Tasmania's Trails and Treasured Moments

The week's plan unfurled like a long-awaited map, guiding us westward into uncharted territory, with a return on Sunday for the final day of Dark Mofo. Our convoy, now bolstered by Andy, was ready for adventure.

With a bittersweet farewell to Chauncy Vale, we embarked on our journey toward Mt. Field. But first, the necessary chores: replenishing water, fueling up with diesel, and grabbing those few forgotten grocery items. Once these tasks were behind us, we crossed the serene River Derwent and turned westward. The drive to Mt. Field National Park was a mere hour, a delightful brevity that Tasmania often gifted us, and one we knew we'd miss back on the mainland.

As we arrived at the National Park, we secured a powered site for a modest $20—a bargain that was warmly welcomed. The park promised a treasure trove of hiking opportunities, but our stay was purely practical, to recharge our batteries after a week of sparse solar at Chauncy Vale. Hiking would have to wait for another visit.

Andy took charge of dinner, setting up his cooking table outside and preparing a hearty Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese. As the aroma filled the air, a bold brush-tailed possum attempted to join the feast. We retreated to the safety of the bus, enjoying a surprisingly delicious meal despite its vegan nature.

The following day brought a message from Justin, eager to spend his last week in Tasmania camping with us. We decided to wait for his arrival and, in the meantime, explored the available short hikes. The Three Falls Track, a 6.1-kilometer walk, seemed perfect for our afternoon adventure.

Justin arrived shortly, and though it was getting late, we set off on the hike, knowing it might mean arriving at our next campsite in the dark. The abundance of wildlife made us cautious, but the allure of the walk was irresistible. Our group—Andy, Justin, and us—embarked on the trail with lighthearted banter about which direction to take.

The hike turned out to be the best forest walk we had experienced in Tasmania. Barron Falls greeted us first, its cascading waters creating a mesmerizing, velvety white lace over the rocks, perfectly captured by our long exposure photography.

We continued through ancient forests, where towering trees and moss-covered logs painted a scene of primordial beauty. Each step invited us to pause and soak in the serenity. At Horseshoe Falls, our laughter echoed through the trees, the camaraderie of our new friendships growing with each shared moment.

Our final stop was the iconic Russell Falls. The viewing platform offered a safe, dry spot to marvel at the twin curtains of water that fell gracefully, spellbinding us all. We captured more photos and videos, our spirits lifted by the beauty around us. Though we longed to linger, Lake Pedder called us onward.

Before departing, we indulged in a hot mocha at the visitor center, savoring the warmth and comfort it provided. As the light began to fade, we bid a temporary farewell to Mt. Field, promising to return. Our journey continued to Ted's Beach, with hearts full of the day's adventures and the promise of more to come.Læs mere