The Dreamers x ANDREW COTTIER

We're slowing Down in Southern Tasmania. Meet Andrew and Oliver. A dad-and-son duo based in Southern Tasmania who spend most of their free time outdoors, rain, hail or shine. This Father's Day, we sat down with Andrew to talk mountains, waterfalls, babyccinos, and what 22 months of fatherhood has taught him about slowing down.

Paint us a picture of a typical day outdoors together. where do you end up, and who leads the adventure?

When we head out for the day to go exploring, we'll either end up on a mountain, a waterfall walk or a beach somewhere. That's the beauty of Tassie. These places are usually within 30 minutes to an hour of each other, and of home. Our go-tos are Coningham Beach, with its gorgeous little boat huts, and Snug Falls, a great one-hour hike through beautiful bushland to a waterfall.

What are your family's favourite spots, and what makes them special?

Coningham Beach or Kingston Beach for a walk with a coffee and a babyccino, typically with a stop at a park or two along the way.

What have you learnt about the world through Oliver's eyes?

Spending plenty of time outdoors with my little man, I'm often stopping or really slowing right down. He walks at maximum speed, squats to look at something on the ground, or stops to watch a flock of birds fly by. Slowing down with him constantly has reminded me to enjoy the little things. They're beautiful and amazing too.

Why is a connection to the outdoors so important to you?

Before kids, my wife and I always spent a lot of time exploring Tassie - road trips, adventures. We've always believed that time in nature is good for you, not just physically but mentally. Plus, exploring amazing places is always fun. Especially in this day and age, we want our kids to want to spend more time outside instead of in front of a screen.

What moments in nature with Oliver do you think you'll remember forever?

Right now, it's all the drives in my classic '85 Land Cruiser to our favourite spots. Also the time we went camping with my best mates, explored rivers for trout, went swimming, slept in tents and hiked a mountain, all while Oliver was just 16 months old.

Best dad joke?

I don't need to be clever - The one Oliver actually loves is when I pretend I'm hungry and eat his tummy.

Favourite Banabae piece?

The classic washed black five-panel. I'm a hat guy so it's usually on me wherever I go.