From Stacks Bluff to Birthday Bliss

We made our way down from the imposing shadow of Stacks Bluff, the morning sun casting long, golden rays over the rugged landscape. Our hearts were filled with anticipation as we continued our journey towards the coast, hoping to find slightly warmer weather and new adventures awaiting us.

Rejoining the main road in the quaint town of Fingal, we traveled east, our eyes drinking in the sweeping vistas of rolling hills and dense forests that flanked our path. The road wound its way through picturesque countryside, leading us to St Mary’s, a charming village nestled among the hills. From there, we swung south through the breathtaking Elephant Pass, where the road twisted and turned, offering glimpses of the turquoise waters of the east coast far below. The air was crisp and clear, the scent of eucalyptus mingling with the salty tang of the ocean breeze.

Finally, we arrived back on Tasmania’s stunning eastern coast, the vast expanse of the sea stretching out before us like an endless sapphire. Although our ultimate destination lay to the south in Hobart, where we were to arrive in seven days, we couldn't resist the call of the wild north. We ventured a few kilometers up the coast to a secluded free camp at Lagoons Beach. Here, we discovered a hidden gem—a peaceful spot overlooking a pristine beach, with a small, serene lagoon filled with elegant black swans gliding gracefully across the water. It was the perfect place to pause and reflect, and we decided to stay for a couple of nights to celebrate a special occasion: Anth’s birthday, the first we would celebrate on the road in our nomadic existence.

Our chosen spot was not only beautiful but also practical, providing enough sunlight for our solar panels despite the low sun and frequent cloud cover. We spent our days exploring the beach, the cold sand crunching beneath our feet as we walked along the shore, the rhythmic sound of the waves soothing our souls. On one of these walks, we encountered another traveler who had been living on the road in Tasmania for six years. He shared tales of his adventures and misadventures, each story adding to the tapestry of our own journey. The camaraderie of shared experiences made our travels feel less solitary and more like being part of a vast, wandering community.

As night fell, the temperature dropped, and though it was milder than previous nights, the chill still crept in. We decided it was time to invest in a diesel heater to brave the approaching Tasmanian winter, a decision that brought a spark of excitement to Sal’s eyes. The promise of warmth and comfort made the prospect of the cold months ahead seem more inviting.

Anth’s birthday dawned with a crisp, clear sky, the morning light dancing on the lagoon’s surface. We celebrated with steaming cups of coffee and bowls of rich, creamy porridge, sitting outside and watching the black swans glide serenely across the water, their reflections shimmering like shadows on glass. The simple joy of the moment, surrounded by nature’s splendor, made the day feel truly special.

After lunch, we packed up camp—a process that took only minutes in our well-organized bus—and set off towards Bicheno. The drive south was a nostalgic one, as Bicheno held many memories for us. This was our third visit; the first had been two years ago for Anth’s birthday, a trip that had blended the comforts of AirBnB stays with the exhilaration of multi-day hikes. As we approached the town, we reminisced about past adventures, each memory a precious gem in the mosaic of our travels.

However, upon arriving in Bicheno, we discovered it was off-season, and our much-anticipated ice cream shop was closed. Undeterred, Sal improvised brilliantly, sourcing treats from the local IGA grocery store. We dined on delicious local pizza from the one remaining restaurant that was open, savoring the flavors and the cozy atmosphere, making the best of the situation with laughter and love.

The following day promised new adventures as we planned a hike in Douglas-Apsley National Park. We drove to the trailhead and parked for the night, the excitement of the impending journey tingling in our veins. As we settled in for the evening, the stars began to twinkle above, the clear night sky a vast, celestial tapestry. The anticipation of the hike, the beauty of our surroundings, and the warmth of our companionship made everything feel epic and full of promise. We fell asleep with dreams of trails and vistas, ready for whatever the morning would bring in this magical land of Tasmania.Read more