EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS SPREYTON

Tiagarra (a Tasmanian Aboriginal word meaning 'keep' or 'keeping place') is an interpretation centre for the history and present-day cultures and art of Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

The Centre is located on Mersey Bluff, a traditional Aboriginal sacred site on the Mersey River. It is one of the few Tasmanian sites where ancient Aboriginal rock carvings, (or petroglyphs) are still well preserved. A local schoolteacher discovered the petroglyphs in 1929, and over 200 engravings were subsequently found. Tiagarra was established at the site in 1976 in order to protect them.

The Quiet Cone, located in Latrobe on Tasmania's beautiful northwest coast offers an incredible experience. Shape, sound and scent and a combination of ancient knowledge in a modern setting create a new level of serenity and quietness. Your unique experience begins when you enter a giant cone shaped structure designed to offer comfort, resonance and atmosphere. You make yourself at home on the comfortable mattresses and cushions, looking up into the seeming endless cone, while the aroma of sandalwood infuses the air, instilling a sense of well-being and relaxation. Quietly you hear the resonating tones of symphonic gongs, being softly struck within the dome that encases you. Added to this we have the beautiful tones of Tibetan Singing Bowls and the wonderful sounds of Corinthian Chimes. The sound and vibration together with the sandalwood scent and placid atmosphere of the cone make you feel relaxed and serene. Even if you have never meditated before, you cannot help but enter a supremely restful yet energising meditative state. This is an experience you will be keen to repeat and share with others. The great location, views, gallery and gift shop, café and a "yin yang" shaped garden make this a must do.

Barringwood Park Vineyard is 15 kilometres south of Devonport en route to Sheffield and Cradle Mountain. The four hectare vineyard is planted out with the traditional cool climate varieties of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as the more recently proven varieties of Pinot Gris, Schonburger and Pinot Meunier-producing table wines from these varieties and a Sparkling Pinot Noir-Chardonnay to be released before Christmas 2003. At the Cellar Door you will have an opportunity to taste the wines produced in the vineyard and/or relax and enjoy a platter of local produce with a glass of one of Barringwood Park's award winning wines. Enhancing this tasting experience is the ambient atmosphere of the Cellar Door, which features the warmth and beauty of natural Tasmanian timbers, and provides stunning views of the vineyard and across picturesque countryside towards Bass Strait.

Watch an impressive whip cracking demonstration at Simon Martin Whips in Devonport, north-west Tasmania. This unique country store is keeping the old Australian traditions of whip making and leather craft alive. Visitors can see the work that goes into plaiting up to 48 strands of leather at the one time. A free whip cracking demonstration is also available on request. If you are an international visitor you will not want to miss this interesting Australian experience. The whips made here are used all over the world by circuses, wild-west entertainers and within Australia by Australian and World Whip Cracking Champions. Devonport is just over one hours' drive (103 kilometres/64 miles) from Launceston.

The Tasmanian Trail is a long distance (480 kilometres) multi-purpose recreational trail extending from Devonport on the northern coast to Dover in the south. The Trail passes through a wide range of environments including some of the most beautiful and facinating areas of Tasmania. The Tasmanian Trail provides a journey rich in cultural and natural history. The Tasmanian Trail guidebook gives walkers, mountain bike riders and horse riders all the information required to travel all or part of the Trail.

The gallery features works of artist in residence, Gina, an award winning artist, photographer, poet and will hold group exhibitions of local artists and workshops throughout the year. With the completion of the studio onsite the artist is available to talk to and holds open studio days where you can see the artist at work. Works include original, one of a kind, paintings, photography, assemblage using repurposed vintage finds, cards, lino prints, mosaics, artists books, hand stitched textiles and resin wearables. Other products include locally made Tasmanian keyrings, cast pewter pins and figurines, handmade soaps, chocolates, 'a gift of seeds', handmade cards, local jewellery, pottery and other speciality products. The gardens are under construction and future plans include outdoor seating with coffee and bites available as well as garden ware and plants for sale. The property is within walking distance of local beaches, parks and shopping with a restaurant, pub, newsagency, hairdresser, Vinnies, coffee shop, bakery, chemist, butcher and public toilets with parking. A small car hire company also runs from the property providing cars for visitors off the boat and internet bookings internationally and locally.

The Devonport Regional Gallery is a regional public art gallery in North West Tasmania. The Devonport Regional Gallery is housed in a converted 19th century church in the town's centre. It features a permanent collection of fine and decorative art and craft, with a predominant interest in 20th century glass, ceramics and woodcraft. There is an emphasis on work by Tasmanian artists, and the Gallery sometimes hosts touring exhibitions throughout the year. An ongoing public art program includes workshops, artists' floor talks, lectures and holiday art activities. The Gallery has exhibited work by a number of prominent Australian artists including Tasmanian painter David Keeling, West Australian artist Jonathan Kimberley and renowned Tasmanian printmaker Bea Maddock. Admission is free to the Devonport Regional Art Gallery and is open daily. Other galleries and museums in Devonport include the Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre - an interpretation centre for the history, cultures and art of Aboriginal people in Tasmania. You can visit the working exhibits at the Don River Railway Museum or explore Tasmania's seagoing history at the Tasmanian Maritime Museum. Devonport is a small coastal city, one hour 15 minutes' drive (101 kilometres/63 miles) from Launceston.

Antique Emporium is open seven days a week where you will discover a treasure trove of antiques both local and from around the globe specialising in Chinese antiques personally handpicked from village to village throughout China from 150 year old wedding sedan, ancient bone inlayed furniture, rustic country relics and exquisite French wrought iron ware. Also specialising in garden archtectural pieces, European cast iron ware, Victorian urns statues and fountains, unique giftware and old fashioned lolly shop. Specialising also in secondhand and antiquarian bookshops and thousands of books on all subjects in stock. John and Maree are retailers, wholesalers and direct importers sending goods daily Australia wide and internationally.

The Cherry Shed is conveniently located at Latrobe in northwest Tasmania, just 10 minutes from Devonport. The Cherry Shed offers a complete experience including wine and homemade produce tasting such as chutneys. liqueurs, ports, sauces, relishes and more as well as a wide range of products and merchandise for you to browse with the option of purchasing. While you are enjoying the local food and fresh cherries (seasonal), the children will wander the gardens, delight in the interactive room with model displays and learn about the cherry farm. They will also enjoy the delicious frreshly churned cherry and raspberry ice creams! Freshly grown cherries from the fertile, volcanic soil on the North West Coast of Tasmania is the key ingredient to the menu at The Cherry Shed Cafe. Delicious food, locally sourced, makes this cafe restaurant a popular choice for locals and travellers alike. Open all year between 0900 and 1700 (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) and opening for private functions in the evening, The Cherry Shed can cater for a group on nearly any size. With easy access from the Bass Highway on the way from Devonport to launceston, The Cherry Shed has something for everyone.

Reliquaire, at Latrobe in northern Tasmania, offers an eclectic selection of gifts and collectables. Latrobe is an historic town, 10 minutes' drive south-east of Devonport (nine kilometres) and an hour north-west of Launceston (96 kilometres). At Reliquaire, you can explore over 10 rooms containing a diverse range of products. Choose from antique furniture, limited edition dolls, decorative masks, jewellery and toys and a huge range of unusual giftware. Reliquaire also stocks over 40 varieties of flavoured coffee beans. You can select your favourite flavour and have your beans ground to order while you sample Reliquaire's delicious home made fudge. Coffee grinders, percolators and plungers are available, and Reliquaire also stocks a range of black, green and herbal teas. Some of the quirkier aspects of Reliquaire include a Roman courtyard, glow-in-the-dark corridor gym, sauna and spa and a Tardis room. The shop staff also enter into the spirit of the store by dressing in costumes related to a different theme each weekend. In Latrobe, you can explore the town's historic buildings, including the restored Court House Museum; browse for treasures at the Latrobe Market or indulge yourself at the House of Anvers, where you can sample delicious Tasmanian-made truffles and fudge.

The Latrobe Market is a community street market in north west Tasmania. Latrobe is 15 minutes south east of Devonport (15 kilometres / nine miles) a short drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal and Devonport airport. The Latrobe Market takes place each Sunday from 7am until 3pm. You can browse stalls filled with antiques, crafts and collectables and original artwork by local artisans. Stock up at tables laden with organic fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs and fragrant flowers. Sample fresh Tasmanian produce and home made preserves and mingle with the locals in a great community atmosphere. You can take a self-guided walk around Latrobe to see some of the town's many historic buildings. Browse through the many galleries and craft shops, take a platypus-spotting tour and make sure you call in to the House of Anvers chocolate factory to sample mouth watering truffles and fudges.

The Don Village Market is a country market near Devonport, north west Tasmania. The country village of Don is a short drive west of Devonport (five kilometres/three miles. The market has a combination of 50 indoor and outdoor stalls selling handmade crafts and fresh local produce. Take home organic farm produce, home grown vegetables and fruits, fresh local honey, jams and preserves and tempting home baked cakes and pies. Fill your garden with cottage plants, bulbs and natives or choose a fresh bunch of cut flowers. There are stalls with homespun clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, stamps and collectables, hand made tools, woodturning and woodwork. The market is open every Sunday from 9am until 3:30pm and is located opposite the Don River Railway, where you can take a journey on an authentic steam or diesel engine. There are a number of other markets on the north west coast. Visit the weekly arts and crafts market at Penguin, or browse the diverse range of stalls at the Ulverstone Market. Spend a morning at the street market at Latrobe, or mingle with the locals at the Forth Village Market.

The Imaginarium Science Centre is located in Devonport, north-west Tasmania. Pandemonium Discovery & Adventure complex is the North West Coast's largest indoor entertainment venue, situated in the heart of Devonport. Catering for all ages the discovery centre has a focus on health through active participation, recreation, science education and primarily fun. The Imaginarium provides visitors with exciting hands-on exhibits, programs, services and unique displays which are regularly changed. Since 2001, the Imaginarium has hosted many exciting travelling exhibitions from other science centres, such as the 'Body in Action' from Te Manawa in New Zealand and Dinosaur Eggs and Babies from Otago Museum and Gondwana Studios of Tasmania. The Imaginarium also features many other interactive displays and programs each calendar year, such as National Science Week, super science shows and school holiday programs. Parking is Free and the centre is situated at 62-64 North Fenton Street, Devonport, Tasmania.

Axemans Makers Market is held every Sunday at the Australian Axeman's Hall Of Fame, Latrobe. The market runs from 0800 to 1500 and offers local and Tasmanian art, crafts, jewellery, soaps, hand spun wool and home-made cakes. You will also find local produce including honey, meat, fruit, vegetables and jam. Latrobe is a ten minute drive from Devonport.

The Arboretum is a 66 hectare nature reserve near Devonport in Tasmania's North-West. Only a few kilometres from Devonport but a million miles from care, the 66 hectares of landscape Arboretum, which was founded in 1984, offers you the opportunity to walk among collections of woody plants from around the temperate world, especially including many of Tasmania's plants. Set in a peaceful and beautiful valley, you may see some of Tasmania's wildlife, such as swift parrots and platypus. Cultural and natural heritage combine in the Limestone Heritage Walk, which is free if you self-guide on the walk, and links the geology with a century of human activity contributing to colonial and national development. One hour guided walks are available for a reasonable cost, and can be booked online. Bookings are essential. The Arboretum offers three picnic shelters, 2 general shelters, a platypus observatory and a bird hide on the shore of Flounders Lake. The Tree Park Kiosk offers light refreshments and audio tours, and is operated by volunteers and opens between October and May. Kiosk is open 11am-4pm. Eugenana is 15 minutes' drive (11 kilometres/7 miles) South of Devonport.

Home Hill is the home of former Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, located in Devonport. The house was built by Joseph Lyons and his family in 1916, where he lived with his wife Dame Enid Lyons and their 12 children. Except for a period of five years it remained their home for the rest of their lives. The rich collection of personal material provides an unexpected insight into Australian political life and international relations during the momentus events of the mid twentieth century. Home Hill is as Dame Enid left it and contains many interesting and historic mementoes of the life of a Prime Minister. The house is open Tuesday to Thursday, and weekends, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm. Bookings are essential. Devonport is an hour and fifteen minutes' drive (101 kilometres/63 miles) west of Launceston.

Passenger trains disappeared from Tasmania some time ago, except this one, a full size loco service from the Don Village Station to Coles Beach every day. After leaving Don Village, the route of the Don River Railway winds its way along the Eastern banks of the picturesque Don River, passing Restoration Siding where old vehicles are awaiting their turn for restoration at the hands of the craftsmen. During the thirty minute return journey you will pass through a nature reserve and you will also see many places of historical interest. A steam locomotive pulls the train on Sundays and public holidays and all January (other than high fire danger days). For the remainder of the year weekday trains are run with a vintage rail car. The collection of steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock is open for inspection at the Don Village Station, where there is also a souvenir and model shop.

The Anvers Chocolate Factory at Latrobe in Tasmania's North is a chocolate lovers' heaven. Hand-made chocolate truffles, chocolate oranges, fudge and praline, using fresh Tasmanian cream and butter, producing the world's finest chocolate and liqueurs. Igor Van Gerwen, the chocolate confectioner acquired his know-how from his birthplace, Belgium. A selection box of truffles includes flavours such as kirsch, strawberry and Grand Marnier. Flavours that would dominate others - ginger and mint, are packed by themselves. A terrific light gift to take home, that's truly Tasmanian. The Anvers Chocolate Factory is a real chocolate taste sensation and is located in the property known as Wyndarra Lodge, a stylish house (c.1931) set in 1.12 hectares of mature tree gardens. Anvers has viewing windows so you can see the factory in action; confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudge and more. There is a small museum on the history of chocolate, and our coffee shop (open fire place, stained glass windows) specialises in chocolates, hot cocoa in many flavours, chocolate desserts and...more chocolate. French breakfast and light Tasmanian fare lunches are served, and a range of teas and espresso coffees for the morning and afternoon break.

The Platypus Experience is located in Latrobe on Tasmania's beautiful northwest coast. It's difficult to keep this unique mammal out of its natural environment. However the Experience provides comprehensive dioramas, videos and models with a unique water feature which displays how the platypus live, eat and breed in their secret world. It is truly an educational experience for the young and old. While experiencing this unique display you can also marvel at the unbelievable collection of trophies, treasures and memorabilia, recognizing Tasmania's world champion axeman. You can also view the live rainbow and brown trout plus other fish that live in Tasmania's rivers and lakes making it an exciting destination for the angler.

Bass Strait Maritime Centre Devonport is situated at the Pilot Station residence, built in 1920. Through objects, images and interactive displays, the Centre explores the themes of the natural history of Bass Strait and its islands, European exploration, settlement, early shipbuilders and entrepreneurs, shipwrecks, the impact of steam, the creation of the Port City of Devonport and Naval history. A simulated experience Take the Helm of the SS Woniora gives visitors a chance to test their skills and bring a 1910's steamer into the Mersey River or through the heads of Port Phillip Bay. The newly restored Julie Burgess ketch though, provides the real experience. Two hours sailings operate each Wednesday and Sunday, taking passengers out into Bass Strait and back! We look forward to welcoming you!

Monclairs of Latrobe for collectors of beautiful things. Housed in an 1870's renovated bank building, Mike and Kerrie Thompson have created a unique shopping experience. With a genuine love for antiques and fine decor, so you will find this store brimming with ideas for your home and gifts, or that special someone in your life. You will be warmly welcomed by Monclairs friendly and helpful staff, and invited to browse the multi themed rooms. You will find a country influence, a little touch of Paris, fine antique furniture, as well as a touch of art deco. All teamed with new and old decorator pieces for those finishing touches to your home. Be illuminated by the wonderful array of lamps, lamp shades, light fittings and chandeliers in store and reflect on the stunning selection of mirrors available. Feel the warmth of Australian made Mohair throws and blankets and slip into some luxurious linen for your bedroom. You will be able to set the finest table in town with stunning table linen, crockery and cutlery and make a toast in beautiful hand crafted Italian glasses. At Monclairs of Latrobe there is a wonderful blend of the old and the new. Latrobe is a 10 minute drive (11 kilometres / 6 miles) South of Devonport.

The Edward 'Teddy' Sheean Memorial and Sheean Walk is a military memorial at Latrobe, north west Tasmania. Latrobe is 10 minutes' drive south east of Devonport (nine kilometres/six miles). The Walkway begins in Latrobe's main street, where you can see the Edward 'Teddy' Sheean Memorial, commemorating the courage and sacrifice of this young seaman. Born near Latrobe in 1923, Edward 'Teddy' Sheean served aboard the HMAS Armidale during the Second World War. While en route to Timor in 1942 the Armidale was attacked from the air and destroyed. Although seriously wounded, Teddy Sheean manned an anti-aircraft gun in defence of the Armidale's survivors, remaining at the gun as the ship sank and sacrificing his life to save his shipmates. Teddy was posthumously Mentioned in Despatches, second only to a posthumous Victoria Cross. A Collins Class Submarine has since been named after him - the first Australian warship to be named for a Junior Sailor of the Royal Australian Navy. You can follow the Sheean Walk from central Latrobe to its conclusion at Bell's Parade. Plaques placed along the route commemorate the actions of Australian soldiers who fought in World War II and in the Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam and Korean conflicts.

The Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame is a tourist and function centre in Latrobe, Tasmania. Tasmania's first national Hall of Fame portrays the history, exploits and achievements of Australian's internationally renowned sporting woodchoppers. It provides a magnificent insight into the realms of Australia's world champion axemen. Marvel at the unbelievable collection of trophies, treasures and memorabilia. The centre is also home to memorabilia from victorious Tasmanian horse Piping Lane, including the 1972 Melbourne Cup worth AUD65,000. The Hall of Fame includes a licensed café, indoor wood chopping arena, gift shop, visitor information service and function centre. While at the Hall also experience the environment in which Tasmania's platypus live. The display consists of the comprehensive dioramas, videos and models with a unique water feature, which explains how platypus lives, eat and breed in their secret world. There is also a display of live rainbow and brown trout plus other fish that live in Tasmania's rivers and lakes, making it an exciting destination for the angler. The Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame can be used for special events including weddings, art exhibitions, meetings and music performances. It is only ten minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal and Devonport airport.

Tiger Creek Artspace is a gallery located in East Devonport, in Tasmania's north west. Former outback artist and writer Vic Maloney invites you to view his interpretation of Tasmania's rich folklore. Come in and see the artist's unique work on display, and listen to some of Vic's true tales of life in the Australian bush. If you see any artwork you like, you may purchase it directly from the artist. The gallery is open on Saturdays from 9:00am to 4:00pm Tiger Creek Artspace is approximately 10 minutes' drive east from the centre of Devonport.

The Court House Museum is located in Latrobe on Tasmania's beautiful north west coast. It tells the story of Latrobe and surrounding areas since European settlement began in the mid nineteenth century. The centre of a rich agricultural and forestry district the town has also been a major port on the north west coast, the site of the Tasmania's oil shale industry and birthplace of competitive wood chopping in Australia. The Museum tells its stories through changing displays and rich photographic collections. Admission: National Trust members free. Gold coin donation. Children under age of 18 free.