Archive for the ‘Tasmanian Beaches’ Category

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 Island 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 kelp 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:

Discovering Strahan

by Mike Fry

Strahan is a quaint fishing village on the shores of Macquarie Harbour, on Tasmania’s west coast, and has been an important part of Tasmania’s history since convict times.  After the discovery of the harbour by Captain James Kelly in 1815 this area was quickly settled as its treasures were revealed.  Initially a convict settlement was established on Sarah Island which became infamous through the harsh treatment of prisoners, daring escapes, murders and cannibalism.

All plain sailing these days in Macquarie Harbour, Strahan Tasmania

However it soon became an industrious shipbuilding centre after the arrival of Master Shipwright David Hoy.  Today those fascinating chapters in the history of this area are vividly captured by tour guides on the island during the day cruises departing from Strahan.  The stories also live on in the evenings at the visitor’s centre where actors perform The Ship That Never Was where the last escape of 12 convicts is relived in an hilarious and true account of their escapades across the world.

The Ship That Never Was: Strahan Tasmania

Macquarie Harbour and the Gates of Hell

The great southern ocean has carved a magnificent coastline with Ocean Beach one of those “must visit” places in this area.  This magnificent beach stretches for 36km from Trial Harbour to Hells Gates, the treacherous entrance to Macquarie Harbour, named by the convicts as, in their mind, they were entering the gates of hell as they were incarcerated for their term of imprisonment.  Hells Gates can be deceptively beautiful on most days but the roaring forties and massive ocean swells clearly demonstrate the forces of nature as the surf continues kilometres out to sea on rough days.

Ruins of the Sarah Island convict settlement via Macquarie Harbour, Strahan

Gordon River & West Coast Wilderness Railway

Fortunately most days the captain of your cruise vessel will take you out through the entrance and out as far as Cape Sorell and one of Australia’s tallest lighthouses before heading back into the shelter of the harbour and an unforgettable visit to one of the most pristine and beautiful rainforests on the planet, the Gordon River.  The cruise is just one of the must do experiences when visiting Strahan.

Take a tour to the Gates of Hell, and then return to the Gordon River

Another is the West Coast Wilderness Railway which travels through rainforest and over mountains between Strahan and Queenstown.  The original locomotives have been faithfully restored and the railway carriages reflect craftsmanship and the use of unique Tasmanian timbers such as Huon Pine, Blackwood, King Billy, Myrtle and Sassafras to name just a few.  The train journey is complemented by tour guides who know every detail of the history of the railway and of the pioneers and prospectors who carved towns and industries out of this remote wilderness.

West Coast Wilderness Railway from Strahan to Queenstown Tasmania

The Adventure Capital of Tasmania

Strahan is often referred to as the adventure capital of Tasmania; that adventure can be as relaxed or as exciting as you wish.  Seaplanes and helicopters operate most of the year and give a breathtaking view of the south west wilderness area with its mountains, wild rivers and rugged coastline.

Strahan: also known as the Adventure Capital of Tasmania

The King River has played an important part in the development of Strahan and the mining industry.  The railway runs along its banks and through its gorges but to get up close and personal Wild Rivers Jet will take you on an exhilarating trip up the King and an extended tour will take you by four wheel drive to the Teepookana Plateau where there is a massive forest of Huon pine and other west coast trees.  The forestry viewing tower offers expansive views of the west coast and on a clear day you can literally see for miles.

Take an exhilarating ride with Wild River Jets in Strahan Tasmania

Huon Pine: Rainforest & Timber Mill

Huon pine is endemic to the rainforest areas of the south west wilderness area and Strahan is where it is best observed in its natural state and as a valuable craftwood.  The galleries and timber mills in Strahan have Huon pine on display from rough sawn tree trunks to delicate works of art.  Morrison’s Mill and Western Softwoods mill the timber and a visit to these mills will be rewarded with not only the timber being processed but also a chat with a local or two as they go about their business.

The wharf area has a Huon Pine precinct with Morrison’s Mill, Wilderness Woodworks and Tasmanian Speciality Timbers where Huon pine can be purchased and if a little too large for luggage or boot they will gladly frieight the timber back to your home for a reasonable cost.  That’s service!

The wilderness areas of the west coast of Tasmania

Platypus Park to Ocean Beach

Strahan is fortunate to have a rainforest walk in the centre of town at Peoples Park and Hogarth Falls.  A 40 minute walk will be rewarded by seeing numerous species of plants and trees growing alongside a stream complete with resident platypus.  The foreshore walk runs alongside the Esplanade from Regatta Point to West Strahan beach which incidentally is a safe swimming beach.  Do not be tempted to swim at Ocean Beach as the currents are strong with the surging surf making it difficult and unsafe to swim.  It is however a great beach for a walk or a paddle at the waters edge; a great place for photography and the most amazing sunsets.

Strahan is the best place in Tasmania to observe Huon Pine rainforest areas

Whittle Wonders of Strahan

While walking around town make sure you visit Tut’s Whittle Wonders where one of our locals has spent a lifetime collecting pieces of timber from the bush and has made the most unusual creations.  Another place to visit is the Strahan cemetery where some of the town’s founding families are laid to rest and along the Esplanade, while you walk the foreshore, buildings such as the Union Steamship Company building, the Customs House and Ormiston House built by Strahan’s founding father Frederick Ormiston Henry.

Staying in Strahan

There is too much to see and do in one day so a two or three night stay in Strahan is recommended.  The accommodation is varied and covers everything from backpackers to luxury apartments, and everything in between.  The places to stay are complemented by some wonderful eateries from fish’n'chips to fine dining.  There are also self catering accommodations where you can cook your own and Strahan boasts a large supermarket that stocks most items.

Strahan and Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tasmania

Strahan really does have it all and in the words of Randy Curwin, the travel editor of the Chicago Tribune, this is the Best Little Town in the World.

Mike Fry is the owner of Ormiston House bed and breakfast
accommodation in Strahan Tasmania

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Map: Strahan Tasmania….

Think Tasmania and Life’s an Adventure!

by Roger Findlay

Tour company Life’s an Adventure invited Think Tasmania to join them on
their 3-day Bay of Fires walk.  As a thank-you for his dedication, we asked
Roger to represent us and write a report about the Tassie experience.
All he had to do was pack his bags and get himself to and from Launceston.
Roger made meticulous preparations (just ask Jeanette!) and duly arrived.
Now all we have to do is publish his article and photos.  So here you go…

Roger takes a walk along the beach in his role as writer for Think Tasmania

Bay of Fires Walk: Starting Out

Our Life’s an Adventure group of six met at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston and after introductions we departed in a small bus with a trailer.  The journey to the top end of the Mount William National Park took us through Bridport and along a dirt road into Gladstone.  We were covered in dust by the time we arrived at the starting point for the walk (Stumpy’s Bay camp site 4) but we did see plenty of Forester kangaroos.

We were met by our walk leader, Kat, and her support crew:  Warrick and Daniel.  Our group consisted of myself, Gavin, Robert and Karen (husband and wife), Liz and her daughter Meg.  Gavin was the only Tasmanian-based walker, while the others hailed from the NSW central coast, Mildura and Melbourne.

Roger joins the Bay of Fires Walk with a group from Life's an Adventure tours

It must be said at this point that we all got on famously with only myself being a bit of a pain at times. (Thank-you to you all for tolerating me!)  After a short briefing we were given a packed lunch and nibbles before setting off with our day packs.  Warrick and Daniel had taken our large bags and driven off in a Troopy to set-up camp further down the track.

Life’s an Adventure: Stellar Team

From the outset, it was obvious that Life’s an Adventure guide Kat was a fun person and as strong as an ox!  She always carried a full pack that was as tall as herself but her experience and training made the task easy.  Over the three days, I got to know her quite well and have an appreciation of her formal qualifications that make her so knowledgeable in the terrain, flora and fauna, as well as shanties!

Life's an Adventure has a strong and capable leadership team

The first stage of the walk, 12km, was mainly over soft, white sands.  When we stopped for lunch, our mermaid – Liz (a retiree), looked splendid in a yellow bikini as she headed into the cold ocean.  The rest of us tucked into the delicious apple juice and wraps.  Late in the afternoon, we crossed shallow water before arriving at the Deep Creek camp site for a well earned drink.

Covering a diversity of terrain walking in the north east of Tasmania

Warrick and Daniel had everything set up, including our two man tents, huge kitchen tent and shower tents.  Our bags were placed in the tents and the food preparation was underway.

A Taste of Tasmania on the Bay of Fires Walk

All Life’s an Adventure Bay of Fires Walk menus were created by Tassie chef and author, Karen Goodwin-Roberts and consisted entirely of Tasmanian produce.  Some of the food appeared to be pre-prepared but our trio from Life’s an Adventure had excellent food handling and preparation skills that ensured perfection.  Ninth Island wines and cold Boags draught beers were available to those who behaved!

A relaxing glass of wine or beer after a hard day's walking!

Tonight we started with Pyengana cheddar, blackcurrant paste, crayfish, damper and Pyengana butter before feasting on the main courses of hot smoked salmon and mustard seeded lamb with rice.  For those still hungry, the dessert of lavender panna cotta with wild berry sauce looked yummy.

Camping maybe, but Life's an Adventure supply gourmet Tasmanian produce

After sitting around a smoky camp fire telling tall stories, it became time for bed.  Our sleeping bags fitted nicely on the mattress-style camp beds and it was quite easy moving around in the dark without electricity.  Torches and head lamps were the go but I didn’t have to go far for a private loo.  Gavin the Snorer did just that (snore) but, in the morning, I felt well-rested and ready for the new challenge of a pit toilet and optional cat lick wash or shower tent.

Warrick and Daniel carry luggage and set up camp each day on the walk

Kat is an expert with blisters!  Each morning she inspected, padded and taped the feet of the lame!  It looked like a real chore but Kat was up to the task.  My only regret is that of not taking a photo or presenting an award to Liz for her pristine condition feet.  Well done, Liz!  You walked almost double the distance of the actual walk.  It must have been the swim that gave you the vigour!

Clever Kat Saves the Day

Once we had finished the huge breakfast of cereal, fruits, bacon, eggs, rice pudding, juice, tea or ground coffee it was time to walk.  Today the weather was ominous with a forecast of thunder storms.  It was fine when we started off towards the distant Eddystone Point lighthouse but that rapidly changed forcing a change in plan.  As the rain pelted down, we came across a young, loving couple outside a shack.  Their car was bogged but Kat and the boys became their saviour.  However, there was a catch!  In return for freeing them from the bog, Kat asked them if we could prepare and eat our lunch in the shack.

The Bay of Fires beach... beautiful, even in stormy weather!

After a brief visit to the lighthouse and listening to Kat’s well rehearsed Eddystone Lighthouse shanty, we lunched on hot soup, salmon and cured meat before being shuttled by car and Troopy to a tree lined road for the 6km walk into the camp ground at Policeman’s Point just south of Anson’s Bay.

On arrival, the National Park Ranger visited.  An interesting character who’s worked in the same role all over Australia.  The scenery of the entire east coast region was magnificent but the setting at Policeman‘s Point was extra special.  Robert took the opportunity to test his large telescopic lens on the abundant bird life while the rest of us had a leisurely stroll on the sand.  Liz returned from her 3km walk to find us all lounging alongside the estuary snacking on uniquely flavoured dips.  I must apologise to Gluten Free Meg for unintentionally stealing one of her four naan’s that had been specially prepared!

Life's an Adventure Bay of Fires walk is catered by Karen Goodwin-Roberts

Daniel formally announced the menu before each meal and on this occasion we had pepper berry damper with Duck Reach butter, Nichols chicken cooked in Cascade pale ale, spiced lamb cutlets, bbq’d Mediterranean vegetables, pink eye potatoes in a green pea mayonnaise sauce.  This was followed by spiced strawberries and rhubarb.

The Bay of Fires Walk: Evening Entertainment!

On this particular night, Elliot wasn’t helping dad milk the cows or pack onions in the shed.  Instead, he was staying just across the road, but our gathering around the camp fire was far more attractive than the party at the house. Elliot wasn’t a bright kid.  He was 15 and maybe he thought Sydney was in New Zealand because of the bottle of Stone’s he’d consumed.  He didn’t come alone.  There were at least five more, including girls.  After a while our able leader, Kat, displayed skills of diplomacy in asking them to leave.  Our sleep went undisturbed.  (Not so sure in the House of Elliot).

Gavin was late to rise as I had (supposedly) snored all night.  New Outfit Karen appeared from the tent dressed like the perfect fashion model for a sport or camping store.  After a breakfast of pancakes, fruit and cereal, Kat did her usual with the blisters on the feet before letting us set off ahead on the final stage of the walk.

Roger gets some running repairs from Kat, so he can complete the Bay of Fires walk

The Bay of Fires walk along to the Gardens entailed long white sand beaches, black shale and orange stained boulders.  Early that morning we were fortunate to see a killer whale gambolling in the blue-green sea.  Mermaid Liz so wished she could join it while Big Lens Robert missed the action shot.

Life’s an Adventure and a Challenge

We stopped for lunch on huge granite boulders but I was bricking it and couldn’t enjoy what we had. The smoke-cured ham, terrine, salad, chutney, pickled onions and mountain bread looked splendid, but the walk ahead was my main focus.  Was I capable?  Mermaid Liz gave me great encouragement as we scampered under a tree limbo style and over the rocks.  She even found me a stick which later became a flag pole.  (I wonder what Gluten Free Meg thought of it all)?

The tour group managed to make the distance, proving life is an adventure!

The Gardens became closer.  Warrick and Daniel both came out to greet us.  I had fallen for Kat!  As usual she didn’t believe me and asked to see the proof.  I could only show her a small bruise.  It wasn’t enough for her extra special attention.  Maybe another time?

The bus drive back to Launceston went slowly.  Except for Liz, we were tired and had little to say but in our minds we reflected on a great walk with wonderful people.  Now I just have to get back to Tasmania.  What a great place it is.

Capturing great memories of the Bay of Fires walk: who wouldn't love Tasmania?

Thanks to Life’s an Adventure, Kat, Warrick, Daniel and our two bus drivers.
The Bay of Fires Walk is one of the best things to do in Tasmania.
Without this adventure, my life would be incomplete ~Roger Findlay

Map: Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania…