More on our Tasmanian Adventures

From Hobart we traveled to Waterloo, in the Huon Valley, where we stayed with Paul and Samantha Verne (and their children, Evelyn, Samuel, Thomas, Lucy and Grace). This was also a lovely time!Sara enjoyed the attention lavished on her by all the children, although overwhelmed a little at times. While there we did the Tahune Air walk (a walk through the tree tops), had a look at the Hartz national park’s gorgeous and very different alpine scenery and foliage, and took a trip down to Cockle Creek (the most southern part) as well as making time for a couple of other short walks along the way. We also spent time just relaxing and catching up as well as learning more about apples at an orchard nearby. David also took the opportunity to try his hand at wood turning, making a beautiful bowl out of Tasmanian Blackwood!

From here we traveled to Lake St Claire National Park, where we spent a VERY cold night! The next morning we did a lovely walk in the park, which boasts Australia’s deepest lake.

In the afternoon we drove along the very beautiful, but steep road towards Queenstown. Being unimpressed on arrival in Queenstown, we decided to press on towards Strahn, which was just lovely.

The next morning we had a nice drive around Maquarie Heads, before church (at 2pm). On the beach we were sad to see two decomposing whale carcases, but the views of the ocean and cute lighthouses was beautiful!

At church we were welcomed very warmly, by the little Anglican congregation. Sara was a particular hit with all the elderly ladies there! In the evening we attended a play in the town that comically portrayed the true story of a convict escape from Sarah Island. It was excellent; Dave even played a role in it, which he did very well. Sara waved at him from her seat and clapped at his funny hat!

On the Monday morning we got up early and had breakfast out (yum!) before going on a cruise of the harbour. It included a very interesting tour of Sarah Island (old convict prison), a great walk in the rain forest at Heritage Landing where we learnt more about various Tasmanian trees, in particular Huon pine and finished off at a Timber yard, where we learnt more. We also saw and learnt about some Atlantic Salmon fish farms, learnt interesting facts about the harbour and watched a large pod of dolphins, including a baby frolicking together. It was a lovely day!

The next morning we headed north towards Devonport. We took in a look at Wynyard and both Table Cape and Sister’s beach near Rocky Cape.

Having fun at Sister's Beach

We had planned to stay in a little (free) campsite in a town outside of Devonport, but after we eventually got ourselves un-lost, we decided not to stay there as we could see some sort of fire in the forest all around. We decided to head for a caravan park on the map, in another town, which turn out to be very out of the way, on our arrival there we were told that unfortunately they only did cabin accommodation over the non-peak season. Arghhh! By this time it was about 6.30 and very dark out and Sara was getting hungry and grumpy. We ended up having a quick meal at McDonald's, before pulling into a local caravan park, where we could finally set up and head for bed. Our last night in Tasmania - What a drama!

Well I am really sorry but I have to go now, so I will leave you there!

Love you lots and will see you all really soon!

Dave, Ingrid and Sara