Combine wine tasting with wildlife spotting

Tasmanian sparkling wine producer House of Arras has added a new experience to its cellar door offerings.

Visitors can now sample a sustainable new way to experience its Wildlife & Vineyard Safari on board a quiet, zero-emissions electric passenger golf cart.

The eco-friendly addition is promoted as allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the northern Tasmanian landscape along the banks of the Pipers River while accessing more of the estate with minimal environmental impact.

Following a guided tasting of some of Australia's most awarded sparkling wines, guests can embark on a two-hour journey through the vineyard, learning about sustainable viticulture and spotting native wildlife including resident platypus, wedge-tailed eagles and bandicoots.

Combining world-class sparkling wine with conservation, wildlife and scenery, the experience aims to offers a deeper connection to the landscape and terroir that define House of Arras.

The offering is part of House of Arras' membership of Ultimate Winery Experiences and costs from $175.

See https://houseofarras.com.au/

Launceston gets a direct air link with Canberra

Tasmania has gained another air link with the announcement of the first direct flights between Launceston and Canberra to be operated by Link Airways.

With flights scheduled for times a week throughout the year, the new service means travellers from the ACT and regional NSW can now fly direct to Northern Tasmania and UNESCO City of Gastronomy Launceston.

It makes it much easier to visit attractions including Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley wine region, as well as the iconic Cradle Mountain and Derby Mountain bike trails further afield, Tourism Tasmania announced.

The new service - which takes off from May 6 - will add 14,000 seats annually to Tasmania's air capacity and lands in time for Tasmania's Off Season tourism campaign.

Flights are on sale now from $339. Link already offers flights between Hobart and Canberra. 

Book via Link Airways at https://www.linkairways.com/ or a travel agent.

Link Airways has partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, the loyalty program of Virgin Australia.

Tasmania: take a walk on the mild side

Tasmania is home to some great adventure treks.

From the Overland Track to Three Capes Track, the Maria Island Walk, Bay of Fires, Bruny Island and the Walls of Jerusalem Natioaln Park, there are many multi-day walks to choose from.

Also think the Dove Lake Circuit at Cradle Mountain, Wineglass Bay in in the Freycinet National Park and Cape Hauy on the Tasman Peninsula.

For something a little bit different - and slightly less challenging - maybe seek out the new single day in the wild walks offered by Bakers Walking Company near Bakers Beach. They sound ideal for those who do not want to climb mountains or overnight in tents. 

The guided day walks explore a private 1,137-acre wilderness beside Narawntapu National Park that covers easy-to-moderate terrain through forest and open bushland. 

The experience combines a chance to enjoy Tasmanian nature and fresh air, local produce and small-group comfort.

Groups usually feature four to eight guests and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and connect with the environment, says admin and trek leader Joel Badcock. A fresh Tasmanian lunch and refreshments are included, served on the property.

The day walking track covers around 7km and dis located just 15 minutes from Port Sorell, 30 minutes from Devonport and 60 minutes from Launceston. Days walks run for approximately five hours and feature wildlife-watching opportunities. 

Each walk is led by a local guide specialising in flora, fauna and natural history so walkers can discover the region’s geology, ecosystems and cultural storylines.

They are billed as being suitable for guests aged 12 and over, with flexible cancellation up to two days before departure.

The property is a luxury bush estate - twice the size of Monaco - but with no chance of getting lost or stranded. 

Bakers also offers a range of multi-day experiences including accommodation with all meals, as part of public or private groups. There is access to a sauna, and outdoor baths.

If weather makes it unsafe or unpleasant to walk, there is the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

See https://bakerswalkingco.au/day-walks/

Enjoy Tasmania's best bubbles over one indulgent weekend

Tasmania continues to grow its reputation for world-class sparkling wines - and the Effervescence Tasmania festival is a chance to try many of them over one indulgent weekend. 

The sparkling wine festival in northern Tasmania returns from November 10-12 and is now in its ninth year. 

The three days of events offer guests an array of opportunities to connect with the people who grow and make these wines, often with views of the vineyards from which the grapes are sourced. 

“Regional events such as Effervescence Tasmania are so important in creating unforgettable experiences for visitors to our state," says Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania. 

"By weaving together some of our world-class sparkling wines and produce against a picturesque backdrop, Effervescence further enhances Tasmania's reputation as a premier food and wine destination, contributing to our state’s reputation as a must-visit for discerning travellers.” 

Jane Thomson OAM, the founder of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society and Australian Women in Wine, will be this year’s Gala Dinner keynote speaker.

“Tasmanian sparkling wines have long been a quiet favourite of those in the know," she says. "Led by some incredibly talented winemakers and the perfect cool-climate, the region confidently knocks at the door of the world’s best. E

"Effervescence is the perfect opportunity to shine a deserved spotlight and celebrate Tasmania’s sparkling success.” 

A second sparkling dinner, hosted by Wine Truth’s Loic Le Calvez, will be held at Timbre, north of Launceston, on the Friday night.

Highlights of the 2023 program include The Grand Tasting, a public tasting event at Josef Chromy Wines that will showcase over 50 wines from 15 of Tasmania’s best sparkling producers. 

Guests can also enjoy two educational wine masterclasses; Tasmanian Sparkling and International Sparkling, while Bubbles and Beats featuring DJ Damien Goundrie will round out the Saturday program.

The cellar doors of Jansz Tasmania, Clover Hill, Small Wonder and Josef Chromy Wines will host tours and masterclasses throughout the weekend.

Tickets for Effervescence Tasmania are on sale now at effervescencetasmania.com.

Wineries participating include Apogee Tasmania, Barringwood, Bellebonne, Brook Eden, Clover Hill Wines, Delamere Vineyard, Freycinet Vineyard, Henskens Rankin of Tasmania, Holm Oak, House of Arras, Jansz Tasmania, Josef Chromy Wines, Kreglinger Wine Estates, Pirie Tasmania, Small Wonder Wines and Spring Vale Wines.