The Tasman Peninsula

The three days we spent on the Tasman Peninsula were wonderful. We indulged ourselves with more relaxed tourist outings, including some more alcohol tourism, and fewer hard core hikes. I think that we're still exhausted from climbing Mt. Amos First up were visits to a triumverate of amazing rock formations: the Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen and Remarkable Cave. After that it was off to gin tasting at McHenry's Distillery. Day 2 was spent at Port Arthur reflecting on theories about crime and punishment, while enjoying the photographic opportunities afforded by decaying buildings set in a beautiful landscape. On the third day we hiked to Cape Raoul and its organ pipe like rock structures. No land between the Cape and Antarctica. It was a reasonably hard walk because there was quite a bit of climbing at the start of the walk, although the track has been beautifully maintained. A lot of effort seems to be put into maintaining the tracks on the most propular day walks in Tasmania's national parks. It is very impressive but quite a contrast to walking over tree roots and down creek beds on the Overland Track. We think they have got the balance right though. Really make the day walks very accessible, while retaining the Overland Track as a more rugged, wilderness experience.

White Beach

Looking across towards Nubeena

Blow Hole

Devil's Kitchen

Port Arthur Penal Colony

Prisoners were punished with severe isolation; even the church stalls kept prisoners completely isolated

The Cape Raoul walk

At the end of this promentory you can see a white patch at the base of the stone. The photo below zooms in to reveal seals sunning themselves.

Stumpy Bay to Freycinet

After the Overland Track and Christmas with family at Beauty Point, we headed off on our trip around Tasmania with the camper trailer. First up for 3 days was Stumpy Bay in the Mount William National Park in the very north east of Tassie. We camped at a beautiful and serene camping ground beside the beach. From there we journeyed south down to Douglas River, which we used as a base to explore the Freycinet Peninsula. We stayed on some farmer's land right next to the beach with about a million other people; many of whom seem to have been camping here over Xmas for 45 years. Despite all the people, it was in a lovely bush setting and was amazingly quiet even though our stay included NYE. The camping sites were unmarked and the instructions from the grumpy farmer were incomprehensible, so it was left up to us to find a spot with the help of a couple of friendly neighbouring campers.

Nestled amongst the she oaks at Stumpy Bay No.4 in Mount William NP

You can see the Furneaux Group of islands off the coast

A Bennetts Wallaby

Kookaburras are not native to Tasmania, but have found their place over the last 120 years

The intricate fibres of a felled she oak tree exposed

I love the contrast in detail between these 2 different types of yellow Banksia flowers

There were very few of these grass plants in full bloom; in the image below a bee is making the most of it

Camping at Douglas River was different

A gruelling climb (and descent) of Mt Amos yielded the most amazing views of Wineglass Bay and beyond

Hazards Lagoon

Promise Bay

Enjoying a tasting at Craigie Knowe vineyard