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

A Waterfall a Week – 52 Waterfalls is a current project by Cameron Blake
of Leverett Photography.  You may have noticed the campaign on Facebook?
We’ve been following his progress with great interest, and Cameron has agreed
to share with us the idea behind the campaign and some of his stunning images.

A Waterfall A Week - 52 Waterfalls by Cameron Blake of Leverett Photography

A Waterfall A Week – 52 Waterfalls

by Cameron Blake

My wife and I recently moved to Hobart, Tasmania after many years of deliberation.  Being a professional photographer I couldn’t think of a better place to set up camp to capture the natural beauty of Tasmania.  Once I was settled, I decided to set myself a challenge for 2012; a challenge that will promote the wild beauty and mystery of the island.

The challenge I set myself is now named “A Waterfall a Week – 52 Waterfalls”.  For every week of 2012 I will challenge myself to capture and promote 52 of the most wonderful waterfalls in Tasmania.

Aim: 52 of the most wonderful waterfalls in Tasmania

Leverett Photography: Waterfalls Around Hobart

The weeks started off with some nice summer weather throughout the Hobart area.  I decided that to capture a waterfall a week, it was best if I started off close to home.  Capturing the Hobart area is simply amazing and easily completed.  Hobart has so many beauties hidden right on her doorstep with numerous waterfalls within a short drive or walk.

Tasmanian waterfalls inspiring Leverett Photography to capture a waterfall a week

Cameron Blake Shares Some Secret Waterfalls!

Some of the 52 waterfalls are the usual tourist favorites; but I have managed to come across some of the lesser-known falls.  I love to hike and get out into the wilderness and this challenge is surely helping me feel like a local around the southern Tasmanian wilderness.  To date I am confident that I will find the 52 waterfalls and complete a waterfall a week.

The 52 waterfalls include tourist favourites and secret locations

You can follow Leverett Photography on Facebook or Twitter.
They also have a website with a page dedicated to Tasmanian photography.
You can contact Cameron Blake on 0413 487 644

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: Hobart, Tasmania…

Hi Tania ~ Here are some images for 41 Degrees South.  Good stuff, fun to do and great tastings ~ Dan Fellow

And with that little note, Dan attached a heap of great photos.  He really is a man of few words, hey?

41 Degrees South: Tasmanian Salmon Farm, Ginseng & Wetlands

However… Dan is also a great advocate for all things Tasmanian, particularly tourism attractions close to his home town of Westbury.  Everyone has loved the professional tourism photos we’ve shared from Dan recently…

• Silk
• Windermere Corner Cafe
• Lilydale Tavern, Bakery & Cafe
• Dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo
• New Year on Royal

So I went to the 41 Degrees South website, to find out more.  Here’s what they’ve got to say (and I quote!)…

41 Degrees South: Salmon, Ginseng & Wetlands

41 Degrees South Tasmania is a unique tourist attraction near Launceston and Devonport.  A 45 minute drive from Launceston brings you to our salmon farm, ginseng nursery and wetlands near Deloraine.  We offer free tastings, a small café is located at the farm and light lunches are available.

41 Degrees South offer tastings and sales of their Tasmanian products

The farm was carved out of of willow and gorse infested scrub in 1998.  Ponds were built and wetlands were created.  A patchwork of wetland grasses, freshwater ponds, dykes, wetlands and marshes are set along the western creek rivulet.  The wetland was not only created to attract a wide variety of birds, it’s aim was to also be used as a natural biofilter for the salmon farm.

 

There is always something to see here as changing seasons bring different birds and give them a place to feed, breed, nest and rest.  Things to do at our farm include a self-guided tour of the fresh water salmon ponds and ginseng field.  You can also take a walk along the boardwalk through our wetlands set at the foot of the Montana Falls.

Take a tour of the Tasmanian Salmon ponds at 41 Degrees South near Deloraine

First-Hand Experience: Photos from 41 Degrees South

The only thing left to do now is share the photos (which do tend to confirm what 41 Degrees South have promised about their attraction).  Because there were too many photos to format and add to this article, I’ve turned them into a slideshow for our YouTube Channel.  I’m sure Dan’s photos will inspire you to visit…

To see more work by Dan Fellow follow Tasmania Photos on Facebook.
You can also purchase Desktop Tasmania, a multimedia CD
with a stunning collection of Tasmanian photos for $19-95.
If you’d like Dan 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!

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

Map: 41 Degrees South Tasmania…

Discover The Leven River Cruise

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join a Leven River Cruise and see what was upstream?  Well I recently had an opportunity to do just that by boarding the Jus’ Leven for a Discover The Leven River Cruise in Ulverstone.

Arriving at the Ulverstone jetty to board the Jus' Leven river cruise boat owned by Kim Haines

Leven River Cruise: Owner Kim Haines

From the moment we stepped onto the pontoon at the boat ramp we were warmly welcomed by owner and operator Kim Haines and her daughter and helper for the day, Christie.  We settled into our seats for a “get to know you” chat, safety demo, pre-checks and then we were off… out into the blue waters of the Leven River on a picture perfect day.

Cruise to the mouth of the Leven River where it joins Bass Strait

To begin with, we cruised up to where the Leven River meets the sea.  Meanwhile Kim shared stories and some history of each of the landmarks and of Ulverstone.  Turning around when we reached the mouth of the river we headed upstream while listening to more interesting information, facts and funny anecdotes along the way.

Tasmanian Wildlife: Wallabies, Fish, Birds…

It was so relaxing taking in the view and spotting the wildlife and we saw lots of fish and many species of birds.  I enjoy watching birds in their natural habitat and we were rewarded with a very special treat:  a beautiful white-breasted sea eagle, which followed us along the river and then promptly dived down to retrieve a fish.  Right in front of us!  As it took the catch to its young in the nest, everyone on board was thrilled they had just witnessed this great sight.

Wildlife spotted during the Leven River Cruise can include a Sea Eagle

As we went further up the Leven River the water changed from blue to tea-coloured, which helped to highlight the reflections on the water along both sides.  In fact these reflections have been admired for over 100 years for the stunning mirror-effect.

Reflections from the water of the Leven River as you cruise further from Ulverstone

You will often see this coloured water in Tasmanian waterways.  It’s due to the tannin that leeches into the water off the buttongrass plains.  About half way along the river we were introduced to Ruby: the Bennett’s wallaby that Kim is hand rearing.  Sweet little Ruby was an instant hit with everyone and she got carefully passed around for cuddles and bottle-feeding.

A passenger on the Leven River Cruise holding Ruby, the Bennett's wallaby

Earn Your Lunch at Leven Park Reserve

Before lunch we pulled up at the mooring area in the Leven Park Reserve.  This reserve is beautiful; an untouched area of natural bushland that has been a favourite of visitors going back as far as 100 years.  We disembarked and went over to the lunch area to get ready for our walk.

Our guided walk was an easy, serene and informative stroll through soaring eucalyptus, 500-year-old man ferns and beautiful tall Blackwoods with a lovely understorey of attractive ferns.  We returned along the banks of the river and back to the lunch area to chat and enjoy some refreshments, while Kim and Christie prepared our three-course meal.

Leave the Jus' Leven at Leven Park Reserve for a nature walk through the bush

Our very filling and scrumptious lunch was served in the form of an entrée, main meal and dessert.  We all agreed we probably wouldn’t need to have dinner that night having just devoured all of the lovely food.  With our bellies full we all kicked back and shared highlights of our day, as well as funny travel stories experienced over the years.  It was time to depart this peaceful spot and start the return journey of the Leven River Cruise.

Lunch, part of the 5-hour Discover the Leven River Cruise from Ulverstone

Leven River Park for lunch on the 5-hour cruise from Ulverstone, Tasmania

Special Ulverstone Cruise & Tours

On the trip back Kim had even more history and wonderful stories to tell us as we glided along and once again took in the pretty river views.  Fantastic tour and great company adds up to a fabulous day.  This is a must to do if you are in Ulverstone and want to explore the area.  It’s a relaxing, no hassles, little-known gem of a tour.

Jus' Leven cruise boat moored on the river at Leven Park Reserve

There are three unique tours to choose from to discover the Leven.  I took the 5-hour Jus’ Leven Meal and Bush Tour.  There is also the 2-hour Jus’ Leven River Tour and the 1-hour Jus’ Leven Bay Tour.  Every tour is explained on the Discover the Leven River Cruise website along with other useful information such as departure times, prices and availability, contact phone number and what to take with you etc.

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
She was a guest of Kim and Discover the Leven River Cruises.
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!

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

Map: Discover the Leven River Cruise, Tasmania…

Fern Glade Reserve is a perfect example of the extremes in environment found in Tasmania.   Drive barely 4kms from the centre of Burnie, a city on the north west coast with an industrial port no less, and you arrive at this peaceful, natural oasis.  The Emu River runs through the valley, and promises an opportunity to see a Tasmanian platypus… if you’re lucky!

Emu River runs through Fern Glade Reserve, only 4kms from the heart of Burnie

Fern Glade Reserve: On A Platypus Mission

During our recent stay in Burnie, we went to Fern Glade Reserve knowing it offered the best chance to see a platypus.  And we really wanted to see one.  Desperately!  So we timed our visit for early evening; apparently this would give us the best chance to see the elusive, semi-aquatic mammal.

The level path that runs along the edge of the Emu River is dotted with interpretive signs about the platypus.  The mammal is endemic to eastern Australia, but the Tasmanian platypus is larger than its mainland counterpart, and spends more time on land.  With the entrance to their burrows often built above the water-line, your chances of a successful search should be higher in Tasmania than in other parts of the country.

The walking track at Fern Glade is dotted with viewing platforms over Emu River

There’s a sculpture not far from the entrance, showing what to look for.  We knew the key was searching in silence, so we cajoled the kids into toning down their enthusiasm for the mission.  And we were at Fern Glade at the optimum time.  Surely we’d see one?  We looked, and looked, and looked… but nothing!

Platypus sculpture at the entrance to Fern Glade Reserve, showing what to look for

Looking, looking... but no platypus sighting for us at Fern Glade this time!

Walking Tracks, Tree Ferns & Native Orchids

Thankfully, there’s other reasons to enjoy Fern Glade.  A young couple quietly ate their take-away dinner at the water’s edge, with their Auto Hertz rental car parked a few metres away.  While the tourists ate their burgers, we ventured along the walking track, lined by massive tree ferns.

You can drive into the reserve via the main entrance off Fernglade Road, or from a second entrance 500m up-river.  Visitors have access to barbecue and picnic facilities; and strategically-placed viewing platforms have been built out over the water’s edge.

The walking track at Fern Glade is flanked by picnic tables and barbecue facilities

But Fern Glade Reserve does have another major attraction for flora (rather than fauna) enthusiasts.  Native orchids grow along the trail… more than a dozen species, apparently.  Probably much easier to find than a platypus!

Fern Glade Reserve is also home to native orchids, on the banks of Emu River

Lynn to the Platypus Rescue!

When Lynn Gorman read about our failed attempt at platypus-spotting, as we compared it to our earlier strike-out in Deloraine, she wrote…

Deloraine definitely has platypus in the river.  We stayed in the caravan park on the river bank, took an evening walk and spent at least 30mins on the footbridge watching a platypus swimming around.  Managed to get lots of photos and even some video!  It’s just a matter of knowing where to go and being in the right place at the right time; sundown is best.

Lynn is also the reader who sent us photos of novelty mailboxes taken during her Tasmanian holiday to share.  This time, she’s provided a photo of the platypus she watched during her visit to Deloraine…

Lynn Gorman spots a platypus in the river at Deloraine during her Tasmanian holiday

The real thing actually looks very similar to what’s represented in the sculpture, and gives us hope that one day, we will spot one.  Whether it happens in Fern Glade Reserve, Deloraine, or maybe even Geeveston or Latrobe (the town is promoted as the Platypus Capital of the World, after all)… time will tell.

Maybe we'll have more luck at Latrobe, the Platypus Capital of the World (Photo by Dan Fellow)

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Map: Fern Glade Reserve, Tasmania…

Coastal Town of Penguin

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

The pretty coastal town of Penguin on Tasmania’s north west coast is located 137kms from Launceston; 17kms east of Burnie and 31kms west of Devonport.  It has a population of around 5,500 and it acquired the name from the fairy penguins, which live around its coastline.  Penguin is nestled in a very scenic spot right beside the beautiful waters of Bass Strait with the impressive Dial Range sitting behind the town towards the south.

The foreshore of the coastal town of Penguin, including the Big One!

Eating and Staying in Penguin

Penguin is a popular tourist destination with a number of excellent cafes and restaurants.  It’s well known by surrounding locals as the place to eat out on a weekend.  There are great places to have a meal like Wild Café Restaurant, Renaessance, The Groovy Penguin, Shady Grove Cafe and Casablanca at the Surf Lifesaving Club.  There’s also a really nice bakery right near the beach.

The range of accommodation options for such a small town is surprising, with two hotels, a caravan park, B&B’s and holiday apartments.  The coastal town of Penguin still retains that laid back, small town feel… wonderful when you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or visiting for the day.  While wandering around the shops of Penguin if you need a perfect gift or something special for yourself, call into Nest in Main Street.  This is a splendid shop that stocks a very nice range of local artisan merchandise.

Things to Do in Penguin

There are lots of things to do in Penguin.  Why not check out the penguins that visit each evening between November and March.  Have your photo taken with the 3.15 metre Big Penguin in the beachfront park.  It’s apparently the largest Penguin in the world.  And while you’re walking down Main Street have a look at the penguin garbage bins along the way.  A much nicer alternative to regular ones!

The Uniting Church, the Bakery bin and the Big Penguin

Admire Penguin Uniting Church and St. Stephens Anglican Church, both old churches in Main Street.  There’s the replica Dutch windmill in Hiscutt Park, which was presented to the people of Penguin to commemorate the Dutch settlers of the area and the Dutch explorers who were the first Europeans to discover Tasmania.

Just west of the Uniting Church is Johnsons Beach Reef.  It’s a popular place at low tide for exploring when the reef is exposed.

Shopping at the Penguin Sunday Markets

The Penguin Sunday Markets are very popular, with more than 200 stalls.  They are Tasmania’s largest undercover markets.  There’s a lot to see at the markets with stalls ranging from food, antiques and collectables, books, art and craft.

Shopping for antiques and collectables in the coastal town of Penguin, Tasmania

Penguin Sunday Markets, on the north west coast of Tasmania, one of the state's best markets

There’s a great lolly shop, with a large assortment of all types of lollies.  And we can’t forget the Tasmanian woodwork, jewellery, gift-ware, fruit and veggies, clothing and live music.  There’s always so much to see at the Penguin Sunday Markets.

The lolly shop! A highlight of every coastal town, Penguin included

Bush-Walking in Penguin

If you’re the energetic sort there are some great reserve walks just behind Penguin in the Dial Range.  Walks range from 30 mins to 2 hours that cater to all fitness levels, with wonderful scenery along the way.  Call into the Penguin Tourist Information Centre in Main Street while you’re in town to get all the info on Penguin and surrounds, or phone them on (03) 64371421.

The deep blue seas of Bass Strait make the drive to Penguin a memorable one

A great way to get to the coastal town of Penguin with terrific views across Bass Strait, is to take the coast road from Ulverstone or via Sulphur Creek from Burnie.  This is such a pretty drive and well worth the diversion from the Bass Highway.

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: Coastal Town of Penguin, Tasmania…

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve is nestled between the foot hills of the Dial Range, six kms south of Penguin.  It is one of the region’s best kept secret places.  We have lived in this region for over twelve months now and didn’t even know it existed.  One day we happened to come across Ferndene Gorge by chance while driving along Ironcliffe Road.  What a hidden treasure it is, and so easy to get to!

Cross the bridge over the creek as you walk in the Ferndene Gorge State Reserve

Gorge Yourself at Ferndene

Turning off Ironcliffe Road at the Ferndene Gorge State Reserve’s bright blue sign, you enter the attractive, shady picnic area.  There is plenty of parking, a well maintained toilet block, bar-b-que, outside picnic tables and under-cover picnic tables.  It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch or early morning breakfast while listening to the many bird calls that sound out around this forest reserve.

Ferndene Gorge entrance, marked by a blue Tasmanian State Reserve sign

Plenty of parking available at the Ferndene State Reserve near Penguin, Tasmania

Mining Features, Man Ferns & Magical Fauna

Just off to the left of the covered picnic area and over a little bridge is the walk to Thorsby’s Tunnel, an old silver mine shaft.  You will also pass Brownings Tunnel along the way; both are left over from bygone mining days.  This is a very pleasant and easy walk, with just one gentle incline mid-way along the track.

Remnants from bygone mining days in Tasmania: Thorsby's Tunnel

At the start of the walk there’s a large grove of very tall Man Ferns or Tree Ferns.  These stately and beautiful sentinels of the state reserve do a fabulous job guarding the entrance to this stunning walk.

The aptly named Ferndene, has tall ferns lining the walking tracks

Like so many of Tasmania’s national park and reserve walks, as you wander along you are accompanied by the sight and sound of a beautiful, clear water bush creek running parallel with the path.  We encountered a few pademelons having a morning drink before they quickly scampered off with a thud of their tails.

Pleasant walking experience: a creek running through Ferndene Gorge

Dial Range Walking Tracks

When you reach the Thorsby’s Tunnel sign, there is another walk that takes off to the right.  This one goes to Mt Dial and Mt Gnomon so if you are feeling energetic you can walk on further and discover more of this interesting area.  The Dial Range has a whole system of walking tracks.  Depending on your fitness level and experience, you can choose…

• Ferndene Walk (30 mins)
• Tall Trees (45 mins)
• Leven River (40-60 mins)
• Mount Montgomery (2 hrs)
• Mount Gnomon (2 hrs)

All of these are accessed via Ironcliffe Road.  For more information about these walks you can purchase a Dial Range Recreation Map from the Penguin Visitor Centre across the road from the Big Penguin.  If you’re after a very pretty and relaxing (but not too strenuous) walk, then Ferndene Reserve is the one for you.  Very easy to get to; you don’t need a four-wheel drive and it’s not far off the Bass Highway.

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve has walking tracks to suit every fitness level

There are also many interesting options in this region for the experienced walker, including the Penguin Cradle Trail.  This walk starts at the Dial Range, continues through Gunns Plains and the Leven Canyon, then on to Black Bluff and Cradle Mountain.  The walk follows a wide and diverse variety of landscapes along the way.

If you’re interested in doing the Penguin Cradle Trail and have bush walking experience, check out the North West Walking Club website.  It has lots of interesting information about walking in this region.

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: Ferndene Gorge State Reserve, Tasmania…

The iconic South Coast Track is something I will never get to experience in person.  The next best thing for me is to see photos taken by others on their journey.  So when Francois Fourie made contact with Think Tasmania wanting to share some of his work with our readers, I was more than happy to oblige.
This is his story and these are his images ~ Tania

South Coast Track Images

by Francois Fourie

I am an amateur photographer and love capturing the beauty of Tasmania.  I recently returned from a hike, doing the South Coast Track.  My main reason for doing the hike was to capture some great images of our rugged coastline and also starry night skies.  I was lucky enough to get some good images, and would love to submit them to your site.

I have so many great photos of Tasmania, it’s hard to choose favourites.  My South Coast Track album has more images.  I’m currently building my own website and I also have a redbubble account and from here people can select an image they like, and get it printed on canvas, posters, cards and more.

I’m originally from South Africa, but moved to Tasmania about 10 years ago.  I work in IT, but my passion lies in photography.  I would love to be able to do photography on a full time basis in the future (or at least earn some money from it!!).

South Coast Track: Hiking Adventure

Whenever I get some free time, I grab my camera and hit the road.  I recently completed the South Coast Track, and it was actually my very first walk!  I was told I’m crazy, and should at least do some day walks or shorter overnights first, but it was a very last minute opportunity, and I wanted a bit of adventure.  It turned out to be a very successful trip all round.  This just concreted my desire to get out there, into the wild, and try to establish myself as a landscape photographer in Tasmania.

I am particularly fond of my South Coast Track picture of Lion rock, and would love more people to see it.  I realise there are thousands of great images of Tasmania out there, so I’m trying to get some unique ones.  I think if I can capture some of our great landmarks in a similar style, there might just be a market for it.

I think the South Coast Track photos that Francois has taken are
wonderful.  It’s just like I did the hike myself!!  What do you think?

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

Map: South Coast Track…