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April 2024
Monday 01 April 2024
Having done most things in and around Geeveston, we had one final place to visit, the Tahune Airwalk, Tasmania's version of the Tree Top Walk in Western Australia.
The location if the Airwalk is only 27 or so kilometers from Geeveston, but like everything in Tassie, it's not far to get to but takes all day to do so. After taking the winding downhill road we were the first ones there. Having booked online we were able to get ticked off the list and begin our visit before everyone else, and were, for the most part, able to keep ahead of the groups that followed us.
The area had been hit pretty badly by a bushfire 5 years ago, and evidence of the devastation was still visible. The airwalk itself it just like that of the Tree Top Walk in WA, but the trees and surrounds are more bare courtesy of the fire.
Downstream of the beautiful but dark river at the start of the walk.
There are 100 steps to get up to the start of the walk and once there you gradually ascend to the highest point as you make your way along. The highest point has the cantilever platform for you to walk out on to view the river and surrounds as the whole thing sways gently in the breeze.
The cantilevered end
Closer to the end
The walk out to the end, and yes, it sways!
But if you want to see the view from the end - you'll have to go yourself :-)
airwalk over we decided to take the short river walk and then the 3 kilometer walk to where the two rivers meet and where there are two suspension bridges, and part of the chimney from the ruins of a home of a convict (and his family) that became a Policeman and was responsible for collecting the fees for tree harvesting.
The larger of the two suspension bridges.
Bush furniture along the way.
Tuesday 02 April 2024
Day off ;-)
Wednesday 03 April 2024
Leaving Geeveston this morning we made our way back through the Huon Valley (and their yummy tasting apples) and through Hobart, headed over the Tasman Bridge and made our way to a nice camp on a property just out of Richmond for a few days. The original home was built in 1845 and is still in use today, and the rest of the property is for horses, an indoor horse arena and, there is a walnut farm next door.
After setting up we made our way back into Richmond for a look around this historic town. Parking down by the river we joined the hoards of tourists that were flooding the town.
The whole place reminded us of York in Western Australia, though there are more convict built buildings here. Some are homes, but many have found new uses and are now shops, cafes, surgeries and the like, but the ambiance is still quite there, even with modern cars everywhere through the main street.
The bridge overseers house (left) is now two luxury accommodation units.
The sign says it all.
The oldest bridge in Australia.
Joanne took a tour of the Richmond Jail, and decided that she didn't like the rooms on offer, nor the meals or even the party games, so immediately ruled it out as a retirement village option. Looking at the place, it was not one that you would want to be in. Sentences to time in leg irons, or solitary confinement were common, even for small or being suspected of indiscretions in this place.
Richmond Room
Thursday 04 April 2024
Today was a day of following the Convict Trail. A pleasant drive through many small towns that have convict built buildings, or of that era, and partly along the main Launceston to Hobart highway.
We stopped in and looked at Pontville, passed through Bagdad, then Kempton and Jericho before a longer stop and look in Oatlands, another town similar to York in WA, full of convict era homes and buildings, and it even has an RV donation camp that is surrounded by beautiful dry stone walls.
Making our way back to camp via a road that was supposed to have convict built mud brick walls (that we couldn't find) and then the old Flour Mill (now a regional school) in Campania, and a visit to the Miniature Richmond display.
Just some of the scenes.
Friday 05 April 2024
We awoke to a cool but sunny morning and after breakfast packed up, connected up and made our way North to see if we could get a spot at the RV stopover at Oatlands. Taking the highway was the easy option (and we by passed some messy roadwork's on the scenic route) and we enjoyed the views of the surrounding (and very dry) hills that we had seen yesterday.
Arriving in Oatlands we found the small stopover down by the lake almost full, but the overflow camp next to town and surrounded by dry stone walls, almost empty, so we selected a spot and settled in for the weekend.
What remains of the Oatlands Jail
Cow sculpture in the lake
Rainbow over the distillery windmill
Saturday 06 April 2024
With our spot at Oatlands secured we took off today to take a drive for a look around the area, passing through Interlaken, and the area around Sorell and Crescent Lakes before making our way back to camp via Bothwell. The road up through the forest to the lakes was definitely one we were glad we didn't take the house with us but it was a great drive.
All along the way we were enjoying the views of the countryside, the bush, the lakes, old convict era buildings and even homes and areas that just looked nice.
Sunday 07 April 2024
Day off in Oatlands from touring because we felt like it on a rainy day.
Monday 08 April 2024
With some better weather on the radar today was a good day to do some more looking around, so we drove the 33 kilometers to the village of Ross to view the convict built bridge, but what we found when we arrived was fabulous.
The Ornately carved Convict built bridge at Ross
Markers found across the top stones on the bridge
Bridge History
All along Bridge Road were houses, shops and buildings of the era, and although not quite a town square, the middle of town was the picture perfect image of somewhere in England.
Not quite the town square but...
(and yes, the building on the left is wonky)
Shops along here are nestled in a very pretty street
From the main street we drove around and looked at a few properties for sale, and then went to see the site and remains of the Ross Female Factory.
The only remaining building at the Female Factory.
A scale model of the factory. There is nothing left now except the house (next to the index).
Tuesday 09 April 2024
Our replacement fridge condenser arrived yesterday so we drove back to Hobart and got it installed at and by The Heat Pump Shop. Then it was over to the showgrounds motorhome park again for a few days to see if the problem has finally been fixed. Those who know us know that the fridge has been a right royal pain in the rear, so after the condenser decided to die, we have a new fridge, albeit by replacing one bit at a time as they have broken or failed.
While we are here letting the fridge settle down and ensuring the fix is a good one, we are planning the next part of our tour and will be heading off in Friday.
Wednesday 10 April 2024
Waking and looking out one's window at Mt Wellington never gets old, especially when there is cloud on the top and sunlight peering through underneath the clouds.
Mt Wellington awakes
Today was pretty much a day off except that Andrew from The Heat Pump Shop came back and added a little more refrigerant to the fridge as it had not quite got to where it should be.
Thursday 11 April 2024
Today was a day to get a couple of small jobs done and then to go for a drive. Making our way through Hobart we made our way up to the Mt Nelson Signal Tower where we enjoyed the views down the Derwent, across to South Arm and across the Hobart CBD.
The Mt Nelson Signal Tower
The Signal Tower Network Map
Flags stowed in their alphabetical sequence for easy access.
After enjoying the views and history of Mt Nelson Signal Tower, it was time to drive down the zig zag road from Mt Nelson all the way down to Sandy Bay Road. A narrow winding road that passed by the many houses perched on every vantage point on the side of Mt Nelson, the road, and the homes had impressive views of the Derwent River.
Back down at the waters edge we followed the road until we came to the Taroona Shot Tower, all 58.7m or 192'6" of it, and which, between 1870 and 1875 was the tallest building in the colonies, and remained the tallest structure in Tasmania until 1960 when the broadcast tower atop Mt Wellington took over.
We declined the invitation to climb the 200 steps to the top, had a chat with the man in the souvenir shop and then made our way to Kingston for a look at what is a very pleasant town at the base of a hill next to the ocean. Then it was time to head home again, but not before we took in the views from the Rosny Hill Lookout.
With views over Hobart, the Derwent and the Tasman Bridge it was a very pleasant stop. We even saw the new Antarctic Exploration/Supply Ship - Nuyina.
Now there is a ship of adventure!
Back at camp we were pleased to see the fridge was performing properly and so we carried out a few other jobs and started looking at tomorrows travel.
Friday 12 April 2024
After waiting for the peak hour traffic to subside a little we packed up and headed out of Hobart, hopefully for the last time this trip. We were heading for the South Arm, and after clearing the city found ourselves pulling into the South Arm RSL. There were four other campers there and we grabbed a spot near them. Not the most level spot, but it was okay for us, and the use of the toilets and showers in the RSL itself were also a welcome addition.
With the RSL not opening until 2.30pm we settled in, unhooked and took off for a drive around South Arm to see what we could see. It's a nice place and has some nice views of the ocean etc. On the way back we stopped at Goat Bluff Lookout where we took a little walk and found some awesome cliffs and a sea cave, and of course, it rained on us as well.
Then it was on for a look at Hope Beach and spent some time there enjoying the crisp clean waves and that were pounding the shore, and the rocks at one end.
Leaving the beach for a while it was then a drive along the ridge road where the houses all sit like mountain goats on the hillside overlooking the ocean, before eventually finding ourselves back on the main road in to South Arm, and a short while later at Clifton Beach, where once again, we spent some time walking to a lookout over the cliffs, and on the beach itself enjoying more clean, crisp waves pounding the shore.
Saturday 13 April 2024
Traveled to Primrose Sands RSL this morning where they have a nice little camp area for travellers. Once we had settled in we took a drive around town for a look. Houses clinging to the hillside to take advantage of the views were everywhere but there was nowhere really to get to the beach. Drive over we went back to camp and took the rest of the day off.
Sunday 14 April 2024
Leaving Primrose Sands we drove onto Dunalley, making our way along the coast and winding roads until we arrived and parked up at the Dunalley Hotel donation camp. It's basically a large paddock next to the old pub, but certainly a good spot. Plenty of campers were in so we just grabbed a spot that looked half decent and set up.
We had plenty to see today and took a drive towards Eaglehawk Neck. Stopping at an awesome lookout, we managed to snag a carpark and along with everyone else, enjoyed the view over Pirates Bay and down along the coast.
Dropping down the hill we stopped for a look at the rocks and the natural phenomenon known as the Tessellated Pavement. Slightly under whelmed (and wishing it was sunset or sunrise rather than the harsh mid day light) is an understatement, but we can tick that off the list now.
Small mussels in between the rocks made for an interesting scene.
Pothole in the Tessellated Pavement
Leaving the many tourists to their time at the pavement we drove along the coast, passing through and checking out Doo Town. Doo town is full of seaside homes and shacks that have names such as GonnaDoo, Dooinit, Seadoo etc. Getting to the end of the road we stopped for a look at the blowhole, which, because of the low tide, was sort of meh! It was however interesting to see the water come through the tunnel before it hit the rock at the end
Climbing the hill we made our way into the National Park for a look at the Fossil Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch and Devils Kitchen Gorge.
One of the scenes at the Fossil Bay Lookout.
Tasman Arch
The Devils Kitchen was hard to see, but it was basically the same sort of entrance to the Arch but longer. With those spots ticked off we drove onto The Neck, the narrow part and entrance to the Port Arthur Peninsular. Here we stopped to look at the Dog Line, where 18 dogs were chained up in a line as an alarm against convicts escaping.
From the dog line we took a tour through the old Officers Quarters building, viewing its history and the people that had lived there after Port Arthur closed.
Heading back to Dunalley we stopped at the bakery for lunch and enjoyed it while looking at the Denison Canal, a short cut for vessels that don't want to take the long way around the Peninsula. As we were heading back to camp we had to stop for the opening of the road bridge to let some sailboats through and it was interesting to see it swing open and then back again afterwards.
On arrival back at camp many of the other campers had left, so we hooked up and moved to a much nicer spot nearer the coast.
Monday 15 April 2024
We were up early this morning and after the 35 minute drive, we were among the first to enter the historic Port Arthur settlement. We took ourselves around some of it before hopping on the 11am cruise for a look at the bay, Isle of the Dead and basically the settlement from the sea. Then it was time to check out the old shipyard and have lunch before taking the 12.30pm Commandants Tour.
A model of Port Arthur in the visitors center was interesting to look at.
Commandant's House to the left, Grannery to the right as seen from the cruise wharf.
Rob was our guide and took us and another couple almost around the whole site. Being an ex history teacher, he was a wealth of knowledge and tended to get carried away with the talk, so our 1.5 hour tour ended up taking well over 2 hours.
What was interesting was that his tour gave us the true history of the place. We always though that the whole place was the jail, that it was a harsh blood and guts place, and fell into disrepair when it closed in 1877, but it appears that it was slightly different.
Port Arthur opened in 1830 and closed in 1877. Upon closing much of it was sold off or used for other purposes. The large, long three story brick building that we thought was the cells, was in fact, built as the grannery to store grain for making bread for the convicts (2 tonnes per day used to make bread), sometimes their only meal of the day. Later on it was converted to cells and workmen's accommodation.
The Church that wasn't a Church and the remains of the Vice Regal Residence.
The Church that wasn't a Church was in fact a non denominational, multi cultural building. Despite it looking like a Church it never had an alter and was never consecrated.
The Vice Regal residence next door was for visiting dignitary. Necessary because England retained ownership of Port Arthur rather than the colony or the State owning it. Why? Well, because English law at the time didn't allow the Crown to punish people by sending them to a place the Crown didn't own and control. Hence, it remained part of England until the settlement closed.
We spent some more time after the tour wandering around to check some places we had missed and then, with aching feet, drove back to camp via Nubeena.
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Time to move on again and so we drove back to Sorell for some shopping, water and to use the dump point. Then it was time to follow the coast some more until we got to Triabunna where we set up camp in the donation RV camp near the marina before taking some time to drive back down the coast to Orford for a look, to get some photos along the river and the coast and a look at Mariah Island, also a convict historical site, and a place where you can hike and camp in your tent.
Back at camp we walked the 100m to the fish and chips shack, bought some for tea and sat and ate while viewing the boats at the marina, finishing it off with a walk along the marina as darkness came and the light came on.
Wednesday 17 April 2024
Onwards up the coast today. We drove up the coast enjoying the views and stopped along the way at the 3 arched bridge, Kelvedon Boat Shed and Spikey Bridge.
The Kelvedon Boat shed.
Spikey Bridge.
Arriving in Swansea we drove around for a look, marveled at the magnificent view of the ocean and coastline that the town has, checked the house prices (gulp) and then left town.
Heading for today's camp we drove on and up through a narrow winding range and eventually stopped at the donation camp at the Pondering Frog Cafe. We managed to snag a good spot and set up camp before we headed into the Coles Bay and Freycinet NP to take the Wineglass Bay Lookout Walk. 600 steps and gravel track later we arrived at the lookout.
The view from the lookout.
Everyone says you have to go to Wineglass Bay, and to be honest, it was nice, and despite the climb, the walk was good also, but we were under whelmed at the view from the top. There are other harder and longer walks that might give you a better view but...
There is also a walk down from just under the lookout that takes you down to the waters edge via 1000 steps, and yes, it's another 1000 steps back up! We passed on this idea.
So after the lookout we took a drive to the Tourville Lighthouse for a look along the coastline while we recovered from the climb. The lighthouse was, well, a lighthouse, but the views along the coastline were beautiful.
The view from the lighthouse. Wineglass Bay is just viewable.
Leaving the lighthouse we drove through Coles Bay for a look before heading back to camp for a Ginger Icecream at the cafe.
Thursday 18 April 2024
This morning we were headed up the coast some more, this time we stopped in for a look at Bicheno and the blowhole, then after deciding it was not us, continued along the coast until we turned off and climbed the steep, winding Elephant Pass until we came to the free camp at St Mary's.
The camp here has level sites (some back onto the gold course), $2 hot showers, toilets, dump point and water tap, so well worth a stop, a donation and supporting the local economy
Friday 19 April 2024
With rain overnight and a bitterly cold wind coming in the door we decided to move to a spot where we were out of the wind and the sun was coming in the front door rather then being on the opposite side, and this was when we noticed the rear passenger tyre of the ute was going down.
Having a look and then putting some air back in we decided to monitor the tyre and see what it was like tomorrow. The rest of the day was spent inside and out of the wind.
Saturday 20 April l2024
Cool overnight and we awoke to a foggy 3 degree morning so the diesel heater got a workout for a few hours. Then it was time to check the tyre which had only lost 8psi overnight, so obviously it was a slow leak. We jacked the ute up, took the wheel off and eventually found and removed the remains of a screw from the tyre before plugging it and putting it back on the ute.
Being a beautiful sunny day Joanne decided it was washing day so went into town to do the washing and the rest of the day was spent catching up on jobs.
Sunday 21 April 2024
Left St Mary's and made our way to Campbelltown where there is a very nice free RV stop (obtain a 48 hr permit online) by the river and a red brick Convict built road bridge.
The Convict Built Red Brick Bridge
Found that the plug we put in the tyre had not taken and whilst driving was letting out air, albeit slowly. Cleaned the plug up and re plugged it. Took a walk around the camp, the red brick bridge, the wooden sculptures and the river before settling in for the night.
Soldier, Convict (slightly hidden except for the ball and chain) and the Red Brick Bridge
Evolution of town and surrounds.
Nature
Monday 22 April 2024
Despite having a 48 hour permit to stay, we decided to move on this morning, and so after filling up with fuel we took a leisurely drive through the main street and headed for another 48 hr permit free camp at Cressy.
Glad to be off the highway we were cruising through farming country, and at times, what seemed like the English countryside, complete with hedgerows and stately looking houses down gated and tree'd driveways. All along the drive were very long pivot watering systems that were used to water the grass for hay and even crops, some of which were being planted.
Some 59 kilometers later we arrived in the small town of Cressy, where we took up a spot at the free camp at the oval, and despite the ,mostly sunny day, hid from the very, very cold wind.
Tuesday 23 April 2024
After a peaceful night at Cressy we left this morning heading for a camp on the river at Evandale. The trip there was quite pleasant, passing along narrow roads with nicely trimmed and maintained hedgerows, and the odd stately home, certainly giving that English feel.
We arrived in the very quaint, English looking heritage town of Evandale, and after checking out the camp at the hall, decided to give the river camp a look as the hall camping area was under trees, and we need sun for our solar.
Arriving at the river we found a large gravel area with tables and bin next to the river, one caravan already in, and some locals swimming in the river! Setting up camp and then having a chat with the neighbors (Greg and Karen) we got ready for the drive up to Ben Lomond, and Jacobs Ladder.
Taking some back roads to the turn off we eventually made our way up the mountain on a pretty good gravel road, until we got to the National Park with their typically crap roads. We climbed and climbed and climbed, eventually coming out of the bush to one of the most amazing views of the surrounding area, and the narrow (downhill vehicles give way to uphill vehicles), bumpy, gravel track that is Jacobs Ladder.
The sheer rock faces in front stopping the road going any further and causing a turn up a hairpin bend until it turns again courtesy of another rock wall. Bend after bend after bend and eventually we arrived at the top. Using 4wd certainly made the climb easier and when we got to the top we pulled over and of course went out on the lookout for the most amazing view. Was it the view or the bitterly cold wind that was causing our eyes to water? Must have been the wind because exposed skin was freezing!
One of the views from the lookout at the top.
Viewing over we continued on to the Ben Lomond Ski Village. The buildings apparently are original and were all carted up there on horse and human back before the road was put through.
Ben Lomond Alpine Village Map
We didn't spend too much time at the Alpine Village and then began our descent. Thankfully there was no traffic coming up or coming down so we were able to stop and grab some phone pics on the way down.
Back safely down the bottom of the climb we made our way back to camp, said farewell to Greg an Karen, who had also gone up to Ben Lomond, and then Joanne went down the street for a look and some shopping.
Wednesday 24 April 2024
One other camper came in last night and the two of us spent a reasonably peaceful night despite being under the flight path to the Launceston Airport, with the last plane coming through around 2.30am. Adding to the planes were the trains tooting their horn at least five times as they passed town, just a kilometer away, and the sound echoing through the valley. It was fun to watch the planes on their final approach as they passed about a thousand feet overhead, and we even saw a RAAF VIP plane come through.
Heavy rain overnight washed the rig and left us parked in some rather large puddles, but nothing too bad. With the neighbors off sightseeing we packed up and departed heading for a look on the other side of Launceston.
With Anzac Day this week it seems many people are taking a long weekend already and the traffic into and through Launceston was quite light, and we passed through quite easily.
Taking the coast road off the highway where we could we eventually came to Beaconsfield, the town made famous by the mine collapse on Anzac Day 2006 and the eventual rescue 14 days later of three miners.
We eventually arrived at a spot that looks more like an old Maritime area called Gardens Island. Despite the strong wind, we selected a spot right on the water looking directly up the Tamar River to the Ocean.
Not a bad spot, even with the wind blowing a hoolie!
Camp set up we were heading back to Beaconsfield for a look, but part way there I had the most weird feeling, almost premonition like, that we had to return to camp. I have had this feeling only once before when we were cycling Australia, but never this strong, and it was quite unnerving. Of course we arrived back at camp to find everything as we had left it. So the decision was made for me to remain behind and for Joanne to go back to Beaconsfield for a look. She returned a few hours later, and I still had that feeling, but it has slowly subsided now.
Thursday 25 April 2024
Anzac Day and we were up for the dawn, well, a tad late to had seen the start of this but..., and though there was no service where we were, just one bloody amazing red sunrise that was somehow fitting considering the day.
Without doubt one of the best sunrises I have ever witnessed. A fitting tribute to the Anzac's.
The opposite direction to sunrise came with Lenticular Cloud formations.
Sunrise over and the cold wind still blowing, it was time to pack up and move on. Heading back down to Beaconsfield and then across the bridge to Georgetown as it was setting up for it's Anzac Day March.
We stopped to view the wood carvings on the foreshore and to look across the Tamar River to where we were camped, seemingly just stone throw away.
Looking back over to where we camped last night.
Georgetown Sculptures
Moving on up to the lighthouse we had viewed last night we had hoped to have a better look but with no adequate parking we viewed it from afar, viewed the historic pilot boat station nearby and after a detour around town because of the march, were on our way.
We were heading to Bridport, but decided to stop in and have a look at Weymouth. A short drive after leaving the highway we arrived in the nice, peaceful, small seaside town where most of the town was assembling for their Anzac Day. We drove around, checked out the river and the boat ramp and then left the town to their ceremony and headed back to the highway.
Bridport is a very nice place and it shows with the amount of people there, helped by a camping area caravan park along the shoreline that goes for about a kilometer! We stopped for a look and some long exposure photography at the old jetty pylons, and a chat with a local before we continued on our way to Scottsdale.
Arriving in Scottsdale we went to the RV camp down at the river and it was almost full, courtesy of people taking over way too much space to make sure nobody was camped too close to them! We did find a spot but couldn't get level, so tried another but it was too shady, so we went to the so called overflow at the old railway station in town. This was more like it! We were the only ones there, and had the choice of sites, so set up camp next to what would have been the old railway tracks and which is now a rail trail for cyclists and walkers.
Friday 26 April 2024
Happy 13th On The Road Anniversary to us!
It's hard to believe that 13 years ago we set out onto the road for a new life of exploring Australia, but it is, and wow, has that time gone fast. We have seen, experienced and lived in many places around this Country in that time, and we wouldn't have swapped it for all the money in the world.
Today was, in true fashion, a day of exploration, filled with abandoned railway tunnels, climbing mountains, waterfalls, lookouts and a whole heap of in between!
Stop one was an old railway tunnel on an abandoned railway line. Joanne had found this while researching things to see, and so, not far out of Scottsdale, we arrived at a place called Tunnel. Taking the dirt road down and off the main road, we arrived at a railway crossing and the old station platform.
All that remains of the Tunnel Railway Station
Not sure where the tunnel was we spied the sign on the side of the railway crossing sign that told us it was 200m to the left. Joanne had read that you needed gum boots and a torch to see the tunnel, both of which we had forgotten! Oh well, we will see what we see.
We followed the railway line as it made its way into the cutting, and the further we went the higher the blackberry covered walls went and the higher the banks went, and the wetter the ground became until water was flowing down the track towards the tunnel. Coming around a small bend we could see the tunnel in the distance, and sure enough, after about 200m, we arrived.
The Tunnel at Tunnel.
Stopping for a look inside we decided not to go the whole way through. We also realised that we had driven over the top of the tunnel on the dirt road to get here. Built in 1888 it appears to be holding up well.
Moving on from the Tunnel at Tunnel, we made our way to Lilydale Falls, where we found the carpark and grassed areas occupied by plenty of backpackers and campers. Its free to camp there and with shelters and toilets it is perfect for them.
Taking the short 5 minute walk to the lower falls and then the additional 5 minute walk to the upper falls was pleasant and although there was not a lot of water flowing, the scenes were quite nice.
The Upper part of the Lilydale Falls.
Waterfalls observed and photographed, it was time to head on once more. This time to a Nunamara and to a lookout to view Mt Barrow, and this as they say, is where it got interesting.
We turned off the main Tasman Highway and started climbing to the lookout, which Joanne believed to be a few kilometers in. Well, we climbed and climbed and climbed, passing a few houses in prime alpine position and then came to a day area about 7 kilometers in, where you could almost see the top of Mount Barrow.
Convinced this was not the lookout, we continued on, climbing and climbing, way past the few kilometers Joanne thought it was. Then, as the amount of trees in front diminished and the blue sky increased, we popped out into a rock avalanche area and where the road was just a bit wider than the ute, and one side had orange coloured steel rope and poles to supposedly stop you from falling off the side of the mountain (literally).
We continued on, then came the hairpin bends! 4wd engaged and up we went, bend, short straight, bend, short straight, bend, short straight and the ever present drop on one side! We were aghast at what we were experiencing and hoping like hell nobody was coming down because the width of the bends was the only place to squeeze past someone. The road up Mt Wellington or Jacobs Ladder at Ben Lomond has absolutely nothing on this little trek!
Picture says it all really. We took this on the way halfway down while reversed into the corner with the tailgate hanging over.
Then! as we neared the top, there was a bloke on a bloody push bike!!! We stopped for a chat and offered him water and then said we'd meet him at the top, wherever that was!
Not much further up from the cyclist we came out into the open and a large gravel carpark where we found out (thankfully) we were not the only ones up here. We had arrived at the top and where we could view the buildings, towers and antenna's that were perched, literally on the summit even higher up.
The King of this Castle lives up here.
We were totally in awe of the views and could see the ocean glimmering in the sun way off in the distance, and of course the road(?) we had just ascended on. We grabbed some shots and then had a chat with the cyclist who was here for a week to do some climbing practice to prepare for a trip to Europe. Maybe he will climb L'Alpe d'Huez
Yes, that is the ocean!
We took the track up the side of the fence to view the other side and after a little walk through the spikey alpine plants, and passing left over snow, enjoyed a view of another rockslide area where we could see the Tamar River and Launceston way off in the distance.
Left over from the other day.
Looking towards Launceston.
So after checking the place and the views out, we stopped for a tailgate lunch and then began the interesting descent. Two other vehicles were in front and we only passed one coming up. They had to do a 60 point reverse turn to get into the corner of a hairpin bend to let us all through, but it worked out okay.
Eventually and back down the mountain we stopped at another lookout and then onto the Springfield Tea Rooms for some goodies and a stop at a roadside vegetable and goodies store where Joanne was served by a young Amish girl. From there we took a drive to check out the RV camp and more sculptures at Legerwood and Ringarooma before heading home totally tuckered out!
Saturday 27 April 2024
Day off.
Sunday 28 April 2024
WHile everyone else was sleeping in we packed up and left Scottsdale, hoping that our drive on a Sunday would have less traffic. We stopped at the RV park down at the creek to use the dump point and then filled our water tanks off of an empty camping site before heading off.
PAssing some of the places we saw yesterday and eventually enjoying a nice forest drive, albeit a very windy and narrow one, to Derby, the Tasmanian Mountain Bike Capital. For such a small place where there is not much more than rented accommodation, cafe's and five bike shops for bike hire and repair, the place was buzzing. We drove through slowly for a look and kept going through more narrow, winding road to Pyengana.
Passing the cheese factory and not far from the pub in the paddock, we found a nice spot at the RV camp at the recreation center, set up and enjoyed lunch. Then we were off to explore.
First stop was St Columbus Falls, a stunning and very high waterfall, half of which is viewable from the carpark. The lower half a short walk down hill.
Passing over a small bridge, this scene was too beautiful not to photograph.
The sound of the falls can be heard up in the carpark, and obviously gets louder as you get closer, and after crossing the small creek it is a short walk until you pop out of the bush at the base of the falls, and boy are they tall!
St Columbus Falls.
(which are a lot higher than this image shows)
We spent some time admiring the falls and talking to some people at the viewing platform before heading back up the hill, but not before we stopped for some more photography.
Joanne spotted this delightful scene just before the bridge over the creek.
A little further up the creek from the bridge was this little scene.
The walk back up the hill left us slightly out of breath and so it was time to take the short trip back to Pyengana where we viewed the Pub in the Paddock, then drove around and looked at a few properties for sale before stopping in at the cheese factory for a look, and an icecream as we watched the cows come in to milk themselves in the robotic dairy.
Back at camp we relaxed and were thankful for our starlink connection as the phone didn't work there. There were signal bars but despite the tower (possibly Optus) being only the other side of the hill, the phone said Emergency Calls Only.
Monday 29 April 2024
We awoke to rain this morning. Joanne drove to the Pub in the Paddock to take some photos of it and then it was time for breakfast, to pack up and leave after contributing to the donation box.
We weren't going far but had to negotiate another winding road before eventually popping out of the forest at St Helens, another busy hive of activity, where we left after a drive around to see what was there. Heading up the coast a bit it wasn't long before we arrived in Binalong Bay, a photography bucket list location. We enjoyed a quick look around and then headed North out of town to our intended camp location at Swimcart Beach.
Being right on the brach the small pull in spots are very popular, and we passed occupied site after occupied site until we got to the end and there was a spot big enough for two rigs free, so we pulled in and set up, thankful that we had a spot and mesmerised by the beautiful waves, white sand and turquoise sea that were right on our doorstep.
With lunch and some minor maintenance done it was time to head off up the coast for a look, this time we were heading to The Gardens, a place where back in the day, a woman who lived up there and rode her horse along the beach named it the gardens because of the wild flowers that grew there. The flowers are long gone now and cattle farming is up to the road and houses with stunning views and eye watering price tags line the beach.
A rock pool at The Gardens, Binalong Bay Town in the background.
More of The Gardens
Another rock pool at The Gardens.
On our return to camp we stopped in at all of the other campgrounds for a look, and decided that while the others were nice, we had the best of them. We also commented about how, with 28 day limits on camping, this place would be a nightmare to get into during the holidays!
Tuesday 30 April 2024
Today was a lazy old day and apart from a drive into and around Binalong Bay, we did little else. Most of the town is perched up on the side of a hill overlooking the bay, and, there are no shops to get anything you need, not even a takeaway for fish and chips. St Helens is only a short trip away so maybe the lack of shops and the views are the main attractions here.
One of the small bays long the coast here at Binalong Bay.
Sadly, Binalong Bay was not quite what I had expected as far as photography was concerned, but, we have been, we have seen, and we probably need to spend a little more time here exploring locations and compositions.
And so ends another month, and our time in Tassie is drawing to a close, and a tad quicker than we wanted or anticipated.
Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.
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