Past Perfect In Tassie
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday May 18, 1994
ONE of Tasmania's unique features is the vast number of heritage accommodation houses dotted across the Apple Isle. These range from cottages built and lived in by the colonial working classes, to grand Georgian and Victorian mansions. Many are decorated in keeping with the era in which they were built, resulting in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere.
Staying in heritage accommodation offers many rewards, such as being treated by the owners as more like a friend than a guest, and getting to know the locals.
This week's giveaway is an opportunity to sample Tasmania's heritage accommodation. One lucky reader will win a trip for two people to Tasmania on the TT Line Spirit of Tasmania and seven nights' accommodation in some beautifully preserved cottages.
In addition, 20 runners-up will each win a copy of a new book, A Guide to Tasmanian Heritage Accommodation, by Mary Brownell.
To enter send the coupon below to The Herald/Spirit of Tasmania Competition, GPO Box 3751, Sydney, NSW 2001, by noon, Wednesday, May 25. See today's public notices for conditions.
The winners will stay in five historic homes. Two nights will be spent at both Hillgrove Colonial Accommodation, circa 1840, in the Hobart suburb of Taroona, and at Molecombe Cottage, circa 1830, on the outskirts of Launceston. One night will be spent at Frogmore, a Victorian country house built in the 1890s, at Latrobe; Forget-me-not Cottage in the historic town of Oatlands; and Schouten House, which overlooks the Freycinet Peninsula on the East Coast.
The Spirit of Tasmania leaves from Port Melbourne at 6 pm each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, bound for Devonport, on the north coast of Tasmania. The journey takes 14 1/2 hours and arrives at Devonport at 8.30 the following morning. There are five levels of accommodation, ranging from hostel-like cabins to suites. Details, 13 20 10.
Mary Brownell's book, A Guide to Tasmanian Heritage Accommodation, is a comprehensive guide to more than 80 historic homes and cottages. The book also includes listings of major heritage collections, National Trust properties and antique shops. It is available for $14.95 from bookshops, the Tasmanian Travel Centre on (02) 220 2033 or Platypus Publishing, (002) 315 282.
© 1994 Sydney Morning Herald
