Centrally located in the north of Tasmania, Meander Valley's skyline is dominated by the majestic rugged escarpment of the Great Western Tiers. The Aboriginal people have always known this ever-changing backdrop as Kooparoona Niara, meaning "Mountains of the Spirits". The region forms part of the UNESCO approved Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
This is a place to get off the beaten track, away from the crowds and into nature. Experience wild fern fringed waterfalls and pristine World Heritage wilderness, learn about the culture and history of peoples past and treat yourself to locally produced gourmet cheeses, raspberries, salmon, truffles and craft beer.
See below for the first instalment of our "10 Places to Visit in the Great Western Tiers" series.
1. Wandering Trout Taphouse | Mole Creek
Wandering Trout Crafty Ale is brewed by hand and off grid. Located on the main drag of Mole Creek, the Taphouse is dedicated to offering the finest of local food and beverages. With open mic and live music events as well as wood fired pizza nights, the venue is a great place to stop and wet your whistle. Photo: Supplied
2. 41° South Salmon & Ginseng Farm | Montana
41° South Tasmania is a wonderfully unique tourist attraction. Located just 10 minutes from Deloraine, the farm offers eco-certified salmon grown in their own ponds, a ginseng nursery and wetlands. They offer free tastings and a recently renovated café is located at the farm where light lunches are available. Why not try their 41er salmon burger with a beer. Photo: Supplied
3. Yarns Artwork in Silk | Deloraine
Located at the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre in Deloraine, Yarns Artwork in Silk is a large scale textile project of four quilted, soft sculpture silk panels, one for each season, drawing you into the landscapes, culture, heritage and native habitat of the Meander Valley. An audio presentation with lighting effects provides information about what the panels depict and how they were made. The audio provides regional history and interesting facts about the Great Western Tiers. Yarns has received an exciting new upgrade over July 2020. It is brand new and waiting to delight and amaze you with a new narration and some virtual reality presentations. The attraction recently received an award from TripAdviser for being in the top 10% of attractions worldwide! Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
4. Creative Studios | Deloraine
Deloraine Creative Studios Inc. is a centre for the creation and exhibition of art, craft, and design. They are a not-for-profit organisation that offers a unique experience for people to view artists and craftspeople at work, creating handcrafted Tasmanian products and works of art. It is also home to Meander Valley Community Radio (MVFM 96.9). Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
5. Seppenfelts Emporium | Deloraine
Seppenfelts is a wonderfully unique shop located in the heart of Deloraine. Owners Alfred and Isabel have lovingly handpicked an eclectic range of books, clothing, incense and gifts and filled every inch of the shop with them. Now also stocking plants and organic seedlings. Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
6. Once Upon a Time Collectables | Westbury
Visit this distinctive Antiques and Collectables shop situated in the heart of Westbury. There is always an interesting array of curios and small affordable collectables from a bygone era. Open from 10am-4pm Fri-Sat and 11am-4pm Sundays at 49 William St Westbury. Photo: Mike Moores © Meander Valley Gazette
7. Bushwalking:
Lower Liffey Reserve
Gifted by Bob Brown to Bush Heritage Australia in 1991, this reserve protects 105ha of myrtle beech rainforest, as well as dry and wet eucalypt forest. Among the native Australian species that can be found here are the spotted-tail quoll and the white goshawk. Starting from the Lower Liffey Campground, the 1.5 hour circuit takes you through a variety of vegetation, from lush myrtle and sassafras rainforest to forests of straight and tall white gums. Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
Pine Lake
Located on the Central Plateau, 30 minutes from Deloraine is the Pine Lake walk. This walk offers a rare opportunity to get close to one of Tasmania's rarest trees without having to go on an extended bushwalk. The Tasmanian pencil pine (Athrotaxis cupressoides) is an ancient species that evolved before flowering plants and is only found in the Tasmanian highlands. Pine Lake is an easy 20 minute return walk that is suitable for wheelchair access. Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
Quamby Bluff
Quamby Bluff, the northernmost peak in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, provides panoramic views of Northern Tasmania including the Central Plateau and the Great Western Tiers. The grade 3 4-5 hour walk starts on farmland adjacent to the Lake Hwy (A5) and climbs through tea tree, eucalypt and rainforest. Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
8 Hazelbrae Hazelnuts | Hagley
Hazelbrae Hazelnuts, located in Station Lane Hagley, is home to Australia’s most awarded hazelnuts. The on farm café serves lunch and light meals/snacks, and Devil’s Own Ice creamery serves delicious ice cream made onsite. Photo: Supplied
9. Tasmanian Copper & Metal Art Gallery | Carrick
Saturday , April 5th 1978 is a date the Marik family will never forget. The 120 year old "Archers Folly" building in Carrick that was used as a studio, workshop and gallery for unique styles of flame painting on copper was destroyed in a tragic fire. Today, the Marik's have constructed a studio next to the gutted building and have a reputation for originality and quality, Australia wide, with outlets in most capital cities. Freestanding pieces, framed murals and large murals suitable for feature walls are all representative of their work. Exquisitely coloured butterflies, jewellery, statues and pots, abstract designs to Viking vessels, land and sea scapes, zodiacs and many other subjects are created at the studio. Photo: © 2020 Jade Austen
10. Meander Bridge Café | Meander
Visit the country style Meander Bridge Café on your way to or from a bushwalk in the Meander Forest Reserve. Owners Jo and Terry serve fresh homemade burgers, cakes and magnificent locally produced coffee. There are also gluten and lactose free options as well as tasty locally made pies. Fill up your tank and don't forget the ever growing selection of books to borrow too! Photo: Supplied
Visit the Great Western Tiers. Why not stay a night or three! www.greatwesterntiers.net.au/accommodation
Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre | Ph: 03) 6362 5280 | E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.greatwesterntiers.net.au
COVID Notice: Please check individual websites directly for current hours of operation.
