Archive for the ‘Tasmanian National Parks, Forests and Reserves’ Category

Cataract Gorge.  There’s absolutely no escaping the fact that “The Gorge” is one of the most loved Tasmanian attractions.  Locals and tourists to the island state all rave about it.  But why?  What makes it so popular?  We take a closer look and offer some insight into that popularity.

Riley gets a good view of the suspension bridge from the Cataract Gorge Chairlift

Cataract Gorge: The Basin Chairlift

Firstly, the Cataract Gorge is home to the Basin Chairlift.  Since 1972, the 450-metre ride has been gently transporting people from one side of the Reserve to the other.  And as Harry and his buddy demonstrate, catching the chairlift is child’s play!

Ready and waiting for a turn on the Cataract Gorge Chairlift

Better than walking! Fasten your seat belts and take the chairlift across The Gorge

Sit back and relax as the chairlift carries you over the Cataract Gorge

The views from the chairlift are always spectacular, and the ride is smooth enough to take photos.  But at certain times, when northern Tasmania is receiving heavy rainfall, the river system floods and the waters raging through the Cataract Gorge provide a real show.

The South Esk River floods from the Cataract Gorge to the Tamar River, Launceston

Climbing, Cruising and Walking in The Cataract Gorge

While the Basin Chairlift provides enough adrenalin for many people, there’s always some that want more.  Rock climbers for instance, who scramble up and down the face of the cliff.  The photo collage below shows the climber on the left; his location is circled on the right hand side.  Scary stuff!!

This rock climber gets a different view of the Cataract Gorge in Launceston

Kings Bridge is an iconic landmark in Launceston and marks the start of the walking trail into the Reserve from the city centre.  We cruised underneath the bridge on our Cataract Gorge Cruise with Tamar River Cruises and the construction is amazing.

Kings Bridge, an iconic landmark in Launceston Tasmania

Walking into the Cataract Gorge possibly provides the best experience of all.  The Reserve is very close to the centre of Launceston, and the track is straight forward in terms of access and makes for quite an easy stroll.

The path follows the edge of the river, passing the gatekeeper’s cottage (another building often photographed for tourism brochures).  The cottage is now leased out by the council to artists working on projects in the region.

And why wouldn’t artists be drawn to the area with so much natural beauty right on the doorstep?  No matter what mode of transport you use to enjoy it, the Cataract Gorge is definitely a must-do experience in Tasmania.

Kings Bridge Gorge Cottage, now used for a Launceston Artists in Residence program

Thanks to Jo Kuchel for providing some of the photos for this article.
See her guest article about Sheffield in the state’s north west, too.

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Map: Cataract Gorge, Launceston Tasmania…

Leven Canyon

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The Leven Canyon: in this busy, populous world we live in, it’s hard to find such a wild and dramatic area that is so easy to reach.  If you want to experience these sorts of places you mostly have to trek through kilometres of difficult terrain.

Leven Canyon is in the Gunns Plains/Nietta region of north west Tasmania

At Leven Canyon it’s easy!  Just walk along the very well-maintained track to Cruickshanks Lookout.  It’s a 20 minute return walk suitable for all ages and in no time you will arrive at the viewing platform.  Experience the breathtaking views of the Canyon floor 275 metres below (where the Leven River flows) and views of Black Bluff and the surrounding countryside.

Cruickshanks Lookout over the Leven Canyon, Gunns Plains/Nietta Tasmania

Black Bluff

Black Bluff is usually the first peak in this area to have a covering of snow in winter due to its exposure to the prevailing westerly winds.  There’s a testing 6-7 hours return walk to Black Bluff through alpine vegetation up to the 1,339 metre summit.  From here you get rewarded with views from Cradle Mountain to the Great Western Tiers.  The track starts at Taylors Flats off Loongana Road.  Be aware though: it’s not regularly maintained or well marked.

Black Bluff seen from Preston Road en route to Leven Canyon, Tasmania

Fresh Tasmanian Mountain Air

Leven Canyon is Tasmania’s deepest limestone ravine so it’s worth stopping for a while and taking in the fresh Tasmanian mountain air while you survey the spectacular views.  Even though Leven Canyon is only a 45-minute drive from Ulverstone (in Gunns Plains/Nietta in the north west region of Tasmania) it feels like you are a million miles away from civilization.

The Leven River at the Canyon floor as it weaves through Gunns Plains/Nietta

Other Walks in the Leven Canyon Reserve

• the Forest Stairs Walk: a 45 minute return walk that includes 697 stairs
  and some steep terrain.  Here you can enjoy listening to and watching
  some of Tasmania’s endemic birds and view the amazing variety of
  ferns that grow in this area.
• the Edge Lookout Track: a 30-minute return easy walk for all ages
  taking in wet forest to drier cliff-edge vegetation.  On this walk you
  can see the Canyon walls up close.

• the 20 minute return easy Fern Walk is suitable for all ages and features
  beautiful old tree-ferns up to 5 metres tall and 150 years old.  This area
  is home to the small mammals of Leven Canyon such as the eastern
  pygmy possum, dusky antechinus and long tailed mouse.
• for a more strenuous walk try the Canyon Floor Walk.  Drive to the start
  of the walk just off Loongana Road then follow the downhill track to the
  canyon floor.
• more experienced walkers can then continue to Devils Elbow, which is an
  hour return from the footbridge.  It’s a challenging walk and is part of the
  Penguin-Cradle Trail.

Magnificent forest views out over Leven Canyon from Cruickshanks Lookout

An Appetite for National Parks & Reserves in Tasmania

After these walks have worked up an appetite why not have a picnic or barbecue at one of the tables or the picnic shelter?  This area of the almost 2,500 ha reserve is very well set up and has toilets and information about the Leven Canyon and surrounds.  As with other reserves and national parks in Tasmania, be prepared for changing weather conditions.  The track surfaces may be slippery at times and be covered in ice.  And don’t forget to stay on the tracks provided to protect the unique environment.

With so many and varied national parks and reserves in Tasmania that are just a drive away, it’s a hard decision to pick which one to see first when you are holidaying in our island state.  As with the Leven Canyon, you won’t be disappointed with what you find when you get there.

Michelle about to embark on one of the Leven Canyon walks

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: Leven Canyon Tasmania…

We ventured to Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe after our treetops adventure at Hollybank.  Nothing unusual about grabbing a drink or a bite to eat after an outing with a group of friends.  What was unusual however, was the combination of beers and pies… we weren’t at a footy match!

The pies & cakes section of Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, north east Tasmania

Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe: Open for Business

The first point I’d like to make is this:  we arrived at about 4pm.  Now it’s not unusual for Tasmanian business owners to close their doors at about that hour.  And it soon became apparent that the staff at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe had been preparing to leave for the day.  But they welcomed us with open arms, and served us with a real smile (not the forced sort, when someone has had to grit their teeth).

Service with a real smile at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Our large group managed to clean up the last of their available pies and cakes in a flurry.  And they were good.  The pies were hot and fresh and they gave us tomato sauce for free!  And the cakes were cheap.  Not in a nasty kind of way; but in a “pay a reasonable price for a decent product” kind of way.

Cornish pasties fresh out of the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe oven

Who doesn't like a fresh muffin or two, especially when they're reasonably priced?

Although we all thought it was a strange combination, the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe did the trick for us.  The adults bought a few beers from the pub section and the kids were more than happy with their lot.  In fact, if we’d arrived earlier, we would have racked up the pool table and played a few rounds as well.

Adding yet another string to their bow, the business also provides budget accommodation.  I can’t verify the quality of that part of the business, though.  I’m only aware of the accommodation option, because I include a link to a relevant website in each article, offering extra information to readers.  When I searched for a website for the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe, I couldn’t find one.  But I did find a website listing the business for sale, showing the units.

The Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe is at 1983 Lilydale (Main) Road Lilydale 7268 TAS

The Home of the Painted Poles

The small township of Lilydale is known as “the Home of the Painted Poles”.  Settled in the 1860′s, the town has a population of about 350, including potters, craftspeople and artists.  Some of those artists have painted the power poles, hence the slogan.  A naturally beautiful region, the main industries include agriculture and viticulture.

Quirky Tasmanian slogan: Lilydale is the "Home of the Painted Poles"

Lilydale is about 30kms from Launceston; 50kms from Bridport and 40kms from Scottsdale.  It’s also close to Bridestowe Lavender Estate and several vineyards including Pipers Brook Vineyard.

And as I mentioned earlier, it’s only five minutes from the Hollybank Forest Reserve, where you can fly through the treetops.

Fly through the forest with Hollybank Treetops Adventure

The town boasts several other assets and things to do besides the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

Lilydale Attractions & Reasons to Visit

You can visit two small waterfalls at the Lilydale Falls Reserve.  A comfortable stroll from Lilydale Park will have you bushwalking in rainforest (or you can just enjoy a picnic with some of those Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe goodies!).

Lilydale Falls, just a stroll from the carpark through temperate rainforest

Now privately owned, the William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Reserve has exotic trees and shrubs up to 60 years old.

William Alexander George Walker Rhododendron Gardens, Lilydale Tasmania

Mount Arthur is one of the state’s highest peaks, and provides a lovely scenic backdrop to the township of Lilydale.  If you’re energetic, you can take the three-hour trek to the summit giving magnificent views over the valley.  If you do that, you would have definitely earned yourself some Tasmanian gelati back at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe!

Enjoy a serve of real Tasmanian gelati at the Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe

Images were taken by professional tourism
photographer Dan Fellow of Tasmania Photos

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Map: Lilydale Tavern Bakery Cafe…

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.

If you like this article about Tasmania, and you’d like to read more, just subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook.  If you really like this article, and you want others to see it, you can choose one of the “share” options below.  We’d love that!

Comments relevant to this article are also very welcome, just leave a reply below.

Map: Narawntapu National Park Tasmania…

The Steppes Stones are something we came across purely by chance.  We were returning from our weekend at Ulverstone River Retreat, and chose to take the Lakes Highway.  The road through the Central Highlands of Tasmania makes for an interesting drive.  There’s many opportunities to stop for short walks or just view the unique terrain, flora and fauna.

A wombat features as the central piece of the Steppes Stones bronze sculptures

Steppes Stones: Bronze Sculptures in the State Reserve

About 35kms north of Bothwell, is one place worth particular attention.  Just south of the Interlaken turnoff and part of the Steppes State Reserve there’s a simple timber roadside sign that would be easy enough to ignore.  The sign reads “Steppes Sculptures” and marks a bizarre attraction.

This nondescript signs marks the entrance to the carpark leading to Steppes Stones

A short distance from the sign (marking the entrance to a carpark) is a circle of stone plinths adorned with bronze sculptures.  Looking like some sort of bush grotto… just like a scene from Survivor!

A bizarre bush grotto featuring Stephen Walker bronze sculptures

Stephen Walker, Distinguished Tasmanian Sculptor

Stephen Walker is the artist responsible for the Steppes Stones.  The work reflects some of the wildlife and history of the Central Highlands.  The bronze sculptures on the Hobart waterfront, as well as the Southern Right Whale at Cockle Creek in the far south of Tassie, are also by Stephen Walker.

Bronze sculptures on the Hobart waterfront, also by Tasmanian artist Stephen Walker

Steppes Historic Site

If you do stop to inspect Steppes Stones, be sure to allow enough time to appreciate everything on offer.  Unfortunately, we didn’t realise this until later, but a walking path through the state reserve leads to the Steppes Historic Site.  Apparently, the 19th Century Steppes Homestead, with bake house and other outbuildings, is a pleasant place for a bush picnic.

The Steppes Stones: a collection of bronze sculptures by Stephen Walker

We must have been so shocked to find the Steppes Stones, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, that we didn’t see any sign or path leading to the homestead, and I’m bitterly disappointed about that.  Hopefully we’ve now saved you from making the same mistake.

A plaque marks the work of Stephen Walker, but nothing for the walk to Steppes Homestead?

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Map: Steppes Stones…

Cradle Mountain National Park: a Winter Wonderland

by Roger Findlay

Many years ago, Jeanette and I visited the Cradle Mountain National Park.  We stayed down in Sheffield to avoid the high-end prices for accommodation closer to this major tourist attraction.

Roger & Jeanette visit Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania in winter

Sheffield is not far away, but the drive (of over an hour) can be slow and tedious.  We decided to go into the Cradle Mountain National Park on two separate days.  On the first day the weather wasn’t too bad when we left Sheffield, but by the time we reached our destination it had changed to poor visibility and squally snow showers.  This didn’t stop us from taking a couple of short walks, mooching round the gallery and generally enjoying the visitor centre.

A magical winter wonderland... Cradle Mountain National Park

Second Attempt at Cradle

Two days later we took the drive again, but this time the conditions were far worse.  We were younger then and much more adventurous!  The snow was falling when we set off for Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lake.  It’s normally an easy walk with plenty of magnificent scenery including a spectacular view of Cradle Mountain.  On this occasion you could hardly see the track and after a couple of hours we decided to turn back.

Roger braves the elements at Cradle Mountain National Park

We had intended driving out of the National Park along the C132 so that we could have a look at Waratah.  Unfortunately the road was closed and we had to go back down the way we came.

Jeanette rugged up like a snow-bunny at Cradle Mountain National Park!!

Should Roger Return to Cradle Mountain National Park?

We’ve never been back to the Cradle Mountain National Park.  I would really like to go on the Overland Trek; but the Visitor Centre and the immediate surrounds have lost some of their appeal since they became so commercialised.  Don’t let this comment stop the first time visitor though!  There is a lot to see and do.  Go there and form your own opinion.  It may be totally different to mine!

Snowy conditions at Cradle Mountain, a major tourist attraction in Tasmania

Roger: a champion for the smaller, regional tourism centres… as always.
We know he loves Tasmania and all the attractions (major or otherwise!)
and we’re happy that he expresses his own opinion.
Everyone is entitled to that much at least.
Please keep your thoughts coming, Roger!

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Map: Cradle Mountain National Park…

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: