The trout expo at Cressy

While spending five months in Tasmania over the spring and summer of 2022/2023, my partner and I were lucky enough to attend some of these events scattered throughout the island.

THE ROYAL LAUNCESTON SHOW

Our first event was the Royal Launceston Show held in October 2022. Held in the vast agricultural showgrounds of Carrick, we wandered around for a delightful day of good old fashioned country hospitality. The crafts on display harked  back to the time when home baking, knitting, weaving and preserve making were all the rage. The animals in the pens were just so cute – baby goats and lambs galore. Sheep dog trials were being held, and there were also the urban dogs on display, with their respective owners suitably dressed up to match their exquisitely groomed charges. Magic shows, BMX displays, and horse and cart rides added to the charm of a lovely day out. The local Lions club did a roaring trade at its barbecue stall, just perfect for a lunch in the spring sunshine.

The winning craft item at the Show

TASMANIAN TROUT EXPO

Travelling back into Launceston we spied signs advertising a Trout Expo at Cressy. Why not, we thought. Brumbys Creek just south of Cressy has a one-day annual event held every October, sponsored by Hydro Tasmania, where hundreds of people turn up to fish for the tagged trout in the creek. With some serious prize money on offer for tagged trout, many families enjoyed the free barbecue, the fantastic sunny weather and the chance to not only catch dinner but earn some money on the side. We watched on, complete newcomers to the art of trout fishing, hoping to learn a thing or two. Inspired, my partner did catch a trout here a week later, after quizzing the locals and successful fisherman on what bait to use and the techniques needed.

THE AUSTRALIAN CRAFT FAIR

Thanks to social media and the algorithms they employ, we found out about The Australian Craft Fair. The lovely town of Deloraine on the banks of the Meander River holds this annual Craft Fair. In case you are thinking of a dingy hall with some knitting and crochet,  think again. Four massive days in eight different venues with a well-oiled catering system feeding the thousands that arrive was what we experienced for a fun filled day. Free large frequent shuttle buses take you from venue to venue, and volunteers are everywhere assisting with any problem large  or small. Reset your vision to include a dozen or more gin, whiskey and beer distillers eager for people to sample their wares, food trucks and cafes offering a smorgasbord of delicious food, outdoor breezy dining, and many large halls well set out with the most amazing array of crafts to be seen. Exhibitors come from the whole of Australia and the thousands of people visiting include overseas visitors especially making the trip to Tasmania to include this event. My partner had to be convinced that he would enjoy this event, but by the end of the day he was a convert to crafting; although the free whiskey samples might have coloured his vision somewhat.

Cheeseboard lunch at the craft fair

THE ICC MEN’S T20 WORLD CUP

Hobart’s Bellerive Oval (known commercially as Blundstone Arena) hosted some of the games in the T20 World Cup Cricket over a week in October 2022. Neither of us had ever been to an international cricket match and truth be told I am not a cricket fan, although my partner is a cricket tragic. However, tickets were purchased, and we set off; for me a totally new experience with a book stashed in the backpack in case I was bored. Two very entertaining games kept the book firmly in the backpack. Four great teams expertly went through their paces, international cheer squads kept us entertained and the whole experience was very enjoyable. Easy parking and walking access to the venue made it a seamless day.

T20 World Cup cricket in Hobart

PUBLIC HOLIDAY GALORE

The north coast of Tasmania and the Tamar Valley area has many wonderful towns to visit. Australia’s oldest town, George Town, was where we ended up for Remembrance Day 2022. The very active RSL branch coordinated a moving ceremony in the park mid-morning followed by a very sociable and welcoming afternoon at the RSL rooms. The local members generously included us in the whole afternoon of catch ups and storytelling.

Australia Day 2023 is celebrated in most towns in many different ways and Bicheno on the east coast of Tasmania had some of their celebrations at the local tavern which included a very Aussie menu featuring mostly lamb,  plus live music to keep us all entertained. Wandering down from the nearby van park, we were able to enjoy a great meal out and a few drinks without the issue of having to drive at the end of the meal.

EVANDALE VILLAGE FAIR

Our final event we attended was in the little village of Evandale near Launceston, which holds an annual village fair in conjunction with penny farthing races every February. The whole town gets in on the act with shop keepers dressed up in period costumes, menus reflecting the past days, bands playing on the streets and the village fair on the oval set up with pony rides and hay bales to sit on. The penny farthing races are the highlight of this event, with numerous races being held over different ages and courses and competitors coming from the whole of Australia and overseas to compete in this very unique event. On day one the races are held on a circuit of the towns closed off streets and on day two there is a 20-mile road race. The local pub’s beer garden overlooked the final stretch of the course and we luckily snared a table with a good view of the proceedings. Summer sunshine, great food, good company and surroundings made for an enjoyable day, with free camping nearby overlooking the river.

Remembrance Day in George Town

ENDLESS ENTERTAINMENT

Tasmania had many more events we could have attended over the five months we were on the island; you are really spoilt for choice. We managed to fit our events in between three house-sits and loads of sightseeing and camping. A memorable fun five months of travel, enhanced by the events we attended.

Category: Destinations
Written: Mon 01 May 2023
Printed: May, 2023
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