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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

    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

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Henty River, North West Tasmania
    1

    Stanley TAS

    April 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    Today we left the wild west and headed for the civilised northwest and the charming little seaside town of Stanley.

    Unfortunately, The Nutt chairlift wasn’t operating due to high winds. Instead we enjoyed a lovely local produce lunch at the Stanley Hotel before making our way out to Arthur River at the western most point of Tasmania - crowned the 'Edge of the World'. It’s so remote that if you were to set sail and head west, you wouldn’t make landfall until you reached the coast of Argentina some 20,000 km away!

    Our accommodation tonight is the Stanley View Beach House at Cowrie Point. A beautifully scenic cottage right on the water’s edge, complete with a lovely warm outdoor fire place on the deck looking back over The Nutt. Who needs to climb the mountain when you can enjoy happy hour looking at it 😁🍷    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Hells Gates, entrance to Macquarie Harbour
    Entrance Island LighthouseGordon River

    Macquarie Harbour & Gordon River TAS

    April 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Living it up in the Wild West!

    We were extremely fortunate to score another magnificent blue sky day to cruise the waters of Macquarie Harbour from Hells Gates to the notorious ex-convict settlement on Sarah Island and the magnificent world heritage listed Gordon River, all aboard ‘Spirit of the Wild’ operated by Gordon River Cruises. It was a fabulous experience on a sensational purpose-built boat, complete with hybrid electric engines for ‘silent’ cruising down the river.

    In spite of the calm and sunny day, it was easy to see why the deep black waters of Hells Gates and Sarah Island were feared by convicts and free settlers alike. The Gordon River on the other hand was peaceful and serene, thanks to one of the great victories of the environmental movement.

    A highlight of the day was stepping off the boat for a close-up experience of the older-than-time rainforest on an elevated boardwalk through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. The guided short walk showcased some of Tassie's endemic flora including the ancient slow growing Huon Pines - once heavily exploited as the best boat building timber in the world, they were nearly wiped out entirely by the 'green gold' logging industry in the early-mid 1900s. Thankfully these magnificent trees are now protected after a consensus that it was neither sustainable nor prudent to cut down trees that were 1000 years old!

    We also disembarked for a guided tour of Sarah Island where we learned of its reputation as a place of unspeakable horrors and a living hell and heard tales about some of its more colourful characters - such as Alexander Pearce, the Cannibal Convict.

    Back in town, Dan, Helen, Anthony and I celebrated our unique time on the west coast with dinner at View 42º Restaurant (sans kids) and a seafood buffet as expansive as the view! The kids had chicken rolls and chaos back at the accommodation - fun all round 😁

    Fun facts: Sarah Island was established in 1822 as a place of 'secondary' punishment in an attempt to control the uncontrollable. Located in the middle of nowhere with no regular water supply and horrendous work conditions, the settlement verged on bureaucratic insanity - so much so that by 1834 the place was abandoned with the convicts moved to the new settlement at Port Arthur.

    In the late 1970s there was an official belief that hydro-electricity would be the economic saviour of the State and with this in mind the Government of the time proposed to dam the Franklin River with a huge dam on the Gordon River 40km upriver from Macquarie Harbour. This prompted some of the most divisive protests in Tasmanian history with more than 1,200 protesters arrested in the summer of 1982/83, before the dam proposal was ultimately overturned by a decision from the High Court in Canberra in 1983. The saga ultimately led to the area being listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Area register, saving the pristine wilderness for generations to come 🙏    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Derwent River near New Norfolk
    Queenstown

    Strahan TAS

    April 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today was an interesting travel day between Hobart and Strahan on the west coast.

    Leaving Hobart we travelled through some beautiful countryside, home to the happiest cows in the world (or so they claim), before happening upon the Surveyor’s Monument marking the geographical centre of Tasmania. We posed for the obligatory photo before moving on.

    At Derwent Bridge (a town aptly named for its bridge over the Derwent River) we stopped to check out The Wall in the Wilderness, one man’s artistic interpretation of Tasmania’s history beautifully hand-carved out of Huon Pine. The carvings included tales from as far back as when the indigenous people inhabited the area, through to the pioneers and modern-day workers of the Hydro-Electric Scheme and forestry industry. They also depicted the environmental plight of the wedge-tail eagle and extinction of the Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger). It was pretty impressive. Unfortunately, the policy was no photos so you will have to imagine the 3m high, 100m long wall of carvings - or Google it!

    From Derwent Bridge we headed for the west coast and the port town of Strahan, stopping along the way to complete a couple more of Tassie’s great short walks, including a swing bridge across the Franklin River and the picturesque Nelson Falls.

    After negotiating what is described as 99 bends (but felt like 999 bends) we descended into Queenstown, possibly one of the bleakest towns we've encountered anywhere in Australia and a sad reminder of our capacity as a species to pollute and destroy the planet. The weird denuded landscape was both confronting and disturbing, especially in contrast to the beautiful and densely timbered wilderness we travelled through to get here. It is understood to be the result of a combination of a severe bushfire in 1896 and the pyritic smelting process at the old Mt Lyell Copper Mine, followed by destructive logging and erosion from the heavy west coast rains leaving the hills bare for decades. Thankfully nature has an endless capacity for renewal and current reports are that the trees are finally growing back and the moonscape will be returned to Tasmanian wilderness within our lifetime 🤞🏼

    After finally arriving at our next accommodation at the BIG4 Strahan, we set sail for ‘The Ship that Never Was’, a live and interactive performance by the Round Earth Theatre Company, guest starring yours truly as a parrot! It was a hilariously entertaining true story of the great escape from the notorious Sarah Island by ten convict shipwrights aboard The Frederick, the last ship built at the penal settlement. Amazingly, the production is Australia's longest running play, having just celebrated 30 years of continuous performances in January this year!

    We ended the day with some competitive fun in the communal games room followed by a lazy dinner at the house.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    The MonumentEagle RockBreathing Rock

    Wilderness Adventure Cruise TAS

    April 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    What an adventure!

    The highlight of our day on Bruny Island was most definitely our Pennicott Wilderness Journeys adventure boat cruise around the rugged southern coastline.

    We were blessed with the most amazing bluebird day to cruise alongside some of Australia's highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to (and get sprayed by) the awesome 'Breathing Rock'. Given the sea was so calm we were even able to enter some of the deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and 'The Monument' (twice) and venture out to the point where the Tasman Sea meets the mighty Southern Ocean. We even eyeballed South East Cape, the southernmost tip of Australia - next stop Antartica! Plus we witnessed a colony of seals enjoying the sunny rock shelves.

    It was a fabulous experience - we would definitely recommend it to everyone (who doesn't get seasick).    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Tasmanian salmon farms, North Bruny Island

    Bruny Island TAS

    April 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Another cracking Tassie day spent exploring beautiful Bruny Island.

    We left Hobart early to catch one of the first ferries from Kettering across to Bruny Island. We had been warned about lengthy queues but at 7:30 am we drove straight on.

    First stop - the Neck where we climbed the 300+ stairs for a panoramic view of the isthmus connecting north and south Bruny Island. We had a quick look along the beach sanctuary for the resident Little Penguins but of course being early morning they were all either hiding or collecting food out at sea.

    Next up - the famous Bruny Baker Bread Fridge, a cute little roadside stall offering freshly baked sourdough and other treats for passers-by. We came away with a super soft pocket loaf, choc coated ANZAC slice and a traditional sourdough cob.

    Moving on we headed to Adventure Bay, the very place where Captain William Bligh (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame) stopped by in 1788. Here we donned oversized red ponchos ready to join Pennicott Wilderness Journeys for an action packed 3-hour adventure boat cruise around the rugged southern coastline of Bruny Island. More on this fabulous experience to come…

    Back on dry land we completed our culinary lap of Bruny Island stopping at the Chocolate Factory, Cheese Co. and Brewery and famous Get Shucked Oysters for some 'fuel for love' 😍

    After a lengthy wait, we eventually made it back onto the ferry across to the mainland where we spent a lazy night at our Hobart accommodation indulging in the various treats acquired throughout the day.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Hobart as viewed from our accommodation in Lenah Valley

    Hobart TAS

    April 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    Today we were up early to explore Hobart’s famous Salamanca Markets. With coffee and pastries in hand we slowly perused the 300+ stalls spruiking everything from produce to pottery, fine arts to food trucks, books to buskers and more. We came away with some earrings, a scarf, a Huon pine pen, some Sea Shepherd t-shirts, an exercise block 😆 and a Tassie Devil garden ornament!

    Leaving the markets we headed up Mt Wellington for an amazing panoramic view over Hobart. We were blessed with sunny skies and clear conditions, even if the ‘feels like’ temperate was a chilly 3 degrees! 🥶

    Next on the agenda we explored the World Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory which tells the story of the displacement, mistreatment and forced migration of convict women and girls and their contribution to colonisation. Sadly much of the original site has long been destroyed so interpretation through imagination was key.

    After finding our next accommodation in the hills above Hobart, we ended the day with dinner at the Cascades Brewery where Anthony had a tasting paddle and I found Everlasting Happiness 😊    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler

    MONA TAS

    April 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today was a highlight, at least for me, getting our culture fix at MONA - the Museum of Old and New Art.

    But first up, we headed to Jackman & McRoss bakery - an excellent recommendation in the historic Battery Point area of Hobart. Anthony and I tried a famous Tassie scallop pie each, while the boys enjoyed delicious pastries. Lachie ordered a chocolate croissant and was served two (for the price of one) because they said it was a bit small - LOL it was enormous 😋

    With full bellies we boarded the MONA Roma Ferry for a short cruise up the Derwent River to the museum. The ferry itself was part of the experience - including our own DIY ‘posh pit’ riding sheep back on the pauper’s deck.

    Upon arrival, MONA’s mirrored entry is the first clue your senses are in for a wild ride inside. There’s no signage and no natural light in the underground labyrinth. Darkness and disorientation being all part of the experience.

    The museum was equal parts interesting, unsettling, confusing and amusing, especially the signature Cloaca Professional (aka 'the poo machine') and Naughty Wall - the latter being not for the faint-hearted, especially when escorting teenage boys 😆

    Returning from MONA we explored Hobart City Centre before indulging in a superb ‘Sydney to Hobart’ hot and cold seafood platter at the charismatic Drunken Admiral restaurant near Constitution Dock.

    Back at the Carlton house, Dan’s Aurora Australis indicators were going off so we rugged up, braved the cold and headed to the beachfront for a clear view of the southern sky. We caught just a glimpse of colour before retreating to the warmth of our accommodation. Dan returned later in the night (or rather very early the next morning) to capture some magical Aurora action.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    Tasman ArchRemarkable Cave

    Tasman Peninsula TAS

    April 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Today we ticked off another bucket list experience as we explored the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. We also checked out the other attractions on the Tasman Peninsula including the Tessellated Pavement, Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen and Remarkable Cave. Plus a Lavender Farm and Chocolate Factory for good measure.

    We started our Port Arthur experience with a boat cruise around the Isle of the Dead including some great commentary about the origins of the penal settlement and life of the inmates. Back on shore we made our way around the grounds absorbing the history and reflecting on the horror and tragedy of 28 April 1996.

    The grounds were beautiful and except for the descriptions and accounts of inmates living conditions, Port Arthur could be mistaken for a lovely village in which to spend a few years. We were especially surprised at the size and grandeur of the old church and government residences.

    It was definitely a day of four seasons where we busted out both our ‘Tassie tuxedos’ and rain jackets before shedding them all in favour of t-shirts again.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler
    1

    Freycinet NP TAS

    April 17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Tassie is really turning it on for us. Another cracking day in shorts and t-shirts exploring Coles Bay and the Freycinet National Park.

    First up (and I mean literally up) we hiked to Wineglass Bay lookout for one of Tasmania’s most celebrated views. Our efforts were rewarded with an amazing panoramic view over the headland and glistening turquoise waters of the curvaceous white beach below.

    Next on the tourist trail we checked out Honeymoon Bay and Sleepy Bay, both interesting contrasts on opposing sides of the isthmus. Last but not least we drove out to Cape Tourville Lighthouse and explored the cliff-top boardwalk with views back into Wineglass Bay.

    It was a long slow drive to our next accommodation, but not without some beautiful scenery and a few interesting finds along the way - such as Spiky Bridge near Swansea, made in 1843 entirely out of field stones without any mortar or cement. The ‘spikes’ are said to protect the bridge from harsh winds. However, some people claim they were put in place to stop cattle falling over the sides.

    We ended the day with dinner at the Dodges Ferry Hotel before returning to Beachside Family Surf Retreat in Carlton, our quirky home for the next few nights - and by quirky I mean who doesn’t love an indoor banana tree and a bathtub in the ping-pong room 🤪    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzTAS Road Trip 2024Traveler

    Bicheno TAS

    April 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Twelve months ago we enjoyed a delicious seafood platter beside a sparkling blue Indian Ocean at the Lobster Shack in Cervantes WA. Today we repeated the experience on the opposite side of the country beside a brisk Tasman Sea in Bicheno TAS. A very different setting, but equally memorable. Dare we say east coast lobster for the win 🦞

    To wash it down, a few kilometres down the road we visited Devil’s Corner Winery with its magnificent views over Great Oyster Bay. We enjoyed a private tasting and a new found favourite - Pirie, named Best Sparkling and Wine of Show at the 2023 Global Fine Wine Challenge. Of course the soundtrack to our drive home included a few clinking bottles 😉🍷

    Somewhere in between, we also managed to explore the quaint little town of Bicheno and the blowhole for which it's somewhat famous. Such a simple thing, but curiously entertaining to stand and watch water erupting out of a hole with each wave. Miraculously, in spite of teenage bravado, we all managed to stay dry.    Read more

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