus is the one I go to when I’m doing any arrangement. It’s a beautiful little lace flower. It comes in purple and pink, and it’s got the most beautiful shapes to put with anything. It’s the one I always grab.”

Jade Primrose Nursery and propagation

“Sunflowers are just so cheerful, and people are so happy when they pick a sunflower. You just can’t be unhappy with a sunflower in your hand!”

Kim Nielsen Seed and nursery

“Peonies because of their large, ruffled blooms and beautiful colours. Also, their seed pods are so big and unique looking.”

Discover more Journeys online community

Dive into even more stories and inspiration online. Whether you’re planning your next getaway, curious about Tasmania’s food scene or looking for ways to explore the island in every season, we’ve got fresh content waiting for

The journey of teaching a learner driver From confidence to country roads, our focus groups dig deep into the driving experience.

In a series of recent focus groups across Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Wynyard and Deloraine, our Youth Road Safety Project team spoke with over 60 Tasmanians who’ve supported a learner driver.

From parents and grandparents to volunteers and instructors, each person shared their unique experiences: what worked, what didn’t and where extra support could have helped.

Many also reflected on how the process strengthened their relationships, built trust and boosted the learner’s confidence both behind the wheel and in everyday life.

Some key themes emerged:

• No one-size-fits-all approach: Mentors adapt based on the learner’s personality and confidence.

• Urban vs regional challenges: Road conditions may differ, but the goal remains the same: building lifelong safe driving habits.

• Instructor insights: Our own driver trainers shared practical tips that will help shape future support tools. We’re now working closely with parents and young people to design and build useful support tools to help them on the learner journey, making it easier for every mentor to feel confident and supported in their role.

the latest .

Shorts Day 2025: the conversation continues

Thousands wore shorts on 20 June, but the impact goes far beyond the day.

This year’s Shorts Day theme –Why does mental health matter to you? – sparked powerful conversations across Tasmania. At RACT, our teams embraced the day with morning teas, quiet chats and shared stories from Hobart to Launceston.

More than 300 RACT team members took part, showing that it’s not about the outfit but what it stands for: connection, understanding and support.

We’re proud to support SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY and proud of our people for showing up for one another. The conversations won’t stop here.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

RACT teams across Tassie are getting moving – and feeling better for it.

From Queenstown to Nubeena, we’re taking road safety education statewide.

Keeping Tasmanians safe on the road starts with education. That’s why our Community Engagement & Events team has clocked up nearly 12,000 kilometres delivering free road safety programs across the state in the past year alone.

Learn more or sign up for next year’s Shorts Day at shortsday.com.au

ellbeing doesn’t have to mean gym memberships or expensive apps. Sometimes it’s as simple as going for a walk. Inspired by staff feedback, we recently launched a new initiative encouraging team members to join local Parkruns – free, community-led 5km events held on Saturday mornings across Australia. On 31 May, RACT staff walked, jogged and cheered each other on at Parkruns in Bellerive, Burnie, Kingston, Queens Domain and Risdon Brook. RACT visors helped everyone spot a friendly face.

For many, it’s become a weekly ritual. “It was lovely to see so many people out early on a cold winter’s morning, all keen to do their best,” says RACT’s Derek Johnson. “There was great support and a strong sense of community.”

We’ve already covered 75km –and counting.

Whether it’s about connection, fitness or just fresh air, we’re proud to support healthy habits that go beyond the workplace.

The crew. The cast. The thermal pants. Making our latest fuel rewards ad was certainly a night to remember.

On a chilly Tuesday night in Sandy Bay, a hardy crew of locals gathered at Ampol to film our latest fuel rewards commercial. From 7pm to 5am, with temps dipping to 7°C, our team brought the concept to life with laughs, lollies and 12 pairs of thermal pants.

Director Andy Scott summed it up: “With a tight schedule and a tighterknit crew, the RACT shoot couldn’t have gone smoother. By 5am we were spent, but it was one for the memory books.”

The ad is now live across Tassie – and yes, the jingle might still be stuck in our heads. Watch the full ad and learn more about our fuel discounts at ract.com.au/fuel-discounts

We’ve visited 79 postcodes and delivered 234 sessions to almost 5,000 Tasmanians. From primary students learning about pedestrian safety to older drivers getting tips to extend their driving years, our programs are tailored to different age groups and life stages.

We’ve also added a new offering for college students, expanded our seniors’ program and updated our school resources to keep things current and practical.

Whether in Hobart or Smithton, the goal is the same: helping Tasmanians travel smarter and safer.

TEACHING YOUNG DRIVERS NEEDS MORE SUPPORT

Mel Percival, RACT GM Advocacy and Government Relations, highlights the struggles parents and mentors face and the urgent need for better resources to ensure safer young drivers.

“Other than raising a decent human, the two things you’ve got to teach them is how to swim and how to drive safely, because they‘re going to be biggest life-changing events.”

So said a parent who was teaching their child to drive. There was plenty more wisdom like this that we heard from parents, grandparents, mentors and driving instructors in the passenger seat, while the young person they were teaching was in the driver’s seat.

As part of the Youth Road Safety Project, we have been asking driving supervisors (parents, guardians and mentors) in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie, Wynyard and Deloraine, with stops at RACT branches in between, about their experience of teaching young people to drive. What our community has told us has been eye-opening, inspiring and provided some great input to the project.

There’s a big difference between teaching your child to swim and teaching them to drive. One tends to be more

stressful, challenging and demanding than the other. You can guess which one our mentors were referring to!

These workshops had a simple goal: to listen. We heard from more than 60 people who have stepped into this important role. Research shows that one of the biggest influences on how safe new young drivers are is the quality of teaching they get when they are learning. No pressure, driver supervisors!

Everyone agreed safety was important, but it wasn’t always consistently taught. Some supervisors sought more knowledge around new road rules, planning and staging the learning journey, or on how to teach practical skills to navigate Tasmania’s unique road hazards.

The main message from driver supervisors was clear: they needed more support. Participants said driver supervisors needed clearer guidance and would benefit from training on how to best teach young people, as well as simple co-designed resources that reflect the realities of modern driving.

Hearing directly from Tasmanians is one of the foundations to the Youth Road Safety Project. In this case we heard that improving mentor support and resources could improve road safety for all road users, not least new young drivers. It could also transform a stressful experience into one that’s more fulfilling for the driver supervisor and the young person, building stronger connections. We’ll be working closely with young people themselves, as well as parents, experts, volunteers and professional instructors to build support tools that meet the needs of our community. Working with our members and community on ways to solve this difficult problem is inspiring. This work is important and urgent. Tasmania‘s road toll has nearly doubled compared to this time last year, and young Tasmanians are tragically overrepresented in the statistics.

Road safety needs a human touch

Partnerships and real-life stories are crucial in making road safety messages resonate, writes Scott Tilyard, Chair of the Road Safety Advisory Council.

In today’s fragmented media landscape and diverse community, it’s increasingly challenging for a single road safety message to reach everyone effectively. To ensure our messages are seen, heard and most importantly remembered, it’s important to take a strategic and collaborative approach.

While digital platforms, particularly social media, are crucial for reaching younger audiences, partnerships and sponsorships remain vital. They help us connect through trusted voices and familiar settings, whether at community events or across digital channels.

One of our key partnerships is with the Hawthorn Football Club, primarily through our sponsorship of the Tassie Hawks Cup, a junior football competition that provides an excellent opportunity to engage young Tasmanians and introduce important road safety conversations early on.

The first responders featured in these videos are the people you hope will be there if you’re ever involved in a crash. They’re the people who can save your life in those crucial minutes or hours that follow. In these videos, they speak candidly about what it’s like to deal with the immediate aftermath of a crash, both emotionally and physically, and the toll it takes on everyone involved, including them. I encourage you to watch these videos.

A local police inspector describes the emotional weight of delivering the worst news imaginable. “Delivering the news is probably the hardest job. You’re having to talk to these people who quite often have no idea what you’re about to tell them, and they’re about to be given the most devastating news that they’ll ever receive.”

Inside the hospital, trauma specialists describe confronting scenes, people of all ages and backgrounds arriving with injuries from road trauma that change lives in an instant.

We hear about the behind-thescenes coordination: trauma calls from paramedics, switchboard alerts, emergency teams mobilising and resources being juggled in cases with multiple patients.

Beyond the Tassie Hawks Cup, this partnership also brings additional benefits. The club produces road safety videos featuring their players, which are widely promoted across digital channels and at matches. The last Tasmanian Hawthorn match of the year in July was designated a Road Safety Awareness game.

Earlier in the year we facilitated a powerful session with Hawthorn vicecaptain Dylan Moore and local first responders from the Launceston General Hospital and Tasmania Police, offering a firsthand insight into the reality of road trauma. It’s the kind of perspective that most people rarely see. These perspectives help move the message beyond statistics, making road safety real and relatable.

“Being put back together doesn’t always mean pressing an undo button,” one surgeon said.

“Sometimes there are lifelong consequences of that injury and that might mean early arthritis in that joint or it might mean being paralysed.”

I urge you to take the time to watch these videos. Discuss them with your family and friends. And if you have kids learning to drive, watch them together. Sometimes it’s the honest, human stories that stay with us and might just make all the difference in influencing the way you drive.

Watch the videos and share with your loved ones: rsac.tas.gov.au/partnerships

Changing gears

State growth

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Non-Invasive

& Clean Cost Effective

13 Very complicated or detailed (9)

14 An expression of unwillingness to accept (7)

16 Precipitation (4)

19 Capital letters (abbr.) (4)

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24 Give intense pleasure or joy to (9)

25 Motor vehicle accident (colloq.) (5)

26 Small boat with an aluminium hull (colloq.) (5)

27 Unspecified very large number or quantity (colloq.) (9)

28 Subarctic Eurasian mammal with antlers (8) 29 Consumable

1 Giant form of tropical grass (6)

27 Emulation (9)

28 Under pressure (8)

9 Cheerful and friendly (6)

29 Protective covering (6)

Down

1 In what year did Port Arthur close as a prison?

2 What does the PIN acronym stand for?

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5 What was the year of the Tasman Bridge disaster?

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6 Which herb has types called curled and Italian plain-leaf?

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18 Tight-fitting stretch trousers, typically worn by women (8)

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10 Which island is accessible only by ferry and is a popular day trip from Hobart?

20 Settle or move into a warm, comfortable position (7)

Want to find out how you did? Find the answers online at ract.com.au/puzzles JOURNEYS WINTER 2025 CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS

21 Pluck, grasp, or pull with or as if with tweezers (6)

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP // Janelle Baker snapped two pics of the sunrise from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island (we couldn’t decide which we liked more); Konrad Linde saw stars when capturing the Tasman Bridge lit up at night in all its glory; the Mt Paris Dam Branxholm, photographed by Valmai Trotter.

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• Eight nights in premium accommodation

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Burnie

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Launceston | Rosny | Ulverstone | Cruise Travel Centre Hobart

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NORWAY

Bergen Oslo

FINLAND

Helsinki

Burnie | Devonport | Hobart

Launceston

Rosny

Ulverstone | Cruise Travel Centre Hobart

Highlights & Inclusions

• 3 nights aboard the Indian Pacific, travelling from Sydney to Perth

• All-inclusive meals, fine wines, and beverages throughout your journey

• Off Train Experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide or its surrounds, Cook and Rawlinna

• 5 night Margaret River & Rottnest Island intimate small group tour with Outback Spirit, travelling onboard a state-of-the-art 4WD Mercedes-Benz vehicle, including accommodation, meals and guided touring

• Visit the longest Jetty in Australia in Busselton and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fremantle

• Experience lunch, fine wines, art & music at Leeuwin Estate winery

• Explore Rottnest Island and learn about its history, nature & wildlife