Arthur River Cruise

24th - 26th February 2017

We booked on the Arthur River Cruise leaving at 10am.  It was a 5 hour cruise up the river including a lovely BBQ lunch.  The commentary was very interesting, learning about the flora and fauna of the area and also some of the history. It was a great trip.

Arthur River

Sea Eagles

Interesting fungi

BBQ Camp kitchen, notice the large wine selection!!

We got back at 3pm and took off in the van heading for Julius River Forest reserve in the Tarkine region.  We had the campsite to ourselves.  Stunning rainforest with babbling creek running beside the van.  It was a great place for happy hour.

Next morning we got up early and did the short 30 minute walk along the creek, past giant tree ferns.  After breakfast we took off on the hour circuit walk through ancient forest. It was quite magical with moss covered logs and numerous varieties of fungi.  It was so nice to be able to experience such a pristine wilderness.

We hit the road again after our walk heading north to Smithton then turning south at Wynyard.  Arrived into Waratah late afternoon and found a site overlooking the lake at the caravan park.  Lots of ducks and the odd platypus kept us amused. 

Waratah waterfall

The wild west coast ..... Arthur River

23rd February 2017

Left Stanley this morning heading west through Smithton, arriving into Arthur River mid morning.  We are camped next to the rangers station in Arthur River. Unbelievably there is full optus phone reception here.  We visited the Edge of the World lookout at the mouth of the Arthur River, the coast line is very rugged and wild.

Edge of the World, mouth of the Arthur River

Further up the coast we visited the Bluff Point Lighthouse.  We had a great walk down through the sand dunes to the waters edge.  The craggy rocks and hidden coves were amazing.  The ground was covered with thick succulent growth. 

Stanley and "The Nut"

22nd February 2017

Sadly left Boat Harbour Beach this morning and moved on to Stanley.  Booked into the Stanley Caravan Park for the night so we could catch up with our laundry.  It's a nice day but the wind is howling.  After lunch we did the tourist drive around the area then up to the Nut for a walk.  After checking out the path up I wimped out and took the chairlift up.  430m straight up, almost vertical!  Ferg walked up but nearly blew a kafooffa valve by the time he reached the top!  

Stanley and The Nut

No Thanks!

The 2km walk around the top of the Nut was good.  Fantastic views from all the lookouts.  We saw several Paddymelons sheltering under the trees.

Heading off to the west coast tomorrow morning.  No phone or internet for awhile!!

Boat Harbour Beach

20th - 21st February 2017

Leaving Penguin we drove west along the beautiful north coast of Tassie through Burnie and Wynyard.  We arrived mid morning into Boat Harbour Beach and snagged one of the best spots in the free camp.  Once again overlooking the water.  The beach here has the most stunning white sand I've ever seen.  Has to be as good as Lucky Bay (WA) or Whitehaven (Qld).

Boat Harbour Beach free camp

Boat Harbour Beach

We took a lovely scenic drive back into Wynyard via Table Cape, the views were stunning.

Looking towards Boat Harbour Beach

Our second day dawned with a magnificent sunrise.  We stayed put all day just enjoying the views and walks along the amazing beach.

Juvenile Pacific Gull

Beautiful Penguin

17th - 19th February 2017

Leaving Ulverstone we drove 20 minutes up the road to Penguin and found a lovely free camp right on the beach.  It was so lovely to hear the sound of gentle waves rolling in.  As an added bonus we saw penguins roosting in the trees behind us.

Penguin free camp

June and Bill joined us for a day out.  We drove inland to Ferndene State Reserve and had a lovely walk in the rainforest with giant Man Ferns (tree ferns in Tassie!).  It was a lovely day out.

On our last day we played bowls at South Burnie Bowls Club.  We won the day and came home with the booty.  

In Ulverstone with the gang

12th - 16th February 2017

Travelling west from Myrtle Park, through Launceston, in convoy with the Grubbs.  We stopped in Deloraine for a cuppa beside the river, then onwards to Ulverstone.

Deloraine

We met up with all the gang staying at the Big 4 CP.  The wind was blowing a gale for a couple of days.  Ferg and I took off to do some site seeing, visiting Leven Gorge and Preston Falls.

Leven Gorge

Preston Falls

We drove home via Penguin and stopped for lunch on the waterfront.

Penguin foreshore

We visited the Don River Railway in Devonport.  Had a 30 minute ride on one of the old trains which unfortunately derailed about 200m from the platform on our way back.  The driver said it had never happened in the 15 years of driving the train.  That's the Ferg factor!!

We enjoyed some great happy hours with the Hobart gang.  Especially nice sitting around Bill's fire in the evening.

We had a great game of bowls with everyone, joining in the Wednesday night corporate barefoot bowls game.  Also spent a morning playing Ten Pin bowls in Devonport.  We are heading off tomorrow to find a free camp up the road at Penguin for a couple of days.