Author: Lee Fletcher

Final Four Shows Will Be In Pheonix: The Basketball City

Jerry Colangelo looks at city Phoenix’s rise as a basketball city, after the confirmation that the city will be playing host to the Final Four in April.

Upon arriving in Phoenix practically 50 years ago, it was unthinkable to believe that one day the NCAA Final Four Competition would be held in the Valley.

And at that time, who would have even cared? Though ASU had a great run under famous coach Ned Wulk in the ’60s and ’70s, interest in basketball throughout the Valley was pretty limited. After the Phoenix Suns made their NBA debut in 1968, fan interest was marginal. The majority of people attending games at Veterans Memorial Coliseum were just there to enjoy and cheer and check out the team.

Arizona at peak of March Insanity

All these years later and Arizona signs up with just 21 other states to have ever hosted this renowned sporting spectacle. And today there are just nine locations in America that even fulfil the NCAA criteria for hosting this distinguished 87-year-old competition. Luckily for Phoenix, the University of Phoenix Arena is among them.

This year, “March Insanity” will culminate here in the Valley, and basketball fans from around the globe will be watching. Dateline Glendale– and the bigger urbane Phoenix area– will delight in hundreds of countless dollars in media exposure as 90-plus million fans watch on at home in front of their televisions. Lots of others will see the games online and all of this exposure will eventually be a huge boost for Arizona tourism. The immediate benefits are significant as, in 2015 more than 100,000 fans traveled to Houston for the game or weekend celebrations and the city benefited from $300 million in direct economic effect. Not to mention all the business and jobs that will open and add to the economic boost through the basketball frenzy. Tourists will want to get their hands on some merchandise such as basketball hoodies or other apparel to take home.

There are also substantial benefits for the neighbourhood as the NCAA will reconstruct Harmon Park in downtown Phoenix. For years this park has been a hotbed for expert and college gamers searching for a quick game. And the kids watching on ultimately become more than simply spectators as they eventually start to use the park and get into youth leagues… and off the streets.

Phoenix will in fact be the first western city to host a Final Four given that in 1995, and this is a testimony to the amazing success of all the previous major sporting occasions that have been staged in the Valley. 3 Super Bowls, several NBA and MLB All-Star Weekends; several NCAA National Championship games and numerous other sporting occasions have paved the way for Phoenix’s turn to host a Final 4. Our fantastic weather and a legion of experienced volunteers extending warm Arizona hospitality to  fans will ensure that the NCAA returns again and again.

Beyond the crucial financial advantages and significant media exposure that is generated by hosting “The Huge Dance,” is how it works to further validate the Valley as a sports mecca. Never would it had been thought that Phoenix would be among the country’s elite cities to host these signature sporting events.

It’s reasonable to say that Phoenix is today an indisputable basketball town with many sporting the iconic Phoenix Mercury basketball singlets and other merchandise.

Sealing our basketball capital status

Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Popularity, speaks of the news.

Throughout my profession, I have been privileged to be associated with numerous other basketball companies, programs and activities and serve in a wide variety of leadership roles.

I have been most honoured to work as chairman of USA Men’s and Women’s Basketball the last few years and help orchestrate our nation’s return to world supremacy in the sport, winning three successive gold medals. One day, I am confident that the USA Olympic Basketball Headquarters will in fact transfer to the Valley, as that would just even more verify us as a basketball capital.

As chairman of the Board of Governors of Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and a 2004 inductee into the hall, I am also working to place a west coast museum here as that too would help us to attract future signature basketball occasions.

Explore Freycinet National Park

Freycinet National park is located on the eastern shore of Tasmania and is among Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. This spacious national park is characterized by striking pink granite peaks, secluded bays, white sandy beaches, beautiful boutique hotels and plenty of wildlife.

The park comprises all of the coastline south of Coles Bay, such as Schouten Island into the south plus a stretch of coastal scrub across the Friendly Beaches to the north. The park’s major sight is the stunning goblet of Wineglass Bay. Just take the abrupt incline up into the saddle and then take your photograph opportunity or keep down to the sand on the opposite side for a particularly cold dip in the ocean.

If you do not have an excessive amount of time to explore Freycinet National Park, you have to make certain to visit the viewpoint for the view over iconic Wineglass Bay, that is merely a brief trek from the entry of the national park.

If you have got a little longer and are up for a half day trek that will take you across the duration of the Freycinet Peninsula, the walk will take you for a journey across the shoreline and natural environment within this magnificent corner of earth.

There is also the choice of overnight walks — permitting you to genuinely immerse yourself in the wonders of the unbelievable all-natural reservation and don’t rush soaking everything up. The increasingly common overnight walking trek is the Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, that takes three days or more if you would like to actually go at your own pace. Campsites can be found at several locations across the track.

Freycinet National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Moulting Lagoon is a RAMSAR wetland refuge for black swans, waterfowl and other migratory birds. Keep your eyes peeled for the white-bellied sea eagle soaring overhead or gracing the surface of the bay.

While checking out the park, make certain to get the most out of its white sandy shores. Spend a day relaxing, swimming, and kayaking at amazing Honeymoon Bay. Sleepy Bay is a superb location for diving or snorkelling. These two shores have magnificent rock pools which are only waiting to be researched.

While there is camping available inside the park, it is remarkably popular, and plots are allotted to people through a ballot over the peak weeks of Summer and Autumn. Accommodation on the east coast of Tasmania is plentiful. Should you miss out on a camping place, never fear, you will find a lot more campsites and lodging options located in the local towns. If you feel the need to treat yourself, then book yourself in for a night or three in the lavish Saffire Freycinet overlooking the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and Great Oyster Bay, Saffire Freycinet is a superior luxury lodge situated in the environment. Including lavish suites, decorated with a collection of timeless and modern furnishings, some with private plunge pools and decks provide Saffire some of its glow. A few of the suites are bigger than a mid-size house. Having an exclusive day spa, restaurant, and guest lounge and pub, ensure that in Saffire you can unwind, indulge and feel genuinely invigorated by the exceptional nature of the surrounding environment. Saffire is situated around a 3-hour drive from Hobart or about two and a half hours from Launceston.

The potential for exploration and adventure at Freycinet National Park are endless. The abundance of natural beauty will really take your breath away. That is what makes the park a must-visit spot to include on your own bucket listing.

Top 6 Travel Destinations in Australia

Australia, the Land Down Under, has often been called the land of dreams. Travelers often claim it’s their ideal destination, fascinated by its sacred legends of the aboriginal Dreamtime, when the great spirits conjured the coral reefs, rainforests, and scorched red deserts. Though it is the smallest continent, it is the largest island in the world. Australia is almost the same size as the United States but with a population the size of the New York State and some of the quirkiest wildlife on the planet.

Australia is also a land of astounding contrasts and magnificent beauty. Along the coast, you can explore vivacious multicultural cities, vast sand islands, ancient rainforests, and one of the Earth’s most magnificent natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef. In the Outback, rocky national parks and red-earthed deserts offer the ultimate in adventure travel. Top it all off with a laid-back feel and friendly people, and it’s no wonder Australia scores top billing on bucket lists around the world. Create your own adventure with our list of the top attractions in Australia:

Sydney Opera House

When the place Sydney is mentioned, the Opera House automatically comes to mind, luxury waterfront hotels and a scene like no other.  Located in Bennelong Point, this famous building with its unique shape, graces the list of UNESCO world Heritage Sites and is one of the world’s great architectural icons. The location is also spectacular. With the Royal Botanic Gardens bordering its southern part, water surrounds the structure on three sides.

It’s designer, Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, won an international competition for its design but withdrew from the project after technical and financing problems. The project was completed in 1973, which cost ten times more than the original budget. By this time, Utzon had left the country never returning to see his magnificent creation.

Many amenities are offered in the building today. You can feast at one of the restaurants to taste the local cuisine or explore the structure, which encompasses theaters, studios, a concert hall, exhibition rooms, and a cinema. But the view from a distance is far more breathtaking. You can also drop by Royal Botanic Gardens and check out Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair or you can get a ride on a harbor cruise or ferry for yet another charming perspective.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest living structures on the planet that is visible in space. To ensure the safety of its delicate ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was established in 1975. Here we can find more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, including the beautiful Whitsunday group; 300 coral cays; and inshore mangrove islands., The park stretches for 2,300 kilometers along the state of Queensland, on Australia’s east coast and is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. It takes diving and snorkeling to the next level since the sights are quite stunning. The marine life is astoundingly abundant. Some of the species include more than 1,600 species of tropical fish, dolphins, turtles, rays sharks, dugongs, soft and hard corals,  and giant clams. You can also see the reef from underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats if you prefer to stay dry while exploring the reef. Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach are the main launching points for tours on the mainland. Here you wont find any of the largest cranes in the world…or any for that matter. It is a protected area that in recent times has had a push to preserve it even further.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
You can find the one of the most photographed natural wonders in the country deep in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock). A World Heritage Area jointly managed by Parks Australia and the traditional landowners, the Aṉangu people, the striking red monolith forms the centerpiece of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru, got its name from the local aboriginal dialect which means  “shadowy place, is 348 meters tall, with most of its bulk hidden beneath the earth’s surface. You can also find red dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) in the park. Sightseers come together to watch the colors of Uluru and Kata Tjuta transform in the shifting light as the sun sets. Tours led by Aboriginal guides and rangers is great way to appreciate these sacred sites. Luxury hotels in the style of glamping are a perfect way to wake up to a sunrise like no other.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of Australia’s most historic and popular tourist attractions. It is also Lovingly called “the Coathanger.” This imposing feat of construction is the largest steel arch bridge in the world. Completed in 1932, this 134-meter tall bridge connects Sydney’s North Shore to the central business district and spans 500 meters. It was constructed with the help of all sorts of materials and machinery including drake low loaders amongst other trucks. Other than the pedestrian path, the bridge also has eight lanes for road traffic, as well as two railway lines expand over the bridge, and the direction of each lane can be switched to contain traffic flow.

One of the most pleasurable things to do in Sydney is a guided ascent to the top of the bridge. You get to enjoy the amazing view over the harbor and city. To get a general idea on the bridge’s history, you can visit the museum in the southern pier. Moreover, the famous Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan, worked as a painter on the bridge before he was known worldwide.

Blue Mountains National Park

The Blue Mountains National Park, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site lies 81 kilometers west of Sydney and is a popular day trip from the city. This amazing park houses more than 664,000 acres of wilderness and includes dramatic ravines, waterfalls, aboriginal rock paintings, and 140 kilometers of hiking trails was named for the blue haze coming from the many eucalyptus trees. The three sisters, the towering sandstone rock formations are the most popular attractions in the park. There are also other highlights around the park such as  the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest, which carries passengers down into an ancient rainforest through the Jamison Valley and  a cliff-side tunnel, and the Skyway, Scenic Cableway, and Scenic Walkway, which all offer elevated views of the dense forests. Mountain biking, Hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, and horseback riding are all popular things to do there.

Fraser Island

Another World Heritage-listed site, Fraser Island, lies between Bundaberg and Brisbane off Australia’s east coast. It is known for being the largest sand island in the world and one of Australia’s top outdoor adventures – especially for four-wheel drive enthusiasts. You can see the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals, the decaying hulls of shipwrecks, and the bubbling fish-filled rock pools called Champagne Pools, along windswept Seventy Five Mile Beach. Wandering inland, highlights include crystal-clear freshwater creeks and lakes, some fed by springs, others perched amid towering sand dunes, and ancient rainforests filled with an astonishing assortment of plants and animals. Surrounding the island in the water you will find sharks, dolphins, and whales, and on the island you will find its fauna includes wild horses, dingoes, bats, sugar gliders, and more than 300 species of birds. You can get to Fraser Island by ferry from Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential as the island has no sealed roads.

The Way to Balance an Online Business While Traveling Full-Time

It has been two years since I made my corporate existence to journey full-time and constructed my online coaching business. Back then, viewing the world whilst working remotely appeared like a faraway dream. I can affirm that it is completely possible for people who need it badly enough.

While this nomadic life can be hard, so was moving through a long commute daily and sitting at an office for the majority of my daylight hours. Section of living a satisfying life is knowing what works for you and what does not, and also learning how to take care of the struggles in a healthful manner.

Working in the street is an entirely different creature than being at a corporate job in regards to placing your hours and producing separations between leisure and work. I discuss some tips on How Best to balance distant work with traveling:

Set a consistent routine

An existence of constant traveling is as enjoyable as it’s chaotic. When so many factors in your own life are changing on a daily basis, it’s critical to anchor yourself be a regular. People inherently crave routine, and even mine might not seem like going to the exact same gym, occupation, or even grocery store weekly, it’s still a vital part of the day.

A meditation instructor once explained, “don’t let technology become the very first thing that you do in the daytime.” His sensible advice has put the bases for my everyday routine: each morning prepare, do 15 minutes of mild exercise, and 20 minutes or more of meditation until studying my phone or notebook. Then I check my messages to get approximately one hour and generate a to-do listing to set up myself for the day.

This simple rule regularly helps me stay grounded in both my business and personal life so I can give myself the self-care I want while also making sure I keep on top of my job.

Travel slower and much brighter

More than half of my journeys are work-related: once firms fly me to their own place to lecture, mentor, or create articles, I must make a conscious attempt to carve out the time that I want to myself.

The weeks when I’m actively traveling for the job could become very busy and overpowering; that is why I normally tack onto a minimum of 7-10 extra days to explore the state I am seeing and operate on my projects.

I have learned from experience that travel too hurriedly may result in some significant burnout, also giving myself extra time in every area has helped prevent that.

The same theory applies if I’m traveling through a nation for leisure. I estimate just how many times I want to find out exactly what I need, then double those days so I’ve time to break and operate without overextending myself.

Ruthlessly Guard your program

One of the greatest struggles of running an internet business is separating work. I adore what I do, and consequently, I find myself doing it all of the time. I don’t have any clue how many hours per week I work since my job is my passion and my passion is my own job.

When this is how it is, it is particularly important to set boundaries with your own schedule. For instance, I just take group business coaching calls on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s, and also work in my personal projects (for instance, writing my novel, exploring my environment, or creating my own classes ) on Thursday through Sunday.

Creating this program allows me to section my week whilst at the same time giving me space for flexibility. I’m ultimately in charge of my program and can alter deadlines or appointments to match my requirements, but it will help tremendously to get the first structure and set of principles to use.

Outsource that which you do not adore

The finest advice I was given when I began my company was to outsource whenever possible. Hiring distant assistance has freed up my program, in addition to giving me the flexibility to keep on traveling and just take weeks off when I want to.

Let other folks do the tasks that you do not love so you may pay attention to your strengths and remain in your zone of brilliance.

When deciding when I need to outsource, I compute how much time it would require me to finish a job, how significant it is, and just how much it is worth my time based on my hourly rate.

If it is a low-impact endeavour and it takes me way too much time to get through, I employ somebody else, such as business management specialist so that I will use that opportunity to scale my small business or enjoy myself rather.

Build Your Company around your Lifestyle, not the other way round

My company was constructed to serve my perfect way of life. I operate remotely, just take customer calls 5-10 hours every week, and make 80 percent of my earnings with 20 percent of the time.

This enables me to devote the remainder of my time doing everything I love: traveling, researching, hanging out with loved ones, and working in my most fire endeavours.

Place at the attempt earlier to install working systems, automate, and outsource so you’re not spending unworthy man-hours seeking to handle everything so you can spend time finding solutions to your small business. As one of my high tech entrepreneurial customers once told me “to climb into six figures, you want to hustle, yet to climb into seven figures, you have to give up that hustle.”

When Building an internet business, do not forget that you deserve to live the life which makes your heart glow. To me, which means time independence, financial prosperity, and fulfillment.

What to Do With Your House Before Long-Term Travel

If you have your house and you are going to travel for an extended period, you have a significant choice to make. The main options are selling, renting out, or keeping you home. Many long-term travellers advise that you market your home before travel so that you’ll have fewer things to worry about while out and about. That is just one great, affordable alternative. However, like everything else travel related, there is nothing as a one-size-fits-all alternative. Even if you know that you need to sell to be able to afford to travel, it is never a genuinely straightforward decision.

Should you end up in this circumstance, here are a few facts to take into account as we go through the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Selling Your Home:

Benefits:

  • Peace of mind, no need to worry about finances: you won’t need to be worried about mortgage payments, other fees or fix problems.
  • Extra money for travel: if you bought nicely, you are going to find a significant chunk of money which you can use to help finance your journeys or to spend/invest elsewhere.

Drawbacks:

  • Possible monetary loss: If the market is down, you may not be able to sell your own home for the true value.
  • Time and paperwork: you’ll have to be patient and wait until you have sold the property until you can commence travelling, or sell it while you are away. Long-distance selling is relatively straightforward if you hire professionals or go through private home sales, though most people prefer to do it in person. Hiring an attorney to witness your singing and approval may be difficult in some countries.
  • Replacement: do you plan to live in the same area upon returning from travels? You need to think about how you will re-establish and whether you will be happy with renting or purchasing in a different location.

Renting Out Your Home and Travelling the World:

Benefits:

  • Income: You will make an income as are away which can help with your family budget. Property can be a terrific source of passive income and can be handy cash for your travel expenses. There are some points to think about if you would like to rent out of your house, but this is just one enormous potential upside. Based on how much you make in rent, you could have the ability to travel indefinitely without needing to return to other work.
  • Home-ownership: Should you intend on arriving home after spending a specific quantity of time travelling, then you will have somewhere to return home to.
  • Storage: Depending upon your arrangement with the renter, you might even keep a lot of your items at home, that eliminates the need to borrow or rent storage space, which is costly and time-consuming.

Drawbacks:

  • Regulations: if you reside in an apartment building, there might be a limitation on the maximum amount of apartments which may be leased out. When it’s already in the limit, then you might need to get on a waiting list before obtaining permission.
  • Financial duties: You are going to need to pay your mortgage, property tax, insurance, and some other fees as you travel, so compute if the lease will pay for these expenses. Do not neglect to take into consideration repairs and maintenance expenses, in addition to vacancy costs.
  • Tenant management: you’ll have to find someone to look after the property that’s right for you. You could employ an agency to manage your property and find tenants and manage upkeep for you. However, this is an additional cost but is probably worth it to avoid headaches in organising everything yourself. When enjoying a museum display abroad, the last thing you want to think about is finding tenants for your home. You only want to be paying attention to the museum display cabinets not broken cabinets in your home.
  • Emotional factors: will you be comfortable with strangers living in your home and potentially changing things around? This is your home, and you may not want it to be intruded by people you don’t know.

Maintain Your Home Without Renting it Out:

Benefits:

  • Home-ownership: you will have someplace to come back home to, even though your excursion ends sooner than intended. You will feel secure and will not have to panic and look for a place to stay upon returning.
  • No tenants: you won’t need to fret about what strangers do on your property.
    Low expenses: you don’t need to hire a property agent or pay tenant insurance and other costs to maintain the property

Drawbacks:

  • Financial obligations: You will still need to cover all of your bills. Without lease income to assist, this may get overwhelming. But if you are financially capable of covering all of the home-related expenses as you travel, why not?
  • Repairs and replacements: you are going to need to assign a person to visit the home frequently to check that everything is fine. You do not wish to leave any mishaps or damage unattended.
  • Safety Problems: a vacant house can become a target for vandalism and break-ins. Organise your mail to be kept at the post office and possibly have a vehicle parked in the driveway to mimic that someone is home.

Hotels vs Airbnb

Since Airbnb entered the accommodation landscape in 2008, the hotel market has cast a careful eye, noticing its popularity with youthful travellers.

Airbnb, the most significant home sharing community with more than two million listings worldwide, is now targeting business travellers, the bread-and-butter clientele of resorts.

Guests would like a more real experience and a location that is more reflective of culture – the stay should reflect the experience – guests want a cabin in the woods equip with tree furniture that reflects the outdoors.

Hotel and resort owners say they’ve noted changes in customer tastes, leading to new social-oriented manufacturers, homier preferences and much more operational programs.

New Brands: Social and Local

Hotel companies have expanded their portfolios by adding manufacturers which are made to appeal to millennial travellers and people who desire less support and much more connectivity – think modern interior design – both technologically and with shared distance.

How a customer likes to journey is to not invest some time at the guest area but to get access to suburban spaces. There is far more character in a beach house with beach style furniture that has been loved and lived in as opposed to a faultless penthouse.

Moxy’s rooms (from $69) are streamlined, and entrance is keyless, attached by means of a smartphone program. The lobby includes a full-size bar, grab-and-go meals, games and tons of sockets for charging digital devices.

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts’ new brand Hyatt Centric is analysing fresh methods to things such as room service. At three trial resorts, guests can purchase from resort restaurants, a state menu of sandwiches and cakes delivered in 20 minutes, or by means of the shipping agency GrubHub and possess the dinner billed to the area.

Managers enable workers to get in touch with guests to a more casual basis, offering neighbourhood tips not unlike an Airbnb host.

Nowadays it is about more tangible interactions, which can be somewhat less rehearsed or checklist-oriented however accurate. Some Airbnb hosts are even present when they are hosting guests, perhaps living in the home extension while guests occupy the main living spaces. More and more travellers are beginning to opt for this as it enhances the experience and the connection to the people and the area.

Residential Design

If your next resort feels like home, you thank home sharing – many resorts are being forced to adapt to the new trends by trying to mirror a house design to create that homely feeling for gests.

Individuals who select Airbnb are looking for a romantic, non-manufactured experience. They are interested in being embedded into the fabric of a neighbourhood, where they could sense the uniqueness of location. They want to be able to picture themselves living there, growing old there, sitting on the outdoor furniture and watching the sunset together.

This need for authenticity is influencing today’s hospitality layout – every resort has to tell a story; it has to be an area of circumstance, reflective of its community and neighbourhood – consider tree wood furniture in a ski lodge.

The younger generation especially does not need staff to carry their bags to their rooms in return for a small tip.  They would rather be in a trendy area with larger rooms, larger area, possibly with a kitchen which makes them feel like, hey, this is exactly what it feels like to reside in San Francisco or Chicago.

Plugged into the Local

Airbnb suppliers are capitalising on the online encounter. It’s true that you have to devote a good deal of time seeking the ideal rooms, however its own destination and mapping of the town helps to sell the service.

Many hosts have information about the area, as well as recommendations for things to do and see and places to eat. This eliminates the need for guests to do extensive research because they have all relevant information in one space. Moreover, they are more likely to take advice from a local who knows the ins and outs, rather than a big hotel chain that is trying to make money from their recommendations to their guests.

However perhaps the most convenient part about staying with an Airbnb, is their affordability. There are of course many price variances, but you can guarantee that in most cities or towns around world there will be affordable options that will appeal to travellers wanting an authentic experience.

And on the other hand, want to make a few quick bucks? Consider turning your house extension into a spare living space and house some guests of your own.

What to Do When Visiting Tasmania

Tasmania is an often forgotten about gem of Australia, with stunning coastline and many attractions to offer, it is a must-see travel destination. The unique natural beauty and friendly nature of the state makes is a family-friendly and exciting adventure. There is no shortage of attractions or accommodation in Tasmania with so many interesting spots. One example is the exquisite Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart which combines modern luxury with an amazing collection of art, along with world-class dining and facilities. Tasmania is a great destination for fun-loving budget families or couples and groups, there is something for everyone to love. Listed below are a variety of Tasmanian attractions that are easily accessible and intriguing to see if you are travelling.

MONA – The Museum of Old & New Art

Back in January 2011, David Walsh launched his project MONA with huge publicity and anticipation from around the world. Every month, thousands of visitors are treated to the distinctive and quirky qualities of this wonderful museum. MONA has attracted numerous visitors who have otherwise not considered visiting Tasmania at all, bringing plenty of tourism and business to Hobart. Luckily the island has a plenty and quality supporting tourism industry that meets the hopes of the artwork loving MONA audiences. Tasmanian restaurants and other service providers have risen to the challenge, giving a new and high level of service than previously. You also don’t need to hold back on fine dining or delicious family meals when there is a local lunch cafe down the road that serves lovely fresh food source from the region. We hope you will find that MONA is greater than sufficient reason to check out Hobart.

Hobart Yachts

Tasmania has a long-standing and wealthy Maritime History and there is a range of ways in which you may enjoy it. You can go for a thrilling joy ride on a seaplane or hop on board a quick ferry to Mona. On the other hand, you’ll have an amazing sailing adventure on a yacht that has topped the charts in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and got its place in Australian sailing history. 61 ft of luxury awaits, as does outstanding hosting, fantastic wine and food and everything you want to do is create the moment. Custom made cruises to many different exotic places such as Freycinet and Port Davey. Traveling quickly from place to place in both comfort and fashion.

Stop by the Port Arthur Historic Site

The historical monument is an important shrine to Australians which recalls tales of convict struggle and hardship. Worth a quick visit to become cultured in the Australian way and to pay respects.

Walk in Cradle Mountain National Park

Nature lovers will fall for the rugged beauty and uniqueness of Cradle Mountain and surrounding national parks. You will find untouched beaches and peaceful rivers, with its own jungle which totally refreshes the soul. It is a World Heritage Area for a reason and once you see the peaks of cradle mountain you will know why.

Stop by the Tahune Forest Airwalk

The Tasmanian government has really pulled out the cash with this project producing a 600 metre long elevated walkway through the tree-tops in Tahune bordering the South West Wilderness. The walk soars 48 metres from the ground with stunning surround views of forest covered regions. Tasmania is truly encased in rare forests of eucalyptus and other special timbers. Walking above a canopy of trees is an experience you will remember.

See the view from the summit of Mt Wellington

Brave the narrow winding drive that can be blistering cold and windy in the winter time to get the 1270 metre summit of Mt Wellington. Be rewarded with a picturesque 360-degree view and spot the town, Derwent River, Tasman Peninsula and other remote peaks. It is the greatest birds-eye perspective you will see in a while and if the weather permits you can explore the surrounding landscapes.

See Cataract Gorge in Launceston

An easy 20-minute walk from the local town Launceston, Cataract Gorge will help you find your nature-loving side, you can wander through the paths and admire the ferns and walk across the bridge and watch the water rush by underneath. Get some exercise and have a chat as you wind along the easy walks and stairs of the gorge with peaceful water and bird sounds in the background. A tourist hot spot there are plenty of cafes and picnic spots if that is what you are looking for. Perfect for a budget-friendly family day out, there is also a chair lift for the kids to enjoy. A great visit if you want to get outdoors but are not ready to live in a tent or brave the outdoors for too long.