Eight years ago Tania and Gavin Horne packed up their lives in South Australia and set off for a 12 month adventure travelling around Australia with their two sons. They had sold their house, put their treasures in storage, and plotted a course. But how plans can change! Their first stop was Tasmania and the rest, as they say, is history.

After a month in Tasmania, the family hit the road again to continue on their journey, only to discover how attached they had become to the island state. And it wasn’t just Tania and Gavin, their two sons were smitten too, particularly their eldest who, with a talent for tennis, enjoyed the quality and accessibility of the local tennis facilities and programs.

Before they knew it, they were heading back to Tasmania, permanently. The move offered more than just a lifestyle change, it also became the inspiration for the couple’s new business venture.

Tania and Gavin were looking for a business opportunity that combined their respective writing and IT talents. Tasmania was the missing piece. The family found the state to be packed full of surprises and decided to share Tasmania’s unique experiences. Within a month of setting up permanently in Tasmania, the duo started work on think-tasmania.com.

The website reflects the family’s fondness of Tasmanian places, people, and food and beverage offerings, and celebrates the state’s creativity, culture and lifestyle.

The pair also enjoy sharing their love of Tasmania’s regional areas and in discovering lesser-known places, whether it’s a new café off the beaten track, the best places to eat or new produce and wares to take home.

Tania and Gavin are open about their love for the state and have declared themselves Tasmanians for life. So too have their sons. Although, such declarations are not really needed. They exhibit the classic tell-tale signs of adapting the Tasmanian way of life, such as becoming accustomed to expecting – as Gavin laughingly calls them – ‘rock star parks only’ when popping to the shop. And enduring the occasional ‘peak hour’ means being 15 minutes late.

As well as the local food and beverage offerings, people and places, the Horne’s are inspired by the quality and character of the small businesses around the state, which is part of what drives them to share and celebrate Tasmania.

Find out more about what continues to excite the Horne family about Tasmania and see what hidden gems they have discovered this week.

Visit think-tasmania.com. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Thinking about visiting Tasmania or starting your own business? Discover Tasmania and find the information you need at Business Tasmania.