After landing her dream job in Melbourne, Alicia Peardon didn’t think life could get any better. But a move to north-west Tasmania quickly changed her mind.

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Where did you grow up, and when and how did you end up here in Tasmania?

I grew up in country New South Wales and Victoria on sheep and cattle farms, before being packed off to boarding school in Geelong. I learnt to ride a horse before I could walk, and followed my dad around the farm with a hunger to learn it all. Fresh country air and open spaces are in my blood, so I feel very much at home here in Tasmania. Having married a Tasmanian, we moved here in 2015 from Melbourne with a six-week-old baby and two extremely happy labradoodles looking for their next adventure in life!

You’re the Director at a Tasmanian vineyard and winery, Ghost Rock Wines. Tell us about your career experience up to now.

After graduating with a Business Marketing degree, I worked in not-for-profits doing event management, fundraising and public relations for the early part of my career. I also did a couple of stints working in public relations and community relations on both the agency and corporate sides, before landing my dream job as the Founding CEO for a start-up not-for-profit, rolling out Jamie Oliver’s Ministry of Food program in Australia. It was a fulfilling and fast-paced ride for six years, and I loved every second. I didn’t think anything would be able to beat it … until we made the decision to move to Tasmania and look after our own winery on the northern coast of Tasmania.

Now, eight years down the track of growing grapes, producing wine, and running restaurants and accommodation at Ghost Rock Wines, I’ve still got this urge to do something more creative. I don’t want to die with any regrets, so I’m finishing off my career in Interior Design, creating happy places for people to connect with themselves and nature.

You live and work on the north-west coast of Tasmania. What’s so special about your little piece of the island?

We like to refer to it as God’s country, with its rolling patchwork hills and rich red volcanic soil. We have stunning views out over Bass Strait in one direction, and Narawntapu National Park and the Western Tiers in the other. It’s prime veggie farming country, and we were told we were mad to plant vines here back when it all started, but fast forward to today and the region is punching well above its weight for all kinds of premium produce, including growing grapes! You only have to look at the Tasting Trail in our region that has over 40 producers growing the most incredible produce - we really are blessed to have this all right on our doorstep.

Ghost Rock Wines (image: Ness Vanderburgh)

What does a day in your life look like?

Busy! Kids and animals rule the house, so first things first are getting them all sorted. I like to prioritise staying fit and healthy, so I squeeze that in on a good day, before delving into work. Our business is like four businesses in one, so different needs come up at different times of the year and, depending on the season, my focus shifts a little.

I’ve just finished my Interior Design studies, so now I’m starting to work on a new design project.

The end of the day is led by two kids who have busier social and sporting lives than I do, so I’m really just a glorified driver!

Vineyard House at Ghost Rock Wines (image: Dearna Bond)

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

Visit Cradle Mountain National Park - it truly is a special place that is incredibly beautiful.
Explore the extraordinary chalky white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters around the Bay of Fires. Swimming is a must, even in the dead of winter!
Eat and drink as much Tasmanian produce as you can in the time that you’re here, because it doesn’t get much better than this. I never take it for granted.

Where do you get away to for a Tassie staycation?

Our little happy place to escape the daily grind of working where we live, is on the east coast at Binalong Bay. It’s got a magnetic force that completely grounds you and connects you to Mother Nature. It’s jaw-dropping scenery everywhere, and I’m yet to find a beach that beats it!

Where are your favourite local (and not-so-local) haunts for eats and drinks?

Gosh, I have a list pages long!

In Devonport, Brown Bear Eatery and Nomad Global Kitchen are regular haunts. The General Store (formerly Tasmanian Food & Wine Conservatory) has an excellent range of Tasmanian produce and drinks if you want to have goodies at home, and Pam’s Bottles & Cups is a super cool little wine bar.

In Launceston, Tatler Lane by Sweetbrew, Havilah, Timbre Kitchen and Stillwater are my favourites.

In Hobart, my favourite breakfast spot is Bear With Me, and night-time favourites are Sonny (if you can get in), La Sardina Loca, Peppina and Suzie Luck’s. Ogee and Restaurant MARIA are on my hit list for when I’m in town next.

Describe your perfect Sunday in lutruwita/Tasmania.

It would start with a long walk with my dogs along a bush track in Skeleton Bay Reserve, followed by a refreshing dip and cleanse in the ocean. Then, a mountain bike ride or a day at the beach with the kids, before finishing it off with table full of fresh Tassie produce to graze over, and a glass of bubbles while watching the sun set. My idea of bliss.

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Q&A: Alicia Peardon, director