Archive for the ‘East Coast’ Category

Blowing In The Wind

by Roger Findlay

When we arrived in Whitemark we noticed action up on the hill. As twilight fell, we could see workers and a crane erecting a huge tower. Later that same evening, a truck parked up alongside our temporary holiday home (Elvstan Cottages) and my curious wife came back with the news that the two gentlemen were operating the crane up on the hill.

The original wind turbines ~ Whitemark, Flinders Island

At the Whitemark Interstate Hotel on ANZAC Day night the same gentlemen were enjoying a meal with a group of fellow workers and it wasn’t long before I took the opportunity to introduce myself to Frank the site manager. I also arranged to meet Frank on site the following day.

Looking down on to Whitemark (Flinders Island) from wind turbine location point

As I approached the tower, Frank was coming towards me. He had to be at Lady Barron for the loading of the trucks and crane for the shipment back to Bridport. With permission, I got a few photos but most of the action was over except for the final connection and commissioning.

Flinders Island Wind Turbine ~ Tasmanian Entrepreneur

Robert Nichols of Nichols Poultry in Sassafras, Tasmania is an exceptionally successful businessman. He has his own wind turbines that provide all of the energy for the poultry operation and I would recommend that you check-out the website…

Nichols Poultry has a division dedicated to wind turbines (Blowing in the Wind)

Just like me, Robert is from the East Midlands in the UK and we have a few things in common.  But he leaves me for dead when it comes to business and enterprise!

Robert has a branch of his business called Blowing in the Wind for the installation of wind turbines. He has kindly provided the information below for Think Tasmania with regard to the latest installation on Flinders Island:

The turbine on Flinders Island is an Enercon E 30 machine.  These are German made and are regarded as the best in the world.  The “30″ relates to the diameter of the blades (ie 30 metres). It is also by coincidence that the height of the tower is 30 metres. In favourable winds (and in Flinders there are many!) it will produce up to 300kw of power. This is a challenge on Flinders Island as the demand on a summers night can be less; as such the turbine chosen for this project has the ability to “spill” some wind by feathering the blades and reducing the output to match the demand. All of this is done in conjunction with the Hydro/Aurora power station at Whitemark via a control system that regulates the output to suit the demand.

Blowing in the Wind turbine ready for commission on Flinders Island

The E30 can convert wind into energy at a range of wind speeds from as low as 2.5 metres per second up to a maximum of 30 metres per second. Above this figure it is a danger to the machine to operate and so it will shut down. The optimal output is achieved at around 12 to 14 metres per second.  In total the tower weighs 26 ton; the Nacelle weighs 16 ton and the rotor weighs 7 ton.

The new wind turbine: harness the power on Flinders Island

The turbine is expected to produce about 25% of the island’s energy. This is the third turbine that my company Blowing in the Wind (BTW) has constructed, but the first away from mainland Tasmania. We hope to start construction of our fourth turbine in a few weeks’ time when the paperwork is complete. The Flinders Island project has been a challenging one with logistics to the island being a major issue. However, we hope that the experience gained by completing the job safely and on time will enable BTW to become involved in other embedded generation projects.

Wind turbine landmark, Whitemark Flinders Island

Rob, we thank you for this information and permission to use the photos. Now it’s my ambition to have a guided tour of Nichols Poultry (by yourself of course) followed by a chat about our old stomping ground!

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: Wind Turbine, Whitemark Flinders Island…

As a tourist on Flinders Island, I couldn’t miss out on the ANZAC Day Remembrance parade and service.  Earlier in the week we had met a few veterans who had flown in from interstate as guest of their old wartime mate and Lady Barron pilot, Gordon Rorison.

ANZAC Day wreaths at the Cenotaph on Flinders Island

ANZAC Day 2012

by Roger Findlay

The dawn service took place at Emita. I am told it was quite cool with a strong breeze off the sea. Our excuse for non-attendance was our consideration for the local wildlife (wallabies and wombats) that would be out on the dark roads.

The bakery seemed to be the best place to be before the parade. Hot coffee and cakes were going down a treat with those that had risen early. Medals were proudly displayed on the chests of our heroes with some having served in more than one campaign. Wives were having fun too. They were rightly proud of their men regardless of the extra inches around the waist and the lack of hair!

Some of the Flinders Island veterans gather at the hotel on ANZAC Day

32 Squadron RAAF Flight Lieutenant

Once a giant of a policeman arrived on the scene, those parading started to group. Flight Lieutenant, Shane Rowe, of the 32 Squadron had flown in from RAAF Sale the day before along with his wife, Mandy, Kerry and Pete (a former islander). With the Flight Lieutenant Rowe at the front and the schoolchildren at the rear, the march was a short one as was the service in the Furneaux Arts and Entertainment Centre.

32 Squadron RAAF Flight Lieutenant Rowe leads the Flinders Island ANZAC Day parade

At the end of the service, the Flinders Island choral group had a great time with the usual Roll Out the Barrel, It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and White Cliffs of Dover. I didn’t want them to finish as they were enjoying it so much. (Proud Islanders, I thought).

Flinders Island Choral Group performing on ANZAC Day

Whitemark Hotel: ANZAC Day Tradition

The Whitemark Interstate Hotel was the next port of call. ANZAC Day would be incomplete without a beer. The absence of Two Up surprised me but everyone appeared to be having a good time regardless. We didn’t stay for lunch but we did return in the evening. New friends along with Jeanette and I, found bottles of good quality wine reasonably priced as were the huge meals prepared by the jovial Irish chef in a cosy dining area. I was informed that the hotel accommodation was cheap, clean and comfortable.

Whitemark Hotel Flinders Island, scene of post-march celebrations on ANZAC Day

On a day where Lest We Forget was at the fore, we will never forget this special ANZAC Day in Whitemark and those that we met.

Lest We Forget: Memories of ANZAC Day 2012 on Flinders Island

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.

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: ANZAC Day, Flinders Island…

North East Tasmania

Words by Gina Scott and Photos by Dan Fellow

When was the last time you visited the North East of Tasmania for a holiday?  Never maybe!  You are missing out on a great region to enjoy local seafood and wine, some great bush walking, swimming in summer, golf at Barnbougle Dunes (and don’t forget the local nine hole course either); visiting vineyards and Bridestowe Estate, the largest commercial lavender farm in the southern hemisphere!

Bridestowe Lavender Farm in summer, north east Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Blue Tier region is fantastic for taking the family for a walk.  Some tracks are easy so take your picnic lunch!  When you are on top of the hills in north east Tasmania, you can even see the sea!

Gorgeous colours of Little Blue Lake in the north east of Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Falling for the North East

You shouldn’t miss the easy stroll to Ralphs Falls either, it’s near Ringarooma.  There’s a barbecue hut and the road keeps going on down to St Columba Falls and Pyengana where there’s a great cafe and cheese factory.

St Columba Falls, a highlight of the north east region of Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Gina Scott owns Platypus Park Country Retreat accommodation
in Bridport.  Dan Fellow owns Tasmania Photos.  Both contributors
are great tourism advocates for the north east region of Tasmania.

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Map: North East Tasmania…

Roger wrote this article “Tasmanian Border” just as former Victorian
premier Jeff Kennett suggested a merger between the two states.  I’m not sure
if the two men are on the same wave-length, or the timing is just a coincidence!
Either way, with Tasmania being an island, you might think the border of the
state is obvious. But Roger raises some interesting points about the
Bass Strait islands off the “main” island off the “big” island. ~ Tania

Strzelecki National Park, Flinders Island in Bass Strait, north east Tasmania (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Tasmanian Border

by Roger Findlay

I have just finished reading a book about the islands of Bass Strait and in that book there was a mention of the northern Tasmanian border of the state.

Dawn from Walkers Lookout, Flinders Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Regular visitors to Think Tasmania will be aware that I write a lot about King Island and Flinders Island.  Yes, I love them both and the friendly people that live there.

Alan Wheatley makes the catch of the day on Flinders Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

In my dreams, I’d retire on Flinders Island.  The north east region has exceptional beauty and we intend spending plenty of time there when we visit in late April.  It will be shortly after the visit that Think Tasmania will share the photos and experiences with you.  In the meantime, you can enjoy these photos taken by Dan Fellow.

Killiecrankie Bay, Flinders Island: a magical place (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Not a care in the world: a relaxed seal on Flinders Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Famous Tasmanians video below shows why I rave on about my favourite island…

Tasmanian Border: From North to South

For your information, the Tasmanian border with Victoria is at a parallel of latitude 39* 12’ and is the shortest land based border of all the Australian states by far.

Close to the Tasmanian Border: the 40th Parallel line on Flinders Island (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The only land the border passes over is on a six hectare islet of the Hogan Group situated just off the coast of Wilson’s Promontory.  The island is now called Boundary Islet after originally being named North East Islet.  North East Islet is part of the Kent Group of islands.

Maps showing the Bass Strait islands near the Tasmanian border with Victoria

South East Cape near Cockle Creek is the southern-most point of Australia.  Jeanette will never forget the day that I did a “Moon” to celebrate the occasion of being at this coastal extremity! Cape York (the most northerly point of Australia) is 3680kms away and I still have to “Moon” there.

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.

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: Flinders Island, Tasmania…

Freycinet Sanctuary in Pictures

by Dan Fellow

I stayed at Coles Bay over the long weekend at Freycinet Sanctuary.  The units are in a great location on the foreshore.  It was a brilliant weekend and I got some of the best shots I’ve ever done there:  lots of images from around the region of things to do and see, along with some of the wildlife.  I was pleased to get some good Sea Eagle shots too (my Holy Grail as they are hard to capture!). ~ Dan

Freycinet Sanctuary, east coast accommodation at Coles Bay, Tasmania

Sea Eagle: Freycinet Sanctuary at Coles Bay Tasmania is surrounded by local wildlife

We’ve made a slideshow for our YouTube Channel of the images Dan captured on his weekend staying at Freycinet Sanctuary.  It certainly is a wonderful collection of photos, and it highlights the many things to do and see around Coles Bay on the east coast of Tasmania.  Enjoy!

Coles Bay: Accommodation on the East Coast

If you’re wondering about the accommodation, Dan took some photos there too.  The description comes from the Freycinet Sanctuary website, and I quote…

Freycinet Sanctuary is situated on the spectacular waterfront of Coles Bay, offering fully self-contained accommodation overlooking Oyster Bay and capturing the majestic Hazards beyond.

Freycinet Sanctuary offers guests a spectacular waterfront view over The Hazards

Freycinet Sanctuary consists of 4 fully self-contained units and 1 fully self-contained house for up to 18 people in total. There are two 1-bedroom units which sleep two people each, two 2-bedroom units which sleep four to five people each; and a house which sleeps 6 people. Additional sleeping arrangements can be made by request. All accommodation includes kitchen and laundry facilities, TV and Video/DVD.

Self-contained, waterfront accommodation on the east coast of Tasmania

The large front verandahs allow generous views across the water to Freycinet National Park and a rear verandahs enable you to capture the afternoon sun and enjoy a quiet glass of wine or have a barbeque amidst your own bush sanctuary of Oyster Bay pines. In winter time you can be assured you will need not be cold as heating is electric, with floor heating in kitchen and bathroom in some units. All beds have electric blankets.

All the beds at Freycinet Sanctuary have electric blankets for winter comfort

Freycinet Sanctuary is simply THE place to rejuvenate and restore your inner wellness.

Freycinet Sanctuary provides a place to relax and enjoy the views and serenity

You can find more information or make a booking for your own east coast weekend away at the Freycinet Sanctuary website.

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: Freycinet Sanctuary, Coles Bay Tasmania…

Sounds to me like Roger is going a little crazy… for Tasmania!
Thankfully his trip to Flinders Island is only a few weeks away.
Not long after that, he’ll be touring mainland regions of Tasmania.
When you read this article, you’ll realise just how crazy for Tasmania
the man really is… and what his lovely wife Jeanette has to put up with!

A Week in the Life of Roger

by Roger Findlay

Because of my location here on the border of Victoria and New South Wales, it’s bothering me that I’m not spending enough time in Tasmania.  I must confess that I envy all the Think Tasmania writers who live in the state; especially those who have settled after moving from elsewhere.

Michelle Kneipp-Pegler, another feature writer also crazy for Tasmania like Roger

Nikon: Capturing Tasmanian Food and Drink

My current frustration is caused by my redundant camera that is yearning to snap the indescribable scenery in Tasmania.  As a substitute, images of the fabled Irish and Tasmanian Scallop Pies will be a treat for Nikon!  Yes, today is St. Patrick’s Day where Jeanette has spent countless hours preparing the pies to appease her husband.

The Findlay house was filled with the divine smell of scallop pies baking in the oven

Jeanette:  Roger has been away with the fairies reading books on Tasmania,
visiting Tasmanian websites, researching holiday accommodation and travel
costs.  He’s considering a short trip at the end of June but he doesn’t know
whether he should fly or sail.  I found one of his notes with the sums:

Roger compares the costs and options for travelling to Tasmania

Tasmanian History Books

Yes, she’s right, my mind has been elsewhere, going crazy for Tasmania.  I’ve been reading two books at the same time.  One is about the whaling fleet that operated out of Hobart and the other is a first-hand account of the activists that live in the Tasmanian forests.

At this point I am reminded of the news clip that covered the success of Sea Shepherd that sent the Japanese whaling fleet limping home from the Southern Ocean almost empty handed.  Seeing the Bob Barker docked in Hobart and hearing the words of the courageous, young skipper was the highlight of my week.

Sea Shepherd anti-whaling vessel, The Bob Barker, docked in Hobart

I’ve been on eBay looking for books.  There’s always a bargain especially as I seek out some of the older publications.  A good find was Tasmanian Journey written by Stanley Brogden in 1948 when he travelled by coach through much of Tasmania.  I was saddened to read of Tasmanian Devils being hunted and killed.  At that time, they were seen as a major threat to sheep.  If only those people had known of the current plight to prevent extinction.

Being crazy for Tasmania, Roger collects Tasmanian books from eBay

Brogden mentions the intention of Pioneer Hotels on several occasions.  He sees them in the same light as the Federal Group where they would control a good portion of the tourism and hospitality sector.  I can find no record of Pioneer Hotels today.

Fly, Drive or Sail to Tasmania

Sharp Airlines will be taking us to Flinders Island and they’ve finally got my money after telling me that there were only three seats left on the flight!  It struck me as a convenient way of getting the money early.  Yes all $912 of it for a 50 minute flight for two people.  The following day, I received their newsletter advertising specials at $99 one-way.  They’re sharp alright!  Maybe we’ll be sitting next to the pilot with complimentary drinks and live, in-flight entertainment. It had better be good.

To promote deportation of wayward children, the Spirit of Tasmania has a special where children travel free.  The only catch being that they have to be accompanied by an adult.  Jeanette may pass off as child if she wears baggy pj’s and carries a pillow.

The Spirit of Tasmania arrives in Devonport, Tasmania from Melbourne, Victoria

Scallop Pie Challenge

Nikon is just moments away from action.  Just like Ian Thorpe, he’s making a comeback and wants to succeed.  The scallop pies will be a major test and a late decision will be made on the aperture.  Close to the oven, conditions will be difficult but there will be slight relief as the fridge door opens frequently.

Who wouldn't be crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies, home-made by Jeanette Findlay

Guinness is also ready to go.  His one ball is poised for carbonation.  Premature carbonation has been a problem in the past but tonight he’s expecting a good head.  The ball has shown restraint on the long journey from Dublin and will enjoy his empty can being crushed in the morning.  The pictures tell the story and I’m thankful that the Scallop Pie Challenge is over!

Roger is also crazy for Tasmanian scallop pies (or Irish ones) with Guinness

So what do you think?  Is Roger crazy for Tasmania… or maybe just crazy?
Either way, Roger 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.

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: Flinders Island Tasmania…

Wind Generators in Tasmania

by Roger Findlay

One of the windiest places I have ever visited apart from Cape Town RSA is in the north east region of Tasmania.  If you have been following the news you would have heard of Musselroe Bay and the controversial plans to erect giant wind generators along the coastline.

Musselroe Bay, north east Tasmania... proposed site for more wind generators

Many people are concerned about the impact on the local bird life including the two types of eagle and the Forty Spotted Pardalote as well as the visual effects.

A Meeting with Khalid near Montagu

Almost ten years ago, Jeanette and I stayed at a B&B in Smithton and it was there that we met Khalid who was using the facility as a base for his studies.  Khalid (an Iraqi) was quite a character.  He had studied in the UK and was known as the Greasy Arab!  He had more money than all of the other students and a flash car that made him extremely popular.  Like me, Khalid loved a beer and we enjoyed his company on a night out at the Smithton Club.

A view of Montagu Island from Stony Point, north west Tasmania

Khalid also had a small caravan out on the tiny Montagu Island not far from Montagu.  By chance, we met him on his way back from the island.  He had waded across on low tide.  He told us of the caravan with no power and the several days of solitude when he was out there doing his job.

A Study of the Effect on Birds

As a bird expert and the co-author of a major book, Khalid had been contracted by the Victorian Government to study the impact of wind generators on bird life.  Part of this assignment was to assess the number and types of bird on Montagu Island.

Up close to the wind generators on King Island, north west Tasmania

It was good to hear that in all his time conducting the study he had never seen a bird that had been killed by the giant wind mill blades.  He suggested that birds would move away from the area but then return once they got used to the sound of the rotating blades.

King Island & Woolnorth Wind Generators

We haven’t been close to the wind generators at Woolnorth but we have been very close to those on King Island.  Because of the natural wind noise, it was hard to gauge how loud the wind generators were but I guess they were much quieter than we had expected.

Wind generators at Woolnorth in the far north west of Tasmania

If ever you find yourself up at Woolnorth, take the short drive to Montagu and the reserve at Stony Point.  It is a beautiful natural setting for camping or parking the caravan.  Look over to Motagu Island.  Who knows… you may even see the Greasy Arab going about this most unusual task.

Stony Point in north west Tasmania... an interesting place to visit

Read more about the Tasmanian wind generators at
Woolnorth and King Island (and other sites) at the  website of
Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources

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: Places Mentioned in this Wind Generators Article…