Portia - Victorian Women Lawyers

taking a trip to the
TAMAR VALLEY
There are many wonderful opportunities to
unwind, plenty of picturesque landscapes, wine
and food in Tasmania. It is not hard to see why so
many “mainlanders” end up staying to
permanently adopt the pace of life in the “apple
isle”. The Tamar Valley, in the north of Tasmania, is
just a one hour flight from a Melbourne Law Office
and then a quick drive from Launceston airport.
There are many fabulous places to stay either in
Launceston or along the Tamar River. A personal
recommendation is Freshwater Point near Legana,
where I was greeted by an open fire and very
friendly hosts, Jan and Laurie. Freshwater Point is
an 1820’s homestead with beautiful gardens in
which guests may wander in their own time, maybe
with a glass of wine from Laurie’s cellar - a real
treat! Chairs are strategically positioned around the
garden to enjoy the views over the river valley and
there is also a wide verandah on which to sit and
reflect. Accommodation is a choice of a room in the
homestead or a self contained cottage in the
garden. Jan will cook a scrumptious meal, on
request, which can be eaten in the dining room with
other guests. One can be as social or as anti-social
as one might wish.
If you are interested in the convict or colonial
heritage of northern Tasmania, there are many
places of interest in close proximity. These include
the historic houses and the Maritime Centre at
Georgetown, which can be reached by car. If
wilderness is more your style, Cradle Mountain,
Cataract Gorge, Ben Lomond National Park and the
Great Lake Region are all just a day trip away.
Another option is to hire a car and drive on the
Food and Wine Route along the river sampling the
many wonderful drops and taking the time to
admire some beautiful views at the Strathlynn Wine
Centre or numerous other wineries. At the Clover
Hill winery, a balcony behind the tasting shed
overlooks the hills to the east of the valley which
provides a spectacular backdrop for a glass of
bubbly. The word ‘indulgence’ comes to mind and
there are many wineries and “foodie” stops with
friendly staff only too willing to allow you to wallow
in it. What’s more, if at the end of the day you have
collected a dozen bottles (not an unlikely prospect!)
the last winery you visit will box all your purchases
up and ship them back to Melbourne for a small
cost.
For further information call:
Tasmanian Tourist Office 9206 7933
Freshwater Point 03 6330 2200
Jo Renkin
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