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Tag: My Tasmanian Backyard

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #115: Spring is in the air

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #115: Spring is in the air

    It’s a short and sweet blog post this week. Here’s a photo of me and the girls at Anzac Park at Ulverstone, here in North West Tasmania. Spring is definitely in the air. Bring on tomorrow.

    Ulverstone Anzac Park Tasmania

    This park holds special memories for us, because it was where we played when we were kids. Our beloved rocket and spaceship climbing equipment are now locked up for safety reasons (I must take a photo of them next time), but the girls get a kick out of still being able to see what once entertained us.

    Oh, and before we get onto this week’s linky, a huge happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there. The Bloke in the Shed has plenty of treats in store tomorrow.

    Do you have a favourite park? What do your kids love most about it?

    Now, onto this week’s Aussie Giveaway Linkup…

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup instructions:

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:

    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately. If you need to delete it, hover over your link, wait until the red “x’’ appears and click.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and be run by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.


    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • When Cradle Mountain turns on the snow

    When Cradle Mountain turns on the snow

    For two winters now we’ve been promising Ella we’d take her to the snow. And for two winters, someone in the house always seems to get sick. Or it rains. Or someone pops out a baby.

    Finally, on the weekend, the rain stopped, the snow settled and no one was sick. So we headed for Cradle Mountain and all that glorious snow.

    Cradle Mountain snow 1
    You should have heard the squeals when they caught sight of it out the window.

    Ella asked me whether I was excited about seeing the snow. I wasn’t really.

    Mainly because as a kid I spent nearly every weekend during winter at our shack up the Great Lakes, in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. My most vivid memory was of mum having to get out, mid snow storm, and sit on one corner of the boot of the car because the wheel was spinning frantically. We weren’t going anywhere until it touched the ground again.

    Of course, as kids, we just wanted to get stuck in the snow so we didn’t have to go to school the next day.

    Cradle Mountain snow
    But, while I wasn’t excited about going to the snow, I was excited about seeing the girls experience it for the first time.

    Cradle Mountain snow 2
    There was a bit of snowball throwing.

    Cradle Mountain snow 3
    Ella tasted snow for the first time. And wasn’t impressed.

    Cradle Mountain snow 4
    Julian attempted a snowman – not his finest work.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 5
    And Holly tried to feed Molly Golly some snow.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 6
    When the wind got up, we knew it was time to go.

    Cradle Mountain Snow 7
    Holly had to have one last play in the snow before we went though. She hasn’t stopped talking about it since. While it’s always been Ella who wanted to see the snow, I think it was Holly who enjoyed it the most.

    Are your kids snow bunnies or are they yet to experience the white stuff?

  • My Tasmanian Backyard: Horizon Deluxe Apartments Stanley

    My Tasmanian Backyard: Horizon Deluxe Apartments Stanley

    We set off from home last Saturday – without our two motor mouths. “It just doesn’t feel right without them,’’ The Bloke in the Shed said as we hit the highway for Stanley, in Tasmania’s far North West. That’s what happens when you spend three looooong years without having a night away together. After the constant sickness in our household over the past two months, we were well and truly ready for a break though.

    We stayed at the Stanley Seaview Inn in June with the girls and got a chance to take in Highfield House, Stanley Seaquarium and climbing The Nut. This time, we were treated at the sublime Horizon Deluxe Apartments and didn’t go anywhere. Seriously why would you?

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley

    It’s hard to describe how incredible this place is.

    The view:

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley
    The accommodation

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley Tasmania

    That spa – in all its glorious forms
    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley
    While you may have acknowledged the spa needs to be full before turning on the jets, it doesn’t then pay to start playing around with the buttons (“ooh, look, it has a radio in the spa’’) and accidentally push the “jets’’ button, sending water flying throughout the entire apartment. He then had the cheek to ask if he could listen to the footy on the radio while we were soaking and sipping our champagne. Seriously!

    We ordered dinner from its sister restaurant The Nut View Restaurant, which was sublime. And then had another spa.

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment

    We slipped into the fluffy dressing gowns and watched Spud the movie (review to come) with surround sound and sunk into the gloriously comfy lounge. We’d brought our own movie, not realising there was a selection already there, along with CDs.
    In the morning, when everything was quiet, city slicker Julian heard a noise. He jumped. “What’s that?’’. Me: “Ah, it’s called a cow’’.

    It was enough to prompt him to get out of bed and cook me a full breakfast, with the kitchen bountiful with eggs, bacon, sausages, breads, cereals, orange juice and there was even a Nespresso machine. Although, we didn’t attempt that.

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley

    While I headed for the rain shower to freshen up before our trip home,

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley

    Julian spent his time basking in the sun on the front patio, taking in that glorious view – after packing the dishwasher.

    Horizon Deluxe Apartment Stanley

    The apartment, with all its five-star mod cons and perfectly styled decor, was pure luxury. The service was real country style, with nothing too much trouble. It’s hard to fault, to be honest. We would recommend it to anyone who needs to escape and be pampered for a little while. It would be ideal for a honeymoon, anniversary or just a reward for being a good parent. And we all need those.

    To learn more about Horizon Deluxe Apartments at Stanley in Tasmania, visit the site.

    When was the last time you went away with your partner? What about even a date night?

    DISCLOSRE: We received a complimentary night at Horizon Deluxe Apartments. We were not paid for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

  • Aussie Giveaway Linkup #62: The away edition

    Aussie Giveaway Linkup #62: The away edition

    The Bloke in The Shed and I spent last night at Horizon Deluxe Apartments at Stanley in Tasmania’s far north west – our first night away in three years.

    Stanley Deluxe Apartments

    That’s not me, by the way. Those photos are to come…

    This post has been written prior to us going away, because I wasn’t allowed to take a laptop or iPad with me. So I’m just assuming we had a long, hot bath, snuggled up to watch the sun set and dined on dishes featuring local produce from the exquisite restaurant down the road.

    While we were ooing and ahhing over the website photos the other night, Julian piped up with: “On Sunday, I’ll cook you breakfast in bed and we’ll take our time packing everything up to leave.’’

    Sounded heavenly.

    Then:

    “Oh, and I forgot to tell you, I’ve signed us up to a big community walk on the way home that I’m meant to be part of.’’
    Ahhh….. right!

    Blisters on my feet was not how I anticipated ending our relaxing weekend away.

    What do you think of Horizon Deluxe Apartments? Who could use a night away right about now?

    Please, before linking up, if you could note the new rules. Due to the name of the linky being Aussie Giveaway Linkup, it’s important that the links are BY Aussie blogs and the giveaways for Australians.

    If you’re a blogger or business wanting to take part in the Aussie Giveaway Linkup:
    1. Only link directly to the giveaway post/s and include the prize and end date in the linky tool below. Link each giveaway separately. If you need to delete it, hover over your link, wait until the red “x’’ appears and click.
    2. Giveaways must be open to Australian residents and by Australian-based bloggers or businesses.
    3. Grab the button below to add to your post.
    4. A new list is added each Sunday so bloggers need to add their links weekly.
    5. Start entering the giveaways! Entry is at your own risk. We do not take responsibility for unfulfilled prizes or a blogger/business not abiding by their own terms and conditions.

     



    Aussie Giveaway Linky
    Hosted by Three Lil Princesses



  • {My Tasmanian Backyard}: Stanley Seaview Inn accommodation review

    {My Tasmanian Backyard}: Stanley Seaview Inn accommodation review

    One week ago today MasterChef brought one of Tasmanian’s most quaint little towns into the spotlight – Stanley. Not to make you jealous or anything – *ahem* – but the area boasts some of the finest food, including grass fed beef, Rock Lobster Crayfish, Green Lip Abalone and dairy produce. I’m not sure that it’s known for its onion rings though. Nice try, MasterChef.

    The first thing you notice when you drive into Stanley is this thing:

    Stanley Nut

    It’s the Stanley Nut, which I spoke about yesterday. It was what we awoke to each morning looking out the window from the Stanley Seaview Inn accommodation.

    Stanley Nut

    The accommodation was neat, tidy and certainly suited our needs

    Stanley Seaview Inn accommodation

    – until Julian spilt an entire glass of red wine all over the white doona. Seriously. Can’t take him anywhere. When Ella blew four light globes in one hit, the service was prompt and friendly. That’s all most of us want really. (And yes, Julian and Ella really do take after one another).

    Here is a peek inside:

    Stanley Seaview Inn Accommodation

    Stanley Seaview Inn Accommodation

    Stanley Seaview Inn Accommodation

    There are varying rooms on offer, from family rooms, self-contained apartments and spa suites. Thankfully, for a change, there were no arguments about Ella wanting the biggest bed. Instead, it was all about whether she could sleep on the top bunk – but I was not prepared for a trip to the hospital.

    The highlights of the Seaview Inn are:

    • That view. I just can’t rave about it enough.
    • There is also a webcam at the front office, where friends can visit the site and view live images of you waving back at them with The Nut in the background.
    • There is free wifi, which is always a bonus when Facebook is in need of some attention. Because obviously there’s not enough people already posting on it. You can even rent a laptop.
    • It has a small children’s playground. Which came with its own ready-made children, courtesy of the owners.
    • The service. So many places we’ve stayed at have been let down by the odd Fawlty Towers-style moment. Here, expect that country-style service where you feel like more than just another customer. I think the Basil character was played by my husband.

    There’s one thing I want to rave about though – it’s The Nut View Restaurant (check out the seafood platter. Wow!). Easily THE best part of our stay – and it was all pretty good to be honest. The menu features an array of Tasmanian produce and the quality of the food was sublime.

    The Nut View Restaurant Stanley

    We were given a window seat overlooking the Nut and right next to the crackling fire – which was needed, I tell you. Julian’s grass fed beef and my Atlantic salmon were cooked to perfection. Cravat-wearing Matt Preston would have given it a 10/10 for sure. It was restaurant quality food at pub sizes. The girls were equally impressed with their chicken strips and pasta – along with the toys, colouring-in books and pencils that kept them from screaming the place down.

    For us, we would probably go a two-bedroom apartment next time we stay, just for the space and the opportunity to have a kitchen. That’s not to say the one-bedroom was small by any measure. It was only an additional $25 too. The prices of the accommodation were certainly one thing we were impressed with.

    If you are heading to Tasmania’s North West and you’re looking for somewhere to stay that is child-friendly, then I’d recommend staying with Clint and his staff. With a young family of his own, he certainly knew how to cater for all our needs.

    What’s the best meal you’ve had?

    To view more photos, visit my Stanley page on Facebook. This post is part of the My Tasmanian Backyard series.

    DISCLOSURE: Our trip to Stanley was organised by Cradle Coast Tourism. We were given acommodation and tickets to the Sequarium and Highfield House. We were not paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are our own.

  • {My Tasmanian Backyard}: What to do in Stanley

    {My Tasmanian Backyard}: What to do in Stanley

    It goes without saying that when you go to Stanley you have to experience the Stanley Nut in some way. Whether it’s climbing it, taking photos of it or experiencing the chairlift. Unfortunately the chairlift wasn’t operating while we were there over the long weekend, so we opted to take lots of photos.

    Stanley Nut

    And climb it.

    Just before we were about to climb it, Ella let us know she was:

    “going to eat some of the nuts as we go up the big hill.’’

    Which was followed by a conversation about the fact it’s not actually made of nuts.

    When we got to the top, the view was incredible.

    Stanley Nut view

    I’d say it took our breathe away, but that could also be from the fact we had to carry one child and drag another up the incredibly steep incline.

    Stanley Nut

    After watching Julian skid all the way back down (I highly recommend you wear good grip sneakers), we celebrated what was pretty hard going by having the most decadent chocolate brownie and scones and cream at the Touchwood Cafe. Sublime.

    Touchwood Cafe Stanley

    Afterwards we took the girls off to the Stanley Seaquarium. Now this is certainly no Melbourne Aquarium and is tailored more to the kids than the adults. Manager Dianne gave us a great opportunity to touch the crabs, see the octopus being fed and learn about seahorses that you just don’t get anywhere else.

    Seaquarium Stanley

    The girls just loved it. So if you have young children, it’s well worth the visit. (Check out the Tasmanian Giant Crabs in the gallery).

    I even encouraged Ella to listen to the ocean inside the shell, but she kept giving me blank stares. What are you going on about, Mum?

    The afternoon was then dedicated to roaming Highfield House, a home originally built in 1835 for Edward Curr, chief agent of the Van Diemens Land Company.

    Highfield House Stanley

    If you’re a history buff you will fall in love with the story and the way the European-influenced home is set up to be able to tour it yourself with the aid of a map is a credit to the managers of the home. It was a fantastic, and very hands-on, experience.

    Julian sat down with the girls and played snakes and ladders, but was quickly “spun out” when he swears the spinner moved without anyone touching it. I think he’s been reading too many ghost stories.

    Highfield House Stanley

    Ella was captivated by the chapel and classrom, and the fact there was not a computer in site. How on earth were you meant to do Reading Eggs?

    Highfield House Stanley

    All Ella cared about was dressing up in period costume. She’d been itching to do it all week, even asking:

    “When we dress up in old fashioned clothes, does that mean everything will be in black and white?’’

    She got her wish. Here’s the O’Briens in the olden days.

    Highfield House photos

    The sneakers – and the big smiles – sort of give it away.

    We finished the tour with the most gorgeous rainbow. Which was quickly followed by a conversation about wanting to go and find the gold. We settled for some ABC2 on iView at our Stanley Seaview Inn accommodation instead.

    Stanley Seaview Inn

    More on that here.

    Speaking to the people of Stanley, the MasterChef episode filmed at Highfield House on Thursday night certainly helped draw quite a lot of interest to the place – and so it should. It has the finest food this state has to offer, incredible scenery and true country style service. Sure, it can get mighty cold. But it’s well worth a visit.

    What did you get up to over the long weekend?

    To view more photos, visit my Stanley page on Facebook. This post is part of the My Tasmanian Backyard series.

    DISCLOSURE: Our trip to Stanley was organised by Cradle Coast Tourism. We were given acommodation and tickets to the Sequarium and Highfield House. We were not paid to write this post. All opinions expressed are our own.