Archive for the ‘Huon Valley & The Channel’ Category

Mountain River Yoghurt: Naturally Delicious!

by Jen Holdsworth

I love and enjoy supporting talented Tasmanian creators.  Let me tell you, Barbara Pippos from Mountain River Yoghurt is one of those creative souls.  I had the privilege of meeting her on behalf of the team at Think Tasmania, and now I’m happy to share her story.

Jen Holdsworth shares the story of Mountain River Yoghurt with Think Tasmania

From Hobart to the Huon Valley

I awoke to a beautiful Tasmanian day.  With the recent showers, the air was fresh and crisp.  I added an extra layer of clothing, collected my camera and bought a coffee (from a divine coffee shop, but that’s a story for another day!).  With coffee in hand, I began the pleasant journey down the Huon Valley Highway, to meet the creator of Mountain River Yoghurt.

The colours on this journey were amazing due to the rains.  Aqua from the Tasmanian Black Wattles and crisp shades of green from the gum trees.  I even opened the car window to absorb the sensory freshness of good Tasmanian air!

Vibrant colours of Mountain River in the Huon Valley, Tasmania

Coming up over Vinces Saddle, the descent begins into the magical Huon Valley.  The Huon Valley Council region is Australia’s most southern government council.  Approaching the Grove Shop, I had to veer right.  Winding my way along a gorgeous road, I was among green paddocks and cows, and the stunning mountain scenery of Sleeping Beauty.  The back of Mt Wellington was peaking through drifts of mystical mist.  Driving through Crabtree, approaching Mountain River, I found myself side-tracked by the beauty of the river and stopped to take some photos.  And take in a lung-full of fresh Huon air!

Sleeping Beauty, inspirational mountain scenery of the Huon Valley

Welcome to Mountain River Yoghurt

At my destination, there was a stunning home nestled into the hillside.  It blended beautifully with the surrounding bush.  I was greeted by Ria, a nine week old Jack Russell, who is the unofficial mascot of Mountain River Yoghurt.  Barbara Pippos was close behind Ria, and I felt welcome immediately.

Ria, the family Jack Russell and unofficial mascot of Mountain River Yoghurt

Barbara glows with pride when sharing her story, her love of the Huon Valley and her slice of paradise.  We sat down to a cuppa and freshly baked cafoutis made with local raspberries.  Our conversation just flowed naturally.

A New Home, A New Beginning

The Mountain River Yoghurt story began seven years ago, when  Barbara moved to Tasmania from South Australia with her husband.  They were based at Mount Nelson while searching for a place to call home.  Being of Spanish and Italian background, Barbara has always had culinary talent and a strong desire to cook.  Preserving and creating food to share with family and friends is her love and passion.  Obviously one requirement when choosing a new home then, was readily available and accessible local produce.  Mountain River was to be that home.

It’s such an inspirational place to make yoghurt, with so much fresh food around.  As well as vast green pastures, natural running water and beautiful bush land, more importantly there’s also a sense of community and a wonderful lifestyle.  Barbara is a very talented lady.  She speaks three languages and has a background helping migrants settle into Australia.  She truly appreciates what it means to be part of a supportive environment.  This, along with her natural vibrancy and love of all things Tasmanian, is reflected in the taste of her beautiful yoghurts.

Happy Cows, Happy Customers!

Now… about the yoghurts!  They are created in small batches, because there is a true science to making them beautiful.  A natural flavor and a slightly sweetened yoghurt are used as the base, made with cow’s milk from local producers.  I met some of the local cows on the journey down to Mountain River, and let me assure you they look like very happy cows!

Happy cows equals happy milk, which in turn equals beautiful, creamy yoghurt (and hence happy customers!)  All the fruit and honey is locally sourced and while the milk they use at the moment is Tasmanian, they are waiting for Huon Valley Milk to be up and running (and then the milk really will be local… from Cygnet).  Once a new plant is up and running in Smithton, they will be able to source skim milk powder from Tasmania.  “I believe in supporting as many local people and businesses as possible. That’s what living in a gorgeous place like Tasmania is all about” Barbara Pippos says with true pride.

Barbara Pippos uses local Huon Valley and Tasmanian ingredients when possible

Traditional Natural Yoghurt

Mountain River Yoghurt is sold in a traditional form in medium and large sizes, with the flavours and toppings in a separate container.  The base yoghurt then has a longer fridge life and reduces waste.  Just use as needed.  I can guarantee however, that I won’t be wasting anything!  The toppings are…

• Crunchy Nut Crumble
• Mixed Berries
• Cherry & Vanilla
• Honey
• Spiced Apples

You mix the topping into the yoghurt as required.  And in one word, the taste is YUMMO!  Not the most technical gastronomical word to use, but a very honest description for good, honest, healthy yoghurt.

Barbara loves the fact that each batch of yoghurt is hand created with true love and fresh produce, which makes Mountain River Yoghurt unique and delightful to eat.  The Pippos family has true spirit, and they are inspired each day by their piece of paradise.  Tadpole hunting, echidnas at the front door… what a great place to raise a family.  And to create yoghurt!

Inspiration is all around Barbara Pippos to create Mountain River Yoghurt

How to Find Barbara Pippos

The yoghurt is sold at the Farm Gate Market in Melville Street each Sunday; and through word of mouth (which as we know is the best form of sale).  They also have a Mountain River Yoghurt Facebook page.  And stay tuned as a website is currently being created.  Barbara Pippos can be contacted by phone or email anytime.  You will find her friendly, welcoming and full of knowledge about food, and happy to discuss her yoghurts anytime.

Barbara Pippos sells her Mountain River Yoghurt at the Farm Gate Market, Hobart

We should all thank Barbara Pippos and her family for choosing Tasmania as the place to come and create Mountain River Yoghurt.  And for the record, my favourite is the crumble topping with the natural yoghurt.  It’s good.  Very, very good.

Jen Holdsworth owns two online businesses…
Hospital Healing Hampers ~ Quality Australian Healing Gifts
D’Entrecasteaux Soaps ~ Handmade Natural Tasmanian Products

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Map: Mountain River Yoghurt, Tasmania…

Middleton Memories

by Lorraine McNeair

We needed a break, and as my daughter, husband and puppy dog were coming with me, we needed a pet-friendly place to stay.  After some intensive web-wandering we found an abode at Middleton, which is on the edge of the water in the Huon Valley/Channel region.  What an idyllic place for a quiet, relaxing spell.  Only the sound of the gulls, and the whisper of the water as it ebbed and flowed.

Beautiful views from waterfront accommodation in Middleton, Tasmania

The serenity! Easy to enjoy the peaceful, idyllic surrounds at Middleton

Middleton: Much to Offer

Middleton is a quiet rural town with lots of views of the sea and the lovely green fields that only the Huon can provide.  We were situated at the end of a quiet gravel road and could sit outside and gaze across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel at Bruny Island, another place we have stayed (but that’s another story!).

Scenes at sunset over the gorgeous D'Entrecasteaux Channel from Middleton

One day we were delighted with the antics of a pod of dolphins as they leaped and played in the sparkling waters.  Another day, when it rained, we were treated to the sight of wooded hills wreathed in mist, and that’s when we played cards and other games. We must have enjoyed our stay because we returned several months later for another visit, and we are already looking forward to our next visit to Middleton.

Who wouldn't want to return to the Huon Valley for more peaceful relaxation?

Lorraine McNeair is a volunteer with the Latrobe Information Centre.
She is a writer, photographer and artist, and is passionate about
sharing all the interesting things she knows about Tasmania.

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Map: Middleton Tasmania…

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps & Hospital Healing Hampers

Carol Whitmore and Jen Holdsworth

nature in all her vigor, and yet in a state of decay, seems to offer to the
imagination something more picturesque and more imposing than
the sight of this same nature bedecked by the hand of civilized man.

 ~ Antoine Raymond Joseph de Bruni d’Entrecasteaux

D’Entrecasteaux was a French navigator who explored the coast of Australia in 1792.  On the 20th April 1792, he anchored his boat in what is now Recherche Bay and then spent five weeks exploring what is now the D’Entrescateaux Channel describing and detailing all of its beauty,  including Bruny Island which was also a part of his name.

Colours from The Channel inspiring D’Entrecasteaux Soaps

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps: Carol Whitmore

This is the same feeling that overcame Carol when visiting this exquisite part of Tasmania, so beautiful, so fresh, and yet so wild and relatively untouched by man.  It is here in Charlotte Cove a majestic little community tucked into the bush land right on the water front of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, that Carol and her partner Geoff decided to settle into and create.  Create Carol has done, being passionate about the environment and motivated by Tasmania’s beauty, Carol started to experiment with soap and study the possibility of making some soaps that represented Tasmania.

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps incorporate stylish packaging in their design

After many trials, research and establishing a good network of many other motivated Tasmanians, Carol has managed to refine her soap collection and has triumphed with the end result being a rather unique collection of soaps, handmade in Tasmania and using 100% natural ingredients.  You won’t find any synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens, sodium laurel sulphates, petrochemicals or artificial colours.  With the use of essential oils to create a lovely scent, clays and botanicals are added to nourish and to provide natural colour.  Also, Carol has lovingly picked seaweed from her patch at Charlotte Cove, dried it and then placed it into one of her soaps; magical soap that has so many trace elements from the Tasmanian seaweed, your skin will thank you for it.  The colours of her soaps are so natural with warm earthy tones that truly represent the many colours of Tasmania’s beautiful bush, sea and sky.

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps are handmade in Tasmania using natural ingredients

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps have been operating from Charlotte Cove for over a year and are just starting to build a reputation for quality soaps, that are hand created and carved with not any two soaps being the same, each having its own character without compromise of quality.  Many shops in the Hobart area are stocking these soaps, as they are across this wonderful state, with many boutique accommodation places recognizing their quality.

D’Entrecasteaux Soaps are designed, made & distributed in Tasmania

Hospital Healing Hampers: Jen Holdsworth

Unfortunately, Carol and Geoff have had to return to NSW to complete another project.  However Carol feels so passionately about Tasmania and D’Entrecasteaux Soaps and the potential for her soaps to be sold across Australia and built into a truly Tasmanian icon, that she has partnered up with Jen Holdsworth from Hospital Healing Hampers, an equally passionate Tasmanian.  Carol and Jen have established a wonderful friendship and working relationship whilst Carol was supplying soaps to Hospital Healing Hampers, and from there both Jen and Carol have discussed how wonderful it is to be working in Tasmania and representing Tasmania by creating truly unique ideas and products. D’entrecasteaux Soaps will remain Tasmanian made and still be created with such passion and pride, whilst Carol will continue to operate the business and make regular visits to Tasmania to work with Jen to create more soap, more ideas, and to actively spread the message of quality natural soaps.

Jen with her Hospital Healing Hampers business has a huge desire to promote Tasmanian products in her hampers which are beautifully presented, and that are not only packed with goodies but also the emotions of empathy, respect, love and pride.

Tasmanian: Hospital Healing Hampers by Jen Holdsworth

She is a mother of four children – the fourth child with a rare genetic disorder called Kabuki Syndrome.  As a result of the issues associated with the syndrome, there have been many hospital visits both here and in Victoria.  This has given Jen a true understanding of the emotions of a hospital stay, not only for the patient but for all family members.  The family would have found it easier to move to Victoria for their daughter’s treatment; however it is Tasmania that they call home and Tasmania that they choose to raise their four beautiful children in.  Teaching their children the importance of nature and family values, is something that they are able to do here whilst working from home.

Send you're loved one a Tasmanian hamper as they're healing in hospital

Thanks to many supportive people, Jen has been able to establish her dream of helping others whilst creating beautiful products. “It’s so important for families to feel supported during their time of crisis and this is how we are able to help” says Jen.  The hampers provide a lovely treat, and are designed to help promote emotional and physical healing.  They also make wonderful gifts for any occasion and are such a lovely way to promote how healing Tasmanian products can be.

Tasmanian Soaps & Hampers: A Partnership Made in Heaven

Both Carol and Jen have a wonderful relationship that flows into both their businesses, the warmth shines through in the soaps and the hampers, and the passion and pride they have for Tasmania is evident as they speak highly of what this state has to offer in the way of support, produce, people, natural beauty, and passion.

Carol and Jen are inspired by the colours of nature in Tasmania

This year they both plan to work hard to establish wonderful partnerships with both suppliers and customers to provide wonderful personalized service and create even more stunning soaps and hampers.  “I think people are still looking for service provided with a smile and pride, and a good quality honest product” says Jen, “and both Carol and I believe that this is what makes a wonderful shopping experience, resulting in many happy smiles”.  “Tasmania is a state in which we are both very proud of and its constant changing environments is what inspires our soap” says Carol, who gleams with pride!

Both Hospital Healing Hampers and D’Entecastreaux Soaps have Facebook pages, with Hospital Healing Hampers also in the Tasmanian phone book for their mobile service.  Both soaps and hampers can be delivered anywhere across Australia with overnight delivery, and the presentation of both soaps and hampers are simply stunning.  Your skin will thank you for the soaps and your soul will thank you for the hampers.

A selection of Hospital Healing Hampers, a company based in Tasmania

Both Carol and Jen would like to thank many Tasmanians who have supported them and look forward to this year with so many exciting things to come.

For more information, check the websites for…
D’Entrecasteaux Soaps
Hospital Healing Hampers

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Map: D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania…

Would you like to join an Adventure Cruise and write about the experience?  That was the question posed to us by the marketing manager at Bruny Island Cruises.  Here at Think Tasmania we love to cover award-winning tourism ventures, and for the last four years this one has been voted the best tourist attraction in Tasmania.  That category has some pretty hot competition so this mob are obviously good.  My problem was this: when sea-legs (and maybe even bravery) were handed out, I was obviously holding the door!

Take an adventure cruise to the south of Tasmania via Bruny Island

Adventure Cruise: Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

Avoiding this adventure cruise just because I’m a big chicken, would have been seriously negligent.  We are dedicated to writing about all things Tasmanian, after all.  So we booked ourselves aboard.  And I’m very happy to report that I survived the day with the contents of my stomach entirely intact.  Not only that, I found the experience exhilarating and truly worthy of all the accolades.

Join the multi award-winning Bruny Island Cruises at Franklin Wharf, Hobart

Originally, I planned to give you my “top five” features of the Bruny Island Adventure Cruise.  But I honestly couldn’t narrow the list down to only five.  So here’s my thoughts about the day…

The Staff ~ these guys are first class!  You won’t ever meet a group of people more considerate and caring; funny and friendly; or passionate about their jobs than the team who work for Rob Pennicott.  He’s chosen his staff very well.  Everyone from the check-in counter and the cafe; to the boat and the bus drivers… they’re all 100% committed to providing efficient and competent service with a really big smile.

Skipper Mick and tour guide Matt: excellence in professional customer service

The Bus Tour ~ joining the full-day tour meant boarding a bus at the docks in Hobart.  Immediately, we were on a journey rather than just a drive.  Matt, our completely gorgeous 23-year-old driver, was upbeat and knowledgeable, pointing out features and giving us insights into Hobart.  The “best Italian restaurant” and a “cool maritime pub” as we drove through Battery Point; then Wrest Point Casino over in Sandy Bay.  People were included in the conversation, and it seemed like a day out with friends rather than strangers who’d just met.

The bus at Elizabeth Pier, ready to take passengers to Adventure Bay, Bruny Island

Kettering ~ we arrived at the Huon Valley ferry terminal 20 minutes before the Mirambeena was scheduled to leave for Bruny Island.  That gave us time to grab our first coffee for the day and check out the marina.  Not a bad little collection of boats!

Buy a morning coffee and check out the Kettering Marina.

Bruny Island ~ after a 15 minute, smooth-as crossing, we began our drive to Adventure Bay on the cusp of South Bruny National Park.  Along the way, Matt gave us details of food producers, wildlife, farming, fishing and beaches.  We saw enough to know it’s somewhere we need to visit again as soon as possible.

Vehicles and passengers boarding the Bruny Island Ferry (Mirambeena)

Rob Pennicott ~ once we’d been served our morning tea in the cafe, we joined with other adventure cruise customers.  Some had arrived under their own steam and others had joined the bus convoy in Kettering.  Rob thanked us all for coming, gave an amusing talk and wished us an exciting time.  It was a joy to meet the current Tasmanian of the Year, widely known as a philanthropist and pioneer of the eco-tourism industry.

Gavin meets Rob Pennicott, Tasmanian of the Year 2012

The Boats ~ we made our way to the Adventure Bay jetty and boarded the bright yellow machines, ready to take on the adventure cruise.  Our skipper for the day, Mick Souter, (who was also utterly gorgeous) was joined by Matt, Malcolm and a mixture of young, old, excited and nervous passengers; about 45 in total.  Everyone had a terrific view, and it didn’t take long to realise the engines were pretty powerful as we zipped out into the bay.

Boarding boats at the Adventure Bay jetty, ready to explore the coast of Bruny Island

Bruny Island adventure cruise boat ~ Pennicott Wilderness Journeys

The Adventure Cruise ~ fed a brief safety talk, some ginger tablets and a few jokes, our three-hour tour to the Southern Ocean was then underway.   “It’s not meant to be easy” were Mick’s exact words as he took the wheel with a glint in his eye.  At that moment, I considered jumping off and swimming back to the safety of the cafe.  But I would’ve missed one of the best things I’ve done in Tasmania so far.  The cliffs, the caves, the wildlife, the ocean.  All mesmerising and breathtaking, and something you have to see for yourself to really appreciate.

Amazing caves and the aqua-green-blue colours of the Bruny Island coast

Take a thrilling wild ride between the cliffs and the rock formations

Seals ~ if I had to choose a single highlight from the day, it would be the Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals.  Friar Rocks, at the southern-most point of the Bruny Island adventure cruise, host a huge colony of the mammals.  They weren’t in the least perturbed by our presence or the insane amount of photographs we were taking.  Some seals swam around the boat; others continued to laze on the rocks.  Amazing!  But here’s a challenge for you:  imagine the smell of 1000 roomies; all blokes!  Soon to be launched as a signature scent… not likely!

Seals at the southern end of Bruny Island, basking on Friar Rocks

Lunch ~ unfortunately, we returned from Friar Rocks without a dolphin sighting.  Apparently the calmer the day, the less likely the sighting.  But I’d take a calm day anytime!  And we were treated to chocolate biscuits as a consolation prize, so that’s not so bad.  Hot soup, gourmet salad rolls and drinks were ready for us back at Adventure Bay, and we had another chance to mingle and compare photos as we enjoyed a lovely lunch.

Hot soup, gourmet salad rolls, drinks and complimentary chocolates for lunch

Bonus Points ~ giving people more than they’re expecting… often the difference between a good business and a great one.  Chocolates with lunch (the way to my heart), and then the hint of more surprises to come as we boarded the bus for the homeward drive.  Between the cafe and the ferry, we stopped ever-so briefly at Get Shucked Oysters and Bruny Island Smokehouse with just enough time to buy a few goodies.  And as one last considerate gesture, Matt offered to take a detour in Hobart to deliver passengers directly to their accommodation.  What a gem!

Complete the adventure cruise with a visit to Get Shucked Oysters, Bruny Island

Bruny Island Cruises: Other Important Details…

This report wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention seasickness.  My advice would be: plan ahead for the possibility of rough weather.  Remember Mick’s words about making it to the Southern Ocean!  I took my own tablets with morning tea, and then took two ginger tablets (provided by Bruny Island Cruises) on board.  Stay calm, keep cool and embrace the awesome experience… if I can do it, anyone can do it!  Remember my scardy-cat credentials?

Journey to the Southern Ocean; an adventure cruise of a lifetime!

Keeping cool shouldn’t actually be a problem.  The weather was calm and the temperature 28C when we joined Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, but the boats go really fast and you are in southern Tassie.  Naturally, it’s going to get cold.  Pack a jumper!  And if you’re a really cold frog, also pack a beanie and some gloves.  There’s room on board to carry a small backpack with warm clothes, sunscreen and a drink bottle.  Each passenger is provided with a red spray jacket.  It’s a long, poncho-style number (so if you were determined to wear a dress on an adventure cruise, you’d still be covered).

The signature yellow Bruny Island Cruises boats, with red spray jackets

Follow the Yellow Boat Road

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the good work of Rob Pennicott, Mick Souter and their cameraman Zorro Gamarnik.  After my three-hour eco-adventure cruise, I have a renewed appreciate for their 2011 endeavour:  the first-ever circumnavigation of Australia in an outboard-driven boat.  Between June 2nd and September 11th, they travelled around the entire cost of Australia… in two dinghies!

That might seem a little crazy, and maybe that’s true; but the Follow the Yellow Boat Road campaign was devised to raise money for the world-wide eradication of polio.  92% of proceeds from the journey were donated to Rotary for this cause, and the rest will continue the important conservation works of the Pennicott Foundation.  Inspiring.

Think Tasmania travelled as guests of Bruny Island Cruises.
For more information, visit their website or phone (03) 6293 1465

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Map: Bruny Island Adventure Cruise…

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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Map: South Coast Track…

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…