Q&A: Aaron Stewart

Inspired by childhood holidays in lutruwita/Tasmania, a New South Welshman finally found himself living - and mountain biking - on the island’s wild west coast.

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Where did you grow up and what did you know about lutruwita/Tasmania in your early years?

I grew up in a tiny coastal village called Valla, on the mid-north coast of NSW. I’ve been drawn to Tasmania for my whole life, though. My parents were avid outdoors types and were quite active in their own way during the rise of the conservation movements of the 60s and 70s. Our living room hosted some famous Peter Dombrovskis shots, which inspired me from a young age to one day stand in these magical looking places and experience it for myself.

The outdoors and adventures have been a defining feature of my life, and cornerstone of my happiness and social life. Whether it’s been surfing, rock climbing, mountain biking, or hiking, it’s always been my release and way that I’ve challenged myself, both physically and mentally. All through my twenties, I’d jag a week off here or a long weekend there, and steal myself down to Tassie to seek a challenge and some solitude in the remote mountains of the west or south-west. I probably wasn’t the most prepared or responsible in my approach, but I was 99% sure I was invincible at the time, so a three-day trip from Sydney to Frenchmans Cap seemed quite reasonable at the time.

It was definitely a formative time, and finding the fulfilment and challenge I sought, as well as visiting all of these childhood dream landscapes, I formed a strong connection to this part of the world, and always dreamed of having it on my doorstep.

How did you finally end up here, on the wild west coast?

As with all good stories, it was because of a girl. My partner Alex and I were both living in Canberra, and had been dating for around three months when she made me aware that she had applied for Teach for Australia, a scholarship and leadership development program that included relocating to a remote location somewhere in Australia. At the time, I had a small surveying company and was contracting to other companies on various projects, including the light rail project. I was definitely ready for a new chapter to sink my teeth into, and the pilgrimage to Tassie was just what I was looking for. Alex and I liked each other and liked where things were headed, but the prospect of moving to somewhere in the middle of South Australia or the Northern Territory three months into a relationship was a bit to consider. Even so, we figured what’s the worst that could happen, decided that Tassie would be the ticket, and the rest is history.

These days, you're the Project Manager at West Coast Council. What does a day in your work life look like?

A typical day involves 40-80 emails in the inbox, lots of phone calls, meetings and plenty of spreadsheets. I oversee the works department, so it can be pretty varied, including project development, budget planning, grant applications, contracts, tenders, and lots of engagement with other departments and external arms of government to keep things rolling. It’s an awesome team of people and we all lean on each other to get things sorted.

You're also a keen mountain biker, and have been heavily involved with the mountain biking scene on the west coast. Why is this part of Queenstown life so special to you?

For me, mountain biking is lots of my favourite things - fitness, challenge, getting a bit scared, skills progression, socialising and beer - all wrapped up in one activity. It’s really been the thing that has allowed me to connect to a community in Tassie and feel a part of something. My local involvement on the west coast has been a part of my job, but also a way to find other like-minded people to connect to, as well as an excuse to hang out and chat bikes with visitors. It’s been very central to my life here. Queenstown is such a diverse and welcoming community. Everyone really gets around each other no matter what their walk of life, and it’s been awesome to see bikes so welcomed here. I feel incredibly privileged to be able to enjoy the remarkable landscapes around Queenstown on trails built just for bikes!

What are three must-dos for every visitor to Tasmania?

Tough question! One must-do is to allow enough time! I personally love both of Tassie’s main centres (Hobart and Launceston), so I’d allow some time at each to check out the popular spots, for sure. I’d also definitely put some bushwalking on the list. The climate and landscapes vary so much across the state, so don’t think you’ve ‘done’ bushwalking for your trip if you just do one walk in the south-east. Plan to do a walk in each part of the state that suits your fitness and experience. And don’t skip the west coast or Queenstown. It’s a fascinating and beautiful place that’s worth getting to know. Mountain biking deserves a spot on the list, too, and the whole state is really a mountain biker’s paradise – theres so much on offer now.

Where are your favourite haunts for eats and drinks, either on the west coast or elsewhere in Tassie?

A favourite hang of mine is Moonscape Wine Bar in Queenstown, a very frequent post-ride hang out of ours. I’m also a big fan of Pickled Evenings in Launceston for very authentic and delicious Indian. And a visit to Hobart is usually not complete without a visit to The Winston Bar.

Where do you get away to for a Tasmanian staycation?

There are so many awesome opportunities for overnight or multi-day walks not that far from Queenstown, so most of our staycations recently have been in a tent, if that counts! We recently walked into Frenchmans via the Raglan Range and Irenabyss on the Franklin. I’m not sure if I’d call it relaxing, but it was memorable.

Describe your perfect Sunday in Tassie. 

Coffee in bed, play some guitar or read a book and then spend a few hours outside. No jobs on a Sunday, thanks.

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