Tha Original i30 Owners Club

GENERAL STUFF => CLUB MEETINGS & MEMBERS TRIPS => Topic started by: Surferdude on October 31, 2013, 09:42:03

Title: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on October 31, 2013, 09:42:03
We try to get away every year or two. So earlier this year we decided it was time to return to Tassie (last there in 1999).
Keen to see and experience as much as possible we allowed two weeks and put together an itinerary which Dazz thought was pretty full on.
At the end of the trip we had achieved everything on the list plus a few surprises - except to climb up The Nut. On the day we were there the gale force winds had even closed the chairlift.

We flew (with some misgivings) Jetstar into and out of Launceston. There were no problems and the staff were fine.
Armed with a Mitsubishi Outlander with just 4,400 klms on board we set off.
A quick look around Launceston and a trip up Cataract Gorge where my daughter and I set out from the park to walk the Zig Zag Track back to the main road and back in along the easier trail. Great walk and spectacular scenery.
Then we set off for Devonport, for a scheduled afternoon tea with Trish and Dazz at their place, then dinner at a local bistro where Dazz is a well recognised local.  :goodjob2:
The next morning we set off west through Burnie, Wynyard, Table Cape and Boat Harbour Beach to Stanley.

Did I mention the wind?  :scared:

This is a bit of natural art on a stump in Cataract Gorge.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CataractGorgenaturalart_zps8a5b0c7a.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/CataractGorgenaturalart_zps8a5b0c7a.jpg.html)

And a Peacock in the gorge, up near the tea rooms and the band rotunda. This one put on a show for me. Didn't have it's tail up until I got close (like 3' close). I also have footage of it doing this. Eventually it turns around and moons me.  :disapp:

BAD peacock.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CataractGorgePeacock1_zpsd754d006.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/CataractGorgePeacock1_zpsd754d006.jpg.html)

The lighthouse at Table Cape. The local tulip farm offered tours of the farm for some crazy price - like about $14 each. We settled for looking at all the blooming fields of tulips we passed.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/DSCF8869_zps93de913e.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/DSCF8869_zps93de913e.jpg.html)

Boat Harbour Beach.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/DSCF8884_zps0ede2979.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/DSCF8884_zps0ede2979.jpg.html)

Looking back the other way from Boat Harbour Beach at our Mitzi.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/DSCF8887_zpsfe826abe.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/DSCF8887_zpsfe826abe.jpg.html)

Stanley and "The Nut".
Those waves in the bay were rideable, too. With maybe 5 or 6 mm of neoprene, boots gloves and a hood.  :rolleyes:

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TheNutfromthewest_zps7c4d0869.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/TrevG27/media/Tasmania/TheNutfromthewest_zps7c4d0869.jpg.html)

While we were here, the rain started and followed us all the way back to Devonport and interfered with my photos from the lookout up above Burnie.

The next day was to be a big one. From Devonport to Cradle Mountain and some time there before winding (and I do mean winding) our way to Strahan via Zeehan, where we were booke dfor 2 nights and a Gordon River cruise.

But that's for the next instalment.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Phil №❶ on October 31, 2013, 09:51:28
Sounds like fun, Surferdude  :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: eye30 on October 31, 2013, 09:56:33
Quote from: Surferdude on October 31, 2013, 09:42:03
Then we set off for Devonport, for a scheduled afternoon tea with Trish and Dazz at their place, then dinner at a local bistro where Dazz is a well recognised local.  :goodjob2:



Great write up and thanks for sharing.

Now tell more about dazz and having to wear dark sunglasses to hide from his groupies
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Just Rick on October 31, 2013, 13:07:28
Great photo's bet you got plenty more  :goodjob2: :goodjob: keep em coming
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on October 31, 2013, 13:50:59
Thanks for sharing Trev. Not the best photo of boat harbour beach I've seen though. : undecided:

Being a first timer did Kiely like what she saw.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Ugly Mongrel on November 10, 2013, 06:12:29
Thanks for sharing, Trev.  :goodjob:

Did you take any photos of Daz's replies, or didn't you take the wide angled lens? :happydance:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on November 10, 2013, 06:51:46
Quote from: Ugly Mongrel on November 10, 2013, 06:12:29
Thanks for sharing, Trev.  :goodjob:

Did you take any photos of Daz's replies, or didn't you take the wide angled lens? :happydance:
:rofl:
I haven't had time to get back to this.
There's much more to tell and show, but I need another couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Doggie 1 on November 10, 2013, 09:22:04
I like show & tell.
You show me yours and....... :D
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on November 10, 2013, 09:29:06
 
Quote from: db08 on November 10, 2013, 09:22:04
I like show & tell.
You show me yours and....... :D
:scared: :faint:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 09:11:21
OK. PB seems to be behaving itself now (says he with his fingers crossed as more pics upload).
From Devonport after the second night we headed off for Cradle Mountain where we were greeted with snow. Kylie and I set off to walk around Dove Lake which is about 6klms. Took us a bit over 2½ hours in snow, hail, rain, sunshine, snow, hail, rain, sunshine rain. Absolutely spectacular scenery.
Wombats were common in the area. These were just inside the entry to the national park.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk2_zps62c55c39.jpg)
From there we drove pretty much through some of the wildest country to Strahan on the west coast and the jumping off spot for the Gordon River.

The start of the Dove Lake walk.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk7_zps7661864d.jpg)

Nature is the best artist.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk23_zps60dfcc03.jpg)

Cradle Mountain overlooking Dove Lake.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk72_zps82421cdc.jpg)

And an "unpolluted shot".

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk65_zpsfde288a9.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 09:23:41
This is Pencil Pines Falls within the park. Here in flood, unlike the benign flow on a calendar I received today  :goodjob:)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalkPencilPinesFalls2_zps6112da37.jpg)

Snow doesn't seem to worry the wombats. Taken from our car.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk75_zps6f24f25e.jpg)

A pano shot from three stitched pics.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMountainmerge1_zpsb14dc342.jpg)

These Qld registered Fords (Model Ts??) were in the car park of the shops in Strahan. Bet they didn't drive all the way down.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/VintageFordsinStrahan1_zpsd396ab08.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 09:40:48
Strahan is a wild, wild place on Macquarie Harbour which opens out directly into the Southern Ocean with nothing between it and the southern part of South America. Truly the land of the "Roaring Forties" and both times we've been there the winds have been gale force from the west.
This shot is through the front of the boat looking out through Hells Gates into the Southern Ocean.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordoncruiseHellsGates6_zpsfdf7d147.jpg)

Huon Pines grow VERY slowly and the timber is almost impervious to attack from insects or rot, making it greatly sought after in past centuries as boat building material.
This shot is taken through plexiglass so not as clear as I would like but you get the idea.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordoncruiseGordonRiver16_zpsec9fe2cd.jpg)

On Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour was a penal colony with an even more savage history than Port Arthur.
This is the remains of the solitary confinemet cells. Each was 6' long, a bit over 2' wide and 6' high. Sort of like being buried alive.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordoncruiseSarahIsland1_zpse979ec64.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 10:02:58
From Strahan we drove to Queenstown whose landscape is badly scarred by the copper mining as these pics show.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/QueenstownfromMtOwenlookout6_zps3897298d.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/QueenstownfromMtOwenlookout9_zps23c984d0.jpg)

Pretty much in the middle of the island is Lake St Clair, the bottom end of the national part  with Cradle Mountain at its top.
Still cold and windy. The lake depth changes dramatically with snow melt each year.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/LakeStClairforestlodgerangerstation6_zps0cd63598.jpg)

Aaannnd. for REAL cold and wind, I give you - Mount Wellington overlooking Hobart.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/MtWellingtonaboveHobart5_zpsa2207c9c.jpg)

Looking down on the Derwent River and the Tasman Bridge which collapsed in 1975 when hit by a bulk ore carrier. It's since been rebuilt but access is controlled by traffic lights which stop ALL traffic whenever a vessel approaches the bridge to pass underneath it. Which seems to be a bit of overkill to me but that's the way it was for the week we were in Hobart.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/MtWellingtonaboveHobart13_zps12141d06.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 10:04:01
Still to come......
Gordon Dam.
Shot Tower.
Penguins.
Seals.
Awesome cliffs.
and more...........................................
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 05, 2013, 11:21:01
 :Agoodpost: :cool!: :ta:

Strahan is lovely in the Summer.. Loved the Wombats.. Most of the ones I see are roadkill  :Pout:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Asterix on December 05, 2013, 18:11:43
 :ta:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Doggie 1 on December 06, 2013, 09:00:30
It's a long, long time since Debbie did Dallas.
So thank you for the Surferdude does Tasmania pics, Trev.  ;)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Phil №❶ on December 06, 2013, 09:40:17
Pretty sure Debbie, is dead. :(
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: beerman on December 06, 2013, 23:38:36
Looks like a nice summer down there  :whistler: 27 and sunny in Gods Country.....

Yesterday, it was 29 and beautifully clear, I got a new record on the newly improved solar 23.8 kw/h.

To think I used to struggle to crack 20.....What a difference 2 new panels can make.

Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: beerman on December 06, 2013, 23:39:59
Quote from: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 09:23:41



(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk75_zps6f24f25e.jpg)



You could have smiled Dazz  :evil: :happydance:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 07, 2013, 03:51:31
Quote from: beerman on December 06, 2013, 23:39:59
Quote from: Surferdude on December 05, 2013, 09:23:41



(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/CradleMtnDoveLakewalk75_zps6f24f25e.jpg)



You could have smiled Dazz  :evil: :happydance:

Quote from: beerman on December 06, 2013, 23:38:36
Looks like a nice summer down there  :whistler: 27 and sunny in Gods Country.....

 :TutTut: :argh: It was over a month ago Trev was down here.. Nice today (20+ and sunny) :victory:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: beerman on December 07, 2013, 04:54:17
You still could have smiled  :P

Snow in October???/  :Shocked: That's nearly as bad....
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 10:48:41
We stayed in Hobart for a few days and spent time radiating out from it. On one day we went south as far as Southport and through Cygnet. We visited the Shot Tower in the town where Princess Mary comes from. We saw th eShot Tower back in 1999. They used to build these towers about 50m high and carry lead up to the top where it was melted and  dribbled through a grid so the droplets fell into a tank of water at ground level. During the drop the lead would coalesce into a perfecly round ball - "shot" for muskets  etc..
Here's a couple of pics, one from the top looking down inside, one looking out onto the Derwent and one of the tower's shadow which is rather suggestive.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/ShotTowerTaroona4_zpsa9c90e62.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/ShotTowerTaroona5_zps4946669a.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/ShotTowerTaroona11_zpsfaaeb485.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 10:53:45
 :ta: Trev (haven't been up the shot tower)  :-[
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:01:19
We took a full day tour from Hobart to Port Arthur which included a 3 hour boat trip up the coast of the Tasman Peninsula before lunch, then Port Arthur in the afternoon.
For anyone with Foxtel and "History" channel, they are currently running an Australian version of "Coast" by Neil Oliver and one of the episodes will showcase this amazing area. If you are in the UK and a fan of Neil Oliver's work, watch out for this one. I'm sure it'll find its way onto your screens.
Anyway, some of the shots from the boat. The first one is of the new boats they have about to go into service, but ours didn't have side protection. We were open to the spray and wind which, while freezing, was a much better experience IMO. (But not my wife's.  :P)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartviews3_zps0648b01c.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews27_zpsad35a2fb.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews30_zps61ebc695.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews38_zps936b3741.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews73_zps02ad928b.jpg)

Rock climbers climb this pinnacle,

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews92_zps1ca1653a.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews103_zps23783237.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews106_zps8d51ca84.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/TasmanIslandcruiseviews147_zps9c99f061.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 11:03:33
 :Agoodpost: :cool!:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:06:47
I've been to Port Arthur before and it's like going to Canberra and the War Museum, if you are in Tassie, you should always go to Port Arthur.

One of my Goodyear colleagues was among the victims of Martin Bryant.
Andrew (AB) Mills, shown here on this memorial plaque.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/PortArthurviews66_zpsbe0dfe28.jpg)

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:07:28
Quote from: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 10:53:45
:ta: Trev (haven't been up the shot tower)  :-[
It's a long climb Dazz. I think about 300+ steps.  :faint:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 11:11:26
Quote from: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:07:28
Quote from: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 10:53:45
:ta: Trev (haven't been up the shot tower)  :-[
It's a long climb Dazz. I think about 300+ steps.  :faint:

I don't mind steps for exercise (but that is a lot!)

I didn't realise you lost a friend in the shooting  :confused: :disapp:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: rustynutz on December 12, 2013, 11:26:16
I remember trying to run up it years back.... :lol:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:27:14
Quote from: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 11:11:26
Quote from: Surferdude on December 12, 2013, 11:07:28
Quote from: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 10:53:45
:ta: Trev (haven't been up the shot tower)  :-[
It's a long climb Dazz. I think about 300+ steps.  :faint:

I don't mind steps for exercise (but that is a lot!)

I didn't realise you lost a friend in the shooting  :confused: :disapp:
He had left Goodyear by then and was living in Tasmania but he was a HR guy in our Sydney office. I met him a few times and still have some correspondence from him (including an aptitude appraisal).
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: eye30 on December 12, 2013, 12:59:05
Some great, i mean all, pics.

Thanks
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 12, 2013, 20:03:08
I just clicked on the spoiler for the Port Arthur pictures (at least it wasn't raining)

Nice pix and I really like the yellow cottage!  :goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Phil №❶ on December 12, 2013, 20:20:22
Great pics, Trev.  :goodjob2: :goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Lakes on December 12, 2013, 20:50:40
Great pic's Trev! And reading your detailed account of your ride in the open boat & freezing. i think i went on that trip last time i was in Tassie. but not to port A, went to Brunny Island got a tour boat from Hobart then we got into an open zodiac type boat with two or three outboards, they gave us these big wet weather ?? gear to put on. & it was freezing too. but great experience.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 00:20:38
Quote from: Lakes on December 12, 2013, 20:50:40
Great pic's Trev! And reading your detailed account of your ride in the open boat & freezing. i think i went on that trip last time i was in Tassie. but not to port A, went to Brunny Island got a tour boat from Hobart then we got into an open zodiac type boat with two or three outboards, they gave us these big wet weather ?? gear to put on. & it was freezing too. but great experience.
Sounds like the same mob John.
Incidentally, months ago when I first researched the trip, I found a tour group doing the Port Arthur and cruise thingy and bookmarked it. Then, a few weeks before we went I opened it up and tried to book but some of the website links didn't work. So I rang them. No answer. Apparently they'd gone out of business. Lucky I didn't book earlier.
It seems the Tasman Island Cruises, run by the Pennicott Group are the real deal and we loved everything about the day.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 04:57:42
On Day 8 we wandered around Hobart and Battery Point in the morning, then drove out to the Gordon Dam and Lake Pedder in the afternoon. Absolutely great day all round and anyone touring Tassie should make the time for the 5 hour round trip to the Gordon Dam when they are in Hobart.

A few from the Harbour, between Constitution Dock and Salamanca Marketplace.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartviews2_zps9f80c48e.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartviews5_zps59f016c1.jpg)

This one takes visitors up river to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art - an art gallery with a twist). Think it also does cruises on the Derwent.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartviews10_zps98506469.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 05:04:58
A walk around Battery Point is a must do, also.
Now if we could just remove the cars which park in front of the nice old houses.  :disapp:

Note the rose bushes.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/BatterPointviews1_zpsfa0db6ef.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/BatterPointviews9_zps3b398bb8.jpg)

A few more.

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 05:11:35
Lake Pedder and the Gordon Dam and power station

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/LakePedder5_zpsa30ebeed.jpg)

Our trusty steed for two weeks. Mitsubishi Outlander.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/LakePedder16_zps1f69823d.jpg)

You can abseil down the face of the Gordon Dam. Not this little black duck. :scared:

](http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordonDam8_zps1dd8d7c7.jpg)

The dam builders dug caves and tracks everywhere. This is on the opposite side of the dam gorge.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordonDam11_zps87e1f4ed.jpg)

](http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/GordonDammerge1_zps7cd3859e.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Phil №❶ on December 13, 2013, 05:17:37
Armchair travel,  :goodjob2: :goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: FatBoy on December 13, 2013, 08:23:14
Thanks Trev.  It looks like you had great weather!!  Sorry we couldn't catch up while you were down.
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 13, 2013, 08:30:03
Awesome thread Trev.. You got some nice photos  :goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 09:09:39
Quote from: Dazzler on December 13, 2013, 08:30:03
Awesome thread Trev.. You got some nice photos  :goodjob:
More to come............. :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 13, 2013, 10:23:32
One afternoon we rushed off to Richmond and spent about 3 hours there.

Historic Richmond Bridge views. Built using convict labour from 1823-25

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Richmondviews9_zps55d0146e.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Richmondviews16_zps64238b39.jpg)

And a pano view.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/RichmondBridgemerge2_zps38e85da0.jpg)

Richmond main street.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Richmondviews43_zps78de3257.jpg)

IIRC, this is the original council chambers.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Richmondviews31_zps7b39e52a.jpg)

And I elected myself chairman of the council.
Not sure I was supposed to sit here but I took a quick "selfie" while the lady attendant was in another room.
Note the halo. I think it suits me.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Richmondviews33_zpse8658dc7.jpg)

And a few more here.

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Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 13, 2013, 12:00:30
:goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 16, 2013, 02:33:21
We left Hobart and drove up the east coast via the Tasman Highway to Bicheno where we were checked in for two nights. This takes you through Sorrell, Orford and Swansea where we decided on morning tea. Swansea looks nice, overlooking the Great Oyster Bay on the other side of which is the Freycinet Peninsula which includes Coles Bay, Wineglass Bay and The Hazards.
But we tried  three places (one was closed) to get served. One had a woman behind the counter making coffees for the couple in front of us but she completely ignored us for about 3 or 4 minutes. No eye contact, no "Be with you shortly". Nada.
So we went over the road. Prices were literally exhorbitant and the cakes and things lookedmost unappetizing.
So we moved on. Just on the northern exit to Swansea was a roadhouse type place with a cafe/ restaurant attached and a museum called the Bark Mill Museum.
Top food, top prices, great coffee, plenty of room, lots of customers and excellent service.
The only saving grace for Swansea IMHO.
Glad we hadn't booked there for one night. :disapp:

So, on to Bicheno. What a beautiful spot. I think it just might be my favourite place in all of Tasmania. I honestly could live there.
It was early but we were able to check in to our cabin and go for a look around town. Got lunch from a cafe where the service was fine but with no personality. It was up for sale, too. Wonder why? Oh. And my Environmental Health Office daughter took great delight in pointing out to us all the things around the shop which would fail it in a council heath inspection.  :Shocked: Good burgers though and we took ourselves down to a park overlooking the bay to eat. I have to say, everywhere else in Bicheno and surrounds, from the Big 4 Van Park where we stayed to the East Coast Natureworld, to the Club where we had dinner and the small supermarket had great service and friendly people.

After lunch Kylie and I walked the coastal trail around the headland to the Governor island Marine Reserve and the old whaling station. Some pics from around the bay.

Our view while having lunch. Only the wind spoiled it.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenoscenesandwalk4_zpsb86f60b3.jpg)

More here

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Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 16, 2013, 03:13:37
The first night in the Bicheno cabin we were rudely awakened about 10.30 pm by this god-awful screeching and carrying on under and around the cabin. We sort of vaguly wonderd if they might be penguins but dismissed the idea. Turns out they were. Lady at the park said they come in every night an droost under the cabins. They carry on their noise on and off all night and head back to the ocean - across the highway - before dawn.
What a great experience.
So, the next day we drove back to Coles Bay and Kylie and I did the walk up to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Awesome scenery
Here are some more shots from the Freycinet Peninsula. Cape Tourville was a pleasant surprise. The turnoff was just before the Winegalss Bay car park so we drove up to see what was there. Well worth the 10 minutes each way.

This is looking back from Cape Tourville Lighthouse into Wineglass Bay (the tiny strip of white sand you can see in the distance).

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/FreycinetCapeTourville1_zps1194a12f.jpg)

Looking straight down from the Cape Tourville walkway.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/FreycinetCapeTourville6_zpsa598dcb8.jpg)

"The Nuggets" off Cape Tourville.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/FreycinetCapeTourville8_zps387883a8.jpg)

Cape Tourville Lighthouse.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/FreycinetCapeTourville11_zps928da5af.jpg)

Looking north from Cape Tourville.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/FreycinetCapeTourville18_zpsf086bdcf.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Phil №❶ on December 16, 2013, 04:17:54
Tas, is a very pretty state  :exclaim:

Good shots, surferdude. :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: rustynutz on December 16, 2013, 05:44:30
Bicheno has a "famous" mayor too...."The Frog" Bertrand Cadart.

Motorcycle enthusiasts might also remember him as "Clunk" from the movie Mad Max...

Bertrand Cadart speaks, Mad Max - YouTube (http://youtu.be/_JlDRGB-j3M)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 16, 2013, 06:52:47
I should have mentioned the Bicheno Motorcycle Museum, too.

Bicheno Motorcycle Museum - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mevunGCZShQ#ws)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Shambles on December 16, 2013, 08:36:48
Terrific photos. They serve well to reinforce my opinion that I live in and around a shithole. Thanks :P
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: AlanHo on December 16, 2013, 08:50:10
Quote from: Shambles on December 16, 2013, 08:36:48
Terrific photos. They serve well to reinforce my opinion that I live in and around a shithole. Thanks :P

There is good and bad almost everywhere - even Solihull has a rough area it was kindly given at the last boundary review.

My wife and her sister spent a couple of days in Manchester 2 weeks ago to visit the Christmas markets and take a look around the town. They were duly impressed with your civic buildings, the trams, the historic architecture,  the shopping in the city centre and much more. Much better than Birmingham which claims to be the second city - but really isn't - it is miles behind Manchester.  Not only that - you don't have to drive far to be in some glorious countryside.

So open your eyes man - you are lucky to live there........ :mrgreen:

 
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 17, 2013, 03:17:44
The afternoon saw us with plenty of time to visit the East Coast Wildlife Park just a few klms north of Bicheno.
They have an enourmous number of Australian fauna here, from wallabies to wombats to Tasmanian Devils, to a range of snakes and a massive, multi-section, walk through aviary. Also a kid's farmyard, emus, eagles and a good range of merchandise.

Spotted quoll - also known as the Tiger Quoll.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenowildlifepark3_zpsb077023d.jpg)

An albino peacock which wouldn't oblige with a fan tail display.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenowildlifepark47_zps1539a3be.jpg)

Mother and baby - baby wasn't too sure about this bloke with the camera.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenowildlifepark52_zps4734a3b8.jpg)

You don't want to get between these guys and their meal.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenowildlifepark85_zps5eb4da5a.jpg)
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 17, 2013, 03:40:35
Here's a few more from the wild life park.


Rosella

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Bichenowildlifepark23_zps5d04b000.jpg)

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Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 17, 2013, 08:52:27
Almost like being there! :goodjob:
Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Surferdude on December 21, 2013, 07:13:49
I only video'd the snake section so somehwere along the way I'll try to get around to uploading some vids.

So, after our second night in Bicheno, we hightailed it back to Hobart. This was brought about by the fact that, having flown into Launceston and due to leave from there to come home, we were unable to get to Hobart on the first Saturday of our trip. Which meant we were missing the Salamanca Markets. But a bit over two hours saw us back in Hobart for these on the second Saturday Details can be had here.   Salamanca Market | Hobart City Council, Tasmania (http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Hobart/Hobart_Events/Salamanca_Market)

We spent a few leisurely hours there and drove up the centre of the island to make Launceston about 3 pm. Not a big state is Tasmania.
We checked in to the cabin and drove up the western side of the Tamar Valley through Beaconsfield where, in 2006 a disaster in the gold mine made world news. A rock fall one kilometer underground killed one miner and trapped two others. The two week operation to locate them and  free them was "edge of the seat" stuff and during the operation, one of Australia's most experienced, senior  journalists, Richard Carleton died whilst covering the evnt.
Gold mining operations finished up there in 2012 but you can tour the facility.

Driving a bit further took us to Greens Beach Conservation Area from which you can see across to Low Head which is on the Eastern headland.
Beautiful area, the Tamar.

Pics follow.

Car show in Hobart in front of Parliament House.

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartcarshow2_zps49dba11f.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartcarshow6_zps15b42fc2.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartcarshow10_zps349c6242.jpg)

(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll46/TrevG27/Tasmania/Hobartcarshow12_zps43b999eb.jpg)

And more here......


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Title: Re: Surferdude does Tasmania
Post by: Dazzler on December 21, 2013, 07:38:53
Keep 'em coming Trev.. We were there when Richard Carleton collapsed with his heart attack. We were only a few metres away with my youngest daughter Nateah who would have been 8 or 9 y/o at the time.. so we quickly moved away.

I saw his face but his hair was much greyer than I imagined so I didn't realise who he was until later...

I made a video record of most of the major events of that two weeks (from TV bulletins etc..) and presented a copy to a lady that worked in the Head Office of the Tile shop I was managing at the time.. She was Todd Russell's Sister (one of the guys who was rescued after 2 weeks)

I got a special cap and a T-shirt for my trouble (which I ended up wearing out)  :-[

Not sure where they are now!
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