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AUSSIE ADVENTURE
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AUSSIE ADVENTURE

This started out as a retirement dream.
After months of planning and thousands of dollars, we were ready for the adventure with a new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain Ute with several custom mods and a Retreat Fraser 216 R-Rev off road caravan. Read more
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  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Balfour
    Balfour PubBalfourBalfourButton GrassWild faunaWild faunaAerial View of Nelson Bay RiverNelson Bay River FallsAerial View of Nelson Bay RiverPhil collecting drone footage Nelson Bay RiverNelson Bay River FallsMarrawahMarrawahMarrawahOut to Sea, MarrawahOut to Sea, MarrawahMarrawahBee on a flowerBees on a flower

    Balfour

    October 11, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Today our adventure took us to Balfour Historical Township, this is a very interesting place, when you arrive the first thing you see is this shack, it's like you're in a scene from the movie Wolf Creek.

    After Balfour, we stopped at Nelson Bay River Falls and Marrawah for some aerial footage, before heading back to Marrawah Pub for lunch.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Looking down towards Montague Boat ramp
    Black-faced CookooshrikePhil getting ready for beer o'clockHeading back to Montague on Low loader from Robins IslandWeird sighting of a Snail crossing a gravel roadCampers at Pizza nightCampers at Pizza nightCampers at Pizza nightCampers at Pizza nightMontague Tom bringing workers back from Robins IslandCampers from left to right Aster, Mila, Tanner, Bill and RossPhil pretending to fishBeautiful SunriseSunsetAnother SunriseAnother SunriseFull MoonBlue Tongue LizardEckles the EchidnaGreen Caterpillar1

    Montague Camp Ground

    April 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Our time as Caretakers at Montague Campground has finally come to an end.  This has been such a wonderful life experience.

    During this time, with the kind generosity of the locals, we received a bounty of freshly caught fish, abalone, and shellfish. We held three pizza nights for the campers, two fundraising barbecues for a defibrillator (which I can proudly say was a success), and many "beer o'clock" events.

    We were fortunate enough to be entertained by John Hammond and his bagpipes, witnessed a small cattle muster off Robbins Island, and were invited over to Robbins Island via Robbins Island Passage at low tide. Unfortunately, the 4WD we were travelling in broke down at the halfway point and had to be towed the rest of the way. Unbeknownst to us, we returned via a low-loader tractor.

    On Australia Day, we provided a sausage sizzle, a coffee van for the adults, a gnome hunt, and a lolly scramble for the kids. Everyone had a blast, it was a really fun day.

    The Easter long weekend was one of the busiest times of the year for us. Not only did we have to deal with the local campers, but we also had to deal with muttonbird season and the local fishermen. On Easter Sunday, we held an Easter egg hunt. Phil and I hid 41 gold-painted rocks, 36 with numbers on them, 3 bonus rocks, Annette & Phil's rock, and the Gu rock. If you found a rock with a number, you received a 250g chocolate bunny. If you were lucky enough to find one of the bonus rocks, Annette, Phil, or the Gu, you received a special surprise. It was a fun and very successful weekend for all. The locals even showed their appreciation by presenting us with gifts.

    Even though Phil and I faced many unexpected challenges during the season, I look forward to returning after our travels, not as caretakers but as campers. Many of the locals were very helpful and friendly, which made our experience all the more magical.

    To top it all off, we have encountered so many magnificent sunrises, sunsets, and beautiful starry skies.    Read more

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    Braddons Lookout

    May 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Maintained by the local Worth Lions Club it is an excellent place to take in the full coastline from Ulverstone past Turners Beach. Also gives you sweeping views of the Worth Valley.

    I love that the North West is so rich in agriculture and the land is used so efficiently. Adding in the history and the embracing of hydro electricity even back in the day makes this area even more awesome.

    We came here while we were waiting for our caravan to be serviced.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Sculpture of Tom ReevesRustic Wooden Judging Machine c 1930-1940

    Australian Axemans Hall of Fame

    May 4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    The Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame is a place where visitors can view artifacts from the past, historical photographs, original tools of the trade, and more.

    An interesting look at the history of Australian woodchopping. Very nostalgic and truly unique. I would recommend it as a must-see for anyone travelling in the area.

    I would also recommend having a meal at the Thai Imperial Restaurant; the meals are fantastic.

    Found interesting information on Phil's great-uncle Clayton Stewart on his mother's side of the family, which I have posted on another footprint.    Read more

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    "Cont" Axemen’s Hall of Fame

    May 4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Clayton Stewart – Tasmania
    29/12/1926 – 26/01/2004

    Clayton began his woodchopping career prior to 1950 and continued to the year 2000. He competed in Australia wide winning many Handicap and Championship events. Although Clayton was more noted for his precision cutting in Standing Blocks he also competed in Underhands, Treefelling and Sawing, both Single and Double. He travelled overseas to USA and Canada where he won 17 World Titles in about 13 years from 1963-1976.

    Clayton represented Tasmania and Australia in Teams events, he also represented Australia with Doug Youd at the World Sports Expo in Montreal, Canada in May 1967. To our knowledge he still holds World Records in 12 inch Standing Block in 13.7 seconds at Latrobe Tasmania in 1965, also in the 30 inch Butchers Block with Ron Sherriff in Brisabane in 1965 in a time of 3 minutes and 26.7 seconds.

    One of his pride of joy wins was the Sir Henry Bolte Cup 14 inch Standing Block Championship at Cann River Victoria on 20th April just after the Sydney Show, actually Tasmanian axemen were placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in this event which supposedly got up the nose of the Victorians. Clayton has a room in his home where his trophies are all on display, that is how many over the years he had won.

    His last win at Royal Shows was Adelaide 1995. A 10 inch Standing Block Handicap where he defeated his son Garry. He was very proud to be a part of a minority of families where the three generations all competed together at a Royal Show in a 3 man Team Relay with his son Garry and grandson Robbie in 1991 in Adelaide. To our knowledge this was a first.

    Not only was Clayton a competitor, he also supplied logs many times for the North West Tasmanian Axemen’s Association, especially the Devonport Regatta, and supplied the standing block clamps for the NWTAA. He was willing to teach and show other axemen his knowledge in woodchopping, and many a time a young American would show up on his doorstep to learn the Clayton Stewart way. In recent times he also supplied a lot of timber for the Australian Axemen’s Hall of Fame in Latrobe, Tasmania.

    Information was sourced from http://www.australianaxemen.org.au/clayton-stew…    Read more

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    West Coast Wilderness Railway

    May 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    Today, we went on the West Coast Wilderness Railway tour in Strahan. The last time we were here was in 2019, when Phil and I went on the Gordon River Cruise with Belinda and Kat.

    We took the Teepookana & The King River trip from Strahan. It was a very interesting and scenic rail trip through the wilderness rainforest.

    The train itself is a beautiful example of heritage craftsmanship. The journey provided a fascinating glimpse into the history of the area. Our steward/guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the trip and the area. It was a very professional and enjoyable tour.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Aerial view from Phil's dronePhoto bombed by PhilPhoto bombed by PhilPhoto of Lighthouse from 2019

    Macquarie Heads

    May 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After our railway trip, we headed onto Macquarie Heads.

    Macquarie Heads is the headland that meets at Hell’s Gates, the narrow, shallow entrance to Macquarie Harbour.

    There are two gorgeous white lighthouses at Macquarie Heads. These have helped sailors navigate the narrow, shallow passage into the harbour for many years.

    This fascinating history can be learnt on the Gordon River Cruise.    Read more

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    Meander Dam - Lake Huntsman

    May 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Meander Dam is the largest dam used for irrigation in Tasmania. In addition to delivering water from Lake Huntsman into the Meander River and four distribution pipelines, it also has a significant socioeconomic impact on the Meander Valley region.

    The area is very peaceful and scenic, with recreational facilities such as fishing, barbecues, toilets, a boat ramp, and hiking trails nearby.    Read more

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    Platypus Rainforest Walk

    May 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Platypus River Walk takes you on a 10-minute journey through a beautiful rainforest where you can marvel at the enormous old tree growth and tree stumps, or if you are lucky, even see a platypus.

    Platypus River Walk is located within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs.    Read more

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    Hastings Newdegate Caves

    May 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Spent a delightful day at the Hastings Newdegate Caves. These caves are just over 1½ hours from Hobart.

    The walk from the car park to the cave is through a beautiful forest. Even though Phil and I have been to similar caves before, it was phenomenal seeing the beauty of the forest above and then knowing you are standing 50 meters below.

    Today, the weather is freezing, but all year round, even if visiting in the summer, the temperature in the caves always remains at 9 degrees Celsius.

    Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, explaining in detail how the caves were discovered and how they were formed. She also talked about the cross-section of stalagmites and stalactites and showed us some amazing formations, explaining how they turn from solid-looking rocks to glowing crystals under light.

    The labyrinthine dolomite cave is 3 kilometres long, of which tourists cover less than 1 kilometre. There are quite a few steps (500), but the monochromatic allure takes all your attention away from the effort.    Read more

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    Cockle Creek

    May 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 14 °C

    Cockle Creek sits on beautiful Recherche Bay at the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is the furthest point south that one can drive in Australia.

    The scenery is stunning, and the history is both interesting and tarnished. There are a variety of short and long treks to choose from. Beautiful and pristine beaches and is a great place for camping, kayaking, fishing and hiking.Read more

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    Richmond

    May 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Richmond Village is approximately 25 km northeast of Hobart. Famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, Richmond boasts more than 50 Georgian buildings, some dating back to the early 1820s.

    Many have been beautifully restored and reinvented as restaurants, cafes, tea houses, galleries, craft boutiques, antique shops, and accommodations.

    Richmond's most famous landmark is the Richmond Bridge, constructed from 1823 to 1825, around the time of the town's first settlement.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    Steppes

    May 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    The Steppes Stones are monuments dedicated to those who share in the love and care of the Central Highlands of Tasmania. They are located about 30 minutes north of Bothwell on the Lakes Highway (Highland Lakes Road) near the Interlaken turnoff.

    They are one of those places you find in the middle of nowhere, are delighted by them, and wonder why they are here on a lonely mountain highway.    Read more

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    Great Lake

    May 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    The Great Lake, officially Yingina, is a natural lake and man-made reservoir located in the central northern region of Tasmania.

    Its original size was much smaller; it has been dammed at its southern outflow for hydroelectric power generation. It is Australia's second-largest freshwater lake.

    The Great Lake and its surrounds make a wonderful getaway if you are into trout fishing and exploring the wilderness.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    St Helen

    May 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    St Helens is the largest town on the north-east coast of Tasmania, Australia, on Georges Bay. It is known as the game fishing capital of Tasmania.

    We will be staying here for the next week.

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE

    Bicheno

    May 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Located in the charming seaside town of Bicheno, the Bicheno Blowhole is a natural wonder where seawater rushes into a narrow gorge and erupts through a hole in the rock, creating a spectacular fountain of water. Visitors often describe it as mesmerizing and worth a visit, especially during high tide or stormy weather when the blowhole is most active. However, its performance can vary depending on weather conditions, so it's a good idea to check tide times before visiting. Overall, it's a unique and beautiful attraction that showcases the power of nature.Read more

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    Bay of Fires

    May 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    The Bay of Fires is a bay on the northeastern coast of Tasmania, Australia, extending from Binalong Bay to Eddystone Point. The bay was given its name in 1773 by Captain Tobias Furneaux of the Adventure, who saw the fires of Aboriginal people on the beaches. 

    The Bay of Fires is gorgeous, with its clear blue water, the perfect contrast against the white sand. The orange-covered lichen boulders give the area a surreal appearance.

    The Bay of Fires is rightly famous for its boulders clad in bright orange lichens, but the crystal-clear water and white-sand beaches here are also highly photogenic.    Read more

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    Eddystone Lighthouse

    May 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Just 18 km north of Ansons Bay is the Eddystone Point Lighthouse, within Mount William National Park.

    It was decided that a lighthouse needed to be constructed when dangerous rocks were discovered just below sea level at St Helens Point in 1875. This 35-meter-high granite tower of Eddystone Point Lighthouse has warned ships off this rocky shoreline since 1889.

    This historic site, which also includes the lighthouse keepers’ cottages, is worth exploring, though none of the structures are open to the public. The door to the lighthouse is approached by an imaginative and beautiful flight of steps in the form of a flying buttress.

    It was a magical and lovely place to take some gorgeous photos. I wandered around for a while, as this place was simply beautiful.    Read more

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    Little Blue Lake

    May 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Stunningly beautiful, Little Blue Lake is another one of those places you just stumble upon, not knowing what to expect, but then, wow!

    Originally a mine hole, the lake reflects a vivid aqua blue from the minerals in its base. Due to the high aluminum content in the water, swimming is not recommended.Read more

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    St Columba Falls Pyengana

    May 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    St. Columba Falls is one of Tasmania's tallest waterfalls, with a waterfall drop of over 90 metres.

    A magnificent view of the waterfall can be seen from the path close to the car park. The little hut entrance has information plaques on both sides.

    The walk to the waterfall is easy, around 10 minutes. A slight slope down about 1 km of well-maintained paths winds through gorgeous forests, passing lovely fern glades by the stream. Once at the bottom, you cross over a little bridge, then it's a short walk to the viewing platform at the bottom of the waterfall, looking up.

    The waterfall itself is absolutely beautiful. Words cannot describe the absolute magic of standing beside it, being sprayed by mist while the white waters rage.    Read more

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    Pyengana Dairy

    May 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Located in the beautiful Pyengana Valley, is the Pyengana Dairy and Cheese Factory.

    Pyengana Dairy has been creating some of Australia's finest artisan farmhouse cheeses from rich, creamy milk for over 130 years.

    The Café provides visitors with the opportunity to see the cheese being made, taste their cheeses, and relax on their deck or by the open fire while enjoying a gourmet platter of cheeses and meats with Tasmanian wine, beer, or cider. Alternatively, enjoy a cup of tea with plain or savoury scones.

    Seeing the cows freely wander into an automatic milking machine was a treat; lasers scan the cows for their udders/teats and attach robotically to milk them—the cows also wear individual collars that send information to this automatic milker regarding their health and how many times they’re milked.

    Beautiful Family Owned Dairy Farm.    Read more

  • AUSSIE ADVENTURE
    Wineglass Bay 2014Wineglass Bay 2014Wineglass Bay 2014Wineglass Bay 2014

    Freycinet National Park

    May 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Freycinet National Park is a world-class attraction, full of a variety of walks of varying degrees of difficulty. The towering Hazards Range in the Freycinet National Park gleams pink in the morning sunshine due to the pink granite cliffs. 

    There are many spectacular views and wildlife to see along the way. We visited Cape Tourville Lighthouse and took the short boardwalk around it, which was easily accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

    The views here were spectacular.

    We passed on the Wineglass Bay Beach Lookout walk, as we had done the Wineglass Bay Cruise several years ago. But we stopped at Ice Creamery & Co in Coles Bay for delicious ice cream—jaffa flavor for Phil and peppermint chocolate chip for me.

    Photos of Wineglass Bay 2014 are attached.    Read more

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    Skeleton Point

    May 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Skeleton Point is one of the best spots on the Bay of Fires. The colours are dramatic; a short and exciting walk along a narrow track leads to a spectacular display of orange! It’s a hidden gem. The short walk to the rocks is easy and enjoyable, and once there, you can even climb on the rocks to get a closer look at their unique formations and the natural beauty of the red rocks. This spot is perfect for a quick 10-15 minute visit, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful environment.Read more

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    📸 Photo by Phil📸 Photo by Phil📸 Photo by Phil📸 Photo by Phil📸 Photo by Phil

    Maria Island

    May 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Maria Island is a remarkable place with something for everyone—historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains, and remarkable wildlife.

    It is a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna. The island is quite large—about 40 km from one end to the other. There are no cars or shops on the island, but you can camp there and take or hire bikes. There are several walks of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.

    Despite being the biggest draw in the southeast Tasmania area, we often found ourselves completely alone in forests, on cliff tops, on beaches, and among the amazing animals.

    A truly beautiful place to visit.    Read more

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    Maria Island - Painted Cliffs

    May 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    The walk to Painted Cliffs is one of the most accessible beautiful and iconic scenery and wildlife spots on Maria Island.
    The walk may be a 1½-2hr return to the Ferry dock or Darlington, depending on your pace and number of stops. But it may be a little strenuous, up and down some long hills overlooking the bay, and along a beach or two, and you must time it to low tide to access the most iconic cliff faces.

    Stunning natural rock formations created by the ocean. The cliffs were mesmerizing—sandstone bands with layered patterns. They're also conveniently next to a beautiful beach with sapphire-blue water and white sand.    Read more