DOIN' IT #TASSIESTYLE
Our day started at 8.15 am on a cold wet Sunday morning, where a group of 35 Instagrammers met at Brooke Street Pier to board a Gray Line coach for a day of adventure, #TassieStyle ! with great company, great food and to top it off, Whisky and Gin tastings.
OATLANDS AND CALLINGTON MILL
Our first stop was Oatlands, one of Tasmania's oldest settlements located 84 km north of Hobart, a beautiful town full of sandstone buildings. A few of us were chosen to enjoy a guided tour of the mill, complete with matching accessories that came in the shape of hair nets and hard hats!, Alison guided us through the mill, climbing up the steep narrow stairs was great fun and the view from the top floor was incredible, the best views of Oatlands, well worth doing. A working Georgian windmill built in 1837, Callington Mill was restored to full working order in 2010. The mill is the only working mill of its type in the southern hemisphere, producing quality flours, oats and bran using wind power.
Nice head gear guys! 👍
The rest of the group went on a guided walking tour of some of the town's historic buildings including the Oatlands Gaol which was built in 1835 and was the largest regional Gaol in Tasmania, unfortunately only some parts of the site remains after most of the building was demolished after it's closure in 1937.
An original cell door.
KEMPTON AND REDLANDS DISTILLERY
Next on our adventure was Kempton, where we visited Redlands Distillery at Dysart House. We were greeted by a very friendly Jack Lark, our very informative tour guide for the duration of our visit, often accompanied by his ever so cute and equally friendly furry side kick, Abbey the distillery pup. Here we indulged in an amazing spread of delicious antipasto platters, washed down with a glass of wine.
Jack then took us to the distillery, where we got to sample the whisky at various stages of production and then came the Whisky tasting...oh boy! was this 16 year old single malt Whisky amazing!, a few of us also tried the Lavender Malt, a single malt infused with lavender, giving it a very unique liqueur taste..delicious, I just may have to indulge in a bottle for Christmas.
Jack and Abbey
Our delicious lunch.
The aftermath!, I think it is safe to say the food was a hit!
SHENE ESTATE AND DISTILLERY, PONTVILLE
Our third stop was historic Shene Estate and Distillery at Pontville where we were greeted by Anne as we descended from the bus and 'let loose' to explore the nooks and crannies of this amazingly restored and conserved family owned historic site. This gorgeous estate dates back to the early 1800s, sets you pondering over the history of early settlers and their way of life. Then came the Poltergeist Gin tasting.., it is no surprise this delicious fragrant crisp spirit recently won a Gold Medal at the World Gin Awards 2017. This award winner can be purchased directly from the Shene Estate at their cute, quaint little 'Road Side Stall' manned by friendly family members or their online store.
The cute Road Side Stall
Tasting before purchasing
Gillie, the bouncy, excitable newest member of their family
BONORONG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BRIGHTON
Last but by no means least we boarded the bus for our fourth and final stop of the day, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, fortunately the rain had stopped by then so we enjoyed the outdoors with many of the Bonorong residents.
After enjoying afternoon tea in the sheltered picnic area, we hand fed the Kangaroos whilst some 'cheeky' ones decided that a handful wasn't enough and helped themselves to the food bags 😂, witnessed feeding time with the Tassie Devils and petted the sleepy Koalas.
A mumma feeding her Joey
Can I have some more please?
Check out the heart shape on this handsome guy 💙
Meet Fred, the Sulpher-Crested Cockatoo, would you believe he is well over 100 years old!!
AND NOW, THE END IS NEAR...
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and for the last time, we boarded our bus back to Brooke Street Pier where everyone went their separate ways, chattering away like excited school kids reminiscing about the days events. Another magical Tassie Instameet. How lucky we are to get this opportunity to visit so many amazing places in this beautiful state of ours. Ahh Tassie, you never fail to amaze us... beauty, style and the most delicious fresh local produce at every turn.
#heritagehighwaymeet
#hertiagehighway
#hobartandbeyond
#discovertasmania
#tassiestyle
#tasmania
#oatlands
#callingtonmill
#redlandsdistillery
#sheneestateanddistillery
#poltergeistginau
#bonorong
#bonorongwildlifesanctuary
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