Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Beaches’ Category

Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania

by Roger Findlay

If you asked me to name ten things that attract me to Tasmania as a holiday-maker I would come up with the following:

1. Beauty of the island, breath-taking scenery and clean air.
   

   The breath-taking scenery and clean country air of Tasmania

2. Temperature and climate, most suitable for a Pommy!
3. Unspoilt places.  Slow to exploit tourism through changes.
   

   The pristine wilderness, another Tasmanian attraction high on Roger's top ten

4. Sailing on the Spirit of Tasmania.  It’s a great experience every time.
5. Salamanca Market and any farmers market that we find along the way.
6. Food: especially seafood, cheese and beef.
   

   Roger enjoys the Tasmanian produce, including seafood, cheese and beef.

7. Pubs: Knopwoods, Shippies and the Royal Oak.  Gunners Arms – R.I.P.
8. Fish punts, Tassal and the Wursthaus.
9. Walking on the deserted beaches.  Douglas River springs to mind.
   

   Beaches make Roger's list of top ten attractions for holiday-makers in Tasmania

10. People we’ve met and friends we’ve made…
    The Madsden family, Patricia, Eddie & Dulcie, to name a few.

That’s ten things that attract me to Tasmania but there are so many more.

People often ask me why I choose to travel and holiday in Tasmania so much.  They often ask whether I get tired of visiting the same place year after year.  My answer is always the same; but I don’t have to change my lifestyle to suit them or anyone else.

I must confess that in recent weeks, I have been toying with the idea of a first visit to New Zealand.  I’m sure it is a very beautiful country with the South Island being exceptional, but for now I have unfinished business in Tasmania so NZ will have to wait until I retire in a few years’ time.

I first visited Tasmania in the mid 80’s.  I was chasing a job at the ACL plant in Launceston but it didn’t lead to anything except a brief look at the island.  The drive north and then down the east coast to Hobart convinced me that this was the place for me and I’ve been obsessed ever since.

Beware: Sub-Standard Accommodation

There is only one criticism that I have to make and that is the rapidly increasing price of accommodation.  Some of it is mediocre and we have found a few of our hosts unsuited to the hospitality industry.

Beware!  Don’t be fooled by some of the places you find on the internet.  The photos and write-ups published by the owners themselves can make the accommodation look most attractive; when in reality it can be well below expectation.  If you do get caught out, don’t put up with it.  Let the owner know of your objections and demand a refund.  Then take your business elsewhere.

Rustic accommodation! Beware the tourist of the internet booking...

Beware Tasmania!  Don’t price yourself out of the market.  It is a fact that I can holiday in Vietnam or Thailand cheaper than Tasmania but that’s not for me.  However, when it comes to the decision of others, the attraction of a cheap overseas holiday may be their choice.

To attract the tourist keep the price reasonable, ensure good quality and make it so that the visitor wants to return.

Photos that accompany Roger’s article titled
Ten Things That Attract Me to Tasmania
have been taken by Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos.

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Ulverstone in the Spotlight

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

With a population of around 12,000, the town of Ulverstone on the North West Coast of Tasmania still retains that small town feel.  It is located between the larger cities of Burnie and Devonport and is situated on the mouth of the beautiful Leven River.  With gorgeous beaches right on its doorstep, Ulverstone is an ideal place to live or visit.  It is under the municipality of the Central Coast Council, which also encompasses the towns of Penguin, Turners Beach, Leith, Gawler and Forth.

Ulverstone, located on the north west coast between Burnie and Devonport

Living or Staying in Ulverstone

Ulverstone has all the amenities you’re likely to need:  four primary schools, one high school plus a school that caters for K to Year 12.  You will also find all professional services such as doctors, dentists, and optometrists, solicitors, etc.  If you are looking for accommodation there are four motels and two hotels catering for guests, as well as two caravan parks.  Other great accommodation options are Ulverstone River Retreat, Winterbrook B&B, Boscobel Of Ulverstone B&B, Westella House and Moonlight Bay B&B.

The main street shopping precinct of Ulverstone in the north west of Tasmania

Shopping and Eating

If you feel the need to shop there’s Coles, Woolworths and IGA for those grocery items.  Then there are the various gift and craft shops packed full of great bits and pieces and a great array of Tasmanian wares.  If you love looking at antique shops Ulverstone has four fabulous antique shops full of old and interesting objects.

Eating out in Ulverstone is a treat with numerous places to dine, all with great menu options.  Enjoy the seafood and the views across the Leven River at Pedro’s Restaurant, drop in to Lancaster House for coffee, wine and fine food or try one of Deli Central’s tantalizing dishes while checking out their exciting selection of food and gifts.  The Bass & Flinders Motel and the Beachway Motel both have restaurants and you will also find a number of cafes and bakeries in town as well.  So there’s no excuse for not easing those hunger pains while visiting.

Ulverstone Beach

Time to relax on Ulverstone’s beautiful long sandy beach and watch the blue waters of Bass Strait roll in and out.  This is a great beach for walking along and there are plenty of areas to park the car.  Ulverstone has a great Visitor Information Centre located in Alexandra Road, which is open 7 days a week.  Here you will find all the information you need about things to see and do in and around Ulverstone and surrounding areas.

The magnificent sandy beaches of the Ulverstone region, perfect for relaxing

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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Map: Ulverstone Tasmania…

Narawntapu National Park

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Narawntapu National Park, a large 4349-hectare park, is located in the north west region of Tasmania.  It’s boundaries stretch from Bakers Point, across the Rubicon River from Port Sorell, to Pebbly Beach just north of Greens Beach at the entrance of the Tamar River.  It was first declared a National Park in 1976 and has beautiful long sandy beaches, freshwater lagoons and a sandstone range increasing to 392 metres at the highest point.

Sand for miles and rock pools to explore: Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania

Bakers Beach, Narawntapu National Park, north west coast of Tasmania

Flora & Fauna; Birds & Bushwalking

There’s a visitor centre on site providing all the information needed about the park and payment of entry fees.  There’s also displays of the wildlife and plant life found within the park…  Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, Tasmanian pademelons and wombats.  For the bird fancier there are many species to be found around the wetlands area.

There are numerous walks you can take to view the wide variety of wildlife; from one hour right up to nine hours in duration.  Whatever your fitness level you are sure to find one just right for you, and if you’d like to be informed along the way there are ranger-led walks as well.

Oyster Catchers on the beach in the Narawntapu National Park, Tasmania

Camping & Fishing; Swimming & Horse Riding

Narawntapu National Park is popular with locals and visitors alike for camping, picnics, fishing, swimming, hiking and horse riding.  You can come for the day or stay for longer and bring your caravan or camping gear.  Toilets are located in each camping ground, and token operated hot showers are available at the powered sites near the visitor centre.

There are picnic areas dotted around the park and a boat ramp is provided at Bakers Point.  A section of Springlawn Beach is set aside for water skiing between 1st November and 30th April.

Horse riding along the beach on the north west coast of Tasmania... divine!

Getting There…

Narawntapu National Park is easily accessed from Frankford Road (B71).  There is a bitumen road into the park as far as the visitor centre and from there to Bakers Beach, Griffiths Point and Bakers Point there are good dirt roads that are suitable for 2 wheel drive vehicles.

For more information about Narawntapu National Park visit the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website or phone (03) 62486277.

Vast expanses of sandy beaches, and interesting things to do in Tasmania

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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Map: Narawntapu National Park Tasmania…

Bruny Island: An Introduction

by Roger Findlay

The isthmus joining north and south Bruny Island

Bruny Island Ferry: Kettering

Bruny Island can be accessed by regular ferry service from Kettering in the Huon Valley region.  Kettering is a comfortable 45 minute drive south of Hobart on the southern outlet via Kingston.  To make the journey a bit more interesting, we usually travel along the coast road through Sandy Bay and Taroona where you may wish to visit to the Shot Tower.

Before you commence your journey, check out the Bruny Island Ferry departure times so that you don’t have to wait for too long.

Take the vehicular ferry from Kettering to Bruny Island

The ferry boat is of drive on-drive off style and the cost for a return trip is between $28 and $42 depending on the season and length of the vehicle.  The good ship Mirambeena sails at a steady pace for twenty minutes before docking at Roberts Point south of Barnes Bay right at the start of the Bruny Island main road.  The crossing can be a bit blowy but I don’t think you need to take tablets for sea sickness!

The vehicle and passenger ferry between Kettering & Bruny Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Isthmus: Memorial to Truganini

Now for those of you that don’t know what an isthmus is, I can tell you!  It is a narrow strip of land between two seas.  Bruny is almost like two islands (north and south) joined by an isthmus just wide enough for the road.  With the sea either side, it makes for a very different drive.  Half way across the isthmus is a lookout and a memorial to Truganini who was born on the island and was married at the island’s mission in 1829.

A memorial to Tasmanian aboriginal Truganini on the isthmus of Bruny Island

Read all about Tasmanian aboriginal Truganini on the isthmus of Bruny Island

Lookout for Bruny Island Residents…

Before we went, I read there are more snakes on Bruny than anywhere else in Tasmania.  This didn’t stop us from staying a few days and we’re glad we did as there’s so much to see and do.  The coastal views are breathtaking especially at Kelly’s Lookout.

Breathtaking coastal views abound on Bruny Island

We stayed in a small house in Lunawanna (South Bruny).  It was fairly close to the Cape Bruny lighthouse where we spent time walking the surrounds.  For those interested in history, you can visit the location of Captain James Cook’s 1777 landing at Adventure Bay.

Lighthouse, Cape Bruny (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Bruny Island Foodie Paradise!

For the foodie, Bruny Island is paradise.  I am told the Bruny Island Smokehouse (BISH) is a must.  We chose a cheese platter and fresh baked bread from Nick Haddow’s cheese factory but you may choose to source freshly caught fish or oysters.  The Hotel at Alonnah serves hearty pub food and you can sit outside drinking a cleansing ale right beside the sea.

Bruny Island Hotel at Alonnah, the place for hearty pub food

We’ve been to Bruny Island twice now and it’s a place we would visit again.  Three days on the island makes it worthwhile and reduces the odds of seeing one of those snakes I told you about!

Roger's daughter Carly Findlay enjoys the view over the Bruny Island isthmus

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Map: Bruny Island Tasmania…

Ida Bay Railway

by Allegra Biggs Dale & Meg Thornton

The Ida Bay Railway is original.  Of the hundreds of miles of narrow gauge bush tramways built in Tasmania the Ida Bay Railway is the only original railway in existence.  There are relics of the limestone carrying days in the form of wagons and machinery.  Several of the passenger carriages are built on bogie flat wagons built in the 1890s; some of the earliest bogie wagons in Australia.

Catch the historical Ida Bay Railway at the Lune River station, south Tasmania

All Aboard at the Lune River Railway Station

The company livery is red and the line is over 7kms long, so please allow two hours for the return trip.  From Lune River you will travel through light bush to the shores of Ida Bay.  The line passes through the site of the original town of Ida Bay past the wharf and grave yard that is all that remains of a once thriving area.  Soon after reaching the shores of the Lune River estuary and for a mile or so the scenic views across the waterways are superb.

Travel past the bush site of Jagers Sawmill and Jetty through bush that lines either side of the track.  The line terminates at Deep Hole Bay, a large white swimming beach accessible only by rail.  The beach is nearly a mile long and very secluded.  From Deep Hole there are marked bush walking tracks to King George III monument where a convict ship sank with a huge loss of life.

At the end of the line you can take advantage of the BBQ and picnic facilities.  Bring your own lunch or have Meg’s Cafe cater for you.  Ida Bay Railway cater for group functions and will provide lunch for you if you wish either at the station or at the beach, all arrangements made on a personal basis.  Look out for the Twilight Tour during the holiday season and enjoy Tasmania’s starry nights!

Enjoy the 14km round trip from Lune River station travel through bush land abundant with bird life and wild flowers.  Cross buttongrass plains and travel along the banks of Ida Bay and Lune River Estuary.  The scenic water views are superb.  There are marked bush walking tracks to Southport Lagoon and Southport Bluff.  Near Southport Bluff is the King George III monument which commemorates the 134 lives lost in the sinking of the convict ship, King George III in 1835.

Meet Meg at the Lune River Station and catch the Ida Bay Railway in southern Tassie

Deep Hole to Southport Lagoon

Southport Lagoon is accessible by a 50 minute walk from the end of the Ida Bay Railway line at Deep Hole.  The walk is over reasonable terrain and allows the walker to enjoy the peace and serenity of Southport Lagoon.  Many walkers catch a train in to the Deep Hole and complete the walk to Southport Lagoon.  Alternatively some walkers stay at the lagoon and catch the last train for the day from Deep Hole to return to the station.

Campers can also do the walk and elect to camp at Southport Lagoon for one or two nights returning to Deep Hole and catching the train back to the station.  Return trips on the train need to be negotiated with the railway’s running timetable.

The Friends of Ida Bay Historical Society Inc. was formed in September 2009 for the purpose of preserving and recording the history of Ida Bay Railway, Southport, Hastings, Lune River, Ida Bay, Recherche Bay, and Cockle Creek from 1792 to the present.

Travel through bushland to a secluded swimming beach at Deep Hole Bay

Ida Bay Railway Summer Timetable

Open every day except Friday 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm

Phone 03 6298 3110 (0428 383 262) or email Ida Bay Railway for more information

There are other things to do in the area to extend your visit.  You could also incorporate a trip to Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs and/or the Tahune Airwalk near Geeveston in the Huon Valley; all part of the southern tourism region of Tasmania.

Allegra Biggs Dale is the co-owner of Labillardiere Estate on Bruny Island.
Her book called “Orchids of Bruny Island” includes her stunning photography.

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Map: Ida Bay Railway…

The Iron House Brewery is part of the White Sands Estate on the east coast of Tasmania.  We dragged ourselves off the lounge and away from the stellar views of our Bicheno holiday house to go and investigate.  We had to eat somewhere, after all.  And we weren’t in the least disappointed with our effort.

A taste for some Tasmanian boutique beer at Iron House Brewery

To the Iron House Brewery… or Not?

We made a quick stop at the Bicheno Tourist Information Centre on the way, to gauge their opinion of the Iron House Brewery as a place to go.  Well there are plenty of other places to choose from!  But Anastasia and Tracey both gave it the thumbs up, especially for lunch-time meals.  They were clearly familiar with the venue, promising great views, great meals and great tasting beer.  Sold.

Very knowledgeable: Tracey & Anastasia at the Bicheno Tourist Information Centre

We drove north towards St Helens past Douglas Apsley National Park, East Coast Natureworld, Douglas River and Elephant Pass Road.  Just south of Four Mile Creek, there’s a well-marked entrance into White Sands Estate, and you follow the road into the reception centre.

Entrance to the White Sands Estate from the Tasman Highway north of Bicheno

The reception building of the White Sands Estate complex housing the cafe & brewery

View of the Brew House

We were greeted warmly in the foyer by the receptionist, who pointed the way to the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar… past the brew-house where the beer is made.  You can see the actual Iron House Brewery right there, through glass windows.  Apparently if you time it right, you can even join a tour.

After touring a few wineries in the Coonawarra in South Australia, I couldn’t believe the whole production line was in that one room.  I thought it would be much more elaborate.  But I guess that’s where the term Tasmanian boutique beer or micro-brewery comes in!

The Brew House near the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar at White Sands Estate

Brew Haus Cafe & Bar

Anyway, we wandered into the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar, and instantly fell in love with the place.  The room is open and light and leads out onto a balcony, which would be the perfect place to share Friday night drinks with a group of friends.

The balcony leading from the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar at White Sands Estate

We were one of several groups passing through that day.  Some stayed for lunch; a few others just had drinks.  But the majority of traffic had come for the beer-tasting.  And when in Rome?  The Iron House Brewery brochure we collected from Anastasia and Tracey back in Bicheno showed four beers, but I’m pretty sure the tasting included more than four.  Maybe six?

I know for sure that one of them was a caramel and chocolate inspired number, and another dubbed The Hoff (very funny!) was 8% alcohol.  Luckily we were staying for lunch, and the meals duly soaked up some of the effect.  The designated driver passed on The Hoff.

Burgers and fish for lunch in the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar with a glass off The Hoff

Lunch consisted of chicken and steak burgers and a Trevalla seafood special, and was just as wonderful as the venue.  We enjoyed a leisurely hour or two overlooking the coastline and the kayaking lake, one of the facilities available to in-house guests.

The views of the east coast from the Iron House Brewery

Aptly Named: White Sands Estate

Eventually we had to drag ourselves away from the Iron House Brewery!  Luckily we were heading back to our gorgeous digs in Bicheno to ease the pain.  We even stopped at Lagoon Beach on the way.  Well, you just can’t visit the region without at least one walk along the white sands of the east coast beaches.

The white sands of the east coast beaches near Iron House Brewery

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Map: Iron House Brewery Tasmania…

The Changing Face of the Douglas River

by Roger Findlay

The Douglas River can be found on the east coast of Tasmania about 15 minutes drive north of Bicheno.  It has many changing faces as it runs down out of the hills of the Douglas Apsley National Park and out into the sea.

Spectacular beaches: Douglas River region on the east coast of Tasmania

Since we first visited about eight years ago the beach has now accumulated timber that has washed down from the hills.  You may be aware that St. Mary’s and the Elephant Pass has been hit by floods in recent times and this is the result.  This hasn’t stopped us visiting our favourite spot in Tasmania.  In fact it is quite the opposite.

Roger & Jeanette like to go fishing for bream in the Douglas River

Douglas River Family Farm

There is just one family living on the Douglas River and they’re right on the estuary where we like to fish for bream.  This family work the land right along the front and down to the beach.  Sheep, beef cattle and pumpkins provide their living and have done for years gone by.

Being such regular visitors, we are treated like family.  They are always glad to see us and we feel the same.  The evening drinks are relaxing for both parties and the conversation is non-pretentious, basic stuff: weather, Tasmanian politics, Home & Away, etc.

Douglas River: one of the pristine beaches of the east coast of Tasmania

You’ll Own the Beach!

As we are given a key to a gate, we have access to private land and a deserted beach that stretches for miles in both directions.  One day we got such a fright when another person appeared!  Walking towards Bicheno, the sand dunes have been eroded into a formation that our friends call The Porches.  Bird life is abundant and the giant seaweed creates an attraction of it’s own.

Roger is fascinated by the seaweed on the beach at Douglas River

Looking back up the estuary, the hills of the Douglas Apsley are often capped by cloud.  You can see the weather changing.  At times the Douglas River can be running fast but when the tide is out it can be extremely calm.  About a year ago the authorities installed a steel platform in the river close to the bank.  It may have been to monitor the flow.  The experienced land owners advised what to expect and, when the floods hit, the platform washed away!

The changing weather in the Douglas River region near Bicheno, Tasmania

Accommodation Near Bicheno, Tasmania

If you are looking for good, clean and reasonable accommodation near Bicheno, I can recommend Douglas River Cabins.  A three night stay would be ideal for visiting Bicheno, Coles Bay and St. Helens to the north.  For the walker, the Douglas Apsley National Park can be accessed close by.  There are two cabins that are suitable for a couple, small family or large group.  Give it a try but don’t tell the world!  You will not be disappointed.

Near the Douglas Apsley National Park on the east coast of Tasmania

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Map: Douglas River Cabins: