New Tarkine Forest Adventures operators get down to business

Ken Jeffreys
General Manager, Corporate Relations and Tourism

North West Tasmania’s premier tourism attraction, Tarkine Forest Adventures, opened its doors to the public again this week as new lessees, Graham and Meshelle Gallaher, took up the operation with gusto.

Tarkine Forest Adventures has been open on a bookings-only basis since May, as we have searched for operators with the drive and enthusiasm to turn the attraction into a destination in its own right. In Graham and Meshelle, we have found innovative operators with the commitment to take the attraction to the next level.

Graham, formerly a management consultant, and Meshelle, previously Rio Tinto executive, have made the ‘tree change’ from the fast paced corporate world of the Gold Coast to the dense forests and dairy pastures of the north west. Along with their three young children, they have settled in the small community of Redpa, and have embraced their new rural life.

Graham says both he and Meshelle were working around the clock to ensure all permits and procedures were in place prior to the reopening. They are also developing new ways of marketing the attraction.

“We’re looking at introducing Tasmanian Devil evenings, tours of the swamp floor, opening the restaurant at night, and animal activities such as snake shows. We’ll also be developing the site as a venue for group bookings, and already have our first wedding booking in place.”

Meshelle says one of the key attractions of taking on the lease for Tarkine Forest Adventures was the chance to make a new life.

“We had both been in the corporate world for so long, and there was no point leaving our current jobs just to do something similar. We were looking for something really interesting to do, and decided to move into ecotourism. We’re very excited about this opportunity.”

Graham and Meshelle are also working hard to introduce themselves to their new community, especially the tourism operators around the north west coast. Please join us in making them feel welcome in their new home.

All of the Tarkine Forest Adventures activities are now operating seven days a week. Make a booking now at www.adventureforests.com.au or on 1300 720 507.