Author: Alison

From Sorell we drove up the Tasmin Highway north along the east coast. Although a major road it was interesting when towing a large caravan! Paul did a great job. Accommodation is a bit hit and miss as we approach the Australia Day long weekend but we lucked out with Bicheno. A lovely little town with loads to do and great access to the Freycinet National Park which is the main reason for the destination.

On arrival we walked along the Bicheno foreshore path which included a blow hole as well as rocky path to follow. The following day (23/01) we had much needed rain in the morning but in the afternoon the skies cleared and we walked up the two lookouts in Bicheno – great views.

Today we got up early and drove to the Freycinet National Park which did not disappoint. We walked up to the Wineglass Bay lookout but decided not to walk down and back up the 1000 steps to the beach! Instead we drove back stopping at Honeymoon Bay, Cape Tourville Lighthouse, Sleepy Bay, Coles Bay and Friendly Beaches. A full day!

Tomorrow we are heading further up the east coast to St Helens where we hope to find a free camp and leave the van to visit Bay of Fires. We unfortunately mistimed the Bay of Fires – it will be full due to the long weekend. A day trip will have to suffice as we want to go into Launceston before heading to the northeast of Tasmania. Too much to see and do in Tasmania even with 5 weeks!

We drove from Hobart to Sorell for 2 nights to allow easier access for a day trip to Port Arthur. Our day started in rain which cleared by the time we arrived at Port Arthur; the sun even came out and the temperature rose to 20c!

Port Arthur totally exceeded our expectations in terms of scale, historical significance, scenic beauty and poignancy (both in terms of the convicts suffering and the 1996 massacre).

If you are ever in Tasmania, Port Arthur is a must. Your ticket includes a 45 minute introductory tour and a 30 minute catamaran tour. Both were fabulous and gave a good insight to allow further exploration later in the day. We thought that the introductory tour starting with recognition of both the aboriginal past custodians and the 1996 massacre was particularly well done.

After the very informative included tours we walked around the grounds visiting most of the remaining buildings. Unfortunately when the settlement closed in 1877 many buildings were dismantled and some destroyed in a bush fire earlier. However, the remaining buildings provide enough of an insight into understanding the harsh reality of the site. The visit is definitely a highlight of our trip so far.

On our way back to Sorell we stopped at Pirates Bay and although we did not see any pirates (Paul’s joke) the bay was amazing. It had white sandy beach, high cliffs, a blow hole one end and a tessellated pavement the other.

All in all a fabulous day. Tomorrow we start heading north to Bicheno for 3 nights by the sea.

Love Hobart! We have both enjoyed our short stay here (even if our caravan site was not picturesque).

It was an easy 45 minute trip from Huon Valley to the Hobart Showgrounds. We picked the Hobart Showgrounds for convenience being a 15 minute bus ride into the CBD.

In the morning we traveled around Hobart on the hop on / hop off bus which covered the top attractions: Brooke Street Pier, Salamanca Place, Battery Point, Wrest Point Casino, Cascade Brewery and Botanical Gardens to name a few.

After the bus we needed warming up so headed over to the Brooke Street Pier on the River Derwent to catch the catamaran to MONA. MONA was the Hobart highlight for us even though neither of us are into modern art! The museum was the vision of a Tasmanian millionaire who built it on his vineyard on the banks of the River Derwent. The museum is underground which gives you a strange feeling when viewing the art. Above ground there are gardens, sculptures, an open air stage, wine tasting, restaurants and bars.

We splashed out on a fabulous lunch followed by ice cream on the lawn listening to live music. We could have stayed longer but needed to get the catamaran back (also the live music changed from fabulous jazz to a duo that sounded like tuning a violin and strangling a cat – I kid you not!).

The next day was Saturday so we got up early to get to the Salamanca Markets. You have to be up for crowds so not for everyone but great to savour Tasmanian food: scallop pie, scallop and bacon sandwich, cherries, hazlenuts, cheese and chocolate. Not all eaten yet – looking forward to the scallop pie tonight!

Today was again an early start to drive up to Mt Wellington. Amazing road, narrow with lots of hairpin bends and vertical drops. I can see why a cable car has been proposed. Although Mt Wellington was not shrouded in clouds (a common occurrence) the view was hazy but it still gives a sense of the size of the harbour.

On the way back we stopped for a bush walk along which we encountered a wallaby and an echidna (rear only!).

We depart tomorrow morning (Monday January 20th) for a short drive to a free camp at Sorell for 2 nights. Sorell allows us a shorter drive to Port Arthur which is our next tourist destination.

We’ve arrived! Unbelievably there is some smoke but it still feels fresh and looks green after NSW and VIC. We are both relieved and excited to be visiting Tasmania.

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