Launching a new and unique Tasmanian forest discovery experience
A riverside sensory trail that is unique in Australia is now open for visitors to the beautiful Derwent Valley.
Forest Secrets, a locally owned and operated nature trail on which visitors buy a Forest Flavours tucker-box and then touch, sniff and taste their way around a fun, nature walk along the stunning Tyenna River, was launched today by the Mayor of Derwent Valley Council, Cr Martyn Evans.
An added bonus along the trail is a platypus viewing area overlooks the best platypus spotting pool on the Tyenna river. A forest-themed gift shop and gallery completes the experience, with free forest flavours tasting, including honey, chocolate, and delicious forest-flavoured Valhalla ice-creams.
Forest Secrets is operated by business partners Tony Coleman and David Yacopetti. Having lived and worked in Mt Field National Park for a number of years, Tony realised that whilst he appreciated the beauty and biological function of Tasmania’s forests, he had little idea of how people had long used them for food, shelter, medicines and the satisfaction of their creative drives.
“I found many of Tasmania’s plants have really interesting historic and contemporary human uses and I thought that other people might also like to know some of them,” Tony said.
“Even though we thought it fascinating, we weren’t sure if other people would, but as our visitors’ book attests, those that’ve come have really enjoyed sniffing, feeling and tasting their way around the trail with the help of the bush tucker box we give them. Our wild platypus viewing area has also been a big hit as the resident platypus are active throughout the day. We ask people to record their sightings and the success rate is about 70%.”
As the business evolves, Tony and David will add exhibitions of forest themed sculptures and bush furniture by local artists, make the site available for school excursions, and host special events compatible with the Tasmanian forest theme.
Tony says “I’ve always loved the Derwent Valley so it was great to be able to get back here from Hobart. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a lot of the world and the valley’s scenic beauty rivals the best of what I’ve seen. David and I believe the area’s still got so much potential as a visitor attraction and we’re keen to try to help realise that”.
Today Forest Secrets announced a program of events and activities for the coming summer/autumn season
1. “We are creating a nature playground for young children, which we aim to have completed by Christmas. This will enhance the options for families wanting to use the beautiful picnic areas. We hope to host a couple of picnic events over the summer holidays
2. “We have begun planning for a Tasmanian Wild Foods festival to be held on site here in March 2016. We have no further detail for you yet, but watch this space.
3. “This month we launch a search for emerging and established Tasmanian artistic talent willing to exhibit outdoor sculpture for sale, here on the Forest Secrets site. The exhibition will have a Tasmanian Forest theme. Art works can be installed any time from January 4th and buyers can remove artworks in late April 2016. We will promote and host several (at least four) free, public exhibition days in March and April 2016. A prospectus and call for applications will be published next week. “Phase 2 of our sculpture venue will involve a spring (2016) competition with prizes.
4. “Commencing in term one 2016, we will offer the Forest Secrets experience to Tasmanian schools as a low cost, high value venue for school excursions”
To follow progress on these events you can monitor the News and Events page on the Forest Secrets website at www.forestsecrets.com.au
Very soon you will be able to subscribe to a weekly/fortnightly Forest Secrets newsletter using your email address, You will be able to sign up on our website from December 18th But no need to wait – you can subscribe in advance, right now. Just send an email to:
[email protected], and include the word “Newsletter” and your email address.
Forest Secrets is at 2167 Gordon River Road, National Park (Just 2km before the entrance to Mt Field National park). It is open to visitors from 10 am to 4:30 pm, every day except Saturdays.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.forestsecrets.com.au
http://www.forestsecrets.com.au/index.php/what-s-new-at-forest-secrets
David Yacopetti, Tony Coleman
