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Tasmania 2021
  • Karen Cotton
  • Karen Cotton

Tasmania 2021

A 19-day adventure by Karen Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 12, 2021
    Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    24 hours in Hobart

    November 13, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    After arriving in Hobart last night we hit Salamanca Markets at 8.30am opening (5.30am Perth time) and staggered around in a stupor for a while. Wandered around Battery Point afterwards - it is beautiful, filled with old character homes with beautiful gardens. Headed up to Mt Wellington but couldn't make it to the top because of snow! The views were magical but photos never do justice. Fitted in an escape room where we escaped - yay team us! Finished the day with a walking tour of the old pubs of Hobart, including the oldest Australian pub built in 1807. They also made a very nice cocktail. Graham made a new bestie (of course) so continued on for a nightcap or 4. A long day and we are knackered but it was awesome!Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Russell & Horseshoe Falls

    November 14, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 5 °C

    Graham bade a sad farewell to our Hobart accommodation (it was attached to a bottleshop open until 11pm) and we hit the road on the way to Derwent Bridge. Stopped at New Norfolk on the way where Graham sniffed out an antique store with old motorbikes and cars. Don't know how he did it - it was on a back street and not mentioned on any of the tourism websites. It's his superhero power. There's a photo of the new garden design he has planned.

    Went for a short hike to Russell and Horseshoe Falls in Mt Field National Park. Beeeautiful.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Derwent Bridge

    November 14, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ❄️ 2 °C

    We continued on our way to Derwent Bridge and it started to rain, except it was strange looking rain. Then we realised it was snowing! We were so excited and videoed every flake. By the time we got to our accommodation there was cover on the ground and the temperature had dipped to 3 degrees, so the excitement was wearing off. I was so glad I packed lots of tshirts and thin jeans. Opened the door to our cabin to see a wood fire burning away. I could have cried with joy. We spent a fabulous night sitting by the fire watching the snow fall. Ah, this is living.Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    More snow - Derwent Bridge to Strahan

    November 15, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 7 °C

    We woke to see everything covered in snow and were glad our car had been parked under a carport overnight. We did a quick visit to The Wall in the Wilderness, which is a 100 m x 3 m wooden sculpture that has taken over 11 years, 7 days a week to carve. Photos are not allowed, but if you’re ever in the area pop in because it is amazing.

    Next, stop was Lake St Clare where we had planned to do a short hike. Until we got there and it was about 1 degrees and covered in snow. Dashed out for a quick look at the lake. Graham was feeling especially brave and hit me in the back of the head with a snowball.

    Ok, there are a LOT of waterfalls in Tasmania. We stopped a couple of times and after getting out the car the rain/snow/cold weather made us realise we don’t need to see them all. At one stop this sweet little bird landed on the bonnet to warm up. I don’t blame him!

    The final leg was driving a stretch called 99 Bends. Driving 99 Bends in the snow was an exciting experience! I asked Graham to slow down and he said “yep, no worries” and continued on at the same speed.

    And here we are in beautiful Strahan. It was worth the 99 corners to get here.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Gordon River Wilderness Cruise

    November 16, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today we went on a cruise up the Gordon River to view the UNESCO world heritage wilderness area. We headed out the harbour with over a dozen dolphins swimming alongside. The scenery was spectacular – very dense forest as far as the eye could see. We named our deck the FOMO deck as it had an open bar and enough food to feed a village. We were some on the youngest people on this deck. The oldies started on the wine at 9am and no matter what was on offer made sure they filled their plate with enough food to feed a lumberjack. Well you do have to get your monies’ worth.
    We stopped for a walk through the rainforest and a tour of Sarah Island, a penal colony for the worst prisoners. We were both surprised how much we enjoyed the day. This evening saw a hilarious play about an escape from Sarah Island which involved lots of audience participation. Graham was clued up and made sure he tucked himself in and left me hung out to dry. Good work buddy. Lucky I just had to participate from my seat and not on the stage, or he would have suffered.

    All in all, a great day!    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Wilderness Railway

    November 17, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    Today we drove The 99 Bends road again, but this time in the other direction and at great speed. It was very important we got to Queenstown 40 minutes before the ticket office opened.

    We rode the West Coast Wilderness Train over the mountains and through rainforest from Queenstown to Dubbil Barril, where some cold and wet idiots who had rafted down the river hopped on for the return trip. They looked very cold. We panned for gold on the way and Graham would have happily stayed all day.

    Interesting stories about the hardship people endured to build the tracks. Makes us look pretty soft.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Cradle Mountain

    November 17, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    We stayed in a cute little log cabin in Cradle Mountain, with our resident wallaby greeting us every time we left the cabin. I was really hoping to see a wombat so we were sent up at dusk to Ronnie Creek to see if we could find one. There were so many they looked like sheep grazing on the hill. They were everywhere and it was a job to not step in their poo all over the path. Poo aside, they are super cute. I have attached a sample of the many, many photos I took!Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Tassie Devils

    November 18, 2021 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    When in Tasmania, you have to see Tassie Devils. Apparently. Well I have seen them now and never need to see them again. They make these blood-curdling screams like someone is murdering your grandmother and they fight ferociously over their food. And they smell. Seen them, bucket list ticked.
    I nearly forgot the highlight of the tour, when a lady crouched down to walk in front of Graham then stood up blocking his view. Don't poke the bear lady!    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Launceston bound

    November 19, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We had one last exhilarating drive through the mountains on our way to Launceston. A friend told me to add 20% to google maps trip time. Not if Graham's driving you don't. Stopped in Sheffield on the way. A really lovely town with over 80 murals and a resident artist who resembles a steampunk Catweezle.
    We then stopped at Deloraine and met up with Bree and Brett.❤ Graham sniffed out a couple of second hand stores. If he won lotto I know what business he would go into!
    I wish we had a little longer to spend in every town.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Segway

    November 20, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    I really love riding segways so will always hunt them out on our travels. This one was in a forest, so something different to the others we have done and there was no risk of Graham hitting a parked car.
    We were lucky that it was only us and our guide. In the training session he advised the only rules were no burnouts or donuts. Graham and Brett spent the whole tour........ doing burnouts and donuts. Apart from their bad behaviour it was a lovely way to tour the forest.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton
    1

    Last day in Launceston

    November 21, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We headed to the town of Evandale for their Sunday markets then wandered around the town. It was our favourite town so far - beautiful old homes and antique stores.
    This afternoon we went on the Boags Brewery tour with tastings at the end 😊. See if you can notice something strange about the photo of Graham and Brett in front of the Boags truck.
    He looks like he is levitating as he was jumping up and down so that he didn't look so short. In the group shot he is cheating by standing on the railing.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    On the road again

    November 22, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Once again, we are driving over mountains on windy roads. I think that is all they have here. This was a really scenic drive of rolling hills and farms. We saw a sign at a shed selling fresh veggies so pulled over, and noticed the had an old horse carriage in their yard. We thought they must be collectors, but were then served by a lady from the Bretheren, so this is their vehicle. Should have bought more as everything was so cheap and fantastic. The best cinnamon scrolls I have ever had were $3.50 for four!
    If you are ever in this neck of the woods do yourself a favour and stop at Pyengana Dairy Farm. We stopped for lunch of cheeses, a platter, scones and lavender icecream. It was sooo good. Should have taken a photo, but too late!
    We ate lunch watching the happiest cows I have ever seen. The have an automated dairy so the cows can come through the gates at any time to be milked, have some oats or to rub up on the back scratcher. If it is less than 6 hours since their last visit a different gate opens and they are sent back to the paddocks. So the cows decide when and often they like to be milked. Apparently they will often just come in to the shed to keep their bestie company.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    St Columba Waterfalls

    November 22, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Just past the dairy is St Columba Waterfalls, which was named by the Cottons when they settled in the area! Go team Cotton. Most spectacular waterfall I have ever seen. Like always, photos don't do it justice. It is the second highest waterfall in Tassie and over 90 metres.
    Bree climbed a tree.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Swansea - a big day

    November 24, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Left St Helens for the 2 hr drive to Swansea but took us all day as there were so many great beaches to stop in on the way.
    Bicheno was a great little town - has moved to the top of our list of places to retire to. Spent a bit of time trying to time the blow holes photo op.
    Drove to Coles Bay and 3/4 of us climbed the mountain to look at Wineglass Bay. I told them to take a photo for me. The icecream photos are part a and b - part a eating icecream while looking at part b shithot view.
    Finally got to Swansea where we have an ocean view cabin. The final photo is the view from our balcony across the bay. Life is good!!    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Penguins!

    November 24, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    We were all a bit blah about a penguin tour I booked as it was a bit of a drive and we had had a big day, but it was paid for so off we went with very low expectations.
    Sat for a while and saw two penguins in the distance head up a sandhill. Then a small group swam in and walked to their burrow a little way off. We were all pretty happy to have seen some penguins and thought that was it.
    Moved to the next location and we had groups of penguins walking right past our feet. They would stop right amongst us for a look around or an argument. You had to be careful not to step on them, there were so many!
    As we walked up a path two fat babies came out and the parents fed them right in front of us. It was awesome! They shooed the babies back to the burrow then finished the show with a quick mating. 😅
    Hard to photograph as you have to stay still while they are walking amongst you, and the lights are all red to not blind them.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Cycling wineries tour

    November 25, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Well this was a hoot! We went on a cycling tour between three wineries, with tastings at each winery. We were not only riding on back roads but riding through vineyards and paddocks full of sheep and lambs. I managed to ride my bike through lots of poo.
    The wineries were lovely as they had all been passed down through the generations. It was really nice to sit among the vines for tastings with the owner - we had lots of questions!
    Had a fabulous lunch then dropped back at our villa to watch a storm come in.
    And now the other three are passed out on the couch. I think that means they enjoyed themselves.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Google is an asshole

    November 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    We left Swansea on our way to Port Arthur and let Google show us the way. Next minute, we are driving down a gravel road dodging wallabies and potholes. Then there's a sign "4wd only" but Graham was committed by this point. Anyway, we made it out alive, no thanks to Google.
    Here's the view when we made it out the other end, and a pretty bird. You're welcome.    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Port Arthur

    November 26, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Visited Port Arthur today. It is so pretty, in contrast to the terrible things that happened there.
    Tonight we are going on a ghost tour. What was I thinking!

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Port Arthur area

    November 27, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    Spent the day checking out the area around Port Arthur:
    Tessellated pavement
    Eaglehawk neck officer's quarters
    Doo Town
    Tasman Arch and blowholes
    Coal Mines historic site
    Remarkable Cave
    Apparently there's not much to do around here 😃. Oh and Google sent us down another dirt road.
    Have loved sharing Tassie with Bree & Brett    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Richmond

    November 28, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Spent the day in Richmond. Richmond Bridge is the oldest operating bridge in Australia. Richmond has become my new favourite town in Tassie. Lots of beautiful old homes and antique stores. And Graham went into every store. You can see how excited I was by this.Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Bruny Island

    November 29, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    We caught the ferry to Bruny Island for our last two days. Wine, cheese, chocolate, oysters, whiskey, honey and berries are all grown / caught / produced here. We have a house opposite the ocean and it's very chilled here, so we are pretty happy right now.Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Bruny Island cruise

    November 30, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Managed to squeeze a cruise around Bruny Island on our last day. When the boat took off from the jetty and immediately started fishtailing I knew what we were in for! We were admiring two huge rock pillars coming out of the ocean next to each other. Next minute, we are heading toward them at great speed. We made it out the other side. There is a before photo.
    Great close up views of caves, seals, blowholes and sheer cliff faces. Was great fun (except for the return trip which was blowy and rough).    Read more

  • Karen CottonTasmania 2021Karen Cotton

    Tasmania -signing out

    November 30, 2021 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Thanks Tassie. You've been great. We loved that every day had amazing scenery. We loved all the beautiful houses. We loved the quaint little towns. We loved the history. We loved the food. We loved the wildlife (but not squashed on the road).
    But most of all we loved sharing it with Bree and Brett. ❤ (Next time Bon).
    Over and out.    Read more

    Trip end
    November 30, 2021
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