Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Tasmania - Dara & Catherine

Why Not Let the Next Country You Travel Be You?

vantastic_tas — Tue, 13 May 2014 12:55:23 GMT

How did I end up in silence? I’m an extrovert. I’ve been blessed with the gift of gab. But, is it a blessing or have we been misled to believe endless chatter makes us more noticeable?

Sometimes I fall off track. Life, lists, tasks, thinking of the future and dwelling about the past distract me. It wasn’t until I fell so deep that I decided to travel inward.

I wanted to build an eco-lodge or save orangutans. I researched online and found a volunteer opportunity at an ashram near Byron Bay. I submitted a request, received approval and booked my flight.

A shoeless, shaggy-haired boy picked me up from the airport. He had called the ashram home for more than a year; I could hardly rap my head around three weeks. As we arrived, a dirt driveway lined with banana trees came into view.

An elderly man in a lilac robe greeted us. His hair and beard were white, long and cliché. He ushered me over to a spritely, young Irish girl who showed me to my room. Evening meditation was at 4pm.

Cross-legged, eyes closed, I sat in silence. My legs were numb and my bottom was sore. What was I doing? How was I meant to be doing it?

The next morning I befriended another American girl and shyly asked her, “What am I meant to be doing?" She giggled and explained to observe my thoughts. Still I knew nothing.

Without warning, the next 48 hours were filled with silence. Vipassina is traditionally a 10-day silent meditation retreat. We were silent from Friday to Sunday. No reading, writing, music, eye contact and absolutely no talking.

Cross-legged, eyes closed, I sat in silence. Hours went by. My legs were numb and my bottom was sore.
We finished the evening in front of the fire where thousands of glowing embers floated effortlessly into the still night sky. A chill raced down my spine; I curled tighter inside of myself. Mesmerised and exhausted, I stared into the flames and cried.

Why was I here? My body purged. I slept little. I was constantly confronted mentally and physically. After a week I had had enough.

I caused a scene and demanded my money back. The older man with the lilac robe and cliché beard called out to me. He sat me down, face-to-face.

He spoke about my journey and why he believed I was there. He looked straight into my teary eyes and said, “You have traveled so many countries, why not let the next country be yourself?”

I stayed. I will be forever grateful I didn't run. I continue to practice, and I know exactly how I ended up here.

Documentary Scholarship 2011 entry

vantastic_tas — Wed, 25 May 2011 09:13:54 GMT

Thailand was the first developing country I had been to, and I wanted to throw myself into the culture. I decided to live in a small fishing village, while I became certified to teach English. It was not easy being confronted by poverty everyday, but ignoring something does not mean it doesn't exist.
Teaching real Thai students gave me a feeling of purpose I had never felt before and interacting with locals helped me learn a bit of Thai.
Now, I am continuing to travel and practice my passion for film. I have been documenting my journey since I left home in December 2009. Along the way I've developed my video travel blog, one-wayticket.com, where I can share my experiences. I am constantly editing and developing content, looking for opportunities to showcase my work, whether it's on my site or someone else's. This scholarship would afford me an incredible mentor and amazing subject to hopefully jump start my career as a documentary film maker. I can honestly say I have never been so passionate about anything in my life as I am for film and travel. With this experience, I get to do both.

My Travel Writing Scholarship 2011 entry

vantastic_tas — Wed, 9 Feb 2011 17:30:50 GMT

The Steward gently shook me and requested I turn off my electronic device for landing. I slowly gained consciousness and massaged the kink in my neck. Groggily gathering my belongings, I made my way to the front of the massive airbus. I blinked rapidly, attempting to adjust to the natural light I hadn’t seen in fourteen hours.

My tired skin felt the heat of the desert sun pulsating through the terminal as I neared the exit. I stepped outside and found a taxi; the noticeably robust driver wore an oversized Star of David around his neck. He shared a welcoming smile that made me feel at home as I ducked into the backseat. He spoke of his life in Ramat Gan and how he recently lost his eldest son in a suicide bombing at a local café.

We drove the rest of the way in silence. Thirty-six miles to Jerusalem, and I would soon strengthen my sense of solidarity with Israel. I had disconnected myself with the Jewish people-- one of millions lost, not to genocide, but to assimilation.

I paid the driver twelve shekels and took my first step onto the 4,000-year-old soil. I looked back and shared a genial grin with my new friend.

Upon entering the historic ruins, I shaded my weary eyes as they made their way up the ornate gold menorah that stood guard at the entrance. At its base laid a basket with hundreds of red wool threads. An elderly Israeli woman approached me and tied the thin string around my left wrist, while whispering its purpose of warding off evil spirits.

I wandered through the skeletal structures alone, running my tiny fingertips across the massive raw stone that survived interminable battles centuries ago. Each fracture in the limestone represented a life lost.

Turning the corner I was surprised to see a flood of men and women standing uniformly separated from one another. Grave Israeli policemen patrolled the organized chaos, as the murmur of prayer filled the dry September air.

Searching for an explanation, I discovered a tablet that outlined the history of this iconic piece of Judaism. What stood before me was the Temple Mount-- remnants of the First Temple that was destroyed thousands of years ago and rebuilt for Jews from around the world to come and worship in its shadows.

With two sturdy hands the structure drew me nearer, emitting an overwhelming presence of energy and power. I inched closer to find tens of thousands of tiny pieces of paper delicately sewn in and out of the wall’s shallow crevices. Hopes, dreams and fears were wedged in every accessible crack in the rock.

After my grandfather passed away, my family lost its faith in religion. I knew he would appreciate me being here as I scribbled a message to him signed, “I will never forget today or you.” I now understood the meaning of the Wailing Wall; my tears stained the note I left behind.

Video - FINAL DOCUMENTARY: "TAS-MANIACS"

vantastic_tas — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:42:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

Dara and Catherine discover Geoff, the karmic camper van, and take him for a six-week joy ride around Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures before turning him back in. Channel 4 News reports live from what should have been Geoff's "Welcome Back Party." Watch-- as this breaking news unfolds and the girls explain what they did with him and where he is now. Dun...Dun...Dunnnn....!!!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

AND THAT'S A RAP...

vantastic_tas — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 04:50:00 GMT

Our last day in Tasmania was spent with our good friends back at Hawley Beach. We enjoyed more Aussie BBQ, drank Tassie beer and wore obnoxious Australian flag outfits and tattoos. We stayed on the beach all day until after sunset and even had a neighborhood bush-dance in the sand after dark. It was really sad to say good-bye but something tells me this is not the last that Tasmania has seen of Dara and Catherine, it has captured a little piece of our hearts and we will never forget the great times and the gorgeous people.

We left behind a Tasmanian Devil finger puppet, a koala, and some Australian flag tattoos with Geoff for the next few groups to enjoy.

Now here is a our Tassie Rap, by Dara Simkin....

Heard of Van-Tastic , finding Geoff was a must

Applied for a leg, it was Aussie or bust

Got a call on the phone, to tell us we'd won

Just two months to pack for Tasmanian fun

Ran home with the news to tell her we made it

Found her on the toilet sitting butt naked

Six weeks in Aussie just wasn't enough

Quit our jobs, got a visa and sold all our stuff

Arrived in Victoria to pick up our man

He was big, he was orange and called Geoff the van

It wasnt so easy, this manual car

Took Geoff for a spin, but didnt go far

Nerves were on edge, we were van-spaztic

Gave us the keys, we were ecstatic

Tasmania bound as we hopped on the ferry

Greeted by friends from Tourism Tassie

TASSIE WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE SO GOOD TO US

COME VISIT THIS STATE, IT'S A DEFINITE MUST

Heaps of cool things to see and to do

Took our camera around to blog it for you

Had holiday cheer with two bar-b-ques

Ate wallby, oysters, and kangaroo

Down to Hobart, for the Yachts and The Taste

Then it was Falls to get pissed off our face

With Par Avion we flew to the west

The views from the plane were simply the best

TASSIE WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE SO GOOD TO US

COME VISIT THIS STATE, IT'S A DEFINITE MUST

Cruised Bruny and Tasman to hang with the seals

Camped Tarkine Trails, and had yummy meals

Fed Devils @ Cradle, chills at The Chateau

Devils need help, more than you know

Saw perfect beaches with Freycinet Sea Cruise

Go to East Coast Nature World to feed all the roos

Slept soundly at Arthouse and YHA

Strahan Village was also a great place to stay

TASSIE WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE SO GOOD TO US

COME VISIT THIS STATE, IT'S A DEFINITE MUST

Flew through the air cable hang gliding

Gotta real birds eye view while skydiving

Zipped through the trees, took a long river cruise

Went to Boags Brewery and drank all the booze

We took on the Franklin, the wildest river

We had a great time but boy did we shiver

Platypus, echidnas, and seahorses too

Chugged down the coast in a big choo choo

Last stop on our trip and we're on our way

Going back to Hawley Beach for Australia Day

TASSIE WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE SO GOOD TO US

COME VISIT THIS STATE, IT'S A DEFINITE MUST

You can spot us on land in the air or the sea

On the radio in the paper, and maybe TV

One last piece of advice, pack clothes for all seasons

Bring a jumper and shorts for exactly this reason

This time of our lives, we'll remember for years

It's Dara and Catherine saying thank you and cheers!

TASSIE WE LOVE YOU, YOU'RE SO GOOD TO US

COME VISIT THIS STATE, IT'S A DEFINITE MUST

Farewell to everyone who made this dream come true

We've got a list of people who deserve a big THANK YOU!

WorldNomads (Tara, Alicia & Kat)

Tourism Tasmania (Di & Felicity)

Traveller's Auto Barn (Peter & Fabien)

Ian Cummings

Strahan Village (Mohammad)

Bonnet Island Experience (Debbie)

Wild Rivers Store (Matt)

ArtHouse Hostel

Skydive Tasmania (Rich & Laura)

Boag's Brewery

Bruny/Tasman Island Cruises (Robert)

Cable & Eagle Hang Glide

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Devils at Cradle (Nicole)

East Coast Nature World (Andrew & Evie)

Freycinet Adventures (Adam)

Wineglass Bay Cruise (Duncan & Irene)

Gordon River Cruise

Hobart Paddle (Adam, again)

Hollybank Adventures (Anna & Scott)

Mt Wellington Descent (Andy)

YHA Hostel Hobart

Platypus House

Port Arthur Historic Site

Roaring 40s (Toby & Kim)

Seahorse World (Kim & Carolyn)

Par Avion (Anna)

Tahune Airwalk

Tarkine Trails (Trevor)

Water by Nature- Franklin River Rafting (Brett & Johno)

West Coast Wilderness Railway (Paul)

Falls Festival (Helen)

Taste of Tasmania

Yuuzoo Yacht & Crew (Lude)

Spirit of Tasmania (Soniya)

AND...GEOFF!

Video - "STRAHAN-VEGAS"

vantastic_tas — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:40:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine venture to the "chock-full-of-activities-town" of Strahan to cruise down the Gordon River, chug along the West Coast Wilderness Railway and discover penguins on Bonnet Island. They enjoy beautiful views from their Strahan Village accommodation and pick up some sweet outdoor gear for their wild Franklin River trip. Thanks Strahan!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

WISHING WE COULD STAY LONG IN STRAHAN

vantastic_tas — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:02:00 GMT

Dara and I boarded the Lady Jane Franklin II on a clear summer morning for The Gordon River Cruise. The morning was spent sipping on tea and talking to the friendly staff while enjoying the majestic river and ancient rain forest. We stopped off at Sarah Island for a guided tour of the convict penal settlement before digging in to a hearty and wholesome buffet lunch. Then headed back through Macquarie Harbour to our accommodation at Strahan Village. We finished the day with drinks at View 42° to watch a beautiful sunset with our new friends Debbie, Mohammad and the gang from Pure Tasmania.

The next day was jam-packed. First we visited the Wild Rivers Store to load up on outdoor wear for our upcoming Franklin River trip. Then we jumped in The Premier Class Cabin of The West Coast Wilderness Railway for a full day of drinking, eating and friend-making. As the train chugged through the rain forest we marveled at the steep-sided river gorges and the history of the men that had labored to build the track.

In the evening we joined the Bonnet Island Experience. We hopped on a small boat at sunset with only a few other people for our private tour of the harbour and Bonnet Island. Three dolphins and tens of penguins swam next to our boat as we neared the island. As it became darker we heard the history of the lighthouse keeper on the tiny island and received information on the penguins that were about to join us. The guides had an non-abrasive dull red light for us to see the penguins in the dark without bothering them. We quietly watched in awe as the small penguins hopped over large rocks and in to their bunkers. On the way back to the dock we conversed of our sightings over wine and cheese.

We had so much fun in the first two days we spent in Strahan we decided we needed to spend one more night there when we returned from the Franklin River trip. The people at Strahan Village took care of us and upgraded us to a Waterfront Executive room. After 6 days of no showering on the Franklin you can only begin to imagine how thankful we were to have a large jacuzzi bathtub, two comfy beds and a private balcony over-looking the Macquarie Harbour. Strahan Village was like a little taste of heaven, complete with some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen in my life.

Video - "DON'T BE A MEANIE, BE A GREENIE"

vantastic_tas — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:38:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine travel to the West Coast to hang with Tasmanian Devils and learn of their species' unfortunate cancer-Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). They spend a night in the Tarkine Rainforest and learn of its lush history and future troubles. Watch and learn how to help both of these suffering Tasmanian icons.

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

SAVE THE PLANET

vantastic_tas — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:51:00 GMT

North, South and East Tasmania had already been graced with our presence. It was time for Dara and I to head down the winding roads of the West. First stop Cradle Mountain.

We got there in the evening just in time for feeding at the Devils @ Cradle devil Sanctuary. We were able to walk around before the feeding and observe Tasmania's three unique threatened carnivorous marsupials; the Tasmanian devil and the Spotted-tail and Eastern quoll. Then everyone gathered inside to watch an informative video on the Tasmanian Devil and ask the caretaker questions.

We learned all about the tragedy of the devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) and how it has wiped out approximately 50% of the devil population in the last 10 years. We were taught that ulcerated tumors appear around the jaws and head of the devil. And that the cancer is directly transmissible between two devils and spread rapidly due to the nature of their group feeding. The disease is fatal and an infected devil usually starves to death in 3-5 months. They pointed out that there is no treatment or vaccination for DFTD and that it will be difficult to control.

Conservation programs, like the one at Devils @ Cradle, are vital to save the devils from extinction through education, breeding, research, rehabilitation, and release programs. You can do your part in these conservation efforts through financial contribution, visit http://devilsatcradle.com/content.php?id=donations.

Dara and I spent that night at the luxurious Cradle Mountain Chateau and enjoyed hot showers, scrumptious tea and biscuits and two warm beds. We saw two pademelons and a wombat hanging out on the grounds in the short time we were there.

We woke up early the next day to walk around the Cradle Mountain National Park World Heritage area and then drove south to Tullah where we met our Tarkine Trails rain forest bush walking guide, Trevor.

Trevor drove us as deep in to the Tarkine Rain Forest as far as a car can go (which isn't too far) and we sat by a drizzling creek to eat lunch and discuss the next two days. We munched away on our fresh, healthy wraps while Trevor began telling the history of the Tarkine and it's importance. When lunch was finished we hiked deep in to the lush rain forest to begin our adventure with Trevor. These two days included the extravagances of delicious organic food, enlightening conversation, and wine around the fireplace and the plainness of bush walking for two days with no shower and pooping in hole dug in the ground.

"The Tarkine Wilderness region is located in the north-west of Tasmania. The area encompasses 447,000 hectares of wilderness including the Southern Hemispheres largest single tract of temperate rain forest, a wild coastline with an extraordinary wealth of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage sites, and habitat for over 50 threatened species. There are groves of the tallest hardwood trees on the planet, numerous wild rivers, and spectacular mountain ranges. Until recently the forests of Tarkine were inaccessible for walking tours. In collaboration with the Tarkine National Coalition, Tarkine Trails has opened a forest trail that provides access to the ancient forests the Tarkine is famous for. It is without doubt, Australia’s best kept wilderness secret, but one that will not last forever, so we urge you to join us sooner rather than later while this remoteness and isolation lasts. By choosing our walks, you not only get a chance to explore Tasmania’s wildest landscapes, you also help to develop environmentally, economically and socially sustainable employment opportunities in these regions. Ultimately choosing a holiday with Tarkine Trails contributes to the long term protection and sustainable management of the Tarkine." http://www.tarkinetrails.com.au/

Video - "BOTTLE POPPIN' & BAY HOPPIN'"

vantastic_tas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:36:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine enjoy a sea kayak around Coles Bay with Freycinet Paddle and pop bottles of bubbly while cruisin' with Freycinet Sea Cruises around famed Wineglass Bay...they even party with dolphins along the way!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

CHAMPAGNE WISHES AND KAYAK DREAMS

vantastic_tas — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:12:00 GMT

Our last stop along the east coast was Cole's Bay. We went for a few small walks in Freycinet National Park around the light house and down along a pebble beach. We climbed in a small cave above the beach and then took our shoes off to allow the wet pebbles to give us a foot massage. Then we watched a beautiful sunset from Honeymoon Beach. Driving back slowly to our caravan park we were excited to see several wallabies and quolls running around.

The next day Dara and I joined Freycinet Adventures for another great sea kayaking trip. We kayaked around Cole's Bay to Honeymoon Beach and enjoyed hot tea and huge cookies while our guide Adam talked to us about the history of Freycinet Lodge, the transformation process of the huge rocks to sand, and the best walks and things to see in Freycinet.

As if it needed one, the claim to fame in Freycinet is one of the world's top ten beaches, Wineglass Bay. Dara and I were privileged enough to see it in style with Freycinet Sea Cruises. Irene greeted us with a warm smile at the sign in desk and her husband Duncan was our informed local captain for our day of cruising around the Freycinet Peninsula. Rastus-the-dolphin-spotting-dog ran from bow to stern, port to starboard on the look-out all day. We dropped anchor in the middle of the serene Wineglass Bay where the crew popped open local Tassie Champagne, oysters and cheeses for all to enjoy. We had a lively ride back around the beautiful pink and orange rocks on the coast of the Freycinet Peninsula. We ran in to hundreds of mutton birds flying inches from the water, two seals sunbathing and a few albatross. Rastus hung his head feeling like he had failed his mission for the day when all of a sudden something in the water caught his eye. He barked in excitement pointing out to all of us a pod of 30-40 dolphins. They swam so close to each other and to our boat and were jumping right out of the water to show off their shiny blueish-purple skin. Seeing these dolphins in their natural habitat of crystal blue water against one of the world's best shorelines with hundreds of birds flying overhead brought everyone under a silent reflection and is a moment I'm sure we will remember forever.

Video - "ELEPHANTS, PENGUINS AND ROOS - OH MY!"

vantastic_tas — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:46:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine check out the beautiful, white sandy beaches of the East Coast and run into a few fury friends along the way.

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

LIVINS' EASY ON THE EAST COAST

vantastic_tas — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:37:00 GMT

Dara and I were becoming a bit exhausted running all over Tasmania trying to do it all so we purposely scheduled some time to relax with our friend Emily and enjoy the East Coast the way Tasmania is supposed to be done, at a slower pace.

We started in Binalong Bay and made it just in time for dinner at Angasi at sunset. This was one of the first things we were told we had to do in Tasmania so we stretched our backpackers budget to include this one nice meal. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset, perked over the trees and ocean you have a a view of the Bay of Fires beaches and a few dozen sailboats. The food is caught fresh everyday and the most popular dish is the chef's special that changes daily depending on what is the most fresh and delicious. Do not forget to try the oysters for an appetizer, best I've ever had.

Binalong was so beautiful we were fully entertained just laying around the different beaches an rocks and having a little photo shoot.

It was a short drive to Bicheno so we took our time, stopping for photo-ops. We were told to go to Diamond Island for penguin spotting at night but when we arrived in Bicheno a local gave us the heads up that we would see even more with no other tourists around at the Blowhole. We went early and had some fun playing with starfish and watching the sunset. Unfortunately, the swell was low so the blowhole was not much to see. We talked to a local fisherman who sat us on a big rock swearing we'd have front row seats to the penguin viewing if we stayed there still. So we did and we waited. And waited. And waited.

And finally one little penguin jumped out of the water and waddled straight over to us and hid right under the rock we were sitting on. The fisherman was right, front row seats! So we waited anxiously for more. And waited. And waited. We started to joke that maybe the fisherman was drunk whenever he watched the penguins and the one little guy looked like 30 to him. We were freezing and couldn't wait any longer so we threw in the towel and started walking back to Geoff. On our way we saw five more penguins standing together. We weren't expecting to see anymore so we were talking louder than we should have been and when they saw us they froze in fear. We didn't want to disturb them so we walked softer to the car. Then, we saw dozens, squealing away at each other and pooping all over the place. They were so cute. We watched in awe as they waddled around us. I drove away as slow as the car would let me and the penguins were literally crossing the street.

The next day we went to The East Coast Nature World and Andrew showed us around to all of his favorite friends. East Coast Nature World allows the animals to roam relatively free and always releases any animals that are ready back in to the wild, it is not and doesn't feel at all like a zoo. Andrew has a great relationship with the animals. The animals that are domesticated and there to stay he has become very close to, they run to him for hugs when he is around. He also respects the distance he needs to keep with the animals that have a chance at being released back in to the wild. We were able to pet Tassie Devils, Wombats, Koalas and many other animals. The highlight for me would have to be getting up close and personal with the kangaroos. We fed them and gave them big pets and cuddles and a mom even let us pet her with a joey in her pouch.

We had one last stop along the East Coast road before making it to our destination. There are two roads between Bicheno and Freycinet, one is a coast road but the other is called Elephant's Pass and it is well worth passing up the coast for a small stretch to taste the delectable famous pancakes at Mount Elephant Pancake Barn. They have both savory and sweet and I'm pretty sure you can't try one without temptation getting the best of you to try the other.

Video - "LAUNY, LAUNY WE LIKE TO PARTY"

vantastic_tas — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:44:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, the American duo of Dara and Catherine take over Launceston! They sample the local brew, relax at the Arthouse, hang glide, zip line and hang out with sea horses, echidnas and platypus. Launy sure likes to party!

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

NO RESTIN' IN LAUNCESTON

vantastic_tas — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:29:00 GMT

Dara and I did not want to leave Hobart, we had fallen in love. But, there was so much more to see and do so it was time to move on. Our friend Emily from Melbourne came to visit for a week and we were picking her up in Launceston so off we went and we were not disappointed.

Hands down the best place to stay in Launceston is The Art House Hostel. I had forgotten how great staying in a Hostel can be. The Art House is the perfect laid back setting to meet some new friends, get some ideas on what to do in Tasmania, cook a great meal, or just relax and unwind. Dara and I did all of these things while catching up on our blogging.

While in Launceston we visited the Boag's Brewery and joined the informative beer lovers tour through the history and brewing process. My favorite was watching the glass bottles go through the filling and packaging line. At the end of the tour we got a generous sampling of eight different Boag's brands paired with some scrumptious local cheeses.

Then headed over to Launceston's signature attraction, the Cataract Gorge. We took some pictures of the peacocks and the pristine water and headed to The Cable Hang Glide for yet another chance to test our wings.

A friend had recommended we eat lunch one day at Burger Got Soul, we took his recommendation and now pass it along to you. These fresh, innovative burgers really do have soul.

About an hour north of Launceston is Beauty Point, home to Seahorse World, Platypus House, and Echidna Garden. I was personally amazed at how small and cute the little platypus were playing in the water. The Echidnas were both prickly and furry and stuck their fast squirmy long tongues out a thousand times a minute to eat. Seahorse World had hundreds of Seahorse. We were able to observe all different species and all different stages of life on our guided tour. The Seahorse are gorgeous and mystical and each move in their own unique way. It's crazy to see that they all have a personality. There were other sea creatures about as well and some slimy ones we were able to touch.

We like to cover land and sea everywhere we go so we headed to the forest north of Launceston to zip-line with Hollybank Treetops Adventure. Scott and Anna geared us up with some fancy comfortable seated harnesses and we trekked out to the first tree. The lines become progressively longer and higher off the ground as you gain experience on the zip-trek. Scott and Anna taught us how to flap our wings and crow like a bird, strike a pose on the line and curl up in to a ball to go as fast as you can on the line. It was a lot of fun and we were rewarded with certificates of completion at the end.

COASTING ALONG

vantastic_tas — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 08:23:00 GMT

Anyone that has been here loves the Tasmanian coast but no one shows their love quite as well as Robert Pennicott. After spending many years as a professional fisherman Robert decided to share his beautiful office view along with his knowledge and enthusiasm for the Tasmanian coast with the rest of us. Robert and his wife Michaye opened Bruny Island Cruises in 1999 and Tasman Island Cruises in 2007. The company aims to create a legacy of conservation to protect the coast and use it's financial success to reinvest into the local community and environment. Dara and I took on the two adventure experiences back to back.

We drove Geoff about 40 minutes outside of Hobart to catch the ferry boat to Bruny Island and met for the cruise at the serene Adventure Bay. Geared up in our warmest clothes after an introduction from Robert himself we headed for the boats specifically customized to withstand large swells and heavy winds and slipped on a sweet red raincoat-suit that was handed to us as we stepped on.

Dara and I had already learned the hard away about The Roaring Forties. They are boisterous winds at 40*S latitude that come in from the west and have no land after South America to slow them down before they hit Tassie so we knew to be prepared for anything and dress warm on the water.

We were glad to be wrapped up as we headed straight in to the wind bouncing smoothly among the waves. The kids on board would shout warning everyone of big waves ahead and the screams and laughter would follow. It was a great day filled with crashing waves, big beautiful rock formations, caves, tons of seals sunbathing and information about the nature around us. We returned to Adventure Bay to find the worlds most delicious spicy pumpkin soup, sandwiches and hot tea waiting for us.

The next day we went to the Tasman Peninsula and the weather was dark, rainy and windy which meant the waves were even more intense but the dark blue clouds made a great backdrop for the rocky shoreline and there were even more seals out than the day before. The weather also had blown in the most gigantic prehistoric looking jellyfish I had ever seen. Braving the elements surrounded by this beautiful land in it's natural state was surreal.

Keeping up with it's reputation for being unpredictable and sporadic, the weather in Tassie was perfect the next day. Crystal clear blue skies and warm temperatures meant it was the perfect day for a morning kayak. Dara and I went to Roaring 40's Kayaking in Kettering and were greeted by owner and fellow east coast American Kim Brodlieb. Toby was our guide and took us for a calm day around the D'Entrecasteaux Channel where we explored a shipwreck and ate oysters that we found ourselves straight out of the water. We left happy with full bellies and new sun tans.

Video - "HIGH ON HOBART"

vantastic_tas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:16:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine team up with Skydive Tasmania for a bird's eye view of Hobart. Hold on to your hats and stomachs as they soar through the crisp Tassie air.

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

THESE BIRDS YOU CANNOT TAME

vantastic_tas — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 04:58:00 GMT

Squeezing under the big white tent at the top of The Falls Festival, trying to escape from the sun for a few minutes, Dara and I ran in to some new friends. The inevitable question came up, "So, how did you two end up here anyway?" As we started to tell our fortunate tale one of the guys, Richard, turned to us and said, "Oh no way! I heard about you girls. Would you like to go skydiving?" Dara and I looked at each other first in surprise then said to him in unison, "Yes!" with big silly grins across our faces.

For my 21st birthday a few of our friends and Dara and I went skydiving in flat, brown, landlocked, middle-of-nowhere Florida near where I went to University. It was a fun, great, perfect day but it was no Hobart. As soon as Dara and I started planning out our Van-Tastic Tasmania Adventure we knew we wanted to go skydiving but we weren't able to secure the deal until this one random encounter with a group of new friends.

Richard Timperon is the creator and owner of Skydive Tasmania since 2004 and our new friend.

A few days later Dara and I pulled up to the Skydive Tasmania office that doubles as a bike hire and were greeted by Laura whom we had also befriended at Falls and her new puppy Queso. Laura explained the risks involved and assisted us in signing our lives away and gearing up. I had the pleasure of jumping tandem with Richard the pro and Dara jumped with cheeky Brad. Since we were experienced skydivers we requested tons of spins and turns in the free-fall and we couldn't feel anything but excitement, no matter how many times Brad tried to scare us.

The plane ride up was almost as good as the jump. It was so cool to see the city we had fallen in love with from the sky. We could point out all of our favorite spots under the perfectly blue clear sky.

Since this was my fifth tandem jump, Richard had me try something a little different on the way out. When we reached the desired altitude of 10,000 feet; instead of leaving the plane with my legs back he had me tuck my legs up in to my chest with my arms crossed to get those spins I wanted. We tumbled through the air for 30 seconds of free-fall which I can always only describe as the most fun, crazy rollercoaster ride you can imagine (only better than whatever you are imagining) before the first, small parachute comes out. At that point we spread our wings and flew straight and fast towards the beautiful Hobart for another 30 seconds. When the big parachute opened our harness moved us seemlessly in to a seated position as the air popped us up and slowed us down for a nice, easy remaining ride down. Richard let me help steer the parachute and us around in a few fun circles before he had to aim for the runway.

Laura, the puppy and the rest of the Skydive Tasmania crew were waiting for us as we came in for a perfect landing.

Video - "CHOPPY SEAS & OYSTER SNACKIES"

vantastic_tas — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:13:00 GMT

Roadtrip Australia: Van-Tastic Adventures Tasmania

On their roadtrip through Tasmania, Australia with Van-Tastic Adventures, Dara and Catherine take to the open seas with Tasman Island and Bruny Island Cruises. It can be a bit chilly off the Tasmanian Coast, lucky for this dynamic duo, both boats came fully equipped with highly-fashionable red jump suits. For a calmer ocean experience, they enjoyed a relaxing kayak with Roaring 40s, followed by a delicious oyster snack.

Follow the adventures at http://www.vantastic.worldnomads.com, or on Twitter @Van_Tastic and @Dara_Catherine.

FALLING FOR TASMANIA

vantastic_tas — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:14:00 GMT

The Falls Music and Arts Festival has two locations, the best one (in my opinion, though I've never been to Falls in Victoria) being just outside of Hobart at the beautiful Marion Bay. Dara and I were lucky enough to get VIP passes to this event and a chance to interview Helen Ransom, Operations Manager for The Falls Music and Arts Festival of Tasmania. Helen's involvement with the festival began by developing a relationship with the Festival Director and founder of The Falls Festival, Simon Daly, while working at her old job at a car rental place at the Lanceston Airport. Simon hired her for the first Falls of Marion Bay in 2003 organizing parking and she has worked her way up from there.

Helen's goal every year is to offer patrons a wonderful three day camping experience, a "journey away from the ordinary world" where everyone can "just have a really good relax". Helen and staff try to make Falls as diverse at possible with music, comedy, food and arts from around the world. She assured us, "there's always going to be something in the line up that people haven't seen before." She hopes that visitors are passionate about the experience they are getting and knows that most of us are. "It is a really magic sort of place, I mean not everyone can get here you know. I hope they understand that kind of magic that's being brought to them as well."

When we asked Helen to describe her favorite memory of Falls she reflected back to 2003 when 7.5 thousand people showed up for the first time, Michael Franti was headlining to bring in the New Year "and he put his big arms up in to the air as if to embrace the entire crowd and he said 'I've just traveled from the Northern tip of Scotland to the Southern tip of Tasmania and I feel that I'm in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. It was like he was giving everyone this most enormous hug and there were no clouds in the sky. It was a really starry night and it was magical and people still talk about it now, and if it wasn't so hot I think I'd have goose bumps now talking about it." I shared with Helen a similar experience I had with Michael Franti singing in the rain at the New Orleans Jazz Festival in 2008 and proving once again how small the world is, Helen had actually been there watching him in New Orleans at the same time as me.

I finished with asking Helen, "What would you say to a traveler that was in another country and considering coming to The Falls Festival in Tasmania? What would you want them to know?"

"Thats a really good question," she thought. "I would want them to know that they could come here expecting to discover a world that they hadn't ever experienced before and that's Tasmania as well. Traveling to Tasmania is something that not a lot of people do and it's a unique, beautiful little state and then we have this small, rebuilt town within that really beautiful state. So what I would want them to know is that they just need to come and be ready to embrace whatever they find here and really enjoy all the beauty and all the great people and all the music and arts that we have here. It might be a long journey, but it's certainly worth it. I think that, I mean, you would probably agree the people here are ridiculously gorgeous so, and thats a big big part of the festival."

Of course I agreed. "Dara and I have felt so lucky to be here, we've had such an amazing experience and the people have completely embraced us and opened their doors to us. It's incredible."

"Yea and I saw that the other night when you were kind of chatting to people," Helen noticed. "It's not like you're a novelty or something like that it's just like, 'Oh! Welcome to here where we are and let us share this with you!' So yea it's nice."

"It certainly is nice Helen. Thank you for having us."

"You're very welcome here you are really welcome. We've got people from all over the world here and that is so special for us as well to be able to embrace the traveler within you know and just have visitors from everywhere it's really lovely."

Dara and I have been to music festivals all over the world and neither of us have seen anything that compares to this. The backdrop of the ocean and mountains behind the main stage is unbelievable mixed with warmth and generosity of the people and diversity of the food, music and arts. This is one festival that should not be missed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU4g1NddFI8