Archive for the ‘Tasman Peninsula’ Category

The Tessellated Pavement State Reserve is on the Tasman Peninsula near Eaglehawk Neck.  The region is popular with tourists, with the Port Arthur Convict Settlement making the short list for most Tasmanian holidays.

Tessellated Pavement State Reserve, Tasman Peninsula

Tessellated Pavement on the Tasman Peninsula

With 3 hours of travel time taken into account, driving from Hobart to Port Arthur return in a single day usually allows only a fleeting visit to the Tessellated Pavement.  But if you have the luxury of spare time, this geological phenomenon is worth a closer examination.

Tessellated Pavement: on route to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement

Search the Tessellated (or Tesselated) Pavement

After only a short walk from the car park, you can look down over the rocks.  An internet search of Tessellated Pavement images will uncover countless pictures, many taken from a similar vantage point.  To experience the total effect, you need to negotiate several sets of steps.  They’re very stable, and definitely worth the small effort if you can possibly manage.

Note: When searching, some websites have used
an incorrect spelling… the Tesselated Pavement

Stairs to negotiate to reach the Tessellated Pavement

Fascinating Tasman Geology

Information provided at the site by the Geology Department of the University of Tasmania is often quoted on the internet.  In short, rocks fractured by the movement of the earth have since been eroded by the waves and sediment of the Tasman Sea…  it is fascinating stuff.  But you really can’t imagine just how spectacular it is until you’re standing right there.

Fascinating natural phenomenon: Eaglehawk Neck, Tasman Peninsula

Shooting the Tessellated Pavement

Professional photographers have spent countless hours capturing the beauty and intrigue of the Tessellated Pavement.  They factor light levels, tidal movements and weather patterns, and there are some amazing results at the end of all that hard work.

If you only have an automatic, digital camera at your disposal, don’t forget to take it with you to the Tasman Peninsula.  You won’t regret it.  Taking souvenirs photos in such magnificent surrounds is child’s play, really!

Taking photos of the Tessellated Pavement and Tasman Sea

Crabs in the Crevices

And talking of children, you might think the geological attraction is beyond them.  That would be a terrible mistake.  There’s man-size clumps of seaweed; rocks to clamber over and shells to inspect.  Not to mention the tiny fish, Tasmanian crabs and other wildlife living in the crooks and crannies.

Tiled rocks formed over millions of years by the Tasman Sea

Shells to inspect at the Tessellated Pavement State Reserve

Not exactly a huge seafood dinner, but a friendly Tasmanian crab!

Discover Eaglehawk Neck

I hope you have a chance to visit the Tessellated Pavement as an attraction in its own right.  The Tasman Peninsula is worth more than a drive-by shooting (photography shooting, that is!).  Also in the area…

• Officers’ Quarters at Eaglehawk Neck (Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife)
• Dog Line statue, commemorating convict heritage
• Devils Kitchen
• Tasman’s Arch
• The Blowhole
• Amazing natural coastal features, including sheer cliffs and pillars of rock
• Doo Town, the holiday village with the quirky house-naming theme
  (Doo Little, Gunnadoo…)

Looking towards Doo Town from the Tessellated Pavement

Map of Tessellated Pavement, Tasmania…

So what about Tasmanian Churches?

I am addicted to Tasmanian churches.  Taking photos of them, that is!  I’m not an overly spiritual soul.  And I’m not looking to be saved from the sins of my past…  probably beyond saving, anyway!  It’s just that when I visit a new region or town, the local Tasmanian churches are something I always admire.

Sorell Tasmania: churches are a feature of the town's tour

Heritage Tasmanian Churches

It may be related to the age of the buildings.  Due to the early history of Tasmania, some of the stone work is simply awesome.  St Georges Anglican Church in Gordon Street, Sorell may look pretty standard from the main road.  But upon closer inspection the Gothic building is very impressive.  Originally built in 1826 and then rebuilt in 1883, the church is next to the Visitor Information Centre.

The stonework of the St Georges Anglican Church in Sorell

Church Background in Tasmania

No doubt the attraction has something to do with the photography aspect.  Taking photos in Tasmania is just a pure delight.  Especially if you can manage a happy snap on a stormy day.  A dark sky, laden with storm clouds, makes the perfect backdrop for lots of subjects, including Tasmanian churches!

Tasmanian churches: stormy background...

Here a Church, There a Church…

Finding the subject of my desire is never difficult, either.  It’s not unusual for a single town to have more than one sample of a historic church in Tasmania.

Sorell, for example (a town with roughly 5000 residents) is promoted as having three National Estate listed churches.  Two of them are in Arthur Street on opposite sides of the road.  How’s that for convenience?

Heritage Tasmanian churches

Churches in Sorell, Tasmania

Located about 30kms east of Hobart on the Arthur Highway, Sorell is enroute to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement on the Tasman Peninsula.  Obviously there’s other reasons to visit Sorell, but a fleeting meeting with a house of religion is one of the things attracting tourists and photographers to town.

More Tasmanian churches: St Thomas Catholic Church, Sorell

St John Catholic Church

Another town only a skip from Hobart, with potential for the photographer looking for Tasmanian churches… Richmond.  The claim to fame of the St John Catholic Church in Richmond?   It’s the oldest existing Catholic church in Australia.  It was built in 1836.

St John Catholic Church built in 1836 in Richmond, Tasmania

The Open Door of the Church

All the photos from my Tasmanian churches collection are of the outside of the buildings.  The doors are often open and I would love to venture inside.  But as I hinted, my knowledge of religious matters is not of the in-depth variety.  And I would hate to break spirit protocol all for the sake of a photo.  I won’t have my infatuation ramped up to stalker any day soon!

Tasmanian churches, opening doors!

Richmond Tasmania – Anglican Church

Richmond also has an Anglican counterpart.  The Tasmanian church dedicated to St Luke the Physician has a white picket fence and a clock tower.  Much more difficult to capture on film, however, with the height of the structure and the imposing trees in the front yard.  Not that I’m complaining, of course…

Anglican Church of St Luke the Physician in Richmond, Tasmania

Tasmanian Church Cemeteries

A final word about my addiction to Tasmanian churches? Cemetery!  Anyone interested in history will be attracted to the graveyard.  Does that sound morbid?  The revelations on the engravings are quite fascinating, but I’m always a little wary of what people might think when I’m reading headstones.

Luckily everyone is different, or the world would be a boring place.  Thank God Tasmania is NOT a boring place.

Cemetery graveyard in Sorell at the St George Anglican Church

Map: Tasmanian Churches…

In Tasmania, Devil leads the way…

Tasmania… devil is the word when writing about Tasmania.  The devil is to a Tasmanian, what the cow is to a Hindu.  Sacred!  So when you travel around Tasmania, look out for landmarks and attractions that adopt the creature’s name.

Tasmania – Devil the Wildlife

Of course, there is a living, breathing version of the Tasmanian Devil.  It’s no mythical creature.  Wildlife parks around Tassie have devils living in captivity and on display, but the wild population are under threat from Tasmanian Devil Cancer.  Hopefully scientists can find a cure for the facial tumour disease before the devil does become just a name and a memory.

Icon of Tasmania: Devil Photo taken by Dan Fellow

Save the Tasmania Devil Appeal
Fund-raising to prevent Tasmanian Devil Cancer.

Tasmania – Devil the Jet Boat

If you’re looking for adventure in Tasmania, Devil Jet in New Norfolk might be for you.  All ages get to dress up in some stylish (not!) wet-weather gear, hand over their hard-earned pocket money and step into a bright yellow jet boat.

New Norfolk, Tasmania: Devil Jet

From then on, whether you keep your eyes open and your mouth shut – or vice versa – is your decision.  But what you don’t have any control over is the speed at which the driver will hurtle up and down the Derwent River.  If you happen to visit New Norfolk during autumn, you will see a stunning display of colour along the river bank.  Of course, you would have to have your eyes OPEN for that one!

Derwent River Tasmania: Devil Jet (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Tasmania – Devils Kitchen!!

In the south of the state, the Tasman Peninsula has some of the more remarkable natural landmarks to be found in Tasmania.  Devils Kitchen is one of them.

Facing the wild seas of the eastern coast, the strangely named Devils Kitchen is an interesting formation in the cliff.  A narrow cavern has been carved from the pressure of the sea pounding the rock face.

Tasmania: Devils Kitchen (photo by Dan Fellow)

Millions of years in the making, the deep crevice probably once had a roof – just like its mate Tasmans Arch.  Combined with other natural phenomenons of the area, (The Blowhole, Tessellated Pavement) the 90 minute drive from Hobart to the Port Arthur Convict Settlement has bonus attractions on the way.  You can access most of the sights straight from a car park without walking too far – and it’s all free!

Tasmans Arch, near Devils Kitchen, Tasman Peninsula

Thanks to Dan Fellow for taking some of the photos for this article,
and the article Tasmanian Devil Pictures.
To see more of Dan’s work, check his Facebook Page Tasmania Photos.

Surfing in Tasmania.   What are the Options?

Surfing in Tasmania…  here’s a few points of interest.  Living in Tasmania presents you with many an opportunity to go surfing.  It’s an island. There’s lots of coastline!!  So in practically any direction, you can travel to a beach with waves to challenge your ability to stand on a board while the ocean rocks and rolls beneath you. 

Surf Life Saving:  Basic Training

It might be fun, but be cautious.  Swimming between the flags on a patrolled beach is one thing, but it’s still a great idea for kids to learn about keeping themselves safe.  Big swells, rips and rocks can end in drama for the unsuspecting, so a little education is a very good investment.  One place to get that surf training is at Clifton Beach in southern Tasmania.

Surf Life Saving clubs patrol some beaches in Tasmania

Surfing in Tasmania:  Clifton Beach

The Clifton Beach Surf Life Saving Club is about 30kms south-east of the state capital, Hobart.  Led by a dedicated band of volunteers, they practice and promote water safety awareness on Sunday mornings during the summer months.

Surf life saving instruction prepares for surfing in Tasmania

The kids paddle on boards and get tuition about swimming in the ocean environment.  Combined with activities on the beach sand, the club members definitely get a good workout in terms of fitness.  And judging by the smiles and general banter between the group on the day of my visit – they clearly enjoy the experience.

Surf Schools:  Learn from the Experts

In a state like Tasmania where the waves are a-calling, you might like to get some tips from a surfing expert.  There are numerous surf-schools based around the state, and they offer instruction to all ages and abilities.  I don’t know if there’s any guarantees about getting you “shredding”, but they can supply wet suits and boards with a bit of advance notice.

Surfing in Tasmania at South Coast Surf School

Gift certificates for a surfing class are popular at Christmas, when the weather is at its warmest in Tassie.  But I did mention wet suits, and you have to be prepared for the water to be cold.  Tasmania is way south of the equator and a lot closer to the Antarctic, remember.

To contact the South Coast Surf School,
call Pat Fasnacht on (03) 6248 9895 or 0400 489 895

Surf Forecast: Make Your Own Way

Ok, so now  you’ve had the lessons?  Check the surf forecast,  grab your surfboard and drive off to the beach that suits you!  It always amazes me that the grapevine is so efficient for the surfing community.  When the waves are on, the word goes out, and the dudes roll up.  How cool is that?

Surfing in Tasmania at Clifton Beach, good for beginners

The internet site CoastView.com.au can give you more than just a surf forecast or weather report.  They actually have web cameras posted at beaches around the island.  I guess that’s handy if you have a day off.  But torture if you’re stuck in the office, watching an awesome beach break on your computer!!

Shipstern Bluff:  For Those That Dare!!

Now, I did mention seriously BIG waves.  Southern Tasmania is home to Australia’s “heaviest” wave (that’s a good thing if you’re a surfer).  Also known as Devil’s Point, Shipstern Bluff is accessed near Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula.  Riding the massive waves involves either a long bushwalk or a boat, and some serious deep breathing, I would imagine.

Proving that Shipstern is not the only killer break in Tassie, the front page of The Mercury (Hobart’s local newspaper) recently published a photo of a professional surfer taking on the mountainous seas near Bicheno, on the state’s east coast.  Unfortunately, the seas won that particular battle, dumping the surfer onto his back on the rocks.  His bones might have been broken, but his spirit wasn’t and after a good, long recovery, he’ll be out there again.  Crazy!

Shaun Wallbank, Mercury Correspondent (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Surf photos that emerge from “Shippies” are spectacular, and even if you’re not into surfing in Tasmania (or anywhere else), you can’t help but be impressed by the photography.  These samples come from Samuel Shelley – Surfing in Tasmania.  His collection really highlights the majesty of the wild ocean.

Surfing in Tasmania - Shipsterns Bluff (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

Seriously BIG wave surfing in Tasmania (Photo by Samuel Shelley)

So that’s my wrap up of Surfing in Tasmania.  Something for everyone,
from kids with a foam board, to daredevils with a death wish.
What option will you choose?

Map: Clifton Beach Tasmania…

It’s a Miracle!  Tasmanian History is Fascinating.

Tasmanian History: making teaching (and learning) easier!  Anyone with school-aged kids will know this:  you have to offer them something exceptional to spark an interest in history.

Tasmanian History is Monumental…

Here’s the thing with Tasmanian history – the whole state is a monument!  Every way you turn, there’s bridges and buildings built by convict hand.  There’s a whole attraction at Port Arthur dedicated to transportation, focused on the colonisation of Australia.  And what about the naming of the towns and features?

Tasmanian History: Campbell Town bridge, Heritage Highway

Exploring Tasmanian History…

When crossing from Melbourne to Devonport on the Spirit of Tasmania, the stretch of water dividing the two (Bass Strait) refers to George Bass.  Explorer Bass has been granted multiple naming rights, if George Town in the north of Tasmania can also be credited to him.  And with good reason – with Matthew Flinders (as in Flinders Island), history records them circumnavigating the state, proving that Tasmania was actually an island.  Probably saved the next batch of explorers a great deal of travel time!!

George who? Naming features in Tasmanian history.

Local Indigenous Tasmanian History…

Aboriginal heritage also plays a part in naming.   It is believed the Bay of Fires was named by explorer Furneaux seeing the  flames of the natives’ fires along the coastline as he sailed by in 1773.  That sounds reasonable!

Get Your Hands on History in Tasmania…

It’s also reasonable to assume that history as a subject is enhanced by practical excursions.  My children enjoyed exploring the remains of the Coal Mines on the Tasman Peninsula, and have retained that information more than anything else they have read about convicts.  Amazing, considering this site is free to visit and easily accessed in a day-trip from Hobart.

Coal Mine site, the budget-friendly historic cousin of Port Arthur

Tasmanian history is naturally woven into the visitor itinerary:  the expeditions of Bass and Flinders, the heritage of convicts and the study of the indigenous inhabitants.  Great when you want your kids to just absorb some extra learning without even knowing it.

Tasmanian History: Oatlands, Heritage Highway

A good excuse for a holiday in Tasmania – as if anyone needed an excuse!!  Tasmanian history offers extra curricular activities for the kids, it’s got nothing to do with that wine tour, or the chocolate factory, or the market day, or…

So it was off to Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula for me this week.  Sited as the the Big Daddy of Tasmanian tourist attractions, what I discovered was actually quite surprising…

Port Arthur Tasmania: Convict Hell, Photography Heaven!

Not usually a huge fan of the big promotion attraction, I ventured along without high hopes of genuine appeal.  I’m happy to say on this occasion I was dead wrong!

The convict ruins from across the expansive grounds

Port Arthur: Tasmanian Convict Settlement

From 1830, convicts were sent to the settlement, originally working the small timber station.  With industries such as ship-building and brick-making forged by convict labour, the penal system of the colony advanced the size of Port Arthur.  Tasmania had the ideal location for prisoners, with the remote and harsh environment making escape an unattractive prospect.

Coupled with stories of sharks and the reality of guard dogs chained across Eaglehawk Neck (the isthmus dividing the peninsula from the main island), the convicts were destined to a life of toil without much hope.

The ruins of the flour mill/penitentiary

History Lessons at Port Arthur

Visitors to Port Arthur learn about the gruesome history via static displays and the many features to explore privately, but there are also guides providing tours around the settlement, offering interactive story-telling.  The grounds are quite extensive, so I was very happy when it was time to board the catamaran for a cruise around the harbour.  From the comfortable seats of the MV Marana, the tour glides past the boys’ prison of Point Puer, the Isle of the Dead and interprets the ship-building enterprise of the station.

View of the Convict Settlement from the Harbour Cruise

The views to and from the water enhance the magnificent surrounds of the settlement.  The gardens and building remains offer a picturesque vista in every direction, and despite the harsh past, I found myself enthralled with the photographic opportunities of the present.  In fact, I so underestimated the value of the convict settlement, my day finished way too soon.

Looking through the turret towards the boats in the harbour

The entrance price* at Port Arthur Convict Settlement
allows for next-day-access free of additional charge.
I would strongly recommend visitors take advantage of this offer.

The Port Arthur gardens (Photo by Kerrie Dodson)

Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula

With many other attractions in the area to complement the convict ruins, you could easily schedule several days in and around Port Arthur, Tasmania.  The drive from Hobart to the main attraction on the Tasman Peninsula takes about 90 minutes.

Well, that’s if you don’t get distracted by the Tasman National Park:  Tasman Arch, the Blowhole, Devils Kitchen, Tessellated Pavement.  And I haven’t even mentioned the Coal Mines Historical Site or Remarkable Cave or Waterfall Bay…

Somebody please stop me!

*For bookings and further information
visit the Port Arthur Tasmania site.

Amazing buildings are scattered throughout the grounds

Build with convict labour and bricks

The park-like, memorial surrounds

Map: Port Arthur Tasmania…