Tassie

As most of you probably know Jama and I decided to head to Tasmania this year for the holiday season. It was bound to be an experience unlike any other!

Tasmania, Australia's only island state, is located southeastern of the mainland; it is the only land mass between the mainland and Antartica. Approximately half a million people live on Tasmania - which is roughly the size of West Virginia and nearly 40% of the island is protected in reserves. The island has been labeled the "Island of Inspiration", which I suspect is due to the overwhelming scenery.


*Map of our route through Tassie. Numbers, which represent the nights, are located at our campsites.


*The captain and his ship...

Our trip - in brief:
Day 1 Fly from Melbourne to Launceston - Christmas Eve
Day 2 The 'Nut' - Christmas Day
Day 3 Cradle Mountain
Day 4 The Tamar Valley
Day 5 Bay of Fires
Day 6 Wineglass Bay
Day 7 The Tasman Peninsula
Day 8 Hobart - New Year's Eve
Day 9 Mt Field
Day 10 Hobart
Day 11 Fly home

Total kms traveled in campervan: 1574

Day 1
We arrived in Launceston around 2pm and decided to make the most of our day by exploring the city and heading to Cataract Gorge. Launceston, as you might expect, was a very quite little town.

*Taking in some of the local wildlife in Cataract Gorge.


*You mean we came all the way around the world to get a picture that could have been taken in the Tallulah Gorge!

Day 2
After a restful nights sleep we woke up early as I needed to go pick up the campervan so we could begin our trip. The mission of the day was to head to the Northwest coast and see the infamous 'Nut'. After an early start I managed to pick Jama up at the hotel after a 2hr tutorial on how to work the campervan. I was even shown how to work the air conditioner! After a beautiful drive we arrived at base camp for the "Nut" - Stanley, Tasmania's tidiest town.


*Jama in front of the "Nut"

We spent the afternoon hiking to the top of the "Nut" to enjoy some spectacular views. The ocean was soooooooo blue!


*The top

That night we decided to park/camp along blackwater creek. I really wish I could have captured an image of the night sky.


*Kickin' it at the campervan

Day 3
After another early start we are off to Tasmania's most popular destination, Cradle Mountain National Park. I should probably mention that the park is located on the northern border the of what Tassies call the "Great Western Wilderness". If you are wondering why our trip route seemed so to be focused on the eastern coast it is because access to the center and western portions of Tasmania is extremely limited. In other words little to no roads and the ones that are there are 4X4 access only. Anyway, back to the trip.


*National Park Emblem

Once arriving at the National Park we grabbed a campsite and decided to head out for a hike.


*I think the mountain is this way...


*Taking a break along the trail


*Dove Lake

*Cradle Mountain


*Taking in the view


*On the way down we encountered one of the world's two monotrenes...


*Which way to the wombat pool?

Day 4
We decided to take it easy on the fourth day and make our way to Tasmania's wine region - the Tamar Valley. We had a little pinot and cheese at the Goaty Hill winery and decided to spend our afternoon in the sun along the banks of the Tamar.


*Hanging out at Bateman Bridge


*Panoramic view of the Tamar River from the campervan

Day 5
On the fifth day I believe we set the record on time spent behind the wheel. We got our first real dose of driving through the mountains as we headed to the largest privately owned lavender farm in the southern hemisphere. Following lunch at the lavender farm we headed further towards the coast for a stop at mammoth falls for a brief hike in the rainforest. Feeling refreshed after the hike we piled back into the campervan and headed to our destination of the evening - the bay of fires.

*Wish we could send you the smell!


*Getting ready for the hike

*St. Columba Falls


*Hanging out on the Bay of Fires

*Bay of Fires


*Bay of Fires

Day 6
Heading SOUTH - to see Wineglass Bay, the second most popular destination in Tasmania! After a short 2 hour drive along the coast we arrive at Freycinet National Park. We decide on the most challenging hike that will allow us to see the bay from a mountain top in the Hazard Range. It was mentioned that the hike was going to be challenging but we figured it couldn't be that hard if it is in a National Park. Man were we in for a surprise. It took approximatley 2hrs of vertical ascent to reach the peak. It was hands down the most perilous hike we have ever attempted. Most of the time we were on all fours channeling our inner mountain goat.


*A first glimpse of Wineglass Bay


*Taking it in...


*"I think I am suffering from scenery overload!"


*"Yep - me too!"

*Postcard


*Heading back down

Day 7
Onwards to the Tasman Peninsula. Along the way we decided to stop at a wildlife conservation park!


*The Tasmanian Devil!


*Two devils fighting over the remains of the last tourist who got to close!


*Getting friendly with an Eastern Grey Kangaroo


*Not exactly Snoop but atleast he's friendly

After the park we decided to see some of Tasmania's history at Port Arthur.
Port Arthur began as a penal settlement in 1830 to function essentially as a timber camp. The settlement grew into a fully functioning society where the prisoner's essentialy manufactured and constructed everything the colony needed for survival. The Tasman peninsula was deemed the ideal location for a penal settlement as it was surrounded by 'shark infested' waters and there was only a thin strip of land connecting it to the rest of the island. This thin strip of land was easily guarded by the dog line - a row of savage dogs waiting to feast on escapees! At least that is what the tour guide said...


*Remanents of a church


*The prisoner's even maintained flower gardens

After a nice tour we decided to head to the famous sea cliffs for an evening hike.


*The start of the Waterfall Bluff hiking trail


*While hiking we were fortunate enough to catch a rainbow


*More breathtaking scenery


*The end of the trail


*View from Waterfall Bluff


*More scenery overload...

Day 8
This year we decided to ring this New Year in Tassie style and made are way to Hobart for the Taste of Tasmania festival. Additionally, the Sydney to Hobart yacht race had just finished so Hobart was in full swing.

*Entering the Taste Festival


*My attempt to shuck an Oyster!


* A little Tasmanian rock n'roll

Day 9
One more day of campervanning... I must admit at this point we are both a little tired of the mobile home. We decide to make the most of it and head West towards Mt. Field National Park.

*Another rainbow to start 2009!

Once arriving at Mt. Field we decide to go for a hike in the rainforest to see Russel Falls, Horshoe Falls and the Land of the Giants.


*Russel Falls


*Horseshoe Falls



*Land of the Giants

After a great day of hiking we headed back for our last night in the campervan. It only makes sense that snow was expected that evening so we were in for a bit of a chill. That night we ended up abandoning a beautiful campsite on the river so we could plug our van into a powered site. Thankfully this allowed us to turn on the heating unit as we could see are breath inside the van. We were really feeling for the tent based campers that evening as it rained buckets all night long. I mean buckets as it sounded like we had parked the campervan directly under Russel Falls!

Day 10
On are final day we headed back to Hobart for a clean shower and a warm bed. Unfortunately, this clean bed was located directly above a pub who's patrons were really having a great time with karaoke!


Take me to Melbourne as I am exhausted!

THE END

Cheers, John and Jama