When we spent our holiday in Tasmania during the school holidays, we got to know a beautiful and unique part of Australia.
From the coast of Bruny Island to the summit of Cradle Mountain and the snowfields of Ben Lomond, the scenery was breathtaking.
We will never forget our encounters with whales, seals, dolphins, wombats, wallabies, echidnas, quolls and the Tasmanian devil.
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to take a break from climate change and learn how rising temperatures and falling rainfall in Tasmania are affecting these species. In this context, it was refreshing to see Tasmania’s Liberal Government talk up its success in generating 100 per cent renewable electricity, while boasting about lower electricity prices than mainland states.
For us Western Australians, the lack of cranes in the built environment was a mystery and it was clear that Tasmania had a different pace to what we were used to.
But the friendly service from locals in the tourism and hospitality industry was a pleasant return to pre-boom Perth.
Our visit to MONA was definitely worth it. However, the limited First Nations content in this and other tourist experiences was confronting and made us appreciate even more the continuing cultures we have in WA.
Throughout Tasmania, you have to be on your guard to avoid being trampled by power-walking retirees from the mainland who now call the state home.
But after two weeks of relaxing and enjoying the fantastic local wines and food, the appeal was great.
Daniel Smith is Executive Chairman of ReGen Strategic.