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Our Lap of Oz - Part 2
  • Wandering Ozzies
  • Wandering Ozzies

Our Lap of Oz - Part 2

We’ve sold everything and are hitting the road for an extended length of time travelling Australia. Part 2 follows us around Tasmania for 9 weeks. Lue lisää
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  • Wandering OzziesOur Lap of Oz - Part 2Matkaaja

    Triabunna

    25. lokakuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    A drive from near Richmond through Orford and Buckland to Triabunna on the shores of Spring Bay. The Spring Bay Hotel offers camping out the back for a donation so although it was soggy in places it was very convenient.
    The drive along the banks of the Prosser River is not really one I would like to do every day with a caravan in tow and it is even more daunting with the river in flood. A semi-trailer coming the other way would have been interesting.    Lue lisää

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    Maria Island

    26. lokakuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    A rare fine day forecast saw us book a trip out to Maria Island on Tuesday. The ferry was just 2 minutes walk from our camp out the back of the hotel. The trip over was calm with the sun shining. We had forgotten what it looked like.
    Maria Island is now a World Heritage Australian Convict Site and controlled by Tasmanian National Parks.
    Within about 30 seconds of disembarking we came across our first ever wombat in the wild. These guys are so awesomely cute it is crazy. They are obviously well used to people as our presence didn't phase them at all. We headed off on the Fossil Cliffs walk around the north of the island, taking our time and exploring the many ruins and interesting stuff. We saw a family of Cape Barren Geese along the way with a handful of tiny goslings. Half way around we diverted off to do the Convict Reservoir walk which took us off into the forests. So interesting. Lunch at the Reservoir and then back down a soggy track to Darlington where the main buildings are. Exploring here took the rest of the afternoon before we boarded the ferry back at 4:15. Juts a wonderful day and well worth visiting when in Tasmania.    Lue lisää

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    Port Arthur

    27. lokakuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Leaving Triabunna and Google Maps was giving us 3 options. The first one we came to had a "Very Steep Hill" sign at the start and it was a gravel road so we took the opportunity to turn around in a quarry road entrance. The second route took us along the coast and through the tiny scenic town of Spring Beach, until we hit the sign "Road Closed - Bridge Washed Away" with next to nowhere to turn the van around. A fun 30 minutes later we were headed back along the Prosser River road we came in on a few days earlier. I've never done a 17 point turn before. Other than that our trip down to Port Arthur was uneventful. Checked in to the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park which is how all caravan parks should be. Large drive-through sites that are angled so you are not living in someone else's annex. Had planned on only staying two nights but saw a "Pay for 3 Stay for 4" deal on their website after check-in and they happily changed our booking to this deal.
    We still had a couple of hours so we headed down to the Port Arthur Historic Site for a revisit. They have really done some work on the whole site with better viewing platforms and signage. The ticket gives entry for two days so it was decided to come back again the next day.
    Checking the weather forecast for the next few days it was obvious if we wanted to do the fast boat cruise it would have to be tomorrow. After office hours so we jumped on their website and managed to score two tickets for the next day.    Lue lisää

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    Port Arthur

    30. lokakuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Another day in Port Arthur as we took advantage of the Stay 4 nights Pay for 3 deal. We went and checked out the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen and the Dog Line at Eaglehawk Neck. All very interesting. We took the long way back to the park by driving the west coast of the Tasman Peninsular through Tarana and Nubeena. A stop at the appropriately named Remarkable Cave on the way back was worth all 120 steps down and 120 steps back up again. It really is a stunning coastline.Lue lisää

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    Bruny Island

    1. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Heading south and through Hobart we drove to Kettering to catch the barge across to Bruny Island. An uneventful trip across and a short drive to the local landscape supplies store who have powered campsites at the back of the store. We were the only ones there with a lovely view out to Great Bay. The owners, who live further back on the site, have quite the collection of old farming implements. It never ceases to amaze me at the complexity of some of these things.Lue lisää

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    Geeveston

    3. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Leaving Bruny Island there seemed to be some problem with the loading ramp for the ferry. We sat in line waiting for around 20 minutes while they tried to lower the ramp. After finally fixing it and a quick trip back over the bay, we headed towards the Huon Valley following the Southern Edge scenic drive. This passed through such quaint towns as Snug (and Lower Snug), Flowerpot, Cygnet, Woodstock (and Upper Woodstock) finishing up at Geeveston. This is the town where the TV show Rosehaven was mostly filmed and it was fun exploring the town and identifying landmarks from the show. The town is also known for its wood sculptures that are dotted around the streets.
    We camped in the grounds of the Ex-Servicemen's and Women's Club on a grassy riverbank site. Again we were the only ones there.    Lue lisää

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    Geeveston

    4. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    The weather was again being difficult so today was spent mostly exploring the town during the occasional non-rain periods. We had a family of ducks keeping us company at the site. Mother Duck was most protective of her 9 ducklings as they wandered around the area.Lue lisää

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    Geeveston - Cockle Creek

    5. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Literally the end of the road in a southerly direction in Australia. Leaving the van in Geeveston we drove south to Cockle Creek on Recherche Bay. We had considered towing the van down to camp in the National Park here but were glad we didn't. The gravel road in to the camp was narrow and potholed and the camp itself seemed to be completely overtaken by guys with boats. Fishing is the only thing to do here apart from bushwalking.
    From the National Park office we walked to the Whale Point lookout and learned about the whaling that used to occur here. So tragic. The South Cape Walk also leaves from the same office start point but we figured 16km and 5 hours was a bit beyond us at this stage. It would have been fun to get as far south in Australia as we could.    Lue lisää

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    Geeveston - Hartz Mountains

    6. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Another day camped in Geeveston. At $10 per night and 4th night free it was a great campsite. We took advantage of the $10 wheelbarrow load of firewood as well and were stunned when it was delivered to our site. The best $10 worth of firewood I've ever seen. We couldn't burn it all in 2 nights and ended up taking some with us. Today we headed up into the Hartz Mountains National Park to explore. In particular the track to Lake Osborne sounded good. Can't imagine why. Again lots of gravel roads and potholes but spectacular scenery along the way. Lake Osborne is a glacial alpine lake surrounded by ancient King Billy pines that is walked to through changing landscapes of forests and moorlands. A stunning spot.
    On the way back we stopped at Arve Falls, one of the many waterfalls throughout the mountains.    Lue lisää

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    Austin's Ferry - Hobart

    7. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Reluctantly leaving Geeveston we returned north to stay at a private residence campsite in Austin's Ferry, a suburb of Hobart. Phil's Place was on the side of a hill overlooking the local council's road plant storage facility, as well as some other industrial warehouses. After the prettiness of Geeveston this was quite some comedown. We had shopping and cleaning to do so it was a convenient spot for the night.Lue lisää

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    Mt Field National Park

    8. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    From Austin's Ferry we headed west into the South West Wilderness National Park. The campsites in the Mt Field National Park have power and water but campfires are not allowed so a bit of a compromise.
    After setup we decided to explore the closest area to the campground. Leaving from the Visitor Centre we headed off on the Three Falls Walk. The first of these is Russell Falls, a short 25 minute stroll along a sealed walkway. Russell Falls is a most beautiful waterfall and reported as the most photographed falls in Tasmania. Easy to see why. The light was not good for decent photos but the falls were spectacular anyway.
    Continuing on through the rainforest we were taken by the beauty of the place. Tree ferns and mosses of every kind were everywhere. A lot of the smaller trees were covered with lichens and fungi and the huge swamp gums were just incredible.
    The second of the falls was Horseshoe Falls, named because of the split in the falls into the horseshoe shape. Certainly not as spectacular but lovely anyway.
    Along the path to the third falls was a side track through the Tall Trees area. These trees have been measured at up to 80m high and are hundreds of years old. Last of the falls was Lady Barron Falls. Another simply spectacular falls in the middle of thick rainforest. It is easy to see why this area is World Heritage listed. The circuit back to the campsite continues with something like 240 steps up out of the valley. We both agreed this is probably the best rainforest bushwalk we have ever done.    Lue lisää

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    Strathgordon - Gordon Dam

    9. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Leaving the van at Mt Field we headed into the Southern Wilderness. The road goes as far as the Gordon Dam and then just stops. Another "end of the road" in Tasmania. We stopped at Strathgordon which was built for the workers that built the Gordon Dam and the hydro electric scheme that it was it was part of. Gordon Dam is an amazing impressive structure that allows people to climb down the 195 steps to the top of the dam wall and walk across. An incredible experience. Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon are huge in the middle of the all the wildness.
    On the way back to Mt Field we took a slight detour to do the Creepy Crawly Nature Walk and lucky we did. We had been bumping into two young girls all day at the various locations and saw them again coming out from the walk. After we finished and were driving back to the main road we came across them with their car in ditch on the side of the gravel road. I had no way of pulling them out so we gave them a lift back to Mt Field where they called one of their Mums to come pick them up. We heard later that the car was written off. They were very lucky they weren't hurt in any way.    Lue lisää

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    Mt Field National Park

    10. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    The Three Falls Walk that we did on Monday was so enjoyable we decided to do it again. The conditions were a little better and the light was better being in the morning. The steps aren't getting any easier.
    We were lucky that the weather was ok in the morning as it progressively got worse during the day. Early afternoon we started the drive from the National Park campground up to the top of Mt Field but the road was awful, narrow, pot-holed, wet and slippery. After about 30 minutes we found a spot to turn around and gave it away. The rainforest is fantastic but the road was so bad we couldn't enjoy it.    Lue lisää

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    Bradys Lake

    11. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    We made an overnight stop on the way to the West Coast at Brady's Lake. These three waters, Bradys Lake, Lake Binney and Tungatinah Lagoon, were created between 1952-56 as water storages to run the near-by Tungatinah power station on the Nive River which we passed on the way through. A nice quiet camp with constant entertainment from the family of 6 (plus a big dog) camping in a camper trailer nearby.Lue lisää

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    Derwent Bridge

    12. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    From Brady's Lake to Derwent Bridge is a short drive but these alpine roads are a challenge with the van on. We camped in the grounds of the Derwent Bridge Hotel which is the most imposing building in the town. In fact it is almost the only building in town. A large fireplace inside was most inviting but the lack of other customers made it a bit uncomfortable. The publican asks that anyone staying purchase a drink or a meal at the hotel but at $30 for a basic curry we passed. First day here we visited The Wall which is a work of art by artist Greg Duncan that is sculpted entirely from Huon Pine. Very impressive.Lue lisää

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    Lake St Clair

    13. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Staying at Derwent Bridge we took the short drive out to Lake St Clair. The weather wasn't being particularly kind but we were determined to do at least some of the walks. The visitor centre at Lake St Clair is worth a visit in itself. Fantastic displays and explanations of the history of the lake and the area as well as the Cradle Mtn - Lake St Clair Overland Trail. We did the Figure of 8 walk which took in Watersmeet, Platypus Bay and Larmairremener tabelti - an Aboriginal cultural walk. Despite the cold and drizzle it was really an excellent walk.Lue lisää

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    Queenstown, Tasmania

    14. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    We were lucky enough to win one of the Tassie Vouchers in a ballot allocation from the Tasmanian Government. It gave us $200 to spend on accommodation and $100 to spend on attractions. While the range was limited it turned out to suit us perfectly. The Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park was one of the places we could use the voucher so we booked in for 7 nights @ $30 per night that ended up costing us $10. Bargain. From Queenstown we can explore the west coast and use the $100 attraction voucher on the Macquarie Harbour cruise later in the week.
    The drive in to Queenstown is notorious for the section of the Lyell Highway known as The 99 Bends Road. Driving from Derwent Bridge we had to drive down the mountain which is easier on the car's engine but harder on the brakes. It was a very, very slow drive down. The rain was pelting down to make it just that much more interesting.    Lue lisää

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    Queenstown

    15. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌧 5 °C

    Second day in Queenstown and we woke to a light layer of snow covering everything. Don't let anyone tell you snow is fun. The awning was left up overnight so it was covered. We had to drop it down to release the snow.
    All day we had wind, rain, hail, rain, wind and hail. Most of the day was spent inside with the highlight later in the afternoon when we went for a drive to empty the toilet cassette. Just loving life on the road.    Lue lisää

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    Queenstown

    16. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Another freezing cold morning but no snow this time. Catch up day today with multiple loads of washing done and hung under the awning. Dryers in the laundry will probably get a workout later today.
    After lunch we visited the Galley Museum in town. A wonderful example of a community preserving the heritage of the town. I know being old tends to be a prerequisite for museums but this place was very interesting. A quick walk around town in the sub 10° cold was enough.    Lue lisää

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    Queenstown - Wilderness Railway

    17. marraskuuta 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    West Coast Wilderness Railway trip today. We love a good train ride and this was a GOOD train ride. Boarding at Queenstown station, it is so obvious that the tourist industry down here is struggling. We had 10 people in our carriage that would normally hold 26. To start the day off properly we were greeted with a glass of bubbles. The carriages look like they are brand new but are done in the style of the old carriages. Very comfortable without being luxurious. The steam locomotive is the original that first came to Queenstown in 1897. I won't go into the history here as there is plenty elsewhere. Suffice to say it was a fascinating trip with spectacular scenery and was most enjoyable.
    We can now say we have been on the the steepest gradient climbed by a regular train in the Southern Hemisphere, between Dubbil Barril and Rinadeena (1 in 12 or 8.33%). This is achieved due to the ABT Rack and Pinion system that is still in perfect condition.
    After we returned we took a short drive out to Horsetail Falls and Iron Blow Lookouts. This is rugged country.    Lue lisää

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