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

Ramblings of a Fungi Junkie

by Carol Haberle

Yes, I confess, I’m a Fungi Junkie!  Now before you have visions of me smoking, eating or making weird concoctions from our rainforest fungi, I wish to just clarify my meaning of ‘junkie’.  Put simply, it just means I’m hooked on fungi. Though I do confess, I have eaten fresh field mushrooms. Yes, they’re a fungi.  But, if I see fungi, I’m the type who has to study it, make notes about it, both mental or with pen and paper.  Though that truly depends as to whether I have pen and paper with me, or just my brain!!!

Left: Stereum species, a rainforest fungi ~ Right: Pholiota species

I then photograph it from every angle, even if it means lying on a wet, cold rainforest floor in the middle of winter.  Anything to get a good shot.  Then as soon as I get home, the photos are downloaded onto my computer, notes all ready, webpages opened and the reference books come out.  Part of the thrill of being a Fungi Junkie is in being able to identify those shots I have captured.  Part of the problem though, is in the fact that Tasmania has so many unidentified varieties of macrofungi (as opposed to microfungi, mould and mildew, the type that grows in your bathroom etc), which makes it impossible to name them all.

A Love of the Outdoors…

Growing up in Tasmania, plus my love of the outdoors has always given me opportunities to experience and explore nature; and all my life I’ve had a fascination for the details of fungi.  Memories of autumn days trudging through damp fields with my father, bucket in one hand and knife in the other as we searched for field mushrooms.  Then with buckets full we’d return home where my mother would proceed to peel the soft skin from the fleshy top, ready to place them in waiting hot pan, a knob of butter, pepper and salt and all too soon the house would be filled with the aroma of fresh field mushrooms cooking!

Fungi ~ Left: Dermocybe species ~ Right: Gymnopilus species

Enough Rambling Carol; Time to get Serious…

Tasmania is a paradise for fungi.  One can wander through our fields, forests, or around our lakes at any time of the year and see fungi growing somewhere (though the best time to witness the magic of this unique creation is during the autumn or winter months). Now I hear you ask, “Why does she call it a unique creation?  Well, fungi IS a unique creation.

More fungi photos taken by Carol Haberle of Haberle Photocards

Virtually overnight, these unique pieces of vegetation seem to appear as though from nowhere, just popping up in grasslands and forest floors.  From rotting fallen trees… or if you look up towards the treetops you’ll even see them growing out from thick sturdy trunks.  Every colour conceivable can be found: reds, whites, yellows, browns.  Even purples and blues.  Many different shapes and sizes, and in total there are estimated to be well over 5000 species alone in our rainforests.

Fungi is NOT a Plant…

The uniqueness of fungi does not stop there though.  Fungi DO NOT belong in the kingdom of plants, they have a kingdom all their own.  Unlike plants, fungi do not possess chlorophyll, therefore they do not need sunlight to grow.  They do not produce their own food, so are ‘scavengers’ or ‘parasites’ absorbing their nourishment from the substrate in which they grow.  When the ‘fruit body’ (that part which we see), is mature, fungus spores are released and dispersed by many sources (the wind, water, animals, people etc), providing the fungus with a way to spread and form new colonies.

Left: West Coast Fungi ~ Right: Hygrocybe Astatogala

The ‘fruit body’, that ‘toadstool’ or ‘mushroom’ we see is only a small portion of around 25% of the fungus. The unseen, or main part of the fungus, is made up of microscopic threads called ‘hyphae’, which weave their way through the soil, wood or other substrate which provides their nourishment.  It is these unseen, creeping microscopic threads that are the main recycling agents of our rainforests, busily decomposing dead plant material and returning nutrients to the soil.  When conditions are favourable, a single mass of hyphae (a mycelium) may send out a reproductive organ, which is the fungus fruiting body that we see and admire.

Wander with the Fungus…

So, in our unique Tasmanian rainforests, fungi are a very vital part of the sensitive ecosystem.  Autumn and winter are the best times to visit areas such as The Tarkine, Mt. Field National Park, the West Coast State Forest Reserves and Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park (to name but a few), to see the varied and wondrous forms of fungi that are so unique to our state of Tasmania.  Take the time to wander through our forests looking for fungi (be warned, you may well become a Fungi Junkie like me), and you will find that fungi grows in many forms, not just those that look like toadstools.

Shhhhhh, faeries! Some secrets here in Tasmania we need to keep to ourselves!!!

Here in Tasmania we have Coral Fungi, Jelly Fungi, Puffballs, Earth Stars, Paint Fungi and even Truffle Fungi, (which grows entirely underground) and many, many more varieties.  If you do happen to come across a Faerie Ring though, or better still perchance upon the Faeries themselves, then all I ask is:  shhhhhhh, don’t tell anyone please.  Some secrets here in Tasmania we need to keep to ourselves!!!

Fungi ~ Left: Earth Star Geastrum Triplex ~ Right: Cortinarius Archeri

Note : Please DO NOT pick the fungi in our forests.  Our fragile ecosystem needs them!  Although some fungi are edible, many fungi can be poisonous.  Some are known hallucinogens, a couple are even deadly.  So please, unless you know your fungi, leave them where they grow.

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards
For more images of Fungi in Tasmania, check out the
Facebook album collated by Discover Tasmania.

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A season of transition, Autumn in Tasmania extends from 1st March through to 31st May, and generally weather patterns are more settled, with average temperatures varying from as low as 5°C overnight to an average 14°C daytime, though quite often we have days reaching a pleasant 18° to 22°C.

Autumn in Tasmania: twilight landscape

Autumn In Tasmania: a Season of the Senses

by Carol Haberle

A season of the ‘senses’ in Tasmania, Autumn is the time of fresh harvests, beautiful days of clear autumn light which bring a clarity to the subtle hues of our coastlines and a ‘magic’ is created in our wilderness as vivid colours come to life.  Autumn is also the season where ‘twilight’ is much more pronounced in Tasmania, that ‘golden hour’ just before sundown, when the sun is low on the horizon creating a rich glow to be cast across the countryside, turning all a golden amber just before darkness descends.

Historic Autumn

Though much of our Tasmanian landscape blazes with colour during Autumn, we give thanks to our history for this, as our ancestors, convicts and free settlers brought with them on sailing ships, seed from the huge deciduous trees of their homelands in the hope of making their new homeland, then known as the convict colony of Van Dieman’s Land, a little like the one they left behind.  As settlement took place, botanists also came to explore the ecology of this newfound wilderness, to test what would grow here under what were considered harsh conditions.

From England, Ireland and Europe we gained the mighty Oak, the Ash and the Elm trees, the sheer beauty of which can be seen in our historic towns of Westbury, Hagley, Richmond and Ross, to name but a few.  They also brought with them seed from the Hawthorn, we see as hedges which line our country roads, the beautiful cool willows which line our riverbanks, all of which today put on a myriad Autumn display of either vibrant autumn leaves, rich red berries or glowing pink/orange branch tips.  And from the North Americas we gained the tall, sweeping Lombardy Poplar, it’s beauty in Autumn best seen upon entering Latrobe via Spreyton.  Latrobe, the home of Bell’s Parade, a once thriving major port in the mid to late 1800’s, now a beautiful park on the banks of the Mersey River, where the sheer magnificence of Ash and Elm trees over 100 years old, can be seen in their Autumn glory.

Falling autumn leaves, Bell’s Parade, Latrobe. (Inset: Lombardy Poplars, Bass Highway, Latrobe)

Rural Autumn

As one travels through the rural, farming countryside, signs of Autumn become a patchwork of rich golden shades of yellow turning to greens, after winter fodder for livestock has been harvested and the early autumn rains replenish the fields, and of rich red/browns where the rich, fertile basalt soils are being freshly turned in preparation for winter crops.

The vivid, rich colours of autumn: patchwork fields, Forth Tasmania

Rainforests in Autumn

No autumn experience in Tasmania is complete without a visit to our rainforests, whether it be on the rugged West Coast, The Tarkine in the far north-west or down south in Mt Field National Park.  Cool night time temperatures and warmer days bring a feeling of ‘magic’…the soft mosses underfoot swell and grow rapidly as they draw in the moisture, becoming soft, damp sponges underfoot.  The greens in the canopy of the huge myrtles overhead, the dogwoods and the tree ferns become deep, rich and vibrant.  Feeding from the fallen leaf mulch, the fallen dead trees and decaying undergrowth, mosses in every conceivable shade of green and lichens in rich whites, yellows and oranges, begin to spread rapidly, and the fungi begins to burst forth, shades and hues of every colour.

Autumn rainforest, Tasmania (Inset: rainforest fungi)

The Turning of the Fagus ~ Uniquely Tasmanian

We have a purely endemic experience which goes almost unnoticed, only ever seen in Tasmania: ’the turning of the fagus’.

Tasmania can lay claim to only one native deciduous tree, Deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), or fagus as it is best-known.  The Deciduous Beech is a direct link back to the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana.  Fossil records found at Cethana in northern Tasmania date back 35 million years to the early Oligocene period.  A small tree, usually growing to 2 metres or less, and found only in places many would call inhospitable.  Known also by European Settlers as ‘tanglefoot’, it can be the bane of a bushwalker getting caught in it’s twisted, ground hugging branches.  But this usually insignificant tree is Australia’s only winter-deciduous tree, and can be found nowhere else in the world.  The autumn display it gives is a kaleidoscope of greens, yellows, oranges and browns, and generally begins to occur around ANZAC day and only lasts two to three weeks.

Scientists, botanists, naturists, conservationists and bushwalkers the world over have been known to make an annual pilgrimage to Tasmania to see what is locally known as ‘the turning of the fagus’, where it can be best seen creating a fiery blaze on mountainsides at Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park or in regions of Mt Field National Park.

The Turning of the Fagus, Cradle Mt. National Park (Inset: Nothofagus gunnii)

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards

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What IS The Tarkine?

by Carol Haberle

In the 1830’s George Augustus Robinson wrote in his diaries of entering the ‘Tarkine’ in search of the ‘Tarkineer Aboriginal Band’, just one of the Aboriginal tribes who inhabited the western Tasmanian coastline (from the Arthur River to the Pieman River) before European colonisation.  This is the earliest recorded usage of the word ‘Tarkine’.  Rich in Aboriginal culture and history, today we know The Tarkine as a very diverse region.

Views over the Tarkine from Whyte’s Lookout, Waratah, Tasmania

A region that consists of wild, rugged coastlines; cool temperate rainforests; privately owned rich, fertile farmlands; state forests and protected areas.  A 477 000 hectare wilderness in the remote north west of Tasmania.  It covers an area from the Arthur River to the north; the Pieman River to the south; the Murchison Highway to the east and the Indian Ocean to the west.

Tarkineer Aboriginal Band

Along the wild, wind-swept coastline can be found numerous hut depressions found in aboriginal middens, artefact scatters, ceremonial stone arrangements, petroglyph’s, and spongolite (a particular rock used to make stone tools).  All the remains of the sedentary way of life of a band of aborigines who lived along the coastline, hunting seals, land mammals and gathering shellfish.

Mouth of the Arthur River on the edge of the Tarkine: the wild, windswept coastline

Huge sand dunes which extend several kilometres inland and continue to grow, slowly filling forests with sand.  Small fishing villages from where brave fishermen still today test the wild oceans in their small fishing boats.

Tasmanian Rainforest

The Tarkine includes Australia’s largest tract of cool, temperate rainforest, which supports the flora, lichens and fossils that help tell the story of Tasmania’s ancient flora and it’s evolution, showing links to the ancient super-continent of Gondwanaland.  A walk through the cool, green comfort of these rainforests is a delight.

Lichen and fungi on the Tarkine rainforest floor

Soft green mosses, fungi and lichen underfoot; towering manferns; huge old myrtle trees up to 50metres high tower overhead.  Leatherwood and sassafras trees, everything so cool, green and alive with unique creatures and habitats not found anywhere else in the world.  It is a home to many threatened and endangered species of both flora and fauna.

Global Significance: Settlements, Mountains & Rivers

The Tarkine is also home to globally significant magnesite karsts (landforms characterised by caves and sinkholes), including unique cave and pinnacle formations.  Filled with pioneering heritage, our history is evident in the historical settlements of Temma, Corinna, Balfour, Waratah, Luina and Magnet.

Trowutta Arch ~ an example of a magnesite karst in the Tarkine, Tasmania

From the mountains to the sea, the wild rivers flow through much of the Tarkine.  The Arthur, the Pedder, the Thornton, the Rapid and the Donaldson all flow from mountains through the wilderness of the Tarkine.  The Arthur River is completely wild, never logged, never dammed and free from bushfires for over 650 years.

So often we hear of a place that has outstanding heritage significance.  A place that has both natural and cultural history; a place that is important to science; a place relatively untouched by human activity or a place of extraordinary, pristine beauty…

In Tasmania, we have The Tarkine.  It contains all of the above, and so much more.

The cool, green comfort of the Tarkine Rainforest, Tasmania

All photos ©Carol Haberle, H&H Photography.
You can follow Carol on Facebook at Haberle Photo Cards

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Map: Tarkine Tasmania…

Driving to Mt Field over the Easter break was the best decision we made.  By far.  Don’t get me wrong, we did some other fabulous stuff too:  Teddies on the Green in Richmond; a trip to the summit of Mount Wellington; dinner at the Ball and Chain in Salamanca Place.  They’re the places you go when you entertain first-time visitors to Hobart.  But we were inspired by Cassandra’s article about historic New Norfolk and made our way there just as a wintry cold-snap hit the state.  And it was wonderful.

Snow on Mt Field makes a decision to visit the Derwent Valley an especially good one

Mt Field: Autumn in the Derwent Valley

To be honest, when we set out from Hobart mid-morning, we were probably content with just making it to New Norfolk.  Enjoy the autumn colours; maybe visit the Salmon Ponds or browse a few antique stores.  When we arrived at the Bushy Park junction, storm clouds were brewing overhead.  But we made an executive decision to eat lunch at the Mt Field National Park visitor centre, and then plan our next move.

Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe at Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley Tasmania

Warming Lunch at Waterfalls Cafe

While we ordered hot soup and sandwiches and drank warming coffee at Waterfalls Cafe, the heavens opened and the outlook was bleak.  But just as we emerged from the gift shop, the sun appeared.  So we quickly loaded up the 4WD’s and started the alpine ascent to Lake Dobson.

While it was still fine, we stopped at the Tall Trees Walk on the way, and everyone was impressed with the giants of the forest.  The walk is gentle and stable; suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

The Tall Trees Walk at Mt Field is an easy, 30-minute trek through giant swamp gums

Tall Trees and Alpine Roads

We continued onward and upward, with a total of 16kms to travel from the visitor centre to Lake Dobson.  The narrow, gravel road is in good condition and the drive isn’t too harrowing.  Sometimes, you need to edge past oncoming traffic, but at an appropriate speed, it’s all good.  There’s a lookout part way up that offers a wonderful view over the Derwent Valley.

Views over the Derwent Valley from the Mt Field National Park alpine road

When you reach the lakes plateau you can see the peaks of Mt Field; and we were ecstatic to see them covered in snow.  Icy flakes were still falling gently when we arrived at the Lake Dobson car park, and it was just magical.  The kids were amazed to see mounds of white on the cars already parked there.

Snowfalls in Tasmania in Autumn: Mt Field National Park, Derwent Valley

Icy Lake Dobson

Obviously others were in the vicinity, possibly bush-walking, given the amount of snow on their vehicles.  But we had the place to ourselves, and enjoyed a vigourous snow-ball fight.  Then we ventured down the few steps leading to the water’s edge of Lake Dobson.

Lake Dobson is 16kms from the Mt Field National Park visitor centre

Wombats, Pademelons and Bennetts Wallabies

Last time we went to Mt Field, we met our very first Tasmanian wombat.  This time, we encountered an equally friendly version of wildlife.  We weren’t sure if it was a pademelon or a Bennetts wallaby, because it was partially hidden by the vegetation.  According to staff at the visitors centre, the pademelon is supposed to be more timid.  But our mate, although a wild animal, was very calm and wasn’t scared at all.

Chances are high for an encounter with wildlife at Mt Field National Park

Before long, it was time to return to the base of Mt Field National Park.  Thankfully, the heaters in the car were quick to warm our frozen hands.  The temperature gauge was showing zero, but the Tassie experience was worth every single cold toe.

Not our first visit to Mt Field, but still something special to share with Think Tasmania readers

Must-See Russell Falls

It was raining again when we arrived back at base, but a visit to Mt Field isn’t complete without a walk to Russell Falls.  We donned our jackets, but yet again we were blessed by the weather Gods.  The rain cleared as we made our way from the visitor centre towards one of the most-loved waterfalls in Tasmania.

Take a walk to Russell Falls at Mt Field National Park. You won't be sorry!

True to form, the melted snow was powering over the tiers of Russell Falls, looking spectacular and impressing the tourists (and the locals!).  Our photos can’t compare to the waterfall series taken by Cameron Blake of Leverett Photography, but we snapped away anyhow.

Russell Falls, a highlight of any visit to Mt Field National Park in Tasmania

Day Trip: Hobart to Mt Field

And that marked the end of our day trip from Hobart.  We didn’t have the inclination to tackle Horseshoe or Lady Barron Falls… maybe next time.  This wasn’t our first trip to Mt Field National Park, and it certainly won’t be our last!

When we returned to Hobart, we grabbed a quick dinner at the Wrest Point Coffee Shop.  Much of the conversation revolved around the day’s great fortunes: to experience something so wonderful without much effort or planning at all.

Visitors are required to purchase a National Park Pass for Mt Field.
There is lots of accommodation in the Derwent Valley region
or you can drive from Hobart in just over an hour.

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Map: Mt Field National Park, Tasmania…

Lake St Clair National Park should be on the list of every Tasmanian tourist and is a firm favourite of mine.  When taking a trip from Queenstown or Hobart, it is easily accessed from the Lyell Highway close to Derwent Bridge.

A must-see for every Tasmanian tourist: Lake St Clair National Park (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Lake St Clair National Park & the Wilderness Hotel

by Roger Findlay

For a first time tourist, parts of the Lyell Highway can be quite a test.  This road cannot be likened to the Pacific, Hume or Calder highways of the mainland.  In most parts, the road is single lane in each direction and I don’t feel comfortable travelling at speeds over 90km/hour.

Sometimes the regular travellers become impatient with the tourist; they want to travel on or over the speed limit and look for every opportunity to overtake.  Don’t be pressured.  Ignore the rear view mirror if you can.  Concentrate on the road ahead and arrive safely.

Nelson Falls Nature Trail about four kilometres west of Victoria Pass

And don’t let this put you off.  The spectacular scenery is well worth it.  It’s 256km from Hobart to Queenstown and 170km to Derwent Bridge.  There is so much to see along the way.  If you’re travelling south from Queenstown, your first stop should be the Nelson Falls and nature trail then Donaghys Lookout.  Consider an overnight stay so that you can appreciate Lake St Clair National Park and the unique Wall in the Wilderness without rushing.

The view from Donaghy's Lookout between Queenstown and Hobart, Tasmania

The Wall in the Wilderness, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania

Lake St Clair National Park Pass

You will need a pass to enter Lake St Clair National Park and these are available at the Visitor Centre, where there is also a café and a variety of interesting displays.  Maps are available for the series of long and short walks.

The Lake St Clair National Park has good facilities for the Tasmanian tourist (Photo by Dan Fellow)

For the short walks, it is advisable that you wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and carry waterproof clothing to cope with the frequent wet weather.  In the winter months, you will most likely encounter falls of snow.  The experienced walker will know the equipment required for the longer walk.

Well-prepared: Jeanette Findlay at Lake St Clair National Park

Wilderness Hotel, Derwent Bridge

If you don’t fancy camping in the national park, there are a few options close by.  Several years ago, we chose to stay at the Wilderness Hotel in Derwent Bridge.  The building is quite spectacular from the outside and even more so when you enter.  I think it was built as a Government provisions store but I stand to be corrected by readers.

Giant timber posts and beams of Titanic proportion are the main feature of the large bar and restaurant area but the best thing is the huge fireplace that takes a log the size of almost half a tree!  We met the live-in woodcutter who was quite happy receiving board, keep and beer in return.

A roaring open fire at the Wilderness Hotel, Derwent Bridge, Tasmania

Dormitory accommodation is popular with those finishing the Overland Trek.  A bus also passes by the Wilderness Hotel to take them back to their cars at Cradle Mountain.  We had a small standard room with shared facilities that were fine.  It suited our needs for the one night stay, where we were lucky to experience one of the best nights ever.  The pub food was great and so was the company.

Making New Friends in Tasmania!

People must see my back pocket to know that I’m loaded!  Our four new friends were no exception.  These lovely ladies were Melbourne teachers who had just completed the Overland.  They sat around the blazing fire like exhausted drowned rats.  The display of blistered feet ate at my heart and I suddenly became their Dutch Uncle by shouting drinks all round.  I had fallen for “Stripes”.  She could mix it with the best and didn’t look out of place playing pool in her striped thermals.

Discover the Lake St Clair National Park from the Wilderness Hotel, Derwent Bridge

The next morning I went to pay my bill and was shocked to see that the drinks were more than the accommodation.  This Dutch Uncle, feeling sorry for the poorly paid teachers, had shouted them drinks for the entire night!  Jeanette often reminds me of my stupid generosity.  I remind myself that I must return to Lake St Clair National Park and the Wilderness Hotel and do it all again.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park: one for the tourist highlight reel

Roger Findlay spends all his holidays in Tasmania, then writes about the
experience for Think Tasmania. If you’d like Roger to visit you in the name of
research (so we can publish information about your business), please contact us.

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Map: Lake St Clair National Park, Tasmania…

Tasmania is a great place to see Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins as they are also known).  If you’re in the north west region of Tassie, an easy-to-get-to and excellent spot to see these cute little critters is the Lillico Beach Conservation Area, 10 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

Little Penguins are also called Fairy Penguins (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Little Penguins at Lillico Beach

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

This shrubby coastal strip of land is home to a colony of delightful Little Penguins.  They enchant visitors every breeding season (September to May) and during the summer months (mid December to mid February).  Local volunteers and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife rangers are on site during this time.

The Friends of Lillico Penguins also offer a free guiding interpretation service all through the breeding season.  The reserve is only 2.5kms long with a total area of 14 hectares.  Lillico Beach, which is an important wildlife corridor for the area, is made up of sand and attractive, evenly polished stones known as shingle.

Little Penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach in the north west of Tasmania

Information about the habitat of the Little Penguins is provided at Lillico Beach

There’s a first-rate viewing platform and walkway arrangement in place, which makes it easy to watch the Little Penguins as they return to their burrows each evening after a day’s search for food in the beautiful waters of Bass Strait.  These penguins are around 30cms in height and weigh in at just a kilo.  They are the world’s smallest breed of penguin and have been known to dive down to 57 metres for their food.

Viewing platforms at Lillico Beach allow visitors to observe the Little Penguins

How to Behave Around Fairy Penguins

There’s a few “dos” and “don’ts” if you are coming to view the Little Penguins of an evening.  Firstly, penguins use visual cues to make their way back to the burrows, which means they can become easily lost and confused by light and noise.  Visitors are asked to stay on the platform; remain quiet and still; wear dark clothing and refrain from using camera flash or any white light torches.

During the right times, visitors to Lillico Beach Tasmania can see Little Penguins

Definitely do not approach or touch the penguins or walk through their colony.  That would be very traumatic for them and could damage the burrow areas, preventing the adults from getting to their hungry offspring.

Fairy Penguins will return from Bass Strait to their burrows to feed their young

As the penguins can easily see movement (especially if you are outlined against the sky) you should not walk along the beach to get to the viewing spot.  A torch with red cellophane over the light source is acceptable.  Digital cameras without a flash and video cameras without a spotlight can be used.

Lillico Beach is along the Bass Highway from Devonport in north west Tasmania

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is a very well established and maintained area to view these Little Penguins, and we are lucky to have them here in Tasmania.  This is a lovely experience to take with you from this part of the north west coast.

Little Penguins: adorable Tasmanian wildlife will captivate tourists (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Penguins in Tasmania

Penguins can be found almost anywhere around Tasmanian coastlines.  Some other interesting places you can see Little Penguins in Tasmania are:

• the aptly named town of Penguin where they come ashore near
  the main town area (there’s also the Penguin Point Fairy Penguin Tour
  run nightly from September to March)
• at Burnie in the early evening on many of the beaches and at the
  Little Penguin Observation Centre on Parsonage Point at the western
  end of west beach (where Friends of the Burnie Penguins hold free
  interpretive tours for visitors from September to March)
• near the town of Port Sorell you can frequently see them hurrying
  up the beach
• at Low Head near George Town where nightly tours are taken from the
  Coastal Reserve
• at Stanley I’ve often seen penguins in the day swimming around where
  the fishing boats are moored
• Bicheno Penguin Tours have the biggest nightly penguin tour in Tasmania.
  It runs all year but penguin numbers are more reliable during the breeding
  season
• Bruny Island penguins are common along the isthmus beach where
  North and South Bruny meet
• at Strahan on the west coast you can take the Bonnet Island Experience
  Tour or discover them yourself if you take a trip at dusk to the southern
  end of Ocean Beach

Little Penguins can be seen in the town of... Penguin!! (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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!

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Map: Little Penguins at Lillico Beach, Tasmania…

Gunns Plains Caves: Discover the Magic

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

There’s a hidden gem below the scenic valley of Gunns Plains, that’s been attracting visitors for many years.  It’s the Gunns Plains Caves and it was one of the earliest cave reserves in Tasmania being proclaimed a state reserve in 1918.  You’ll find these magical caves 25km south of Ulverstone in Tasmania’s beautiful north west.

Discover the magic of the Gunns Plains Caves in the north west of Tasmania

Cave Tour: A Glowing Endorsement

Gunns Plains Caves are renowned for their outstanding cave formations including calcite shawls and flowstones.  You can also see a lovely display of glow-worms.  An underground river that still flows formed these limestone caves and it’s a nice accompanying sound as you ramble along the walkways.  You may even catch a glimpse of Tasmanian wildlife:  a giant fresh-water crayfish, eel or even a platypus.

The limestone caves include an underground river and glow worms

Discover the magic of Gunns Plains Caves, hidden underground in north west Tasmania

Arriving at the caves reserve you will find a picnic area with barbeque facilities, tables and car parking area.  It’s a short 30-metre walk down into the cave entrance, where you will be greeted at the office by the delightful Trish and Geoff who run the caves.  These guys sure know how to give an informative, memorable and fun cave tour!

Take a cave tour with Trish and Geoff and discover the underground magic of Gunns Plains

At the start of the tour there are 54 concrete steps to descend to get down onto the floor of the caves.  From then on there are a series of very well-maintained, well-lit walkways with railings.  The walkways crisscross through the caves and include a ten-rung, ladder-style set of steps.  Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended; and the caves are always a pleasant 11 degrees Celsius.

Well-maintained walkways criss cross through the stunning Gunns Plains Caves

Striking Gold… and Silver!

The formations in this cave are breathtaking.  They include one of the worlds largest ribbon stalactites, an amazing multi-tiered formation of silver-speckled calcite crystals, known as the Wedding Cake.  There’s also a beautiful flowstone nicknamed the Golden Fleece.

The Wedding Cake, one of the stunning formations in the Gunns Plains Caves

You will discover the names of other interesting formations while on the cave tour.  This is the second time I’ve been on this tour, but I was again bowled over by the exquisiteness of this amazing underground fairyland.  My photos really don’t portray the brilliant beauty of these caves… you just have to visit in person to discover the magic for yourself.

Visit the Gunns Plains Caves for the chance to discover the magic for yourself

Discover the magic! That's what Trish & Geoff promise for this cave tour

The Gunns Plains Caves are open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day).  You can contact Trish and Geoff Deer on (03) 6429 1388 or email Gunns Plains Caves to confirm tour times.

Visit Geoff and Trish in the north west of Tasmania for a memorable experience

Gunns Plains Caves tour times are generally…

10.00am ~ 11.00am ~ 12.00pm ~ 1.30pm ~ 2.30pm ~ 3.30pm

Cave tour times may be at visitor capacity due to cruise ship passengers from Burnie, so a prior booking would be advisable.

See the stunning, ancient formations hidden underground in the Gunns Plains valley

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle to visit you, please contact Think Tasmania.

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Map: Gunns Plains Caves, Tasmania…