ellielovesem

Great next part!

Loved London Bridge, definitely the highlight for us. Did you see Loch Arg Gorge? That was fab too, definitely second best highlight.

Melbourne is a funny place, it redeemed itself a bit in my eyes as the previous time I visited it rained constantly whereas this time it was dry so that certainly helped. I agree that Sydney is better though, perhaps not so 'up itself' as Melbourne? The casino is better in Melbourne though!!

matthandy

A Tour Around Tasmania

I have to say that this was definitely the most enjoyable part of this entire tour. Tasmania is a spectacular place (don't let non-Tasmanian Australians put you off with their negative opinions!). As previously mentioned my friend had just taken a trip to Tasmania with her family. Knowing nothing about the place and trusting her I borrowed her itinerary and adjusted it to suit my needs. I was right to trust her and she picked out some amazing places to visit.

For those of you that don't know, Tasmania is a large island to the south east of Australia, almost directly south of Melbourne. It is a state in it's own right and is home to around half a million people which is more than the Northern Territory and the ACT.

Tasmania Route Map

My adventure started in the North of the Island in Launceston where I took a Jetstar flight from Sydney. I then drove to Cradle Mountain and spent the entire day there, staying over at the Pepper's Cradle Mountain Lodge before heading back to Launceston in the morning, exploring Cataract Gorge before driving to St Helens in the afternoon, staying at the Tidal Waters Resort. In the morning, I made my way up towards Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires area before driving down to Freycinet and then on to Hobart where I spent the night at the Hotel Grand Chancellor. I explored Hobart in the morning visiting the spectacular and unique Musuem of Old and New Art before driving to the airport, returning the car and flying back to Sydney. This journey would cover approximately 800 km and involve some 10-12 hours of driving.

Clearly, this is only the tip of the iceberg and my trip largely didn’t cover much of the east or far south of the state, however, in four days, what I did cover I enjoyed immensely.


The flight that I had chosen leaves rather early in the morning at 7.10 so I was up and on the train to the airport at about 5.30. This was like a repeat of my journeys to Adelaide which would leave from the same terminal (2) when flying Virgin.

It was still dark when we boarded but I was pleased to find myself as the second person on board and also on a new aircraft, an A320 with 'Sharklets'.

The flight wasn't busy and I ended up with both seats next to me free which was great. Nothing much to report in terms of the flight itself, very uneventful. We landed on time and disembarked onto the tarmac (no air bridges at Launceston). I then made my way to the Avis desk to collect my car. I'd booked a Hyundai i20 again but was offered an upgraded to a Ford Falcon V6 for a small amount per day (I think it was only about $15) which I accepted. I'm glad that I did as the car was great and having the extra power just made the journey a lot easier.

On board


Sharklets


Somewhere over the Bass Strait


Disembarking in Launceston


My car


Not too sure about the purple dials!

I hit the road, using Google maps to navigate my way to Cradle Mountain which would take just over two hours.

The roads inside the Cradle Mountain National Park are not easily accessible so for most visitors the best option is to park the car at the visitor centre and take the shuttle bus into the park itself. This is what I did. First stop was the 'Rainforest Walk' which was a short board walk into the forest before getting on the bus to head to Dove Lake.

Dove Lake itself is massive and the walk is long, over 2 hours/6 km. I must admit to making a huge mistake here. Whilst it wasn't too hot, the sun was still beating down and although I had packed sun tan cream I hadn't packed water. I totally underestimated the length and difficulty of the Dove Lake walk and by the end of it I was gasping for water. I was so desperate that I took a chance and drank from the lake. So, if there's anyone reading this that is planning to take do this walk, ensure that you bring plenty of water with you! Also bear in mind that one section is particularly steep.

Dove Lake itself is absolutely beautiful. It is nestled at the base of Cradle Mountain itself and at many of the points around the lake it's possible to get a great view of the mountain, from the water's edge. Bring your camera.

As the walk is circular, you have a choice of whether to go left or right to start. Having done the walk, I'd suggest going right from the car park to get the hilly parts out of the way first. I went left which initially was easy but then it got difficult towards the end, at the point that I was tiring and gasping for water.

On the way to Cradle Mountain


On the way to Cradle Mountain


The rainforest board walk


Dove Lake – viewed from the car park


The water's edge


Looking left


Let's go walking


Rainforest section at the base of Cradle Mountain


Rainforest section at the base of Cradle Mountain


Cradle Mountain


The famous Boatshed

After reaching the car park and practically clawing my way onto the bus I collected the car from drove across the road to the Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge where I had booked in for the night. Peppers resorts in Australia tend to be upmarket/high end and this was certainly at that level, taking into account that we were in the middle of a national park in Tasmania of course.

I'd booked a 'Pencil Pine Cabin', which was located away from the main building but was well furnished and perfectly comfortable. I unpacked and then made my way back to reception to book in for dinner. The restaurant on site gets very good reviews and I was worried that I might not be able to secure a table. I had to wait a while so decided to enjoy a glass of wine in the bar beforehand.

My cabin, bedroom and living area


The fire place


Looking back towards the entrance and the bathroom

Having wine by the fire in cosy surroundings reminded me very much of being back in the UK. In fact, it felt a bit like I was in an old style country hotel up in the Scottish highlands.

Once I was on my second glass it was time for me to take my table at the restaurant. I was met by a lovely waitress with an accent that I recognised, she was a Geordie. We had a good chat about being out in Australia and I told her that this was my farewell tour which she understood.

The food (and the prices) at the 'Highland Restaurant' were high end. I decided to go for the three course option and carried on with the lovely Pinot Noir that I'd been drinking. I must have been enjoying the wine too much as I didn't take a photo of the starter. For main I had the beef fillet followed by the lemon tart. The food was delicious and despite eating on my own, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Very full and slightly tipsy I headed back to my cabin and had a good night's rest.

The public lounge area, very comfortable


The cosy bar


Fillet of beef


Lemon tart

In the morning I got up and made my way back to the restaurant for breakfast which was included in the accommodation cost. There was a good buffet selection but some of the people there weren't to my tastes. Breakfast was very noisy and people were going mad at each buffet station as if they'd been told that this would be their last meal for three days.

After packing everything away I set off on the 2 hour drive back to Launceston. The first stop was Cataract Gorge. Unfortunately, the rain had set in though so it was a bit miserable outside but I had my sailing jacket with me so I soldiered on. Besides, being British, I was used to a bit of rain.

The gorge itself is definitely worth a visit and the cable car ride is a bit of a novelty too. Given the weather, it was very quiet, but I quite liked that.

After a nice, warming toasted sandwhich at the café, a wander over the bridge and a trip on the cable car I left the gorge and made my way to the National Automobile Museum of Tasmania which to be honest I found very disappointing. I was expecting something much larger but it's basically just a large shed with a collection of cars to look at. I can't really recommend it.

Cataract Gorge and the footbridge


Cataract Gorge


Cataract Gorge – Looking up the valley


The footbridge


The view from the cable car


The view from the cable car


Local wildlife


Local wildlife – cheeky peacock and her chick

After the disappointing museum I hit the road for a 2 hour drive to St Helens where I'd spend the night.

I arrived at the Tidal Wave Resort to find it very quiet. It wasn't quite what I had expected, but the staff were friendly and views from the main restaurant area were fantastic.

My room at Tidal Waters


The view from the restauran

My room was large, dated but clean and comfortable for the one night that I was due to stay. I settled into my room and then went to the bar/restaurant for dinner. The food was good but not to the same standard as Peppers but then it would be unfair to expect that. I did however have an enjoyable meal.

In the morning I had some breakfast, sitting by the window overlooking the water and then checked out and headed north towards Binalong Bay and the 'Bay of Fires'. Curious to know exactly what this meant I wasn't at all prepared for what I found……

Up Next



A trip down a simply magnificent, unique and beautiful coastline. Back to civilisation in the city of Hobart with a visit to a museum that is truly one of a kind.

Crampedin13A

Very enjoyable read. I've always wondered if I moved back to the U.K. from Canada whether doing a farewell tour would be a good idea. I'd be afraid of perhaps having second thoughts.

vbh812

While in Australia, I haven't travelled outside of the large cities and understand that I have overlooked a large and highlt significant part of the country. I hope to visit someday on a leisurely trip and take in some of the sights and sounds described here.

Thank you for a wonderful TR ...nothing but the best from matthandy!

adampenrith

[QUOTE=Moomba;24241314]Spoken like a true Sydneysider

I've heard it said Sydney is a place to visit Melbourne is a place to live. Having not lived in Sydney I couldn't confirm or deny.

As someone who has lived in both cities, Melbourne wins hands down for livability.

Sydney is stunning with the harbour and beaches, but as someone who lives and works in the burbs - Sydney is hard to get around, the traffic is a nightmare, the public transport is next to useless unless you live on a direct train line or in the inner city, and there are no nice shopping streets, its all malls and not much else.

Melbourne however is great, the burbs have character - yes the bay and river is not nearly as appealing - but the transport is good - the traffic is good sometimes, lots of awesome shopping streets - awesome food and coffee.

We are planning to retire to MEL its that good

Genius1

I haven't read much about Tasmania before, so it was interesting to read your thoughts matthandy. It's certainly very picturesque! I must try and visit when I next visit Australia.

OttoMH

Another fantastic TR, matthandy!

krazykanuck

So...remarkably like a flight in economy on a North American airline.

Bretteee

The beaches look beautiful but with all the sharks and jelly fish etc I would be too scared to go for a swim.

worldtraveller73

Absolutely beautiful images. The twelve Apostles are on the list for sure now!!

eightblack

Love it as usual - simply brilliant images and great writing. I continue to be humbled by the quality of your photos.

Full disclosure though - I am a Melbourne boy so you can bang on all you want about the virtues of living in Sydney (I lived there for a couple of years). Terrible place. Nary a dim sim to be found in the place, Tooheys tastes like it has been filtered though an old mans underpants and their version of excitement is when 11,000 people show up to watch something called Rugby.

I recently did MEL-LHR on QF F (via the Sand Pit) and thoroughly enjoyed it. You will have a great time.

Looking forward to the rest. Hurry. Quicker.

Seat 2A

Beautifully photographed and nicely written, Mr. Handy. Even a perpetually angry trip reporter like myself had to stifle a smile as I looked over the beautiful visages, especially those from Tasmania, my favorite island anywhere in the world. I look forward to reading of your Qantas flight back to London. ^^

serfty

Thoroughly enjoying the report.As a FTer and a BAEC Gold I am surprised you appear not to have used the MEL Qantas Domestic Business Lounge before your Qantas flight back to SYD.

(No real harm if so, just somewhat different decor and a generally better quality of catering [food and beverage], but I suspect you know that.)

Jailer

Abfab

Genius1

That's assuming matthandy was Gold at the time of travel