By Rama Gaind.
Celebrating life and living it should happen regularly, but it doesn’t. Time is too short not to celebrate some very special moments!
Spectacular: a bird’s-eye-view across the Tamar River of the Peppers Seaport Hotel, in Launceston, Tasmania. Photo: Rama Gaind
Just such an occasion recently was our 40th wedding anniversary. Once again, we made our way back to Tasmania – Launceston, to be precise. It’s the cool, calm and tranquil waterfront atmosphere in, and surrounding the Peppers Seaport Hotel, that is the magnetic drawcard. This is where the hive of activity is overwhelming, yet contagious. Here, too, silence is golden.
Situated in the beautiful Tamar Valley, Tamania’s second largest city and rugged coast has lots to entertain and amaze.
Peppers Seaport Hotel sits in the lively Seaport Precinct in the heart of Launceston, where the North and South Esk Rivers meet. Built on the site of an old dry dock, this stylish and contemporary Launceston accommodation is designed in the shape of a ship, giving it a distinct nautical ambience.
In a vibrant district of Launceston, overlooking the wharf strip and marina, Peppers puts you right amongst the action. It is the centrepiece of the district. Located on Seaport dock, there are spectacular city and water views from private balconies in your room.
Impressive: amazing scenery from the luxury marina view suite at Peppers Seaport Hotel, in Launceston.
The deluxe accommodation is located just five minutes from the city centre, walking the distance is refreshing and it’s a short 15-minute drive from Launceston Airport.
Worthy choice
Seaport is a hive of action, but this is our choice of a home-away-from-home.
Scenic waterfront and stunning vistas abound. Watching the sunrise while in a canoe on the Tamar River, cyclists riding in for a mid-morning coffee and joggers keeping active are just some of the activities that are dominant around you. The pace is steady, but the tempo ramps up over the weekend.
Nestled just 500 metres from the Launceston CBD, Seaport is a protected space along the waterfront that offers a magnificent panorama coupled with a surprising, but welcome feeling of serenity.
Locals enjoy some of the best dining options the city has to offer. Best of all, you can take advantage of the boardwalk where you’ll find a variety of cafe, bistro and bar settings.
Rightly billed as a stylish waterfront apartment and lifestyle development situated at the head of the Tamar, Seaport and Peppers is a haven that must be experienced. Take advantage of the winter accommodation specials. Only after you’ve stayed there, will you believe it!
Unwind: take out the canoes on the Tamar River in Launceston. Photo: Rama Gaind
Take the time out to enjoy breakfast treats at the Cube Café. Another dining delight is the Levee Food Co. Restaurant where we were taken with the ‘Mary had a Feta Lamb’ pizza, crispy chips and finished by tasty scoops of their specialty gelato. If contemporary is your meal choice, then head for the Mud Cake Restaurant.
Peppers is close to some attractions. Cataract Gorge Reserve (locally known as the Gorge) is a slice of wilderness, just a short walk from the centre of Launceston. It is famous for panoramic views, walking trails, sculpted gardens and a chairlift.
The gorge is a natural water basin surrounded by towering cliffs, native bushland, beautiful gardens, scenic walking trails and wildlife. The numerous walking trails also provide great views of the surrounding bushland, dramatic cliffs and the river below.
Tourist attractions
Gain fascinating insight into the cultural heritage. The Queen Victoria Museum, in a 19th-century railway workshop, has exhibitions on Tasmanian history. Its sister Art Gallery lies across the river, by the sprawling Royal Park. The vineyards of the Tamar Valley stretch northwest along the Tamar River.
As Tasmania’s only theme park, Penny Royal Adventure Park, is a must for families, thrill-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. Rugged site with cliff walks, rock climbing, zip-lining, boat rides, panning for gold and ghost tours.
Relax: Peppers Seaport Hotel, at left, towers over the marina and the boardwalk in Launceston. Photo: Rama Gaind
Not too far away is the Royal Park, originally the site of a military barracks. It was developed as parkland in the late 1800s and officially named Royal Park in 1912. It contains Launceston’s Cenotaph and is a very popular social and tourist destination.
Royal Park and Kings Park are traditional parks with a river edge boardwalk connecting the Cataract Gorge Reserve to the Inveresk Precinct, taking in Ritchie’s Mill, Home Point and Seaport.
The area features the Tamar River, mature trees, multi-use trails, skate park and boat ramp, playground and barbecue facilities. River cruises are a must as are tours to Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park and Port Arthur. You can also indulge in a Tamar Valley Winery Tour or visit Hollybank Treetop Adventure Park.
On our honeymoon, more than four decades ago, we spent a few glorious weeks traversing the Apple Isle. It was an idyllic time when we were oblivious of the outside world, loving the fact they we were ‘far from the madding crowd’.
Borrowing some sagacious words from Oprah Winfrey: “the more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate”.
DETAILS BOX
Peppers Seaport Hotel
28 Seaport Boulevard
Launceston, Tas 7250
T: (03) 3 6345 3333
Reservations: 1300 987 600
W: https://www.peppers.com.au/seaport/
Special package
Taste Tasmania special is on offer: stay two nights and save up to 15%. Includes: Wi-Fi, movies, late check out and cocktail on arrival.
Valid until 30 September 2018.
