While it seems a combination of factors has led to fewer grey nomads than normal heading north this year, it remains to be seen just how many of them will be persuaded to go from one extreme to the other … and spend the winter in Tassie!
But the tourism authorities on the Apple Isle are certainly pulling out all the stops to persuade travellers to give the island state an off-season look, despite its chilly temperatures.
As part of this year’s off-season campaign, Tourism Tasmania has launched a playful new initiative, Odd Jobs, encouraging Australians to take a break from their day jobs for a one-of-a-kind Tasmanian Odd Job experience.
Advertised roles include a wombat walker, cave conductor, sauna stoker, truffle snuffler, wine whisperer, star seeker, puffer nut, and even a paranormal investigator.
There's a vacancy for a winter womabt walker. PIC: Steve Burcham / Pexels
Tourism Tasmania acting CEO, Vanessa Pinto, said for many holidaygoers, Tasmanian winters offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique experience.
“These Odd Job volunteering experiences are fun, light-hearted opportunities that respond to issues of work-life balance and burnout that many Australians are feeling,” Ms Pinto said. “The tongue-in-cheek initiative is exactly what Tasmania has become known for in campaigns, and we know it is effective because it creates conversations about the importance of taking a break this winter and building awareness that Tasmania’s Off Season is the perfect space to do that.”
Tourism Tasmania has collaborated with 10 tourism operators across the state to offer Odd Jobs that explore some of our island’s most wild, weird and wonderful workplaces.
Ms Pinto said we know this winter will be challenging for some tourism and hospitality operators, which is why it’s important to continue investing in winter marketing initiatives to drive visitors to the state and support our regions during the quieter months.
Until July 8, Tourism Tasmania’s Odd Jobs will begin accepting applications. Australians can apply to one of the 10 Odd Jobs via the Discover Tasmania website.
Successful applicants will be able to ditch the ordinary and have their travel expenses covered to do the Odd Job and receive a selection of the finest Tasmanian produce or goods, hand-picked by their Odd Job host for the fruits of their labour.
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
Who’d want to go to Tassie in Winter, it’s bleak, wet, windy & freezing cold
We head North on the mainland in Winter looking for sunshine!
Do you go pothole hunting on the Bruce?
You don’t have to hunt for potholes on the Bruce, they come to you. There’s a small section of road south of Rockhampton where there is room to install a few more potholes. Being a government road I suppose they will get around to installing them in time.