Taste of Tasmania - ready, set, and starts 28 December

Countdown is well and truly ON....Tasmania's finest food, freshest farm produce, seafood, cool climate wines and boutique beers are all on show on Hobart's waterfront from next Tuesday 28th December. Hobart will be bustling with the opening of The Taste co-inciding with the early arrivals in the Blue water classic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. A tip for the Taste - be sure to visit Stall 23 Taste Cafe and Catering and pick up the latest best seller - "Picnics in Paradise" - ask Karen for a signed copy - I'm sure she'll oblige along with her famous Game Pies and Paella!!
Wash it down with an Iron House Brew - all whilst watching the yachts arrive!

Web Cam for Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

Excitement builds for the 2010 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race epic! Starting Boxing Day in Sydney check out the first arrivals in Hobart due as soon as 28th December by logging onto http://www.innkeeper.com.au/ and click on our webcam located high atop magnificent Lenna of Hobart in Battery Point. Not only will you see the yachts in all their glory but catch a glimpse of the action at this years Taste of Tasmania held on the waterfront.

Industry Celebrates in Style

Tasmania's 2010 Tourism Awards were presented in Hobart last night (Friday 12th November) with many deserving winners.
Innkeepers Tasmania is proud to congratulate the following members on their awards for excellence; The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel (Deluxe Accommodation), Bruny Island Explorer's Cottages (Standard Accommodation) and multi award recipients Bruny Island Cruises as best Tourist Attraction, Ecotourism Award and the Qantas Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Award. Well done to all and deserving recognition for their pursuit of excellence in this increasingly challenging industry.

Diamond Island Resort - up close and personal with penguins!

Diamond Island Resort is now rated 4.5 star for its absolute beachfront 2 storey villas. In addition the property now features guided penguin viewing from 2 heated platforms on the beachfront and are soon to construct a walkway over the Rookery to the beach. All guests have this included in the room tariff.

The Diamond Island Day Spa has been expanded to 3 treatment rooms with an outside, enclosed deck for a massage or facial while relaxing in the perfect sunshine of the East Coast. Facets Restaurant is delighted to announce the return of Chef Mark Oliver who creates the Facets Feast, a seafood extravaganza to suit any connoisseur.

Indulge yourself - visit Diamond Island Resort on Tasmania's east coast

Huon Bush Retreats wins Nyrstar Environment and Sustainability Award

Huon Valley eco-tourism operators, Michael Higgins and Paul Dimmick of the Huon Bush Retreats are the proud recipients of the Nyrstar Environment and Sustainability Award which acknowledges proven passion and dedication to improving the Tasmanian environment.
The award recognises that Huon Bush Retreats works in an ongoing way to overcome the challenges facing our natural world and to overcome the barriers to change that are often encountered in business. Environmental improvements can come in many forms, for example, changing behaviours and patterns of consumption, restoring impacted areas, establishing sustainable business practices, and the protection of threatened species and habitat. Huon Bush Retreats has been recognised as succeeding in all of these areas.

To view Huon Bush Retreats

Hobart accommodation upgrade at Lenna of Hobart

The dust has settled, builders have downed tools and after several weeks the remarkable transformation of Lenna's 15 parkview rooms is complete. Each room was stripped back to four bare walls, new contemporary bathrooms, marble tops, walk in showers, and totally new interior furnishings mean Lenna is ready to welcome discerning visitors looking for quality 4 star accommodation in the Salamanca and Battery Point preccinct of Hobart.

To book these central Hobart rooms click here

Junction Arts Festival, Launceston, Tasmania

This winter Regional Arts Australia and Tasmanian Regional Arts invite you to Launceston to celebrate community, culture and the arts. From 26 - 29 August, 1000 people from around Australia will gather in the beautiful city of Launceston, Tasmania to rethink and re-imagine what the future of the arts in Australia can be.

Bringing together artists, art workers, volunteers, policy makers and those passionate to learn how the arts can connect communities to a vibrant future, the seventh Regional Arts Australia national conference promises to be one of the biggest and most significant arts gatherings to be held in regional Australia this year.

Enveloping and intersecting with the conference is the Junction Arts Festival, an exuberant show case of wonderful art encompassing theatre, dance, opera, visual arts, writing, installation and more. Plus a great program of music, cabaret and variety in a genuinely cool festival club.

Join us at the Junction and immerse yourself in the best of regional and community art from across the country and beyond. Experience the vibrant cultural and artistic life of Tasmania and combine your art experience with the beautiful food and wine of the region.

We look forward to seeing you at the Junction. Stay at Innkeepers Tasmania and enjoy one of the best hotels offers available. Book now on www.innkeeper.com.au or phone our knowlegeable reservations Staff on 1300 130 269.

Penguin Viewing at Diamond Island Resort

Innkeepers Tasmania's popular Diamond Island Resort in Bicheno, on Tasmania's sunny East Coast now boasts a private penguin viewing platform!
Guests are invited to observe the Little penguins who arrive each night after dark. This reliable year round wildlife experience is enhanced with the comfort of outdoor heaters, now you can stay and enjoy for as long as the little seabirds provide sufficient entertainment.

The facility if free for house guests. Sometimes, as the saying goes - the best things in life are free! Enjoy a winter break and the sparkling sunny weather we have been enjoying here. Phone Innkeepers Tasmania today to secure your booking...1300 130 269.

Festival of Voices in Hobart with Innkeepers Tasmania

Festival of Voices is Australia's annual festival of choirs.

Festival of Voices brings the world of singing to Hobart in the heart of winter. The Festival features around 40 events over 5 days. Each year we invite the finest international and national choral teachers to lead master classes and workshops, and to perform in major concerts with choirs and singers from across Australia.

Festival highlights include the Festival Bonfire and Big Sing, the Festival Club in Salamanca Place and the Festival Finale Concert in Hobart's Federation Concert Hall. More than 10,000 people attend concerts and events all within walking distance of Hobart's historic waterfront and CBD. Your perfect partner in searching for and booking accommodation is Innkeepers Tasmania with its quality Hobart properties close to all the action.

Festival of Voices is inclusive, non-competitive and affordable. National and local choirs from all over Australia and beyond choose the Festival as a vibrant opportunity to learn new repertoire and skills, to perform and to celebrate. Come with your choir, with friends, or come alone - everyone is welcome.

Whether you're an experienced chorister or a keen novice, in 2010 this is your opportunity to work with the world's finest teachers in a cappella, gospel, opera choir or music for youth. In 2010 all adult workshops are also accredited with the University of Tasmania. We offer special workshops for teachers of music and the creative arts.

This winter in Tasmania discover the warm world of singing, plus the many delights of Hobart - heritage architecture, fine food and wine, delightful accommodation with Innkeepers Tasmania and the beauty of winter in the south.

Try the following hotels and apartments for easy access to the Festival of Voices:

Innkeepers Hotels: Lenna of Hobart, The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, Hotel Collins, Motel 429,

Innkeepers Apartments: Salamanca Terraces, Quest Waterfront, Quest Savoy

For any booking of 3 nights or more use our Special Offer - Hotel Pass rates!

For more information please visit http://www.festivalofvoices.com.au.

Follow Targa Tasmania with Innkeepers Tasmania

It’s the thrill of exotic fast cars competing under the toughest conditions. Over six days of Targa Tasmania, the world’s best touring, sports and GT cars compete in competitive stages on the Island’s toughest roads. They travel more than 2000 kilometres (1200 miles) to challenge the best in their category. Each year up to 300 of the world's finest cars and drivers compete on Tasmania's scenic routes and mountain passes. It's your chance to get close to the best from Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Lotus, Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan and Toyota. You name it and you can see it at Targa Tasmania.

To follow Targa Tasmania or retrace the tyre marks of the event in your own time, why not stay with Innkeepers Tasmania around the state? Our accommodation is conveniently located along the Targa route and in May we offer a free fuel deal to allow you to drive to your heart's content. For 5 nights packages with Innkeepers Hotels or Innkeepers Apartments you receive a $50 free fuel voucher. More fuel for longer stays! We even offset the carbon emissions associated with our free fuel offer to ensure that your driving is environmentally friendly.

To make your booking call us today on 1300 130 269 or visit us on www.innkeeper.com.au.

Innkeepers Tasmania welcomes 'Lumina - A Winter of Festivals''

This week we saw the launch of Tourism Tasmania's new Autumn/Winter 2010 Campaign. The Bond Store at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery was transformed into a glittering winter festival space as the 'Who is Who' in Tasmanian tourism was awed by the creative concepts of the new campaign.

So, its official, Tasmania is a place to enjoy some of life's most magic moments during the intimate and often crisp and clear period between June and August. Over 100 events and some major festivals will create the kind of cultural buzz and atmosphere one might expect of the charming cities of Europe.

Having been to the 'Festival of Voices' in years past, I can confirm that the magic works for our visitors who come here in large numbers to participate in the professionally run workshops with incredibly talented and skilled musicians. We eagerly await the Australian Shakespeare Festival as this playwright attracts a loyal following around the world and no national festival of this caliber currently exists.

Sporting events such as Targa Tasmania and the Hawthorn football games will also continue to draw crowds and are known to encourage touring holiday makers to come to our state during the low season.

For retail agents looking to sell a fantastic proposition to their clients - look no further than Tasmania this winter. We all know that winter has an increasing appeal to Australians who travel overseas to get a winter experience - let them seek this experience in Tassie! Its close, its affordable and will light up your winter!

When looking for accommodation and experiences, please contact Innkeepers Tasmania on 1300 130 269 or visit www.innkeeper.com.au. Alternatively find the following special offers on our Lumina landing pages:

5 N Discover Tasmania from $299 pp (Discover Inns)

5 N Experience Tasmania from $399 pp inc $50 free fuel bonus (Hotels and Apartments)

3 N Hobart Short Stay from $299 inc Peppermint Bay Cruise (Hotels and Apartments)

3 N Tamar Valley Short Stay from $240 pp inc gourmet cheese and wine at Rosevears Vineyard Retreat

Three Peaks Race with Innkeepers Tasmania

Australia's premier short-handed sailing endurance mountain running race is held every Easter in Tasmania.First conducted in 1989, the Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race is a major event on the Tasmanian sporting calendar attracting large crowds at various locations and extensive media following each Easter. The next annual race will start on Good Friday, 2nd April 2010.

Each year competitors are drawn from most Australian states and often there are international competitors, though mostly runners. For competitors it offers an interesting alternative for the yachting fraternity and a challenging new activity for runners, climbers and bushwalkers. It is this unique combination of the two disparate disciplines of sailing and running that provides for such a challenging event.

The Hydro Tasmania Three Peaks Race is a non-stop event, commencing at Beauty Point on the Tamar River just north of Launceston and finishing in Hobart on the Derwent River, with Flinders Island and Freycinet Peninsula visited along the way.

To take in all the race action why not stay with an Innkeepers Tasmania property in the Tamar Valley, East Coast or at the finishing line in Hobart?

Call our knowledgeable reservations staff today for a quote on 1300 130 269 or visit www.innkeeper.com.au.

Enjoy a Tipple of Single Malt and stay at Innkeepers Tasmania's Curringa Farm

It is no longer a secret that Tasmania produces some of the world's newest and very fine single malt whiskys. The latest boutique whisky distillery is The Nant Estate Whisky Distillery in Bothwell, located in Tasmania's central highlands. Bothwell's history is steeped in all things Scottish, so the choice of location for a distillery is obvious. Set in a colonial flour mill which has been converted to milling barley for whisky production, The Nant Estate is 'the real thing'.

Fancy a whisky with your meal? At the monthly Nant Whisky Dinner, you’ll enjoy three superb courses for $48, carefully matches with whiskies from across the globe. Relax into the comfort of the Atrium Lounge and Whisky Bar and enjoy canapés on arrival, prepared by Nant Estate’s international chef, John Rochfort. Next date is 13 March. For bookings phone 03-62595790.

While in Bothwell, why not make a weekend of it and stay at nearby Innkeepers Tasmania property Curringa Farm in Hamilton.during those golden late summer and autumn months just the drive from Hobart through the Derwent Valley is spectacular! Check in to your farm cottage overlooking Lake Meadowbank at Curringa Farm with a warm welcome by Tim & Jane Parssons before driving across the hill to Bothwell for dinner. The next morning your breakfast of home-made bread and farm jam and fresh farm eggs will make up for the night before.

For Curringa Farm bookings please call 1300 130 269 or visit www.innkeeper.com.au.

'From France to Freycinet' with Innkeepers Tasmania

Follow in the Footsteps of the early French explorers Baudin and Freycinet and discover the delights of Tasmania's East Coast between 13 and 16th May 2010. Join in the celebration of the area's rich natural history, magnificent natural beauty, abundant marine life, delicious fresh seafood and award winning wines. This is an ideal Tasmanian holiday in glorious autumn.

Innkeepers Tasmania's property 'Piermont Retreat' is among the local hosts of events. On Friday 14th May, the property will feature a 6 pm concert in it's outdoor amphitheatre with 'Roadkill Drummers' and the New Caledonian Choir or Mont Ravel. Anyone who has attended this kind of event at Piermont can vouch that it is an unforgettable experience - the ambience, waves rolling onto the beach in the background, dry stone walls landscaping and ample seating are to die for! One could be forgiven for thinking you are at a magic place at the end of the world. At 7 pm a Gala Dinner is hosted in the Piermont Restaurant with guest speakers Dr Edward Duyker and Mme Martine Marin.

We have it on good authority that Piermont still has cottages available for this weekend, so get in and make a weekend of it. There is plenty of other entertainment on offer in the area and Piermont would be the ideal base for your activities. Whether you need a short break away from your desk, a romantic weekend or a family holiday - 'From France to Freycinet' surely has it all.

For accommodation bookings please call one of our reservation consultants on 1300 130 269 or visit our website www.innkeeper.com.au. Other properties in Swansea are Swansea Beach Chalets, Swansea Waterloo Inn, the exclusive The Lair and, a little further afield, Diamond Island Resort at Bicheno.

Tamar Valley Short Stay for Wine Lovers

When getting away needs to be close, brief and indulgent we recommend the Tamar Valley Wine Route. This region is full of wonderful experiences, produces some magnificent wines and can be easily explored over a 2 night weekend.

Innkeepers Tasmania's recommends a stay at Rosevears Vineyard Eco-cabins for your get-away. Having recently experienced the property personally, Marketing & Business Development Manager Karen Rees is sold on its charm, location, ambience and seclusion. "It's hard to believe you can be so 'far away' only 15 minutes from Launceston's CBD". Yet that was the experience. After arriving to a refreshing glass of cool climate sparkling wine ('the signature sparkling 'Pirie') the check-in to the eco-cabin was easy and swift. Once inside the well-appointed cabin the rest of the world seemed to disappear. Only the vines and the rural landscape remained.

Drawing on the fridge stocked with handy half bottles of wines and soft drinks the evening was off to a good start. The floor to ceiling windows allow you to be in the landscape without even having to step outside. Having stocked up on gourmet provisions at the Richie's Mill providore dinner was an easy affair. On nights when the Estelle restaurant is open on the property a booking is highly recommended. An easy atmosphere with some of the best views of the Tamar River Valley can be enjoyed with fresh regional produce being featured on the menu.

Rosevears is an ideal base for wine touring, restaurant visits in the area or in nearby Launceston and enjoying some of the local attractions such as Tamar River Cruises or Hollybank Treetop Adventures (an easy 45 minute drive). For all bookings let the expert reservations team at Innkeepers Tasmania assist you - phone 1300 130 269 or visit www.innkeeper.com.au.

Bonus Offer at 'The Lair' with Innkeepers Tasmania online

The most 'braggable' property in Tasmania is undoubtedly 'The Lair' near Swansea. This extra-ordinary architectural feat is a treat for all the senses. Magestically located above the ocean, this property will have all the attention to detail you have ever dreamed about.

Designer kitchen ware, European appliances, Italian designer couches and Japanese silk wallpaper are among the details that sets this place apart into a category of its own.

Owner-architect Rick Bzowy has just announced a bonus offer for those wishing to make the most of their stay on Tasmania's East Coast - stay 3 nights or more and receive a bonus additional night for free! Book online through Innkeepers Tasmania or phone our reservation office on 1300 130 269 today.

Perhaps the up-coming France to Freycinet Festival is an ideal opportunity to take advantage of this offer. The property suits 2-4 people and can also cater for small events up to 50 people. Why not celebrate your next special event at 'The Lair'?

Tamar River Cruises with Innkeepers Tasmania

Tamar River Cruises offers a perfect way to see Launceston when you haven't got much time. Just join their one hour Cataract Gorge Cruise and you will step off the boat relaxed and well informed. The cruise takes in Launceston's Seaport and other harbour facilities before heading to Cataract Gorge past the scenic suburb of Trevallyn and Richie's Mill. Hear about Launceston's history, the Boag's Brewery, the Tamar River and finally all about the Cataract Gorge whilst cruising in comfort.

On a sunny summer's day you may be treated by young boys jumping off the Gorge bridge in a bid to prove their courage (this is not something you should copy!).

Other cruises of this award-winning operator are longer in duration and go much further afield, but they are all expertly commentated and skippered. The Batman Bridge Luncheon Cruise includes morning tea, lunch and some wine and beer tasting.

This is quite simply one of the most delightful ways to spend some time in Tasmania's premier northern city. All your accommodation needs can be met through our Innkeepers Tasmania properties and in Launceston we offer a range of options such as Rosevears Vineyard Eco Retreats, Quest Launceston Apartments, Sandors on the Park and soon also the Hotel Charles. Alternatively try Penny Royal Motor Inn.

For bookings phone one of our Tasmanian experts in our central reservations office on 1300 130 269 or visit www.innkeeper.com.au.

Guy Sebastian at Innkeepers Experience Tahune Forest Airwalk

Australian singing sensation Guy Sebastian will give a unique up close and personal performance in the Tasmanian forest at Tahune AirWalk on Saturday March 13. Fans will be treated to his amazing vocal talents in the picturesque setting of one of Innkeepers' Experiences and Tasmania’s top 10 tourism attractions – the Tahune AirWalk.

The audience will have the opportunity to meet and talk with the talented singer songwriter who will also sign autographs and pose for photos before his performance.

Sebastian will be supported by local artist Dewayne Everettsmith, who received national and international exposure after his appearance on Australian Idol in 2007.

Everettsmith’s soulful pop sounds will make a fantastic precursor to Guy Sebastian’s lunchtime performance. This event is suitable for family holidays, a short break or just a day out in Tasmania.

Why not make a weekend of it and stay in the area? Innkeepers Tasmania offers 2 wonderful properties, Driftwood Cottages in nearby Dover or Huon Bush Retreats in nearby Ranelagh (close to Huonville). For bookings visit our website www.innkeeper.com.au or phone our experienced and helpful staff on 1300 130 269.