Launceston City, West Tamar and George Town Councils have joined forces to create an experience that will change the way visitors experience northern Tasmania.
That is, if the locals don’t beat them to it.
A Journey in the Tamar Valley – Through Outcast Eyes includes a book, map and CD that explore what the creators call, the ‘Great Forgetting’ about northern Tasmania’s complex and at times traumatic past.
Taking the self drive tour of the valley provides visitors with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the area, and a craving for more.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Journey means people won’t have to leave northern Tasmania to have a life changing experience.
“The beauty of Launceston and the Tamar Valley is apparent to us all, and the food and wine experiences are superb,” he said. “But the place just got a whole lot more interesting. This publication gives visitors the tools to read the Tamar Valley in a very different way.
“I’ll be surprised if every person doesn’t leave the region a little bit changed, and with an awakened curiosity about what it means to be Australian.”
Mayor van Zetten said the benefits of the publication are twofold.
“By adding value to the experiences that this beautiful and special place has to offer, locals will be able to see our history in a different light, while visitors will have another reason to spend more time here,” he said.
Co creator Dr Jane Deeth hopes the package will be part of every family, school library and business in the valley.
“If we can be authentic in understanding our past then our children will be stronger and our visitors will be grateful for being provided with a real experience,” she said.
A Journey in the Tamar Valley – Through Outcast Eyes is available from tourist information centres, council offices, heritage locations and bookstores throughout northern Tasmania.
