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Port Out - Starboard Home.
  • Janette and John

Port Out - Starboard Home.

"Sailing into Devonport and then touring anti-clockwise" Read more
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  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Looking across Great Oyster Bay from cruise jetty.
    Freycinet Lodge accommodation.Sea Eagle nest.Sea mist rolling in.Wineglass Bay.Bryan's Beach - anchored here for lunch.Furneaux restaurant.

    Wine Glass Bay cruise.

    November 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Left Swansea early for the drive to Coles Bay for our cruise to Wine Glass Bay. Arrived with heaps of time to spare so went into town for coffee and toast.

     Set sail about 10.00am. We had paid to be in the lounge upstairs. That meant wine, beer, tea, coffee, morning tea and lunch were all provided.

     First, across Coles Bay to Freycinet Lodge to pick up a few more people.

     Once underway, we headed south through Great Oyster Bay and Promise Bay. The coastline is rugged. We hugged the coast with commentary from the captain. Drinks were available as soon as we were underway with many having bubbly and a couple having beer. Bit early for us so we ordered coffee.

     The captain was able to 'hover' the catamaran at the base of cliffs, near a sea eagle's nest, interesting rock formations, rock slips and near some seals on the rocks.

    We turned east to go through the Schouten Passage around Cape Forestier and into the Tasman Sea. Next north to Wineglass Bay.

    Most people assume that Wineglass Bay's name is something to do with its shape. It was actually named by whalers. They hunted southern right whales and towed them into the bay. Sometimes there was so much blood that the water in the bay was red and they said it looked like a glass of claret.

    The captain told us there was 'weather' coming in with high winds and choppy conditions. So while we would normally have anchored in Wineglass Bay for lunch, we would have a look at it but return through the passage for lunch at a more sheltered Bryan's Beach.

    Lunch - wow! - we each got a platter - 2 oysters, salmon, trout, turkey, ham, salad, cheeses and fruit and, of course, wine. More than enough of everything.

     Disembarked at 3.00pm after a great five hours.

     Drove on to St Helens and checked in to the Panorama Hotel.

     We all had amazing dinners (both in taste and presentation) at Furneaux Restaurant.

    https://www.furneauxrestaurant.com.au/    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Bay of Fires.
    Little Beach Co. glamping.One of the glamping tents.Lynne and Janette.The most amazing view from the house.One of the new chalets.Bay of Fires.Bay of Fires.Meresto Restaurant, Binalong Bay.

    Grand Designs…

    November 10, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Had a late breakfast (9.00am) at Raida restaurant. Raida offers Japanese fusion food - 😘 yummy!

     We had arranged to visit the Little Beach Company, Chain of Lagoons at 12 noon. This is Lynne and Paul's glamping business. Lynne is Kathy Z's daughter. They have eight tents with a ninth being set up.

     Lynne met us when we arrived and gave us a tour - a tent with a double bed, the toilet block and cooking area. There is a lounge / dining block with an honesty system for anyone wanting to buy a drink or a bottle of wine. Four chalets are under construction.

     Lynne and Paul and the construction of their house featured on Grand Designs. Next stop was a look at the amazing house and lunch - a tasting plate to share and a glass of wine. Lynne’s friend Christine joined us for lunch.

     Back to St Helens and out the other side to Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires.

     Binalong Bay is a real holiday spot with lots of lovely houses overlooking a really nice beach.

     The Bay of Fires is mistakenly thought by people to be named for the red lichen on the rocks. It was actually named because the first sailors to the area reported fires lit all around the bay by the aborigines.

    Dinner was booked at Meresto Restaurant back in Binalong Bay, so we returned there and had early dinner.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Legerwood 11/11/22Bridestowe Lavender Farm.Bridestowe Lavender Farm.Bridestowe Lavender Farm.

    Legerwood and lavender.

    November 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Had a continental breakfast at our hotel then set off for Legerwood to see the tree carvings. They are carved from trees that were planted in 1918 to commemorate soldiers lost in WW1.

    In 2001, a report indicated that the trees were no longer safe and the community were devastated that the memorials would be lost. By 2004, it was decided that each of the stumps would be carved into the likeness of each soldier commemorated. A chainsaw carver, Eddie Freeman of Ross, was asked by the Legerwood Hall and Reserves Committee to sculpt the masterpieces. Various scenes depicting world War One were also carved.

     When we arrived, we realised it was remembrance day - quite significant.

    Next stop, Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Even though the lavender isn't in flower yet, we decided it was worth a look, especially as they have a cafe. After coffee, lavender scones, and a few photo opportunities in the lovely gardens we headed off to Georgetown.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    George Town.
    Low Head Maritime Museum.The diver wouldn't want to rely on me keeping up his air supply...Low Head Light.Low Head Light Foghorn.View of Tamar River from Low Head Lighthouse.

    George Town history.

    November 11, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    In the afternoon we drove to George Town and the Bass and Flinders Centre, the home of the replica sloop 'Norfolk'.

     In 1798, the explorers, Bass and Flinders were dispatched to Van Dieman's Land to ascertain if it was an island or not. They sailed with a crew of eight in the Norfolk right into the Tamar River and anchored off what is now George Town.

     The replica Norfolk's hull is made from huon pine and the mast and deck are made out of celery top pine. No screws or nails were used - instead, trunnels were used.

    https://www.bassandflindersmuseum.com.au/

     Further down the road from George Town is Low Head with a lighthouse and foghorn. First stop was Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum with thirteen rooms of history - all very well done and very interesting.

     A little further down the road is the lighthouse and foghorn. The light is the oldest, still operational light in the world. The foghorn is sounded at 12 noon each Sunday.

    After a bit of fun with the respective GPS navigation ladies (both of whom led us astray) we met at the entrance to our accommodation at Woolmer’s Estate. We offloaded cases then headed back to Longford for breakfast staples and a great dinner at the local pub.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Ready to cruise the Tamar River, Launceston.
    Batman Bridge.End of the Tamar River looking at the mouth of the Sth Esk River.Entering Sth Esk River and Cataract Gorge.Tollkeeper's cottage at entry to gorge.Cataract Gorge.Rather them than me.End of the gorge.

    Tamar River & Cataract Gorge.

    November 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    Our cruise on the Tamar set off at 10.00am. with Tamar River Cruises. In four hours we went seventy kilometres to the Batman Bridge and back and then into Cataract Gorge.

     Although called a river, the Tamar, being fully tidal, is, technically, an estuary.

     Commentary along the way told of the history of settlement and pointed out some of the early houses and estates. Our captain pointed out a one thousand acre farm carrying one thousand angus cattle - wow!    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Design Tasmania, City Park, Launceston.
    Design Tasmania.Design Tasmania.Design Tasmania.Design Tasmania.Design Tasmania.City Park, Launceston.City Park, Launceston.First Basin recreation area of Cataract Gorge

    Design Tasmania and City Park.

    November 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    I remember walking to City Park in the mid 90s. Right on the edge of the city, it had two big drawcards - Design Tasmania and a monkey enclosure. Both are still there.

     “Design Tasmania is a not-for-profit design centre dedicated since 1976 to furthering design in Tasmania through our exhibitions, collection and store.
    Our programs, activities and advocacy are designed to embrace diversity, encourage inclusivity and champion professionalism, bringing design to as many as possible.”

    https://designtasmania.com.au/about

     Just inside the park from Design Australia is the monkey exhibit.

     “City Park dates back to the 1820s, when it was established by the Launceston Horticultural Society. Ownership was transferred to the Launceston City Council in 1863. The park was expanded to include several buildings, a conservatory, and botanical gardens.
    The City Park snow monkeys carry on the long tradition of exotic creatures being showcased in Launceston. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, deer, brown bears, wallabies, even the mysterious thylacine called City Park home, but it was a troupe of Rhesus monkey that proved to be its most popular residents. After the last of the park’s beloved Rhesus monkeys passed away in 1979, Launceston’s sister city, Ikeda, Japan, gifted the city with 10 macaques. In turn, Launceston gifted Ikeda with 10 wallabies.”

    https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/launceston-…

     After a wander round both the Design Centre and the Park, we headed back to our accommodation at Woolmers Estate so we could freshen up for dinner.

    We had missed walking up to the recreation area of the Cataract Gorge with it’s pools, cafes, and small chair lift, so we drove to the top for a view before heading into Launceston for dinner at Novaros.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Jams and sauces display.
    Stocking up at the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce Company.Clarendon.Kitchen in the basement.The dunny.Table.

    Sauces, jams and an old house.

    November 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    Weather forecast for today was bleak - wet and windy. We needed to find things to do that were indoors. We had lunch booked at Josef Chromy Winery, so we needed something for the morning.

     First up, the Tasmanian Gourmet Sauce company, makers of jams, sauces, mustards, relishes etc. lots of tasting and then lots of buying. 😋

     Next, the National Trust building, Clarendon at a place called Nile, near Launceston airport.

     It was built for James Cox, a wealthy woolgrower and merchant after he got a 600 acre land grant in 1817. Many of the original agricultural buildings survive - shearing shed, poultry sheds, stables, coach house and accommodation for servants and convicts.

     Unfortunately, the old Georgian house is badly in need of a lot of TLC. But, TLC needs a lot of money. One of the biggest problems is that the house was built without foundations and is, therefore, moving - I felt quite edgy in the basement.

     From here to lunch - more food!    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Josef Chromy Winery - best seats in the house!

    Josef Chromy Winery.

    November 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    Lunch at Josef Chromy Winery was very highly recommended and it didn't disappoint!
    We had the best seats in the house with a lovely view. Fresh oysters for three of us were amazing as were all the other courses. Trish organised a wine tasting to follow and then purchased six bottles of our choice to “thank the travel agent” - not necessary but much appreciated.

    Heading back to Woolmers we came across a lady trying to rescue a lamb which appeared to have a broken leg and was on the road instead of in the paddock. We stopped to assist and John and the lady, Lesley, managed to catch it and lift it onto the back seat of her 4wd vehicle. She was taking it to the vet in Longford so Janette went with Lesley in case the lamb got stressed or frisky inside the car during transportation.

    All went well and John dragged the lamb into a small paddock at the back of the vets. It was so quiet we suspect it was a pet.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Woolmers Rose Garden.
    Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Rose Garden.Woolmers Estate.

    Woolmers Estate rosegarden.

    November 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 13 °C

    Had a look round the rose garden before hitting the road. Unfortunately, the garden is showing the effects of the bad weather. In fact,the weather during our stay has not really been conducive to having a good look at all Woolmers has to offer.

    https://www.woolmers.com.au/accommodation/    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Sheffield.
    Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.Sheffield.

    Sheffield - town of murals.

    November 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 16 °C

    Stopped in Westbury for breakfast on the way to Sheffield to check out the murals.

     Sheffield has had lots of murals for as long as we have been visiting Tassie but there was a mural weekend recently where a lot were 'freshened up'. We had a coffee in the hope the rain would ease a little. It didn't so I did a quick walk around and snapped a few photos…Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John

    Ashgrove Cheese and Devonport.

    November 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Ashgrove Cheese is at Elizabeth Town and was to be our last tourist stop in Tassie. We could buy some cheese to bring home.

     The story about how the business started and how they operate is interesting - with falling dairy prices, they decided to become more independent. A pasture to plate idea started.

     “This pasture-to-plate philosophy differentiates Ashgrove to this day:-
    1983 – Ashgrove farm partnership formed
    1990 – Dairy infrastructure commences
    1992 – Construction of Ashgrove factory begins
    1993 – First vat of cheese produced
    1994 – The farm gate cheese shop opens
    2001 – Ashgrove cheese company established
    2008 – Bottling of fresh milk and cream starts
    2009 – Butter production commences
    2011 – Cheese packing and milk line expansion
    2017 – Cheese factory upgrade
    2018 – Ambient cheese snacks start
    2019 – Hobart distribution centre opens
    2021 – Ashgrove dairy door and visitor centre opens”

    https://www.ashgrovecheese.com.au/

     We bought some cheeses, one of which is Tasmanian Pepper Berry. We had learnt about the pepper berry on our Bruny Island day and thought it might be nice to grow it in Molyullah. With this in mind and still having some free time, we set out to visit a plant nursery in Devonport on our way to the ferry.

     To produce pepper berries, both male and female plants are needed. Plants Plus in Devonport only had males in stock. We bought two in the hope we can get some females when we back.

     Time to head for the ferry and join the queue…    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Queueing to come back.

    Heading back.

    November 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Well, the last day had to arrive and we would have to head back.

     Ferry boarding was from 4.00pm. We were a lot quieter than when we were heading off nineteen days ago but still looking forward to the journey.

     We again ate in the Tasmanian Market Kitchen Restaurant. It again offered an excellent smorgasbord of salads, fish'n'chips, roast beef and roast vegies.

    The ship was rocking and rolling a bit, but I think we all slept well.    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    Russell Falls.
    Franklin Wharf.Morning tea, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island.Port Arthur.Richmond.Kingston Beach.Rainforest.The Source, MONA.Lunar eclipse, Swansea.

    Janette and John - postscript.

    November 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    We think it's been twenty five years plus since our last visit to Tasmania.

     We've always said “we could quite happily live in Tassie”. After this holiday, we're still saying that. It has, not surprisingly, gone ahead in many areas but has still retained the natural beauty that is so different depending on which part of the State you are in.

     We started in the rugged West Coast area taking in Stanley, Strahan, Queenstown and Cradle Mountain. We cruised Macquarie Harbour and the Gordon River, took a steam train from Queenstown and walked to Dove Lake with its amazing views of Cradle Mountain.

     We drove through old growth rainforest, crossed raging rivers made higher and faster by recent rains and walked in to many scenic waterfalls.

     By contrast, Hobart in the South, gave us a good base for six days with splendid views across Franklin Wharf. Hobart's Botanic Gardens, particularly The Patch, was high on everyones' must visit list. On successive days, we visited Bruny Island, Port Arthur, Salamanca Markets, the Huon Valley and the 'must see' MONA.

     Then it was the East Coast, staying at Swansea in beachfront chalets with a great view of the lunar eclipse while celebrating Paul's birthday. This leg gave us the Legerwood tree carvings on remembrance day and the Wineglass Bay Cruise.

     The North gave us George Town with its wealth of maritime history and the Tamar River / Cataract Gorge Cruise. City Park, Launceston still has the Design Tasmania Centre and its well known monkey exhibit.

    Everywhere gave us a feast of views and history, but we also had a feast of fine food. It's difficult to say where the best food was, but here's a 'short list' of fifteen:-

     - dinner on the ferry from Geelong to Devonport.
    - dinner at Hursey Seafood Restaurant, Stanley.
    - dinner at Cradle Mountain Lodge.
    - dinner at Risby Cove, Strahan (?).
    - dinner at the Highlander Arms, Taraleah.
    - dinner at Landscape, Franklin Wharf.
    - morning tea, Bruny Island.
    - dinner at the Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart.
    - breakfast at Kingston Beach.
    - lunch at The Source, MONA, Hobart.
    - dinner at Saltshaker, Swansea on Paul's birthday.
    - lunch on Wineglass Bay Cruise.
    - dinner at Furneaux Restaurant, St Helens.
    - dinner at Navaro's, Launceston.
    - lunch at Josef Chromy Winery.

     Good sights and sounds, good food and wine and good company - POSH indeed!    Read more

  • Janette and JohnPort Out - Starboard Home.Janette and John
    The boatshed, Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain.
    Dove Lake, Cradle Mountain.Landscape Restaurant, Franklin Wharf, Hobart.Wineglass Bay.Bruny Island.At the top of Bruny Lighthouse.Design Tasmania.View of Franklin Wharf from room 1806.Risby Cove, Strahan.

    Trish and Paul - postscript.

    November 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    What a wonderful holiday from start to finish, so aptly named “Our POSH Tour of Tassie”.

    Despite flooding rains throughout the east coast of Australia, a fourth Covid wave and staff shortages everywhere we managed to “thread the needle” and enjoyed the trip of a lifetime.

    The travelling conditions in Tiggy and Kia were excellent. Jennifer and Edna performed well overall with Edna taking the navigation trophy.

    Accommodation was superb with plenty of variety and befitting our desire for comfort, views, atmosphere and location. We slept like Kings and Queens.

    We also dined like kings and queens on Tasmania’s exceptional produce, wines and beers in amazing restaurants, becoming quite the food critics.

    As for the scenery, it was a feast for the eyes and good for the souls.
    Nowhere disappointed.
    The day trips, cruises, rides and walks were pleasurable and informative. We experienced history, geography, industry, agriculture, performance and modern Tassie living at first hand.

    More than anything else we had so much fun.

    Travelling together enriched everything.

    “Would not have missed it for the world” as the old saying goes.

    Trish and Paul piggybacked on John and Janette’s previous Tassie trips and detailed preparations, turning the Barbershop Harmony Australia Convention of 2022 into a memorable event indeed.

    We could never have achieved such an adventure on our own.

    Thank You J & J.

    Up there with the best of the best!!    Read more

    Trip end
    November 20, 2022
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