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Tasmania, for a small island state of Australia, packs a lot of punch for it’s size. It took me more than 40 years to take my first visit and have now been four times. Each time a new and varied experience. The most recent an unplugged getaway to the north west corner of Tasmania for an unforgettable and unique adventure at Corinna Wilderness Experience. This place is rugged, rustic and off the grid situated on the south end of Australia’s largest temperate rainforest - the Tarkine. No phone reception, no television coverage and certainly not any wifi - this is an unplug and breathe in the air kind of vacation. We flew into Launceston on the new direct Virgin route from Adelaide and made our way North West visiting Brickendon Estate and Cradle Mountain on our itinerary before weaving our way through the windy dirt road through thick forrest to reach the Pieman River which can only be crossed via the Fatman’s Barge - yes that’s what it’s called - I thought the barge operator was solid but I wouldn’t have called him fat! Corinna Wilderness Experience consists both camping and cottage accommodation and has a restaurant/bar/general store. And apart from that there is a river to kayak on, fish to be caught and forests to be hiked. Corinna was settled as a gold mining town in the 1880’s - according to census surveys at the peak it was populated by some 2000 people. However women, indigenous, children and migrants were not counted so the population was likely much higher The accommodation are refurbished original cottages from the old mining town with an old post office, general store and butcher’s store amongst the historical offerings sharing the site with 16 wilderness retreat cottages built to replicate the original town. Much of the history is told through story plaques scattered across the property so if you are a history buff there is plenty of information to soak in.
The old cottages offered great balconies to take in the sunsets and enjoy sundowners while the local wildlife, mostly pademelons, came up to the lawns to feed. The site is powered by an eco friendly solar system and as you don’t have mobile phone reception the accommodation does not exactly encourage you to power up all your tech while staying there. Power points were notably lacking - there wasn’t even a power point in the kitchen to boil a jug or a hair dryer in the bathroom - prepare to go eco friendly here. If you like hiking then you will love this location - there are a range of walks to take through rainforest, along boardwalks, up hills and along the river. From short strolls to three hour treks there is a great range for all levels and the location is well worth discovering on foot. If you are keen to hit the water there are kayaks to hire and plenty of idyllic locations which provide breathtaking scenery down the Pieman River. And you can’t leave this location without taking the historic Arcadia 11, a 17m craft built from Huon pine in 1939, for a leisurely cruise down the Pieman River to Pieman Heads. On the edge of Western Tasmania - venture directly west from here and you won’t hit land until you reach South America! The return trip offers a leisurely commentated cruise down spectacular river flanked by forest and wildlife - quite a peaceful and memorable experience to fill a day at Corinna. If you are looking for something different - whilst absolutely spectacular! - when in Tasmania we highly recommend adding the Corinna Wilderness Experience to your itinerary. Penny Itchy Feet Family Itchy Feet Family stayed at Corinna Wilderness Experience as a Guest. More details of the resort including rates can be found at their website www.corinna.com.au
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Australia’s island State Tasmania is a diverse place with plenty of activities for all ages. If you are exploring the north of the island and are looking for a unique place to visit - here are eight reasons to include Brickendon on your itinerary. 1. Location Located just 20 minutes from Launceston Airport, Brickendon is a great launchpad for an adventure in the north of Tasmania as the start of your trip or as you are wrapping it up before flying home. It’s very easy to find - no crazy ventures into wild farm country before you are smelling this fresh farm air! 2. Cosy Cottages There are a number of cottages available for accommodation, we stayed in the one bedroom pumpkin cottage. Complete with a picturesque porch and a cosy wood fire, bring a good book and a bottle of wine and sit back and enjoy! The cottages are fully self contained with breakfast provisions provided in the kitchen to cook up some fresh farm eggs to start your day. And there is plenty of lawns and open space for the kids to run amongst the fresh air and explore. 3. Fishing Situated on the river, there are plenty of possibilities for the fishing enthusiasts. Head down to the jetty - just a 10 minute walk from the main property - and you are set to cast. There are plenty of rivers in Tasmania, but finding access to them can be tricky. Grab your rod and your fishing licence and try your luck on the banks at Brickendon 4. Meet the Animals Get up close and personal with the farm animals. You will find lambs, turkey, geese and ducks roaming the property. There is plenty of birdlife and if you time your visit you may even see the wool shed in action for some sheep shearing. 5. Pilates Yes, you read right - the latest add on to your farm stay is a reformer pilates studio! Enquire before you stay and you can escape the kids for some relaxation in this brand new studio. 6. Say I do! There is a beautiful chapel at Brickendon, as well as picturesque gardens and an old barn, perfect for a wedding. Bring in your own caterer, there is a commercial kitchen, and create beautiful memories on this historic site. 7. Extended Family Getaway
With so much space and options for accommodation, why not gather the extended family and utilise the space for an extended family reunion, special occasion or getaway. With activities to suit young and old this property lends itself to extended family or friend group getaways. 8. Rich in History The Brickendon Estate is rich in history. A UNESCO world heritage site, spend your day wondering through the property and soaking up all the history to uncover life as it was in the 1800s for both the farming Archer family and the convicts that spent their time on the property. Read about the 12yo from England that stole a loaf of bread and ended up on the other side of the world as a farm labourer to pay for his crime! Penny Itchy Feet Family Itchy Feet Family stayed at Brickendon Estate as a Guest. More details of the property including rates can be found at their website www.brickendon.com.au Tasmania has many varied experiences to offer. From wilderness and wildlife, city breaks to farm stays, art museums and fine dining. There seems to be something for everyone on this small island. It took me more than 40 years to visit Tasmania - now on my fourth trip in as many years I wonder what took me so long to start exploring this amazing piece of the country. Most recently we flew into the north of Tasmania on the newly opened Virgin direct route from Adelaide to Launceston and stumbled across the unique and fascinating Brickendon Estate.  The only privately owned World Heritage Site, the property has been in the Archer family since settled as a farm in1824 and is now owned by 7th generation Richard Archer and his family. I met with Louise Archer on my visit who passionately shared the family story of how the farm and all it’s history was on the brink of disappearing before they took the brave decision to open the property up to share with the world as a tourist destination. They achieved the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing in 2010 making the privately owned farm an official Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property. Clearly a passion project that is done for the love and sense of responsibility to preserve a vital piece of Australian history, the property is a living museum of convict history in Australia. The family have restored many parts of the original farm and presented an interactive museum that presents life as it was for convicts in the 1800s that were sent to the farm to serve out their sentence. As well as the historic significance, Brickendon is still a functioning and operational farm with crops and livestock a plenty on the 465 hectare property. If you get lucky like we did you will not only see the lambs, ducks and turkeys roaming the grounds but you may even see the quintessential Australian sheep sheering taking place in the wool shed. And for those with a green thumb - or an appreciation of those that have one - the Estate Gardens is open to the public with what has been described as one of the most unusual collection of trees of any private garden in Australia. With trees some 180 years old from origins from across the globe the Estate Garden provides a picturesque setting for a wander.  Just 20 minutes north of Launceston the property is accessible for a day trip from Launceston, or you can stay in the rustic cottages making for a charming farm stay suitable for all ages.
Recently the property also added a commercial kitchen and function space providing options for weddings, corporate functions or extended family gatherings. Plenty of reasons to include this destination on your next Tasmania adventure! Penny Itchy Feet Family Itchy Feet Family stayed at Brickendon Estate as a Guest. More details of the property including rates can be found at their website www.brickendon.com.au |
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