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.