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McDermotts Travel Oz
McDermotts Travel Oz

McDermotts Travel Oz

We haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on our list. Read more🇦🇺Sydney
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  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Hahndorf SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we relived a fond memory from our 2017 road trip, indulging in not one but two German platters at the Hahndorf Inn. The huge pork knuckles, schnitzels, kranskies, ribs, meatballs, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels, mash and pickles were no match for hungry McDermotts! We conquered effortlessly 😋

    We also perused the main street with its eclectic offerings of German fare. It was as pretty as we remembered with its beautiful established trees and historic buildings.

    Fun Fact: As Australia's oldest German town, Hahndorf experienced intense anti-German feelings during World War I and the name was changed to Ambleside by a 1917 Act of Parliament. It wasn’t until the 1935 Nomenclature Act that the town was allowed to return to Hahndorf.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    1
    Lucky Bay General StoreSpencer Gulf Searoad Ferry

    Spencer Gulf SA

    January 9 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Farewell Port Lincoln, it’s been amazing.

    We said in 2023 when we visited Streaky Bay on our return from WA that we would one day love to return to the Eyre Peninsula to explore its full glory. You can’t say we don’t keep our word…

    Sadly our star attraction, the Great White Sharks, were a no show. However, the lovely towns, beautiful scenery and crystal clear beaches (not to mention the amazing seafood) ensured the journey was still worthwhile. We’re even seriously contemplating how and when we might get back here again for a second attempt at diving WITH the sharks 🦈🤷🏻‍♀️

    We started our return trip east this morning, heading back up the Lincoln Highway as far as Lucky Bay where we fronted the queue to board the Spencer Gulf Searoad Ferry to Wallaroo. While not a timesaving detour we were all grateful to halve the drive time for today’s trip to Hahndorf and avoid a further repeat of Port Augusta. A very relaxing way to travel 😊

    After negotiating our way through Adelaide’s peak hour traffic (akin to Sydney on a Sunday morning), we found our way up the hills to the fabulous Discovery Park Hahndorf. We have a picturesque drive through slab site where Dan, Helen, Anthony and I enjoyed happy hour while the boys played a round of putt-putt, followed by an after dinner swim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Fishery Bay1

    Lincoln National Park SA

    January 8 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We enjoyed a lazy start today, exploring the main street of town before indulging in brunch at L'Anse French Cafe and Croissantarie. They claimed to serve the best croissants in the State and they weren’t wrong! 😋

    With full bellies we headed off to explore the Lincoln National Park and the local “favourite beach” - Fishery Bay. Again the reality lived up to the hype. It was spectacular and to top it off we were joined by a small but inquisitive pod of dolphins swimming just a few feet away from us in the crystal clear water. A truly special experience.

    The boys were disappointed we didn’t drive onto the beach like many others, but after watching a few more experienced looking vehicles get bogged in the soft sand exiting the beach ‘we’ made the call to stay parked on the hard ground. Nevertheless, we enjoyed happy hour on the beach at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.

    Back in town, Dan and Anthony stopped for a tasting paddle at Jump Ship Brewery while the kids completed a competitive game of Ticket to Ride. Helen and I enjoyed the other kind of board game - the one where you put meat and cheese on a board with some fruit and crackers too. We’re good at that one. 😊    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    1Coffin BayPort Lincoln Tourist Park

    Coffin Bay SA

    January 7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we made the half hour drive west of Port Lincoln to the isolated yet beautifully scenic town of Coffin Bay, which is internationally famous for its ‘Coffin Bay Oysters’. In actual fact, we learnt they are Pacific Oysters originally imported from Japan and Tasmania. Who knew?

    After finding our way to Oysters HQ we redefined fashion by dressing in waders and walking out to a small pontoon set amongst the oyster leases where we learnt about oyster farming and growing, and crucially how to shuck and enjoy eating oysters. Turns out Josh is a bit of a pro!

    It was a fun experience, sitting with our legs in the water, sipping sparkling wine and sucking back some of the creamiest fresh oysters we’ve ever tasted. However, the highlight of the experience was without a doubt the impressive fresh seafood platter that followed the shucking experience back in the restaurant. It was unlike any other we’ve had with a huge variety of fresh (nothing fried) seafood and superb presentation. It was delicious 😋 South Australia and the Eyre Peninsula is definitely living up to its reputation as the seafood capital of Australia.

    Back at the caravan park we enjoyed an afternoon at the beach before relaxing into a lazy cook ourselves dinner.

    Fun fact: Coffin Bay was named by Matthew Flinders after his friend the naval officer, Sir Isaac Coffin, who helped him when he was preparing to sail to Australia. His cat's name was Trim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    The only shark sighted this trip 😢1

    Neptune Islands SA

    January 6 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Shark cage dive day! I still can’t believe I agreed to this ridiculous experience.

    A very early start had us at the Marina by 6:30 am ready to board Calypso Star Charters for the three hour journey out to North Neptune Island, a known loitering ground for Great White Sharks 🦈

    After an adrenaline pumping ride out to the island we squeezed into full body 7mm wetsuits and braved the Southern Ocean in anticipation of encountering the predators of the deep. It was a unique experience, being fully immersed in a cage face-to-face with hundreds of giant trevally and kingfish just a few metres below the surface. The addition of burley caused quite the spectacle, though sadly not even a 500m tuna oil slick could lure the sharks on this occasion 🥺

    We consoled ourselves with the excitement of the wild ride and the fine sunny weather we were blessed with for the day. The estimated 2.5m swell, heightened by onshore southerly winds, sent waves crashing over the top deck of the boat as it lurched between the crest of each wave. The kids held prime position at the bridge with a very tolerant skipper 😆

    The return trip running with the swell was much calmer, yet equally exciting with a couple of cheeky dolphins porpoising alongside the boat. Pretty cool to watch.

    Although for now the Great White Sharks remain illusive, happily none of us were affected by seasickness (unlike many others on board) and we were genuinely able to enjoy the day for what it was. “Positive vibes” for the win!

    We celebrated/commiserated our shark dive day with dinner at the Grand Tasman Hotel, followed by a warming glass of peanut butter whiskey back at the vans - it's beanie wearing cold in Port Lincoln tonight!    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Port Lincoln SA

    January 5 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Technically it’s only 288 km to Port Lincoln yet we’ll cover more than 630 km by road today to get up and around the Spencer Gulf.

    A slow travel morning zig-zagging our way cross country through the pretty Clare Valley towards Port Augusta, enduring yet another Test Match radio broadcast 🤦🏽‍♀️ At least the Aussies secured the series win to take back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. Poor Steve Smith though, falling one agonising run short of 10,000 test runs! LOL I sound like a cricket fan 🤓

    Beyond Port Augusta our interest picked up as we covered new ground on the Lincoln Highway heading down the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula. We stopped at Whyalla for lunch and fuel and to check out the impressive circular jetty - the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Apparently the unique design was chosen by the community to attract fishers, walkers and sightseers. It worked - we duly wandered out to the end and back 😊

    As we roll into Port Lincoln and find our way to the Port Lincoln tourist Park this evening the sky has clouded over and a light shower is falling. Hopefully it will be short lived. We’re channeling “positive vibes” for tomorrow’s highly anticipated shark dive 🤞🏼    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Semaphore Beach

    Adelaide SA

    January 4 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Happy birthday Lachlan!

    A special breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham, followed by birthday surprises for the newest 14 year old. A cracking way to start the day 🥰

    Today we ventured into Adelaide City, starting in Rundle Mall and ending up at Semaphore Beach where we enjoyed a refreshing swim, even if we did have to walk half a kilometre offshore to find waist deep water (turns out only naive interstaters attempt to swim at low tide 😂)

    We ended the day with a birthday dinner at the Semaphore Hotel and sunset stroll along the jetty.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Barossa Valley SA

    January 3 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Vineyards, wineries and cellar doors as far as the eye can see!

    We started the day in Tanunda exploring the main street. A couple of coffees and famous Browns Barossa Donuts later, we headed to St Hugo’s for a private tasting. Definitely a good way to start our Barossa adventure. A few Cabernet Sauvignons later and we were off to find our next experience.

    Back in Tanunda we capitalised on a hot tip from Dan’s sommelier friend with a visit to Brothers at War Cellar Door. This was perhaps the find of the day, so many great tastings. We’re now amongst the newest members of Fight Club (but we won’t talk about that) and all going well should have a half dozen bottles of their finest waiting for us when we return home to Sydney.

    For lunch we headed out to Seppeltsfield Winery where we enjoyed a light meal under the shade of some majestic old gum trees before settling in for another tasting, including some lesser known varieties - Vermentino & Nero d’Avola. We still came away with a Shiraz LOL 😁 #wheninthebarossa

    Moving on, we visited Two Hands Cellar Door for yet another tasting, including a fantastic single vineyard Waterfall Block Shiraz to rival Penfolds’ Baby Grange 😋

    Last but not least we stopped in at Seppeltsfield Road Distillery to sample their award winning Shiraz Gin. The guy serving us was a genuine salesman and we walked away with some new favourites.

    In fairness to the kids, the remainder of the afternoon was spent back at the van and in the pool and games room where a highly competitive family ping-pong tournament ensued while we waited for our bolognaise dinner to defrost. Who knew Lachie had such a killer shot!

    Fun Fact: During the Great Depression, the Seppelt family supported local families by employing them to plant date palms from the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. They provided food and shelter until regular work was available. About 2,000 date palms were planted, with those along Seppeltsfield Road affectionally named ‘The Avenue of Hopes and Dreams’.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Nuriootpa SA

    January 2 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    After a restful and relaxing few days parked up in Mildura over New Year’s, we’re back on the road heading west. Destination: Barossa Valley.

    We made good time (gaining half an hour as we crossed the state border certainly helped), arriving at the BIG4 Barossa Valley in time for lunch. This place is impressive. We have a lovely spacious ensuite site with an enormous double shower! With the added ‘bonus’ of being right next to the field where the South Australian cricket team will be playing Victoria in a day or two. The team themselves are staying in the cabin opposite us! If it’s not Test Cricket it’s State County Cricket 🤦🏽‍♀️

    Dan, Helen, Anthony and I made tracks to Penfolds for the afternoon where we tasted some of Barossa’s finest, including the famous Grange Hermitage - Australia's most admired red wine🍷😋

    We also checked out the nearby Elderton Wines - a tough act to follow after the Grange. More to explore tomorrow…    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Dhungala VIC

    January 1 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we checked out the historic Psyche Bend Pumps, the original irrigation pumps installed in 1888 to supply water from the Murray to the Mildura Irrigation District and reportedly the oldest pump configuration of its type in the world. We were fortunate to be able to see them in operation - something that apparently only happens four times a year! The volunteer’s commentary was interesting as was the pump, once it eventually kicked into action.

    This afternoon, following a short detour to K-Mart for pool noodles, we enjoyed a lazy float down the river, drink in hand, waving to passers by in their fancy watercraft. I estimate we drifted about 500m before bailing at the last boat ramp before the bend of no return 😆 Float, drift, bail, repeat! An entirely pleasant way to spend a hot summer’s afternoon.

    To end our time in Mildura we enjoyed dinner at the picturesque Mildura Golf Resort before returning to the vans to prepare for an early departure in the morning.

    Note: Dhungala is the Indigenous name for the mighty waterway known today as the Murray River.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    New Year’s Eve

    December 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Another cracking day in Mildura. We started with a lazy coffee and breakfast at the MAC cafe (Mildura Arts Centre) before checking out the galleries and historic Rio Vista, arguably Mildura’s most important heritage building. Originally home to the Chaffey family who were pioneers of inland irrigation, it is a beautifully preserved example of Queen Anne architecture with no expense spared on exotic woods, Lincrusta wallpapers and handpainted stained glass windows.

    Next up, we explored along the river front before heading back to the van for lunch and a lazy afternoon of beach cricket in the Murray 🏏

    And of course in the countdown to midnight we celebrated New Year's Eve Mildura style - being entertained at the caravan park by DJ ‘Dad-Bod’ (we’re not sure of his actual name). He had both kinds of music - Country and Western! (and a bit of Bon Jovi) 😜🤠

    Altogether a great way to end 2024 with family and besties. Bring on the New Year xx    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Wentworth NSW

    December 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This morning our planned and pre-booked tour out to the World Heritage Mungo National Park was cancelled due it being too hot! A bit disappointing considering it’s only 35 degrees 😆

    The NP is the home of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, the planet’s oldest ritual burials, and of course the Mungo lunette (aka ‘Walls of China’) claimed to be one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW. We’ll just have to add it to the list of places to come back to on another trip 🙄

    Instead, we spent the morning in town stocking up on fresh supplies before heading out to Wentworth to see the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers. In its heyday (circa 1890s) the Wentworth Wharf, sadly now demolished, was the busiest port in NSW after Sydney and Newcastle. Who knew?

    Given we couldn’t get out to Australia’s equivalent of Death Valley, we decided to brave possibly the second hottest place in the district - the Perry Sandhills! We had been here previously in 2017 so knew what we were in for yet proceeded anyway. We’re clearly insane 🤪

    After ‘conquering’ the biggest sandhill (some of us faster than others) and emptying half of it back out of our shoes, we retreated back to the caravan park and ultimately the river, for a well deserved and much needed swim and wash.

    Fun Fact: Bob Hawke launched his Environmental Statement Policy in Wentworth in July 1989 by planting ten red gums as part of his billion-tree program. A true "whatever happened to" political moment. At least the trees are still there...for now.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Murrumbidgee River, Hay NSWApex River Beach, Mildura

    Mildura VIC

    December 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    This morning we left Griffith and headed towards Mildura, criss-crossing the Murrumbidgee River as we went.

    We’ve enjoyed the random Christmas displays at farm gates and along fence lines. Some people are so creative with hay bales and old tractor tyres.

    The MUX’s electronic stability control system earned its keep today as we traversed the mighty Hay Plains. Without any trees to give a heads-up to wind conditions our 20-foot sail was challenged on a few occasions by surprise little gusts and big oncoming road trains. I’m pleased to say both car and driver handled the conditions skillfully, sparing my nerves.

    Tonight we’re at the beautiful Apex River Beach Tourist Park camped under the shade of a grand old River Red Gum. We have a prime site directly opposite the beach - and who doesn’t love a beach with a tree on it 🥰

    We enjoyed a perfect afternoon in the Murray River, Anthony and Dan even swam to NSW and back, before retiring with happy hour and a lazy dinner at the van, followed by Die Hard on the ‘big’ screen.

    Fun Facts: Although it is approximately 880 km from the mouth of the Murray River, the township of Mildura is only 50 m above sea-level. It is also the cultural and economic centre of the region known as 'Sunraysia', which supplies 98% of Australia's dried grapes, 74% of its table grapes, 24% of the nation's citrus fruit, and 23% of its olives.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Griffith Tourist ParkTribute to local anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay

    Griffith NSW

    December 28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Remind me for future not to plan a road trip that coincides with a Test Match 🤦🏽‍♀️ I have a new found appreciation for ‘watching’ cricket. At least the commentary was entertaining, “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! He should not be going into that (India's) dressing room - he should be going into the other dressing room!” (Sunil Gavaskar, commentating for India) 😆 #australiavsindia

    Today’s travels took us through the Hilltops Region of NSW and the historic towns of Harden, Temora and Barellan to name just a few.

    Tonight we’re in the heart of the Riverina Region in the other notable Walter Burley Griffin designed town - Griffith. My town planning nerdometer is running hot 🤓

    With its central roundabouts, Griffith’s radial plan echoes the famous design for Canberra. However, it lacks the flair and focus of our Nation’s Capital. In fact, apart from looking at a map, you wouldn’t recognise the iconic Burley Griffin design. Sadly a bit underwhelming. In fairness to Walter, in their ‘wisdom’ the transport planners of the time built the railway station nowhere near the planned commercial centre, meaning development attracted to that location compromising much of the original town plan! Seems not much has changed in the bureaucracy 🤔🤦🏽‍♀️

    After briefly exploring around town we enjoyed a ‘wine flight’ at the famed Calabria Family Wines before a lovely dinner at Little Italy - perfectly complimented by a Calabrian Cabernet Sauvignon we’d acquired earlier 😋

    Fun Facts: Griffith emerged out of the construction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in the early years of the twentieth century. Consequently, the area surrounding the town is a major producer of rice, citrus, stone fruits, vegetables, wheat, cotton, wool, eggs and canola. Amusingly all of the gherkins used by McDonald's are also grown in the district.

    Inevitably Griffith has also had strong associations with marijuana growing. In the 1970s the activities of the 'Griffith mafioso' reached such a level that local anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Iconic Big Merino, Goulburn

    Gunning NSW

    December 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    With the joy of Christmas now behind us, we’re finally packed and on the road for the start of our ‘Amazing Road Trip’. Ultimate destination: Port Lincoln SA to cage dive with Great White Sharks! 🦈 More on that in about a week’s time…

    After a whirlwind past couple of days, I’m pretty sure we’ve packed everything we don’t need and forgotten everything we do - but at least we have Anthony’s new 'Insta 360' action camera so he can film the shark that attacks from behind 😆🤦🏽‍♀️

    Tonight we’re simply making a bit of ground to take the edge off our next leg to Griffith - hence our overnight free camp at Gunning Showgrounds. It’s actually quite lovely, a decent number of vans parked beside the scattering of Oak trees, all peacefully enjoying happy hour on a glorious summer evening.

    A short walk down the historic main street confirmed the pub would not be open for dinner 😢 Ham sandwiches it is! I guess we can’t begrudge them their three nights off a year.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzMacMasters Beach Winter 2024Traveler
    1

    Wyoming & Terrigal

    July 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Some competitive fun at Gosford Tenpin Bowling, followed by a stroll along the Terrigal beachfront - with a detour via the lolly shop! Altogether a lovely way to start the school holidays.

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler

    Number Crunching

    April 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Total distance travelled:
    >3,500 km by car
    830 km via sea ferry (Spirit of Tasmania)
    Approx. 125 km by ferry/cruise boat
    22 km by bus (Cradle Mountain shuttle)
    >35 km by foot (officially recorded) Actual count = much more!

    Time away:
    18 days

    States travelled through:
    3 (NSW, VIC, TAS)

    Favourite place:
    North Coast Region & Bay of Fires

    Ultimate highlights:
    Bruny Island adventure boat cruise; Salamanca Markets - Anthony
    MONA; Bruny Island & Gordon River boat cruises - Fiona
    Devils @ Cradle Mountain - Josh
    Bruny Island adventure boat cruise; Devils @ Cradle Mountain - Ryan
    Bruny Island adventure boat cruise; Wombat - Lachlan

    Best accommodation:
    Lazy Waves Beach House, Binnalong Bay & Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages

    Best Bakery:
    Jackman & McRoss Bakery, Battery Point Hobart

    Best lunch:
    Lobster Shack, Bicheno (TAS seafood platter)

    Best dinners:
    Drunken Admiral, Hobart (Hot & cold TAS seafood platter)
    View 42º Restaurant, Strahan (Seafood buffet)    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler

    Home Sweet Home

    April 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We left Wangaratta early this morning for the long and gloriously straight drive home to Sydney. As beautiful as Tassie is, the one thing we definitely won’t miss are the narrow winding roads. We have a new appreciation for full width lanes and formed shoulders.

    It was an uneventful trip home, a bit of all weather conditions and plenty of roadworks along the Hume Highway, but grateful to be home safely having enjoyed a wonderful time away.

    Only 242 days until our next adventure begins… Stay tuned 😊    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    1

    Wangaratta VIC

    April 28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Five very tired but equally contented McDermotts disembarked the Spirit of Tasmania around 10:00 this morning after another relatively calm overnight sail. The SOT is a great way to access the Apple Isle - we’d definitely recommend night sailing in a sleeper cabin.

    After a lazy brunch in Geelong, we made it as far as Wangaratta before turning in for the night at the Wangaratta Motor Inn.

    On approach to Wangaratta we detoured via the King Valley gourmet region stopping for tastings at Brown Brothers and Sam Miranda Wineries and the Milawa Cheese Factory. Who even knew this region existed? I feel another trip coming on…

    For dinner we walked from our motel down the main street of Wangaratta for a lovely meal at the Masala Corner Indian Restaurant. We knew we were onto a good thing when the local winery where we had a tasting session earlier in the day not only recommended the place but supplied their wine list!

    It was a fitting end to another fabulous road trip with our partners in travel crime - the Giffney family. We wouldn’t do it any other way xx    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Traditional scallop pie1

    Devonport TAS

    April 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    This morning we awoke to a picture perfect day at Cradle Mountain. We couldn’t not take the opportunity to jump on the shuttle bus back to Dove Lake for the iconic postcard photo.

    Dan got the perfect shot before the wind picked up and rippled the pond, while we trekked back to the boat shed for another quick pic to prove we were there - even if it now looks like I hiked Cradle Mountain with my handbag 🤣

    We feel very fortunate to have experienced Cradle Mountain in all its glory.

    Leaving the mountain we followed the Northern Tasting Trail as we slowly made our way back towards Devonport. First stop, Sheffield Bakehouse for brunch, followed by a tasting paddle at the Spreyton Cider Co. where the boys also enjoyed a tasting paddle of local juices. Next stops, Ghost Rock Wines and Anvers Chocolate Factory.

    We eventually made it Devonport where we explored the picturesque Mersey Bluff Lighthouse and completed some essential research at the Southern Wilds Distillery, locally known as Devonport’s departure lounge, as we bided time waiting for the Spirit of Tasmania to arrive in port - Sloe Gin for the win!

    We ended our eventful lap of Tassie with dinner at the local Irish establishment before boarding the SOT for our return voyage to the mainland.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Enchanted Forest

    Cradle Mountain TAS

    April 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    The most anticipated destination of our trip, the quintessential Tasmanian experience, another bucket list travel adventure finally a reality. We came, we saw (we shivered) and we conquered Cradle Mountain, sort of…

    We started early in a clockwise direction on the Dove Lake Circuit, a lovely scenic loop encompassing some diverse terrain and microclimates. The Ballroom Forest was especially enchanting, while the native Fagus trees were in full autumn glow, edging the path in shades of gold.

    Sadly, cloud obscured the top of the mountain all day and a light drizzle prevented us reaching Marion Peak. However, we were rewarded with a magnificent rainbow over the lake as a consolation prize.

    After completing the Dove Lake Circuit and posing for the obligatory group photo at the iconic boat shed, we headed back to Ronny Creek where it took us all of a few hundred metres to find a friendly wombat happily grazing right next to the boardwalk!

    Although we’d come to experience the grandeur of the mountain itself, the lower peaks and ridges around the lake created an equally impressive panorama, proving its beauty from all angles and in all conditions.

    We ended our fabulous bucket list day with dinner at the Peppers Cradle Mountain Tavern Bistro.

    Fun fact: Cradle Mountain was named in 1827 by the explorer Joseph Fossey who thought it bore a remarkable similarity to a gold prospector's cradle.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    1

    Devils TAS

    April 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Tonight we braved the cold to witness feeding time at Devils @ Cradle Mountain. It was fantastic even if I did lose feeling in my toes 🥶

    Upon arrival we wandered around the sanctuary admiring the mysterious Devils before joining the after dark feeding experience, showcasing Tasmania’s three largest carnivorous marsupials - including Eastern and Spotted-tail Quolls, all now threatened in one way or another in the wild.

    Throughout the evening, we learned some fascinating insights into the daily operation of the working conservation facility and gained an understanding of the life cycles of the Devils and current threats that confront them, such as Devil Facial Tumour Disease 🙁

    Still undecided whether I'd describe the vaguely bearlike Devils as cute, or perhaps the ugliest marsupials in the country - especially as we watched them bare teeth and growl in a feisty state of rage over having to share a single pademelon hindquarter!

    Quolls on the other hand, definitely cute ☺️    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    1Mount Roland

    Penguin TAS

    April 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    We enjoyed a slower start this morning before exploring along the beautiful northwest coast towards Penguin, arriving just in time for the ANZAC Day celebrations by the waterfront, including the town mascot Penguin himself dressed in fatigues for the occasion 🐧

    After bumping into Ken & Pat we took their recommendation for coffee and pies at the Penguin Bakery, before Anth and Dan sampled the local brews at the Penguin Beer Co.

    Moving on, we eventually made our way through some more very pretty (and hilly) countryside to our next accommodation at the super cute Cradle Mountain Highlander Cottages, just opposite the Visitor Centre.

    We’re going to need all our warm clothes for our Devil feeding experience tonight. Already at 4 pm it’s a chilly 3 degrees with a ‘feels like’ temp of -5 degrees! 🥶    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler

    Edge of the World TAS

    April 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    On the extreme west coast of an island state of an island continent with nothing but Antarctica further south, we've officially found the Edge of the World!

    It’s a dramatic and evocative, albeit fitting, name for this rugged section of Tasmania's coastline where currents sweep unimpeded more than halfway around the planet via the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean until they hit this point.

    It was fascinating seeing the huge piles of driftwood that littered the beach, including massive bleached tree trunks demonstrating how powerful the storms in this part of the world must be.

    The experience was breathtaking, almost literally, as we opened our car door to the blustering gusts of the infamous Roaring Forties. However once acclimatised with beanies and hoods snuggly in place, we could appreciate the sights, sounds and unsung beauty of this truly wild place. It was definitely a multi-sensory experience.    Read more

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