TASMANIA - PORT ARTHUR - 25 TO 27 MARCH 2022

 

25 MARCH

PORT ARTHUR

We left Richmond and drove to Port Arthur … eventually.

We stopped at PIRATE BAY for the lookout view.

Down the hill for a short hike and a wander along the tessellated sandstone. The tessellations were cut deeply and where the ocean had eroded more deeply, it showed that the tessellations also had a number of depth layers. The view of the beach and bay were stunning.

At the other end of the bay, we viewed the TASMAN BLOWHOLE that wasn’t blowing but it looked good with the water and small waves riding along the narrow cut of the tunnel.

We drove further along and had a hike from the TASMAN ARCH AND DEVILS KITCHEN to WATERFALL BAY. It was a great hike along the top of the high cliff face. There were many spectacular rock formations – arches, caves, clefts and rock columns.

We finally got to our camp area. It was pretty and I even had the guitar out.

26 MARCH

PORT ARTHUR

It was a bit noisy last night but settled down by 10pm.

We drove to PORT ARTHUR and wandered around the complex. Strange that a place of such hardship and violence both in the convict past and more recently could be so peaceful. The gardens were so relaxing and the exhibits well restored. We started with an introductory tour on the early history of the convict era and later a cruise to various sites around the cove.

After the tour, we drove to the REMARKABLE CAVE. It was steep steps down to the long narrow cave that opened onto the beach and ocean. The swell was big so it looked very spectacular.

Back at camp and it was a quiet evening. We lit a camp fire and enjoyed a few wines and beers

27 MARCH

PORT ARTHUR

I had a walk down a track to the next bay. It was pretty and protected with a brilliant beach. I continued to grassy Point but the track just died so I wandered back to camp.

Jacinta was up and we were soon fed and, on the road, north.

TASMANIA - ROSEBERY TO STRAHAN - 3 TO 6 MARCH 2022

 3 MARCH

ROSEBERY TO STRAHAN

We drove to the track Head at Oonah Hills. The best mountain bike ride I’ve ever had. A long climb to the top and an awesome downhill along groomed tracks – wide berms, steep berms, long flowy sections, ups and downs and steep speed runs. The terrain changed from low shrubbed hilltop to thick myrtle forest.

Next was the Spray Tunnel. A pretty drive with a long disused mining train tunnel to walk through.

We stopped at Zeehan for lunch at a café and drove to Strahan.

Before checking in we drove along the waterfront – pretty.

4 MARCH

STRAHAN

A lazy day riding our bikes through the town. We checked out the waterfront and stopped at a number of shops and brought some wood souvenirs and rain jackets.

5 MARCH

STRAHAN

A drive to Ocean Beach and a wander along the beach. Water warm.

Next, Macquarie Head. A rough gravel road with some nice views along the way.

A bike ride on the Ocean Beach track. Easy and fun. A Tasmanian Tiger Snake on the path close to the beach. A wander along the beach.

An open-air play – ‘The Ship That Never Was’ – It was fun with a lot of audience participation.

A banquet dinner at View 42 with a nice bottle of wine. The weather changed to strong wind and rain.

6 MARCH

STRAHAN

We woke to clear skies and a little windy.

A cruise today along Macquarie Harbour – Macquarie Heads, Hells Gate, hike around Sarah Island, Gordon River and Rainforest Walk. They were all good and the boat was great. Food a little ordinary.

AUSTRALIA - QUEENSLAND - Great Barrier Reef - october 2003

The Great Barrier Reef  is a big place. We took a cruise out to the reef to snorkel. It was long voyage but it was worth it. The photos don't really show the colour of the reef. It was teeming with fish and brightly coloured coral. Worthwhile doing!!