Gladstone Gem

Little Blue Lake, just metres off the B82 between Derby and Gladstone, is a natural phenomenon resulting from the pioneering mining days of South Mount Cameron and the surrounding areas of the Far North East of Tasmania. Originally a mine hole, the lake reflects a vivid aqua blue from the minerals in its base. Now popular with locals for waterskiing, swimming is, nevertheless, not recommended due to the high mineral content in the water.

Mount William National Park is a pristine paradise tucked away on the far North-East Coast of Tasmania, at the northern end of the Bay of Fires. This windswept coastline features rocky outcrops marked with bright orange lichen and seemingly endless stretches of powder-white sand that squeaks beneath your feet – all set against a backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise water. Mount William National Park is peaceful and relaxed, perfect for walking, fishing, swimming or kicking back at your beachside campsite doing nothing at all. The Park’s namesake, wukalina/Mount William, sits at 216m above sea level. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the coast and, on a clear day, all the way to the Furneaux Islands in Bass Strait. Mount William National Park is home to an abundance of Tasmania’s marsupials and, as you explore, you can spot kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and echidnas. The coastal birdlife is just as varied, with over 100 species. Please visit the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for further information about this national park including how to get there and things to do. Refer to the ‘know before you go’ webpage for more important information about alerts, safety in parks and entry fees.

Winter is our time to return to studio. We light the fires, we set up the studio still life settings and bring in the models. It is the artist's time to study, to explore new concepts and to learn from our masters before us. Join renowned Australian pastel artist Judy Drew for 3 days at Artable's new venue Enclave in Winnaleah, Tasmania. We are taking our working from life to the next level. We have personalised lighting boxes for you to curate your still life study followed by a staged model. Winter means hearty stews and home baked cakes and breads. Your room is heated and set with gorgeous woolen blankets from Tasmania's Waverley Mills and winter blooms feature bedside. Judy will be teaching in pastel and charcoal from life over 3 days in our studio with the first day dedicated to still life and days 2 and 3 dedicated to working from the dressed model (model fees included). Join us for our favourite time of year in studio with one of Australia's best artists with the fires roaring and ample spoiling!