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Category: My Tasmanian Backyard

My Tasmanian Backyard: The Devonport Bluff

IT’S about time I introduced you to my own backyard – as in Devonport in Tasmania’s North West not the jungle out the kitchen window. There are so many places I could take you (sorry, but the Warehouse Niteclub is not on the list). However, I thought I’d steer you in the direction of a favourite haunt that is family friendly, has had a major facelift (could go for one of those myself) and also happens to be free.

For those who haven’t been to The Bluff in Devonport for, say, six months, you may be a little shocked. It now looks like this:

If only they could do that for me. The redevelopment means better playground equipment, under shade cloth and for a more varied age range,

quality barbecue facilities,

Drift Burger Bar,

modern toilet facilities and the skate park. Sorry, the kids looked too scary to go and photograph them.

The Bluff is now more than just a playground, picnic spot and sheltered beach area. The real highlight thought is seeing the superb architecture of the building that houses the surf club, toilets and showers and Drift Burger Bar. In the near future, upstairs will also be home to the North West Coast’s most popular restaurant, Wild Restaurant. The hubby and I are excited about that one and can’t wait to see the views from up there.

At the moment, you can dine at Drift. It’s in a beautifully sheltered spot, with indoor cafe-style seating or alfresco dining.

You can even just pull up a piece of grass (sorry, sound like an old man writing that).

The menu was highly tempting and having to decide on just one burger was quite difficult. To think there are so many burger options. Although I must admit my satay chicken burger was a tad oily.

I think regardless, this will become an extremely popular spot come summer because of its relaxed atmosphere. In the past we’ve always done picnics before going for our bike rides, but we may spoil ourselves occasionally during the January break.

During the week, we also went for a walk up to the lighthouse, which is actually quite an easy walk – unless you’re sporting a walking cane.

Ella’s favourite spot is the soundshell area, where we are regularly treated to a concert of the Wiggles, Hi-5 and PlaySchool songs. The soundshell also comes alive for carols each December. We plan on taking Ella for the first time this year and just pray she doesn’t head for the stage to bust a move.

This Friday is Devonport Agricultural Show day, so there’ll be a public holiday here. Chances are The Bluff is going to be rather busy.

What is your favourite place for picnics?

Learn more about the My Tasmanian Backyard series.

November 22, 2011
My Tasmanian Backyard: Princess Theatre Launceston

TODAY I was hoping I’d be posting about what I was going to wear when I met Princess Mary next week. Instead, you get to hear about another Tasmanian princess – the Princess Theatre at Launceston in the State’s north – as part of the My Tasmanian Backyard series. Yesterday The Bloke in The Shed received an invite (plus one – aka me) to lunch with Prime Minister Julia Gillard (yeah, whatever) and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (woohoo!).

Except he declined. What? I know. It seems getting from Tasmania to Canberra and back in the hours the girls are in childcare is just a bit beyond Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar.. Why did I have children again?

So while I’ve just forgone an entire week’s worth of princess posts, here’s a post about a more child friendly princess that will still tickle your fancy. And might I add that she turned 100 this year. She’s looking mighty fine for an old duck.

Is that a cheesy grin, or what?

On Sunday she hosted fairies. Now you wouldn’t get that in Canberra. Actually, maybe you would. The fairies in question happened to be THE Fairies – Harmony, Rhapsody, Fairy Minuet, Barnaby, Elf and Wizzy.

Oh, and Santa. Anyone would think the big guy in red was part of The Beatles, considering the reception he received.

The old theatre is exactly what you’d expect to see in most cities – old grand buildings with exquisite detail,

Looks much more impressive in “real life''.

elaborate seating, beautiful lights

and red velvet curtains. The Princess Theatre, under the Theatre North umbrella, has featured some of my favourite concerts while an entertainment journalist. We usually got treated to far better seating than we did on Sunday too.

See the dots on the stage? To be honest, despite being as far back as was possible (because someone booked the tickets too late), our vantage point was still impressive. This wasn’t our first concert at the theatre this year either, having also watched The Wiggles. You’ve got to love a man in a skivvy.

And a dinosaur in pink.

Conclusion: Entertainment buffs will enjoy the variety the theatre offers, with everything from children’s entertainment, theatrical performances, concerts, comedy and school productions. There’s little fear of numb bum with comfy seating and the slope of the theatre making viewing easier – important for someone who’s shorter than a Melbourne jockey.

Highlights: Seeing Ella have the entire aisle to herself to bust a move. If only Rhapsody was close enough to see her triple twist, which led into a back flip and finished with the splits.

What does it cost: This depends on the show. See the site for the latest concerts and prices.

Attractions nearby: For The Wiggles, we arrived early and had a picnic at City Park – also known as the Monkey Park to locals. It has plenty of area for the kids to run around, Japanese Macaque monkey enclosure, a miniature train for children to ride on, duck pond, barbecues, play equipment, clean toilets and the John Hart Conservatory. It’s within walking distance to the theatre.

How to get there: 57 Brisbane St, Launceston.

View Larger Map

LEARN MORE: Visit the Theatre North website for shows and bookings or the Facebook page.

DISCLOSURE: Not necessary for this post.

What shows have you seen and enjoyed with your children this year? Do you have a favourite venue?

November 15, 2011
My Tasmanian Backyard: Launceston Aquatic Centre

WE SWAPPED the girls’ usual splashing and bubble blowing (usually from both ends) at a nearby private pool for the state-of-the-art Launceston Aquatic Centre on Sunday. We’ve experienced just about every pool in Tasmania and this one is by far our favourite. And so it should be, being Tasmania’s newest public swimming pool and costing a tidy penny.

Before you start making jokes about Tasmanians and swimming, the majority of the centre’s pools are indoors. Although, some silly fools were swimming in the outdoor area on this particular day and, I can tell you, it was freezing.

What appeals to us about this one is that during summer it’s perfect to roam between the indoor and outdoor sections and in winter, you can still enjoy a dip with the indoor area being well heated. In fact, I was literally sweating in my cardi on Sunday.

There’s plenty of choice for pools, from the indoor and outdoor beach entry leisure pools

to the indoor 50m competition pool and outdoor 25m lap pool with diving boards. Li’l Holly was just happy with in the baby pool.

Ella was more interested in the interactive water play area, which has slides and a large bucket that dumps water over the entire area every minute or so. Although, she timed her trips down the slide to the second so she wouldn’t get dumped on.

Even Holly went for a few rides with The Bloke in The Shed.

As the girls get older, it will be nice to transition to the 65m waterslide. Although, I might add, you’ll never catch me on it.

The aquarium also has a program pool and spa, multi-purpose rooms, barbecues, swim shop, classes and change areas that are clean, tidy and very spacious.

Not to mention The Cube Cafe, with our lunch quickly demolished. Eyes off my sandwiches, Ella.

Conclusion: If you’re looking for a quality swimming facility that caters for all ages and abilities, it’s hard to go past the Launceston Aquatic Centre. It’s easy to keep an eye on children in the main area from most vantage points. The view over Launceston is pretty spectacular too. The only real negative – and something that needs to be addressed – is the parking. While there is ample paid parking, the metre only runs for 90 minutes. This can be a little frustrating if you’re alone with children.

Highlight: Seeing Li’l Holly so confident in the water, thanks so the 0.35m baby pool. Although, she gained so much confidence she started crawling in it, got into the deep end and went under for a few seconds. She then came up and laughed. Oh, and seeing this image on the way home.

What does it cost: It’s $5.90 for adults, children 6-15 are $4.50, children 2-5 are $1.90 and children under 2 are free. Non swimmers are $2.20 and a family is $17.50. For other fees and charges, see the website.

How to get there: York St, Launceston.

View Larger Map

Learn more: Visit www.launcestonaquatic.com.au to learn more and make sure you join them on Facebook.

DISCLOSURE: Not necessary for this post.

See more from the My Tasmanian Backyard series. This was also a part of our mission to lead a healthier life, as I tackle The Soup and the Heart Foundation‘s Mum’s United project.

Do you swim with your children? Do you visit a private or public pool?

November 1, 2011
My Tasmanian Backyard: Wing’s Wildlife Park review

THE first in the My Tasmanian Backyard series has to be a local haunt, which is why we’ve chosen Wing’s Wildlife Park at Gunns Plains in the state’s North West. With an animal-obsessed preschooler and bub who is mastering the lion’s roar, bear’s growl and cow’s moo, a park that displays the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife is a huge attraction.

Wing’s boasts everything from American bison to camels, wombats, quolls, albino rainbow trout and a family of monkeys.

Oh, and Tasmanian Devils, of course.

Ah, wrong Tasmanian Devil.

And a goat.

But not all of the animals were to Princess Ella’s liking, when a roaming rooster started chasing her after she decided to “feed the birds’’.

The experience didn’t quite live up to the Mary Poppins moment.

Then there was the turkey, which could obviously smell that we’d just devoured one of its mates for lunch. Not a happy camper.

Speaking of which, the serene park has clean self-contained cabins (with ensuites), backpacker units, camping along the Leven River and well maintained powered sites. There’s even a Swap’n’Go gas bottle exchange and a café and souvenir shop. The family business, which has three generations working together, also encourages a spot of fishing in the river, barbecues, bird watching and bush walking.

The hundreds of animals in the indoor and outdoor exhibits are too many to mention, but are listed on the site.

Conclusion: This family-friendly tourist attraction is ideal for those wanting to escape the rat race and connect with nature and all its beauty. With its stunning scenery and visitors able to be in such close proximity to some unique and familiar wildlife, the park is ideal for everyone from small children learning to associate animal noises with the real thing to “big kids’’ with an interest in the rehabilitation and care of injured and orphaned wildlife. It’s a great opportunity for children to learn about the importance of looking after our fauna and flora. The only challenges may be the steep hill to access the monkeys and a degree of walking to view the larger animals.

Highlight: Earlier this year the girls witnessed a kangaroo with a joey in her pouch. Ella, quite loudly, informed everyone how: “it’s got a baby hanging out of its bum, hasn’t it Mum?’’. Ah, not quite, darling.

What does it cost: Accommodation options range from $5 to $120 a night. Admission to the wildlife park is $18 adult; $9 children (3-14) and under 3 years free. Farm-only admission (large animals and picnic grounds only) $6 adults; $5 children (3-14) and under 3 years free.

Photo credit.

Attractions nearby: Along with general country life with cattle, potato and poppy crops, there is the Gunns Plains Cave in the Gunns Plains State Reserve and the Leven Canyon (offers a spectacular view and is free).

How to get there: 137 Winduss Rd, Gunns Plains. From Devonport, head west to Ulverstone, turning off the highway at the second bridge and then left onto Gawler Rd. Continue until you reach Gunns Plains Rd, turn right and head down the bottom of the hill. Turn right onto the South Riana Rd and soon after turn right into Winduss Rd.

View Larger Map
LEARN MORE: Visit www.wingswildlifepark.com.au or join them on Facebook.

DISCLOSURE: Not necessary for this post.

October 25, 2011
Launching My Tasmanian Backyard series
I KNOW that it’s about time I started promoting Tasmania a little more and what to do with your kids while in this beautiful state. Sure, we have big things – the Big Penguin at… Penguin, the Big Apple at Spreyton, the Big Coffee Pot at Deloraine, the Big Platypus at Latrobe, the Big Spud at Sassafras (more interesting than it sounds) and the Big Tasmanian Devil at Mole Creek (well, we are Tasmanian). There are, however, no Big Two-Headed People. Sorry to disappoint you.

However, there’s much more to this State. I’ve had an idea for about six months to do a tourism-related series targeted at families with small children. So, I finally decided I’d do something about it this week. I know I want to:
- Provide more review-based information for families looking for things to do and places to stay with their kids, written by a fellow mum;
- Give Tasmanian parents some inspiration on what to do with their children each week;
- Create a place for tourists to find family-orientated activities, accommodation, events and attractions when they’re planning their trip;
- Introduce those unfamiliar with this beautiful State to what’s on offer (hopefully we may just lure you here for a holiday. Let me know when you arrive and we’ll have coffee. Your shout.);
- A reference of events for this time next year.
So with the trademark Three Li’l Princesses humour, we will each week show you a little of what we have in all corners of this State, but especially the North-West, West and North. There’s also a downloadable Tasmanian family focused events calendar in the pipeline.

If you have a specific question or place you want to know about, feel free to drop us a line in the comment section or contact us. Likewise if you have an event you’d like promoted in the calendar or an activity, accommodation place, event or attraction you would like considered for the series. The My Tasmanian Backyard page has been created where all the reviews and the calendar will be kept for easy access.

The first post will appear on Tuesday. If you’re like me and you won’t remember that, make sure you subscribe in the top right hand corner of the homepage or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

I know I love looking in other people’s backyards. What about you? Do you have a favourite place in Tasmania?

Linking up Shae from Yay for Home’s Things I Know.
October 21, 2011
RECIPE: Smoked salmon and tomato pasta
IN THE midst of trying to find what I was Thankful For so I could be part of Kate Says Stuff’s meme for the first time, I discovered this Smoked Salmon and Tomato Pasta recipe in the archives. I previously used it as a guest post for the lovely Dannie from A Dose of Dannie some months back. However, I can’t help but want to share it on my blog too, with just a little bit of a change.

There are a few reasons I’m thankful for this, my all-time favourite dish:
- It gives me a pick me up every time I eat it.
- It uses Tasmania’s finest export – salmon. This is why I love this State.
- As I said previously, it’s devoured by our three-year-old faster than bikini bottoms on Kirstie Alley. Who created the child with expensive taste?
So, without further ado, here’s the recipe. You’ll be thankful you follow the blog after this one. *wink wink*

Smoked Salmon and Tomato Pasta

INGREDIENTS:

100g sliced Tasmanian smoked salmon

1 Tablespoon mixed herbs

Juice from one lemon

Olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove

400g tinned diced tomatoes

Pepper

2 teaspoons sugar

375g angel hair spaghetti

METHOD:

Cut the salmon into strips and mix with herbs and lemon juice. Saute the garlic and onion in olive oil. Add tomatoes, sugar and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook pasta and drain. Mix pasta into the tomato sauce with half the smoked salmon. Garnish the top of the dish with the remaining salmon.

Note: Pre-kids we added a little chilli to give it some spice, but it works just as well without.

What dish are you thankful for? Which one gives you a pick me up?

Linking up with the lovely Kate Says Stuff’s Thankful Thursday. Click on the link to find out what others are thankful for this week.
August 18, 2011