We have been busy the last few days and have just had no time for the blog and our usual updates. We ended up staying at Cambridge for the extra night and spent the day firstly by going to Richmond. Richmond has the claim to fame of having the oldest bridge in Australia. Everyone who goes there, including us, tries to get the iconic image of the stone church appearing behind one of the arches of the bridge. We actually didn't stay long there as we felt the place is too commercial and besides we feel that Ross, just down the road, is a far nicer town and more historic.
We headed off back towards Port Arthur again, this time to visit The Coalmines. At one stage convicts worked down in the coal mines in what must have been one of the more cruel and barbaric places to have been sent. Men worked 8 hour shifts down the mine digging coal and manually hauling it to the top of the pit - straight up. They went down the mine shaft sitting on a bucket - about 45 metres straight down. The mine was eventually closed down as the coal was of a very low standard.
Next day it rained so we packed up a very wet trailer and headed for what is described in all the publicity blurb as 'the sunniest place in Tasmania'. They lied. It bucketed down, so much so that when we arrived we could not get out of the car to set up so we had to go to the pub!!!! We eventually got set up but the rain kept up and then came the wind. Great gusts of it, each stronger than the last. It was a miserable night for us. Next day it had not improved so we disappeared inland to escape the wind and rain and ended up in Campbell Town, another historic town. It was a bit of a disappointment.
The Monday dawned bright in Coles Bay and the cruise to Wineglass Bay we had booked about a week before was able to go - their first trip is 4 days, the weather had been that bad. It was a great ride round to Wineglass Bay, the seas were quite big, huge swell. When we arrived in Wineglass Bay we were greeted by a pod of about 14 dolphins who had fun diving across our bow. Wineglass Bay is such a romantic name but romance has nothing to do with it's naming. Many years ago there were two whaling stations there and apparently when boats came around to enter the bay the water was blood red, it reminded the sailors and whalers of red wine. Hence the name.
Next day the weather turned again and we headed inland again this time to the Evercreech NP to see the 'White Knights'. The White Knights are of course huge trees up to 93 metres tall and are just the most magnificent trees. We spent our last night at Coles Bay listening to the wind blowing and knowing that first thing in the morning we would be out of there - never to return.
So now we are back up on the north coast at Bridport, a pretty little holiday town. We are right on the beach here, no rain, no wind. Just paradise. We did the St Helens, Bay of Fire yesterday and today we have visited a couple of local towns and the Bridestowe Lavender Farm.
Tomorrow night is our last night in Tasmania as we pack up on Sunday morning and head to Devonport to catch the Spirit of Tasmania back to Port Melbourne that evening. We can't believe we have been here for 6 whole weeks. We have seen so much and done so many fantastic things and taken a couple of photos along the way. Tasmania is a great little place.
So thats it for now with the blog. Stay tuned for our next adventure.
Friday, 9 May 2014
Thursday, 1 May 2014
Port Arthur & Other Places
We have been here, there and everywhere over the last few days. On our last day at Huonville we headed down to the Tahune National Park where they have a gynormous sky walk through the forest canopy, at times we were about 40 metres above the ground. It is a terrific way to see a forest, way up in the branches and looking down. The sky walk takes about 30 minutes, after which we then did a proper walk which involved crossing the river twice using swinging suspension bridges. All in all a great day out.
Next morning we packed up and moved north to Cambridge, which is about 30 minutes north of Hobart. As much as we loved the Huon Valley, especially at this time of the year when the trees are losing their leaves and turning from green, through shades of yellow, then orange and finally to brown. We don't get that seasonal change in Sydney so it was great to see the change, BUT, it is soooo cold down there in Huonville. One morning we had ice on the car and the grass crunched under foot. So now, even though we are probably only 80 km north of Huonville we are about 5 degrees warmer.
Our first full day in Cambridge was spent in the trailer, watching movies and reading. Mike picked up a bug and had the tummy wobbles. But he chose a great day for it, as the heavens opened and it just rained all day, so we would not have been able to go out anywhere, it was way too wet.
Next day the sun shone and we took off early in the morning to go up the coast to Triabunna to do a day trip around Maria Island. Maria Island was yet another convict settlement, which was only used for a couple of years before Port Arthur was established.
From the boat you really get to appreciate the geology of the island, the coast has some of the most fascinating rock formations you will be able to see anywhere. We did get off the boat at one point in time and did a short tour of the convict buildings that have survived on the island. Yet another great day out for us.
Today we headed up the coast yet again, this time to Port Arthur. Port Arthur needs absolutely no introductions to you, we all know its story and just about everyone has been there. Unfortunately for Mike, who had never been before, the main prison area is now inaccessible as it is having major restoration work done to it. There are high barricades all around it and you have to be up on the hill behind to look down on it, so that was a disappointment, but the rest of Port Arthur was terrific.
So that brings us up to now. Not sure about tomorrow, we may stay another day as there are a few things still down here that we have not done, mainly Richmond, but the weather forecast is gloomy to say the least. So we have the choice of staying here and getting soaked or moving further north and still getting soaked. Only tomorrow when we wake up will we know what to do.
Next morning we packed up and moved north to Cambridge, which is about 30 minutes north of Hobart. As much as we loved the Huon Valley, especially at this time of the year when the trees are losing their leaves and turning from green, through shades of yellow, then orange and finally to brown. We don't get that seasonal change in Sydney so it was great to see the change, BUT, it is soooo cold down there in Huonville. One morning we had ice on the car and the grass crunched under foot. So now, even though we are probably only 80 km north of Huonville we are about 5 degrees warmer.
Our first full day in Cambridge was spent in the trailer, watching movies and reading. Mike picked up a bug and had the tummy wobbles. But he chose a great day for it, as the heavens opened and it just rained all day, so we would not have been able to go out anywhere, it was way too wet.
Next day the sun shone and we took off early in the morning to go up the coast to Triabunna to do a day trip around Maria Island. Maria Island was yet another convict settlement, which was only used for a couple of years before Port Arthur was established.
From the boat you really get to appreciate the geology of the island, the coast has some of the most fascinating rock formations you will be able to see anywhere. We did get off the boat at one point in time and did a short tour of the convict buildings that have survived on the island. Yet another great day out for us.
Today we headed up the coast yet again, this time to Port Arthur. Port Arthur needs absolutely no introductions to you, we all know its story and just about everyone has been there. Unfortunately for Mike, who had never been before, the main prison area is now inaccessible as it is having major restoration work done to it. There are high barricades all around it and you have to be up on the hill behind to look down on it, so that was a disappointment, but the rest of Port Arthur was terrific.
So that brings us up to now. Not sure about tomorrow, we may stay another day as there are a few things still down here that we have not done, mainly Richmond, but the weather forecast is gloomy to say the least. So we have the choice of staying here and getting soaked or moving further north and still getting soaked. Only tomorrow when we wake up will we know what to do.
Saturday, 26 April 2014
In the words of Sir David Attenborough...
IT'S A BLUE WHALE.
Yesterday we decided to take the Bruny Island 3 hour boat trip down the coast of Bruny Island. Little did we know that we would end up being some of the very few people in the world who have managed to get up close and personal with the biggest animal to have ever graced this planet - the magnificent Blue Whale.
We are still pinching ourselves at our good fortune.
It was an early morning start for us as the trip to Bruny Island involved a 40 km car trip for us to Kettering where we picked up the cruise bus, took the ferry across to the island then a 35 km drive in the bus down through North Bruny, across the neck and finally arriving at Adventure Bay on South Bruny.
Bruny Island is quite big, about the size of Singapore, without the population, the heat, the high rises and the shopping.
The last footprints of Captain Cook in Australia were left on Bruny Island as he left here to sail off to his fate in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Also the infamous Captain Bligh left here as well on his ill fated trip to Tahiti which ended up causing a mutiny - so that's the history lesson.
The cruise down the coast of Bruny on board was absolutely fascinating, the shore line of the island is incredible. Long tubes of rock soar up hundreds of feet into the sky, birds roost on outcrops and waves from the Southern Ocean pound the shore. It was 50 km of changing coast that just about left you speechless. We were in an open boat with 3 250 HP motors out the back - it really moved along and cut through the swell like butter.
Then, the magical moment arrived. The drivers knew the whale was in the vicinity of Adventure Bay as there has been sightings on the 3 previous days, one of which was performed by a team of scientists from Hobart who confirmed it truly was a Blue Whale.
Next thing we knew the whale blew and up she came, cut through the water, then went under again. She came up a couple of times to eyeball us then went under again. We could have stayed out there for the rest of the day just watching this beautiful beast - but unfortunately buses were waiting as was a car ferry so we had to make back to shore. This was an experience we will never forget.
We are currently based in Huonville and today we decided to head as far south as it is possible to drive, which we managed to do. We don't have the photographic evidence of our arrival at the most southerly place in Australia as when we arrived the heavens opened, it started to rain, then hail and sleet which we decided was a hint for us to head back to camp which is where we now are.
Not sure of our plans for tomorrow, the next day we head to just north of Hobart for a few days which will give us time to do Port Arthur, Maria Island, Richmond etc.
So that's all for now.
Yesterday we decided to take the Bruny Island 3 hour boat trip down the coast of Bruny Island. Little did we know that we would end up being some of the very few people in the world who have managed to get up close and personal with the biggest animal to have ever graced this planet - the magnificent Blue Whale.
We are still pinching ourselves at our good fortune.
It was an early morning start for us as the trip to Bruny Island involved a 40 km car trip for us to Kettering where we picked up the cruise bus, took the ferry across to the island then a 35 km drive in the bus down through North Bruny, across the neck and finally arriving at Adventure Bay on South Bruny.
Bruny Island is quite big, about the size of Singapore, without the population, the heat, the high rises and the shopping.
The last footprints of Captain Cook in Australia were left on Bruny Island as he left here to sail off to his fate in the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Also the infamous Captain Bligh left here as well on his ill fated trip to Tahiti which ended up causing a mutiny - so that's the history lesson.
The cruise down the coast of Bruny on board was absolutely fascinating, the shore line of the island is incredible. Long tubes of rock soar up hundreds of feet into the sky, birds roost on outcrops and waves from the Southern Ocean pound the shore. It was 50 km of changing coast that just about left you speechless. We were in an open boat with 3 250 HP motors out the back - it really moved along and cut through the swell like butter.
Then, the magical moment arrived. The drivers knew the whale was in the vicinity of Adventure Bay as there has been sightings on the 3 previous days, one of which was performed by a team of scientists from Hobart who confirmed it truly was a Blue Whale.
Next thing we knew the whale blew and up she came, cut through the water, then went under again. She came up a couple of times to eyeball us then went under again. We could have stayed out there for the rest of the day just watching this beautiful beast - but unfortunately buses were waiting as was a car ferry so we had to make back to shore. This was an experience we will never forget.
We are currently based in Huonville and today we decided to head as far south as it is possible to drive, which we managed to do. We don't have the photographic evidence of our arrival at the most southerly place in Australia as when we arrived the heavens opened, it started to rain, then hail and sleet which we decided was a hint for us to head back to camp which is where we now are.
Not sure of our plans for tomorrow, the next day we head to just north of Hobart for a few days which will give us time to do Port Arthur, Maria Island, Richmond etc.
So that's all for now.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
New Norfolk
We are well and truly settled here in New Norfolk, one of the historic towns of Tasmania, first settled back in the early 1800's. Now who could resist going to the local pub for a drink when it has the oldest pub in Australia, (trading from the same place with the same licence). Our current residence is very nice, very quiet and right on the banks of the River Derwent. The nights and early mornings are getting a bit nippy though, we have been down to 2 degrees in the morning, the nights are not so bad as we do have a heater, an electric blanket and I have long ugg boots.
So what have we been doing? Our first day was spent travelling up to Strathgordon, about 100 km away. The views over Lake Pedder are absolutely gorgeous (on a sunny day), but on the wet, cold, windy day that we visited the view was somewhat obscured. (I know the views are great as I have been before). On we travelled to the Gordon River Dam, again it was wet, maybe even wetter and colder. But we managed a peek before hopping back in the car for shelter.
As the weather cleared again we took a turn off the main road and headed out to the Edgar Dam, about 30 km along a dirt (wet) road. When we arrived at the only place where we could have viewed Lake Pedder in all its glory, the rain came down again. So we tossed the whole idea away of playing tourist and drove back to the comfort of our little trailer.
Yesterday was bright and sunny so we took off to see the Giants of the Styx Forest. The forest is home to some mighty Swamp Gums, the tallest was, in its prime, over 90 metres tall. Now because of age and weather conditions etc it is only 87 metres tall. These magnificent trees soar up so high that you almost have to lie on the ground to see their tops. When they reach their full height it is estimated that they are about 400 years old - not old by some standards, but thank heaven they have been preserved and will continue to be protected for all to enjoy.
After that visit we headed back down the road to the Mt Field NP, which is something on a Tasmanian icon. We decided to do the 6 km walk, which took in the beautiful Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. Along the way we walked through another forest of Swamp Gums. It was a great walk but there was one section that involved a staircase that rose from the creek to the top of the hill, with at least 300 - 400 steps. That walk sure gave the heart a workout.
We hopped back in the car and the heavens opened, so someone up there must love us, we would have hated to be out there in the wet.
This morning dawned bright so for something really different we headed into Hobart, about 30 km down the road - a quick drive. Not like driving from my place to the city that's for sure. First stop we headed up to Mt Wellington. The view from the top is always breath taking, but the wind is so strong it almost throws you over the edge.
Back in the comfort of the car again we headed down the mountain and into Hobart where we spent the better part of the day just wandering around. Battery Point and Salamanca Place are just so much like The Rocks in Sydney, then of course there is Constitution Dock where the Sydney to Hobart finishes up.
So all in all we had a great day.
Tomorrow we are off to do some more exploring then on Thursday we move further south to Huonville which will be our base for a few days as we discover what the real south of Tasmania has to offer.
So what have we been doing? Our first day was spent travelling up to Strathgordon, about 100 km away. The views over Lake Pedder are absolutely gorgeous (on a sunny day), but on the wet, cold, windy day that we visited the view was somewhat obscured. (I know the views are great as I have been before). On we travelled to the Gordon River Dam, again it was wet, maybe even wetter and colder. But we managed a peek before hopping back in the car for shelter.
As the weather cleared again we took a turn off the main road and headed out to the Edgar Dam, about 30 km along a dirt (wet) road. When we arrived at the only place where we could have viewed Lake Pedder in all its glory, the rain came down again. So we tossed the whole idea away of playing tourist and drove back to the comfort of our little trailer.
Yesterday was bright and sunny so we took off to see the Giants of the Styx Forest. The forest is home to some mighty Swamp Gums, the tallest was, in its prime, over 90 metres tall. Now because of age and weather conditions etc it is only 87 metres tall. These magnificent trees soar up so high that you almost have to lie on the ground to see their tops. When they reach their full height it is estimated that they are about 400 years old - not old by some standards, but thank heaven they have been preserved and will continue to be protected for all to enjoy.
After that visit we headed back down the road to the Mt Field NP, which is something on a Tasmanian icon. We decided to do the 6 km walk, which took in the beautiful Russell Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Lady Barron Falls. Along the way we walked through another forest of Swamp Gums. It was a great walk but there was one section that involved a staircase that rose from the creek to the top of the hill, with at least 300 - 400 steps. That walk sure gave the heart a workout.
We hopped back in the car and the heavens opened, so someone up there must love us, we would have hated to be out there in the wet.
This morning dawned bright so for something really different we headed into Hobart, about 30 km down the road - a quick drive. Not like driving from my place to the city that's for sure. First stop we headed up to Mt Wellington. The view from the top is always breath taking, but the wind is so strong it almost throws you over the edge.
Back in the comfort of the car again we headed down the mountain and into Hobart where we spent the better part of the day just wandering around. Battery Point and Salamanca Place are just so much like The Rocks in Sydney, then of course there is Constitution Dock where the Sydney to Hobart finishes up.
So all in all we had a great day.
Tomorrow we are off to do some more exploring then on Thursday we move further south to Huonville which will be our base for a few days as we discover what the real south of Tasmania has to offer.
Friday, 18 April 2014
Still in Launceston
Today is our last day in Launceston. In the morning we pack up and head south to New Norfolk. But that's tomorrow, what about today and the last couple of days?
First up we 'did' James Boags Brewery. The brewery is about the biggest thing in Launceston, taking up a whole city block. The tour consisted of a walk through the brewery when all the bits and pieces were explained to us, but all the facts and figures totally escape me. Probably because at the end of the tour you get to sample 3 of their beers!!! They make about 6 different beers but only 2 are available on the mainland - this is because Boags is owned by Lion Brewery and they don't want opposition beers to ones they already have on the mainland.
Launceston is a great little town, so compact. We are located only 10 minutes from the heart of the city, yet we are based out in the country complete with horses and cows. The town is so easy to get around in, a bit of a minefield for driving with all the one ways streets but our trusty GPS seems to be able to cope most of the time.
Yesterday we did a cruise up the Tamar River which was just so delightfully relaxing. Not too many people on board, the sun was shining and there was even a little wine tasting on board. The cruise boat starts off from Seaport and sails under the Kings Bridge and part way into the Cataract Gorge, turns around and heads along the Tamar River for about an hour or so. This really is a beautiful part of Tassie and if the weather was more like Queensland I'd be more than happy to live here.
Today we visited the Cataract Gorge. The morning started off with showers but by the time we got to the gorge they had disappeared, so off we set on yet another of our monumental hikes. About half way round the gorge it began to rain, but it is sort of like English rain, it is not a downpour, just consistent drizzle, just enough to get you damp.The gorge is a very wild and rugged place. The half way point was Duck Reach Power Station. This power station built in the early 1900's was inundated during the 1929 floods, with flood waters reaching 10 feet up the walls. Considering the power station is about 20 metres above the river, that makes for one big flood.
So now we are back in our little trailer, doing last minute chores before the pack up tomorrow morning and continuing the adventure.
BTW, Mike has updated his web page with a slideshow of images from Tassie. You can check them out from the link just over on the left called 'Mikes Space', then click on the 'more' tab.
First up we 'did' James Boags Brewery. The brewery is about the biggest thing in Launceston, taking up a whole city block. The tour consisted of a walk through the brewery when all the bits and pieces were explained to us, but all the facts and figures totally escape me. Probably because at the end of the tour you get to sample 3 of their beers!!! They make about 6 different beers but only 2 are available on the mainland - this is because Boags is owned by Lion Brewery and they don't want opposition beers to ones they already have on the mainland.
Launceston is a great little town, so compact. We are located only 10 minutes from the heart of the city, yet we are based out in the country complete with horses and cows. The town is so easy to get around in, a bit of a minefield for driving with all the one ways streets but our trusty GPS seems to be able to cope most of the time.
Yesterday we did a cruise up the Tamar River which was just so delightfully relaxing. Not too many people on board, the sun was shining and there was even a little wine tasting on board. The cruise boat starts off from Seaport and sails under the Kings Bridge and part way into the Cataract Gorge, turns around and heads along the Tamar River for about an hour or so. This really is a beautiful part of Tassie and if the weather was more like Queensland I'd be more than happy to live here.
Today we visited the Cataract Gorge. The morning started off with showers but by the time we got to the gorge they had disappeared, so off we set on yet another of our monumental hikes. About half way round the gorge it began to rain, but it is sort of like English rain, it is not a downpour, just consistent drizzle, just enough to get you damp.The gorge is a very wild and rugged place. The half way point was Duck Reach Power Station. This power station built in the early 1900's was inundated during the 1929 floods, with flood waters reaching 10 feet up the walls. Considering the power station is about 20 metres above the river, that makes for one big flood.
So now we are back in our little trailer, doing last minute chores before the pack up tomorrow morning and continuing the adventure.
BTW, Mike has updated his web page with a slideshow of images from Tassie. You can check them out from the link just over on the left called 'Mikes Space', then click on the 'more' tab.
Tuesday, 15 April 2014
Launceston
We have been a bit busy the last few days, hence no time for posting to the blog.
Our last couple of days at Cradle Mountain were terrific. The weather gods decided to keep the rain at bay and provide beautiful blue skies for us. Having done the 8.5 km Cradle Valley Boardwalk we decided that a leisurely stroll around Dove Lake would be appropriate for our tired legs. It is pretty close to 7 km around the lake and it was not quite the stroll we had anticipated. There were a couple of up hill bits that made our muscles say ouch. After such a work out we had to retire back to the trailer and partake of a couple of beers to recover.
Next morning we decided, that as it would be our final walk that we would do the big one. Not as big as some might do but big enough for us. Up the side of a mountain to Crater Lake, down the other side past Wombat Pool and around to Dove Lake. Great walk, again about 7 km, we loved it.
They are so well organised at Cradle Mountain, with regular shuttle buses running from the information centre to Dove Lake about every 10 minutes, there is absolutely no need to make the drive. The road is very windy and has many single lane sections, so using the shuttle is a no brainer. It's free if you have a Parks and Wildlife Pass - bargain.
So we left Cradle Mountain with some very happy memories and headed off on the short drive towards Launceston. I say short as we have become so used to the great distances we have travelled in the outback that a 2 hour drive up the road is a snack.
We eventually left the wildness and wilderness of the west coast of Tasmania behind us and we arrived back in the lush green dairy area that surrounds Launceston.
We did stop off at Trowunna Wildlife Park so we could get up close and personal with some Tasmanian Devils. We arrived just in time to hook up with a tour of the park and to see some of the Devils being fed. They are apparently quite solitary creatures, just getting together for a meal. They save energy apparently when they collectively all rip into a carcass, as opposed to doing it by themselves The keeper produced a wallaby roadkill to 5 Devils. With a lot of bone crunching and several attempts at tug of war they managed to demolish the whole wallaby in under 10 minutes - not a bone or scrap of fur to be seen. Amazing.
So now we are based about 10 minutes out of Launceston, very rural. We drove into town late yesterday for a quick familiarisation tour, ended up at Sea Port, which is a riverside dock area that has been redeveloped and had a fantastic dinner at one of the restaurants.
Today we organised ourselves for the rest of our stay. We are doing a tour of James Boag's Brewery tomorrow, then on Thursday we will be doing a cruise up the Tamar River into the gorge. Because Friday is Good Friday and nothing much will be happening we plan on going to the gorge and doing some of the walks. So there are lots of things for us to look forward to.
Earlier today after doing some shopping we took a drive up into the Tamar Valley, it is just so beautiful, so green and it came as quite a shock to see that it is quite a wine producing area. We later stopped off at the Tamar Island Wetlands and walked a couple of k's along a boardwalk hoping to see an abundance of wildlife, but it must have been the wrong time of the day as we only saw black swans and a couple of other birds. Still is was a very pleasant walk.
.
Our last couple of days at Cradle Mountain were terrific. The weather gods decided to keep the rain at bay and provide beautiful blue skies for us. Having done the 8.5 km Cradle Valley Boardwalk we decided that a leisurely stroll around Dove Lake would be appropriate for our tired legs. It is pretty close to 7 km around the lake and it was not quite the stroll we had anticipated. There were a couple of up hill bits that made our muscles say ouch. After such a work out we had to retire back to the trailer and partake of a couple of beers to recover.
Next morning we decided, that as it would be our final walk that we would do the big one. Not as big as some might do but big enough for us. Up the side of a mountain to Crater Lake, down the other side past Wombat Pool and around to Dove Lake. Great walk, again about 7 km, we loved it.
They are so well organised at Cradle Mountain, with regular shuttle buses running from the information centre to Dove Lake about every 10 minutes, there is absolutely no need to make the drive. The road is very windy and has many single lane sections, so using the shuttle is a no brainer. It's free if you have a Parks and Wildlife Pass - bargain.
So we left Cradle Mountain with some very happy memories and headed off on the short drive towards Launceston. I say short as we have become so used to the great distances we have travelled in the outback that a 2 hour drive up the road is a snack.
We eventually left the wildness and wilderness of the west coast of Tasmania behind us and we arrived back in the lush green dairy area that surrounds Launceston.
We did stop off at Trowunna Wildlife Park so we could get up close and personal with some Tasmanian Devils. We arrived just in time to hook up with a tour of the park and to see some of the Devils being fed. They are apparently quite solitary creatures, just getting together for a meal. They save energy apparently when they collectively all rip into a carcass, as opposed to doing it by themselves The keeper produced a wallaby roadkill to 5 Devils. With a lot of bone crunching and several attempts at tug of war they managed to demolish the whole wallaby in under 10 minutes - not a bone or scrap of fur to be seen. Amazing.
So now we are based about 10 minutes out of Launceston, very rural. We drove into town late yesterday for a quick familiarisation tour, ended up at Sea Port, which is a riverside dock area that has been redeveloped and had a fantastic dinner at one of the restaurants.
Today we organised ourselves for the rest of our stay. We are doing a tour of James Boag's Brewery tomorrow, then on Thursday we will be doing a cruise up the Tamar River into the gorge. Because Friday is Good Friday and nothing much will be happening we plan on going to the gorge and doing some of the walks. So there are lots of things for us to look forward to.
Earlier today after doing some shopping we took a drive up into the Tamar Valley, it is just so beautiful, so green and it came as quite a shock to see that it is quite a wine producing area. We later stopped off at the Tamar Island Wetlands and walked a couple of k's along a boardwalk hoping to see an abundance of wildlife, but it must have been the wrong time of the day as we only saw black swans and a couple of other birds. Still is was a very pleasant walk.
.
Friday, 11 April 2014
Cradle Mountain
For the last two nights in Strachan the heavens opened and the rain bucketed down. During our last day the rain stopped and we were able to go out and visit parts of the surrounding area we had not seen before. We drove out to Macquarie Heads and walked quite a long way along the beach and watched a couple of cruise boats negotiate the very narrow opening to the harbour called Hell's Gate. Later in the day we discovered a little place in town called The Peoples Park. Here we wandered through a beautiful rain forest for about 30 minutes, arriving eventually at a place called Hogarth Falls, so very picturesque. The rain forests here in Tasmania are exactly the same as those up around the Daintree in Queensland, only these are 'cool rain forests' - they have palms and ferns etc, just like their cousins up north. Ain't nature a wonderful lady.
Of course, the rain came back again that last night and we dreaded the next day having to pack up in the rain, but our prayers were answered and the rain had gone by the time we were ready to pack up, the canvas was a little damp though. But with only a 2 hour drive to Cradle Mountain from Strachan we were not worried about a little damp.
Ha, but when we got to Cradle Mountain the rain was tumbling down and we had to make camp in the wet. No fun at all. The rain continued all day so we only ventured out to drive down to Dove Lake so Mike could see Cradle Mountain in all it's glory. Chris, do you remember when you, Julie and myself went to Cradle Mountain years ago, hopped out of the car into a biting wind, couldn't see the mountain for the rain and decided that anywhere else was better than where we were? Then that's what it was like. We could not see the mountain at all.
Anyway over night the rain seems to have gone, the sky is blue when its not grey and we managed to 8.5 km walk from the ranger station to Dove Lake before deciding that that was far enough for the day and Mike got to see Cradle Mountain in all its glory. Tomorrow we will do another walk, weather depending.
Barbie, I checked out where you stayed, Waldheim Cottages? Looks like it could be fun, maybe next time if we come back.
So that's it for now. We will be here for another 3 nights then we will hop over to Launceston for 5 nights then go down to New Norfolk for another five.
Of course, the rain came back again that last night and we dreaded the next day having to pack up in the rain, but our prayers were answered and the rain had gone by the time we were ready to pack up, the canvas was a little damp though. But with only a 2 hour drive to Cradle Mountain from Strachan we were not worried about a little damp.
Ha, but when we got to Cradle Mountain the rain was tumbling down and we had to make camp in the wet. No fun at all. The rain continued all day so we only ventured out to drive down to Dove Lake so Mike could see Cradle Mountain in all it's glory. Chris, do you remember when you, Julie and myself went to Cradle Mountain years ago, hopped out of the car into a biting wind, couldn't see the mountain for the rain and decided that anywhere else was better than where we were? Then that's what it was like. We could not see the mountain at all.
Anyway over night the rain seems to have gone, the sky is blue when its not grey and we managed to 8.5 km walk from the ranger station to Dove Lake before deciding that that was far enough for the day and Mike got to see Cradle Mountain in all its glory. Tomorrow we will do another walk, weather depending.
Barbie, I checked out where you stayed, Waldheim Cottages? Looks like it could be fun, maybe next time if we come back.
So that's it for now. We will be here for another 3 nights then we will hop over to Launceston for 5 nights then go down to New Norfolk for another five.
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
Strachan
It is really a short trip to Strachan from Stanley, but because the road is very narrow and winding it seems to take all day. But we arrived OK and set up our home in the caravan park close to town.
On Monday we boarded the Eagle for a trip into Macquarie Harbour and out to Hell's Gate. Hell's Gate was so named by the convicts way back as they knew that what lay before them on Sarah Island was going to be hell on earth. At the very narrow entrance to Macquarie stand two lighthouses marking the way in, the opening is a mere 70 metres.
After travelling through the entrance and back again we passed some of the many fish farms that are now found on Macquarie Harbour. It is a big industry here, they harvest trout and of course, salmon. Then it was on to the infamous Sarah Island.
Here brutality was the name of the game, the convicts suffered incredible injustices, some escaped only to perish in the wilderness, others tried only to be captured and returned for more torture. But the convicts eventually won the day. There was so much graft and corruption going on between the military, convicts and authorities in Hobart that the place was closed down only to have the brutalities continue at Port Arthur.
Our 1 hour tour of the island was most interesting, although very little remains of the buildings.
Then we were back on board to commence our journey 10 km up the Gordon River, It was during this stage that we enjoyed a fabulous buffet lunch. Later after completing a short walk ashore we were returned to Strachan. All in all a fabulous day.
On the night we arrived we went to the 'theatre' to see 'The Ship That Never Was' - a real story telling what happened to the very last ship built on Sarah Island and how the convicts 'stole' the boat and sailed all the way to Chile. It was very much an audience participation play, full of humour where members of the audience also took part. So if ever you come to this place, take the time, spend the $15.00 and go see it - it is rollicking good fun.
Today we had to drive up to Queenstown to take a ride on the little West Coast Wilderness Railway. The little steam train chugs it's way through the wilderness and up some very steep inclines. It is a rack and pinion system so there is a lot of swaying going on. The little train has to stop several times along the way to replenish its water, taking on board up to 3000 litres each stop. When the train gets to Dubbil Barril (the end of the line today) the engine separates from the carriages and is turned around on a turntable and reconnected to the carriages for the ride back to Queenstown.
Well that's theory.
All went well until after we had to leave Dubbil Barril on the return journey. The drivers sensed something amiss so asked the passengers in the 3rd carriage to find places in the 1st and 2nd carriages. Off we set arriving soon at the next stop. There we were told that the poor 118 year old train had chucked a whammy and would not continue. There was a very steep descent coming up and it was suggested that the train would not be able to stop us going down the mountainside. Well, we were supposed to be back in Queenstown at about 12.30 but it ended up being about 3.30 instead. 4 wheel drive vehicles had to come out to the station to transport we passengers out to a bus which was then going to take us back to Queenstown. All very exciting. Somehow or other the train people came up with sandwiches and soup for us for lunch and then refunded us 50% of our fares. All in all a good day.
So now we sit here in Strachan, the rain is falling and we are praying for a fine day tomorrow as we want to get out and do a bit of walking.
On Monday we boarded the Eagle for a trip into Macquarie Harbour and out to Hell's Gate. Hell's Gate was so named by the convicts way back as they knew that what lay before them on Sarah Island was going to be hell on earth. At the very narrow entrance to Macquarie stand two lighthouses marking the way in, the opening is a mere 70 metres.
After travelling through the entrance and back again we passed some of the many fish farms that are now found on Macquarie Harbour. It is a big industry here, they harvest trout and of course, salmon. Then it was on to the infamous Sarah Island.
Here brutality was the name of the game, the convicts suffered incredible injustices, some escaped only to perish in the wilderness, others tried only to be captured and returned for more torture. But the convicts eventually won the day. There was so much graft and corruption going on between the military, convicts and authorities in Hobart that the place was closed down only to have the brutalities continue at Port Arthur.
Our 1 hour tour of the island was most interesting, although very little remains of the buildings.
Then we were back on board to commence our journey 10 km up the Gordon River, It was during this stage that we enjoyed a fabulous buffet lunch. Later after completing a short walk ashore we were returned to Strachan. All in all a fabulous day.
On the night we arrived we went to the 'theatre' to see 'The Ship That Never Was' - a real story telling what happened to the very last ship built on Sarah Island and how the convicts 'stole' the boat and sailed all the way to Chile. It was very much an audience participation play, full of humour where members of the audience also took part. So if ever you come to this place, take the time, spend the $15.00 and go see it - it is rollicking good fun.
Today we had to drive up to Queenstown to take a ride on the little West Coast Wilderness Railway. The little steam train chugs it's way through the wilderness and up some very steep inclines. It is a rack and pinion system so there is a lot of swaying going on. The little train has to stop several times along the way to replenish its water, taking on board up to 3000 litres each stop. When the train gets to Dubbil Barril (the end of the line today) the engine separates from the carriages and is turned around on a turntable and reconnected to the carriages for the ride back to Queenstown.
Well that's theory.
All went well until after we had to leave Dubbil Barril on the return journey. The drivers sensed something amiss so asked the passengers in the 3rd carriage to find places in the 1st and 2nd carriages. Off we set arriving soon at the next stop. There we were told that the poor 118 year old train had chucked a whammy and would not continue. There was a very steep descent coming up and it was suggested that the train would not be able to stop us going down the mountainside. Well, we were supposed to be back in Queenstown at about 12.30 but it ended up being about 3.30 instead. 4 wheel drive vehicles had to come out to the station to transport we passengers out to a bus which was then going to take us back to Queenstown. All very exciting. Somehow or other the train people came up with sandwiches and soup for us for lunch and then refunded us 50% of our fares. All in all a good day.
So now we sit here in Strachan, the rain is falling and we are praying for a fine day tomorrow as we want to get out and do a bit of walking.
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Here, there and everywhere
We have been very busy little travellers over the last few days, no time for writing updates to the blog.
Our first little adventure the other day was to visit all the beaches and notable tourist spots between Stanley, where we are staying, and Wynyard, just down the road. No not the station!!!
The beaches are all very pretty and sandy with quite unusual rock formations. Probably the best place we visited was Table Cape. This cape juts out from the coast just before Wynyard, is quite level, as the name suggests, but is very high above sea level. From what we can gather, the best time to visit is in Spring time as Table Cape is home to the largest tulip gardens in the southern hemisphere, and is then a blaze of colour. We just closed our eyes and imagined it. There is also a great walk through to the Table Cape Lighthouse along the cliff edge, with blue skies and the sun shining it was all in all a highlight of the day.
Next day was an early start for us as we headed over to Arthur River to catch a boat ride up the river. Before the cruise we took a little detour to a place called The Edge of the World. Here the surf rolls in all the way from South America, as do the Roaring Forties. Apparently they can have a swell of up to 35 feet and I can't remember how high the waves get, lets just say BIG. The cruise up the Arthur River was great, just chugging along admiring the scenery. There are a couple of sea eagles that live along the river and the captain always throws out some fish for them to eat. It is quite a sight to see the birds swoop in to pick up the fish and head for somewhere safe up in the trees to consume it.
Today, being our last day, we took off to go as far along the north coast as we could get, then travel down the west coast back towards Arthur River. The coast line on the west is incredibly rugged and we spent a fair bit of time watching the waves pound it. Quite spectacular.
Tomorrow we pack up and will head off to Strachan for a few days. We had hoped to get to Cradle Mountain first, but it is such a popular place we can't get there just yet, so we had to alter our plans just a little and it does mean having to double back.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here along the north coast. It is home to a huge dairy industry, every paddock seems to be full to overflowing with cows, so we will miss seeing them. But there are lots more great sights ahead for us and we are looking forward to discovering them.
Our first little adventure the other day was to visit all the beaches and notable tourist spots between Stanley, where we are staying, and Wynyard, just down the road. No not the station!!!
The beaches are all very pretty and sandy with quite unusual rock formations. Probably the best place we visited was Table Cape. This cape juts out from the coast just before Wynyard, is quite level, as the name suggests, but is very high above sea level. From what we can gather, the best time to visit is in Spring time as Table Cape is home to the largest tulip gardens in the southern hemisphere, and is then a blaze of colour. We just closed our eyes and imagined it. There is also a great walk through to the Table Cape Lighthouse along the cliff edge, with blue skies and the sun shining it was all in all a highlight of the day.
Next day was an early start for us as we headed over to Arthur River to catch a boat ride up the river. Before the cruise we took a little detour to a place called The Edge of the World. Here the surf rolls in all the way from South America, as do the Roaring Forties. Apparently they can have a swell of up to 35 feet and I can't remember how high the waves get, lets just say BIG. The cruise up the Arthur River was great, just chugging along admiring the scenery. There are a couple of sea eagles that live along the river and the captain always throws out some fish for them to eat. It is quite a sight to see the birds swoop in to pick up the fish and head for somewhere safe up in the trees to consume it.
Today, being our last day, we took off to go as far along the north coast as we could get, then travel down the west coast back towards Arthur River. The coast line on the west is incredibly rugged and we spent a fair bit of time watching the waves pound it. Quite spectacular.
Tomorrow we pack up and will head off to Strachan for a few days. We had hoped to get to Cradle Mountain first, but it is such a popular place we can't get there just yet, so we had to alter our plans just a little and it does mean having to double back.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here along the north coast. It is home to a huge dairy industry, every paddock seems to be full to overflowing with cows, so we will miss seeing them. But there are lots more great sights ahead for us and we are looking forward to discovering them.
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
Still at Stanley
Last night was a bit of a shocker. The winds came up at bedtime, the poor camper trailer shook and groaned throughout the night. The canvas flapped and at times sounded as though it was going to be blown to pieces. The trailer survived the night and we look really the worse for wear today with another sleepless night.
As it was raining this morning we decided to head off to, where else, a rain forest. We figured we would not get as wet in a forest as we would along a beach, and we surmised correctly.
Our first stop was at Allendale Gardens. The couple who own this place started with a paddock 30 years ago and today it is one of the finest gardens I've ever seen. It is not a formal garden, just trees and plants that have been placed carefully so that there will always be a display of colour and shelter. You follow little pathways through the foliage and are never quite prepared for the colour blast that will appear around the next corner. On the walk through the gardens the family dogs accompany you, along with up to 30 peacocks and assorted chooks. An amazing place.
After that stop we headed into the South Arthur National Park. We discovered a couple of great walks and along the way marvelled at the size of the trees.
So, it was a fairly laid back type of day.
Hopefully tonight the wind will blow elsewhere and the rain will fall where its needed most, but not in Tasmania.
Our plans for tomorrow are vague - if its fine we will travel along the coast and visit some of the many beautiful beaches, but it is all weather dependent. It's just like being in England!!!
As it was raining this morning we decided to head off to, where else, a rain forest. We figured we would not get as wet in a forest as we would along a beach, and we surmised correctly.
Our first stop was at Allendale Gardens. The couple who own this place started with a paddock 30 years ago and today it is one of the finest gardens I've ever seen. It is not a formal garden, just trees and plants that have been placed carefully so that there will always be a display of colour and shelter. You follow little pathways through the foliage and are never quite prepared for the colour blast that will appear around the next corner. On the walk through the gardens the family dogs accompany you, along with up to 30 peacocks and assorted chooks. An amazing place.
After that stop we headed into the South Arthur National Park. We discovered a couple of great walks and along the way marvelled at the size of the trees.
So, it was a fairly laid back type of day.
Hopefully tonight the wind will blow elsewhere and the rain will fall where its needed most, but not in Tasmania.
Our plans for tomorrow are vague - if its fine we will travel along the coast and visit some of the many beautiful beaches, but it is all weather dependent. It's just like being in England!!!
Tuesday, 1 April 2014
We're here...
We left Sydney early on Sunday morning and headed south, hoping to get into Victoria so the trip the next day to the ferry would not be to traumatic.
We reached Wangaratta and figured that was as good a place as any for the night, leaving us a short 250 km trip to Melbourne.
Getting to Melbourne the next day was a breeze and we arrived at Port Melbourne at about lunch time. The ferry departure was 7.40 pm and boarding was at 4.30 pm. All sounds simple.
But, and isn't there always a but, the 4.30 pm boarding was fine, in we went, about first in the queue, down the wharf, round the corner, then we came to an unopened gate. There we sat, along with several hundred other vehicles until about 5.15 pm. Gates open, they check our tickets, off we go, for at least 100 metres, then, golly gosh, another gate!!
We were all forced to wait until 6.00 pm before the next gate opened and we actually could drive the car on board.
All in all we drove perhaps 200 metres in 1.5 hours. No comment.
The Spirit of Tasmania was great, we sank a couple of beers and had a fantastic dinner (expensive) but fantastic. Then off to our cabin for a good nights sleep, which unfortunately we did not achieve. We disembarked at 6.30 am a little tired but happy that we had finally arrived in Tassie.
So now we are in Stanley, which is located on the top of Tassie over towards the west coast. The weather is fine (so far) but very windy. We have done a tour of the town, which took about 2 minutes - its a very small town, and hopped the chairlift to the top of The Nut.
The Nut is the attraction for tourists to this town, not that there are many of us around at the moment. There is a very pleasant walk around the top of The Nut and the views are fantastic.
We are going to have a quiet night tonight, even if it is my birthday, as it has been a long day.
Tomorrow the adventure really begins. We are basing ourselves here in "Stanley for 5 nights which we figure should allow us plenty of time to explore this wild corner of Tasmania.
We reached Wangaratta and figured that was as good a place as any for the night, leaving us a short 250 km trip to Melbourne.
Getting to Melbourne the next day was a breeze and we arrived at Port Melbourne at about lunch time. The ferry departure was 7.40 pm and boarding was at 4.30 pm. All sounds simple.
But, and isn't there always a but, the 4.30 pm boarding was fine, in we went, about first in the queue, down the wharf, round the corner, then we came to an unopened gate. There we sat, along with several hundred other vehicles until about 5.15 pm. Gates open, they check our tickets, off we go, for at least 100 metres, then, golly gosh, another gate!!
We were all forced to wait until 6.00 pm before the next gate opened and we actually could drive the car on board.
All in all we drove perhaps 200 metres in 1.5 hours. No comment.
The Spirit of Tasmania was great, we sank a couple of beers and had a fantastic dinner (expensive) but fantastic. Then off to our cabin for a good nights sleep, which unfortunately we did not achieve. We disembarked at 6.30 am a little tired but happy that we had finally arrived in Tassie.
So now we are in Stanley, which is located on the top of Tassie over towards the west coast. The weather is fine (so far) but very windy. We have done a tour of the town, which took about 2 minutes - its a very small town, and hopped the chairlift to the top of The Nut.
The Nut is the attraction for tourists to this town, not that there are many of us around at the moment. There is a very pleasant walk around the top of The Nut and the views are fantastic.
We are going to have a quiet night tonight, even if it is my birthday, as it has been a long day.
Tomorrow the adventure really begins. We are basing ourselves here in "Stanley for 5 nights which we figure should allow us plenty of time to explore this wild corner of Tasmania.
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