My Tasmanian Adventure (Part 2)

On a early Thursday morning 8 March, we packed our bags and headed towards Devonport, our next destination –  but not without a few pit stops along the way.  My favourite was the Wicked Cheese Company in Richmond, Tasmania. A well-stocked shop with an array of cheeses, chocolates and wines, we had a coffee and a piece of cake for breakfast at the cafe. It was also fun to see the company’s sense of humour on display.

A little cheesy, but I like it!

A popular local spot in Launceston beckoned us as we drove towards Devonport -Cataract Gorge, a river gorge found at the lower section of the South Esk River. Home to the world’s longest single span chairlift, a suspension bridge, walking trails and more, it wasn’t as appealing for us as we thought it would be – except for the scenery.

Gorgeous views saved the day at Cataract Gorge

After a quick lunch at the Basin Cafe, we headed back to our next “home”, an Air B&B at Devonport, an hour’s drive away. Our host John, who gave us tips on places to see close by, stressed the importance of going to Cradle Mountain, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. We took his advice and headed for the world-famous Mountain – and I’m happy that we did.

Like the rest of  Tasmania, the drive was picturesque, albeit the curvy roads. We passed by small, quiet towns and gorgeous views courtesy of Mother Nature. One and a half hours later, we reached the visitor’s centre, where we took a shuttle bus to explore its attractions such as Dove Lake and Marion’s Lookout Walk.  There is plenty to do at Cradle Mountain and all in the Great Outdoors like the Devils@Cradle, a refuge for Tasmanian devils, hiking and walking tours of various lengths and levels. Best to keep a day free for the lovely mountain, but if you are short of time like us, I would recommend short walks at Dover Circuit overlooking the Dover Lake and St Clair Lake.

At St Clair Lake after a 10 minute walk, taking in the beautiful view and fresh air

We also went to another of John’s recommendations – the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse. A red and white lighthouse, it was built at the end of the 19th century was converted to electric power in 1920. Admittedly, the lighthouse doesn’t have much to offer accept a beautiful view, which are aplenty around the state. Devonport is also where the Spirit of Tasmania departs for the mainland in Port Melbourne, Victoria – which we took on a sunny Saturday, marking the end of our Tasmanian tour.

In hindsight, maybe if we had planned our trip a little better,  we may not have needed to miss out of things like Bruny Island and the famous Salamanca market. Still, I wouldn’t have changed our go-with-the-flow itinerary for anything else in the world. Tasmania is a photographer’s dream come true, a nature lover’s paradise and a beautiful discovery for me.

*All photos taken on my iPhone6.

 

My Tasmanian Adventure (Part 1)

A sunny, autumn day in Hobart, Tasmania

“Once a year go someplace you have never been.”

Was it really the Dalai Lama who said this? Or was it just a  travel-obsessed individual who invented the saying just to have a reason to visit a new place every year? My bet is on the latter – and after my recent Tasmania visit, I’m the biggest fan of the popular quote.

With Australia taking a permanent place in my heart since 2006 (after living there for 4 years), I’ve had my share of Aussie getaways. Melbourne my second home, with its 4-seasons in a day weather and lovely coffee is a place I’m familiar with. Sydney, with its spectacular cityscape, the Harbour Bridge and Opera House is a wonderful sight. Australia’s capital Canberra, though I admit, is not my kind of place, and one day was more than enough for me. Perth certainly has its charms but it was Brisbane’s casual but cool demeanour pleasantly surprised me.

Tasmania was new territory for me. So when my friend Salina suggested it, I jumped at the chance to explore a new Australian state.  Armed with a five-day plan, our initial research included Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. However, thanks to work and other commitments, we didn’t end up creating the ideal itinerary,, but instead, decided to wing-it for most parts.

And wing it we did!

After getting our car from the Hobart airport, it was too early to check in to our Air B&B at Sandy Bay, so we looked at the map and decided to see what the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens had to offer. A good spot for nature lovers, it was also the right place for Salina, Martini and I to decide on the plan for the next few days.

Picturesque view from our “home” in Sandy Bay

Port Arthur was first on the list. After getting settled in our ‘home’ for next 3 days, we headed to the 19th-century penal settlement situated on the Tasman Peninsula.  The long drive was picturesque and we took a pit stops along the way to check out the views and lunch (fried seafood and chips) before we finally  reached the historical site. With a few things to do, including going on a ferry ride, my recommended activity-to -do would be the guided tour of the place -and if you’re lucky you’ll get the entertaining-Liz, who gave us lots of interesting information about the place and lots of laughs too.

Liz, the best tour guide I’ve met so far, at the historical Port Arthur

The next day, we decided to “conquer” Mount Wellington, the summit of the Wellington Range. About 30 minutes away from Hobart, the drive seemed windy and long, but the reward that waited for us at the peak of kunanyi (it’s official name) was truly worth it. I felt like I was above the clouds (well, almost).

Above the clouds at Mount Wellington

After getting over the natural high, we went back to the city centre, with the idea of discovering Tasmania, past and present. We got more than we sought at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.  While waiting for the free tour to start outside the museum, we discovered the Settlement Secrets, an entertaining and educating experience that spotlights the history of Tasmania through a one-man show of prominent personalities in its history.

We ended our last night in Hobart at Salamanca Place, a row of studios, pubs, restaurants, cafes, galleries housed in historical buildings. It is also the spot where the famous Salamanca Market happens every Saturday, which unfortunately we missed.

Coming soon…the adventure continues in Part 2.

*All photos taken on my iPhone6.