Welcome Mike Fry!

It is with great delight that we introduce a new contributor to Think Tasmania. Here’s his bio… and take a deep breath, because this man has been busy!

Who Is Mike Fry?

Mike has worked in tourism since 1981 after nine years as a navy air controller, then a retail marketing rep with the Mars organisation. This was followed by a stint in airport rescue before joining Air Queensland and starting the Great Keppel Island air service which became the company’s most profitable air route.

Mike Fry

After a transfer to Brisbane as the SE Qld sales manager Mike bought a half share in a Brisbane river cruise boat and for the next 13 years was an owner/skipper of a highly successful party, jazz and disco boat. Whilst in Brisbane Mike undertook a photojournalism course to satisfy his creative urge to write.

Following a holiday to Tasmania Mike and his partner Carolyn purchased Ormiston House in 1995 and restored the mansion developing a successful business and highly regarded historic guesthouse.

Ormiston House B&B: Strahan, Tasmania

After only 12 months in Tasmania, Mike took on the role of Chairman of West Coast Tourism until 2003. During that time WCT became the most dynamic regional tourism association in the state hosting many large events, forums and leading the push in regional marketing and Mike built up a reputation as an outspoken advocate for small tourism businesses.

After a break of three years Mike then took on the chair of Destination Strahan which has now evolved into Discover Strahan, a marketing group promoting Strahan and its tourism assets to the world. Mike continues to write for several publications on the subjects of tourism, boating and fishing.

Mike Fry: tourism, boating and fishing

Mike Fry:  Photojournalism Expert

We are very pleased that Mike chose to work with Think Tasmania. He is an awesome writer, has studied photojournalism, has a great deal of experience in promoting Tasmania… AND he has a wicked sense of humour.

With his writing credentials he also brings a wealth of knowledge about the Western Wilderness region and Tasmania in general. Stories of interest to visitors and locals alike that he’s promised so far…

• Penitentiary Chapel in Hobart
• Ghost Tour in Hobart
• the Wooden Boat Festival in Hobart
• cruising the Gordon River
• a drive to Liffey to visit the Falls
• convict history on Sarah Island
• the Huon Pine Punt
• Discover Strahan
• fishing on the west coast
• the history and founding of Strahan
• travelling the west coast town by town
• West Coast Wilderness Railway to Continue
• the triangle day trip Strahan- Zeehan-Queenstown- Strahan
• water skiers world record in Strahan
• furniture makers and wood turners of Strahan
• walking the Bird River track to Pillinger and Kelly Basin
• the Henry family of Strahan
• Ocean Beach – Hells Gates to Trial Harbour
• fish farming on the west coast
• the new Piners Trail around the foreshore
• a run-down on Lake St Clair & Derwent Bridge
• The Black Vaughan – a ghost tale

You can see why we’re excited to have such a champion for local tourism on board. Just reading this list of attractions on offer in the west coast region makes me want to down tools and book a holiday!

Mike Fry still runs Ormiston House (with his partner Carolyn) in his spare time. Told you he was busy!

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Map: Ormiston House, Strahan Tasmania…