Archive for the ‘East Coast’ Category

What is the Bicheno Blowhole?  Good question, because it gets lots of mentions in promotional material about the town on the east coast of Tasmania.  So it must be significant.  And do you know what else (or should I say who?) gets mentioned a lot when people find out you’re heading that way?  The butcher and the baker!  We’re firm believers in the adage: when in Rome, do as the Romans do.  So while in Bicheno, we thought we’d check out the Big B trio.

The popular trio of Bicheno... Blowhole, Butcher and Baker

Bicheno Blowhole

Originally, we had planned a title along the lines of Butcher, Baker and Candlestick Maker.  Yes, we are hilarious.  And yes, we spend way too much time on our articles.  But in the end, we couldn’t find a suitable candidate in the latter category, so we’ve adapted.  And really, the Bicheno Blowhole is definitely worthy of an article.

A huge diamond-shaped rock marks the location of the Bicheno Blowhole

Usually on holidays in Tasmania, you hope for a calm day.  If you’re going out fishing in a boat, you want minimal swell.  But if you’re going to visit the Bicheno Blowhole, you want a really big swell, because that’s when you see the best action!  Along the esplanade, not far from the Gulch, is a huge boulder on the foreshore, shaped a bit like a diamond.  As if it’s been strategically placed, to mark the spot!

I don’t think that would be the case, because the signs from the road do an equally good job of pointing the way.  But once you’re at the Bicheno Blowhole, approach with caution.  Because if the ocean swell is big enough, water can shoot 20 metres in the air; and it’s very hard to escape as it rains down over the lichen-covered rocks.  If you time it right, you can capture some terrific photos or videos.  There’s plenty of examples to be found on the internet.

Bicheno Butcher

The Blowhole is a stone’s throw from the Bicheno holiday house we told you about earlier.  Rob and Louise gave us a list of things to do for the weekend, and they made particular mention of the local butcher, Rob Breier.  Debbie from Bicheno Ocean View Retreat also gave a glowing endorsement of Sir Loin Breier Gourmet Butcher, Deli and Seafood.  Both times, we took heed of local knowledge, and sampled some of the delicacies.  With smoked quail, gourmet hand-made sausages, fresh crayfish and local wines on the menu, why wouldn’t you?

Rob Breier, owner of Sir Loin Breier Gourmet Butcher in Bicheno

Bicheno Baker

And you can’t eat sausages from the BBQ without some lovely fresh bread to wrap them in.  So we also ventured into the Blue Edge Bakery, which is almost next door to the butcher.  The baker (Ian Cunliffe, who is also the owner) sells the things you’d usually expect to find in a bakery, such as award-winning pies, cakes and loaves.  But you’ll also find a few extra specialties, like raspberry and rhubarb tarts and choc-filled croissants.  Pretty hard to resist, even if you do set out just to buy bread.

Ian Cunliffe, baker and owner of the Blue Edge Bakery in Bicheno

So there you have it.  The Bicheno Blowhole, Butcher and Baker.  Not your traditional trio, but a worthy collection all the same.  We would visit all three again next time.  Actually, we’ll probably visit all three EVERY time we visit Bicheno.  And we still have more things to share with you about the east coast seaside town.  Maybe this will be a series by alphabet?  Stay tuned…

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Map: Bicheno Blowhole, Butcher & Baker…

Stay in a Bicheno holiday house and write an article for Think Tasmania about the experience.  Gee… let me ponder that for a moment.  Okay.  Yes, I’ll do it.  In fact, let me sign up right now before you change your mind.  So we signed; we stayed and now we give you the details.

Visit the beach on the east coast of Tasmania and stay in this beautiful Bicheno holiday house

Bicheno Holiday House: Break Away

We have stayed in Bicheno before and absolutely love the place to bits.  It’s just such a relaxing and unhurried place, with gorgeous views in every direction.  And if that’s the sort of thing you’re looking for, a break from the reality of every-day stress, this Bicheno holiday house couldn’t be better.

Beautiful sunset colours over the Bicheno beach horizon towards Swansea

We arrived in the evening, driving from Hobart after school had finished for the day.  The journey up the east coast via Sorrel, Buckland, Orford, Triabunna and Swansea takes a little over two hours and is a pleasant drive.  We ate at the Beachfront Hotel, where the service was speedy and the meals were good.  But we really just wanted to get to the beach house and settle in.

Suntrap Cove is perched high on the hill to take advantage of the spectacular views

Suntrap Cove: Views for Days

Suntrap Cove, as the Bicheno holiday house is named, is on the Esplanade near the well-known Bicheno blowhole.  The house is elevated, with the living area facing the Tasman Sea, and as soon as you walk in, you just know you’ll never want to leave.  The views over the orange, lichen-covered rocks and further out to sea are magnificent, no matter what time of day.

Daytime views of the Tasman Sea from the balcony of the Bicheno holiday house

As day turns to night, the views over the lichen rocks in Bicheno are still stunning

Moonlight over the Tasman Sea and the orange, lichen-covered rocks of Bicheno

Obviously, we spent a lot of our time gazing out to sea.  You can watch whales during their migration, right from the balcony!  We forgot to pack our binoculars, even though we knew whale-spotting was on the agenda.  But Rob and Louise had some propped up on the side-table ready for us.  We should have known they would provide such extra touches.  They also own Alice’s Cottages in Launceston and have a reputation for exceeding the expectations of their guests.

Watching for whales, seals and birds in Bicheno (that's a seal on the rock... honest!!)

What you Want; What you Need

The kitchen is well-equipped, and there’s a bbq on the balcony if you decide to cook your own meals.  There’s no real need to bring supplies with you from home, as the town has an excellent bakery and butcher, and of course you can source fresh seafood.

You couldn't ask for a better place to cook the barbecue for a casual meal

A short walk from this Bicheno holiday house will have you on the rocks peering into the blowhole.  The kids loved searching for crabs that scurried between the boulders.  We peeked under one rock, only to be faced with a penguin!  It was a weekend filled with wildlife, actually.  We could see seals from the balcony, and we had birds so brave they’d take bread from our outstretched hands!

The blowhole is only a short walk from this Bicheno holiday house

Click photo to read more about Little Penguins in Tasmania

Bird-watching (or feeding!) from the balcony of the Bicheno holiday house

Blissful Bicheno Holiday House

We were in the market for a chilled-out weekend.  We played cards and board-games and watched a DVD in between walks to the beach.  The couch was a great place to read a book!  All three bedrooms had really comfortable beds with plenty of room for the whole family to claim their own space.

Playing cards and board games... a pleasant family weekend at the Bicheno beach

While we were tempted to spend the entire weekend tucked up in our wonderful Bicheno holiday house, we did venture out for a drive north.  We had a fabulous lunch at the Iron House Brewery and investigated more things to do in the town.  We did a little shopping; did a little snorkeling from the jetty… and did a few other things we’ll have to tell you about another time!!

Glass Bottom Boat tours explore The Gulch at Bicheno in Tasmania

The writer and her family were guests at Suntrap Cove
For more details of the Bicheno Holiday House visit the website
or phone Rob and Louise Widdowson (03) 6334 2231

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Map: Bicheno Holiday House, Suntrap Cove…

The Iron House Brewery is part of the White Sands Estate on the east coast of Tasmania.  We dragged ourselves off the lounge and away from the stellar views of our Bicheno holiday house to go and investigate.  We had to eat somewhere, after all.  And we weren’t in the least disappointed with our effort.

A taste for some Tasmanian boutique beer at Iron House Brewery

To the Iron House Brewery… or Not?

We made a quick stop at the Bicheno Tourist Information Centre on the way, to gauge their opinion of the Iron House Brewery as a place to go.  Well there are plenty of other places to choose from!  But Anastasia and Tracey both gave it the thumbs up, especially for lunch-time meals.  They were clearly familiar with the venue, promising great views, great meals and great tasting beer.  Sold.

Very knowledgeable: Tracey & Anastasia at the Bicheno Tourist Information Centre

We drove north towards St Helens past Douglas Apsley National Park, East Coast Natureworld, Douglas River and Elephant Pass Road.  Just south of Four Mile Creek, there’s a well-marked entrance into White Sands Estate, and you follow the road into the reception centre.

Entrance to the White Sands Estate from the Tasman Highway north of Bicheno

The reception building of the White Sands Estate complex housing the cafe & brewery

View of the Brew House

We were greeted warmly in the foyer by the receptionist, who pointed the way to the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar… past the brew-house where the beer is made.  You can see the actual Iron House Brewery right there, through glass windows.  Apparently if you time it right, you can even join a tour.

After touring a few wineries in the Coonawarra in South Australia, I couldn’t believe the whole production line was in that one room.  I thought it would be much more elaborate.  But I guess that’s where the term Tasmanian boutique beer or micro-brewery comes in!

The Brew House near the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar at White Sands Estate

Brew Haus Cafe & Bar

Anyway, we wandered into the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar, and instantly fell in love with the place.  The room is open and light and leads out onto a balcony, which would be the perfect place to share Friday night drinks with a group of friends.

The balcony leading from the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar at White Sands Estate

We were one of several groups passing through that day.  Some stayed for lunch; a few others just had drinks.  But the majority of traffic had come for the beer-tasting.  And when in Rome?  The Iron House Brewery brochure we collected from Anastasia and Tracey back in Bicheno showed four beers, but I’m pretty sure the tasting included more than four.  Maybe six?

I know for sure that one of them was a caramel and chocolate inspired number, and another dubbed The Hoff (very funny!) was 8% alcohol.  Luckily we were staying for lunch, and the meals duly soaked up some of the effect.  The designated driver passed on The Hoff.

Burgers and fish for lunch in the Brew Haus Cafe & Bar with a glass off The Hoff

Lunch consisted of chicken and steak burgers and a Trevalla seafood special, and was just as wonderful as the venue.  We enjoyed a leisurely hour or two overlooking the coastline and the kayaking lake, one of the facilities available to in-house guests.

The views of the east coast from the Iron House Brewery

Aptly Named: White Sands Estate

Eventually we had to drag ourselves away from the Iron House Brewery!  Luckily we were heading back to our gorgeous digs in Bicheno to ease the pain.  We even stopped at Lagoon Beach on the way.  Well, you just can’t visit the region without at least one walk along the white sands of the east coast beaches.

The white sands of the east coast beaches near Iron House Brewery

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Map: Iron House Brewery Tasmania…

Foodie Erin Has a Taste For Travel

by Erin – The Food Mentalist

When it comes to finding Australia’s foodie wonderland, you really can’t go past Tasmania.  With it’s gourmet fresh produce, elegant wines, decadent seafood from its pristine waters and artisan producers creating everything from cheese and honey to boutique beers and spirits… there’s no need to make the trek to France to experience the ultimate foodie adventure.  It’s right here!

Looking forward to the taste of food and wine produce in Tasmania

Choosing to Taste Tasmania

For these reasons, Tasmania was the perfect choice for our upcoming end of year holiday.  The perfect destination to bid farewell to 2011 and welcome in all the excitement of the year ahead.  I have visited Tasmania several times, however this will be my husband Pete’s first visit and for this reason I am eager to show him how truly amazing it is.

We will fly into Hobart where we will collect our hire car and spend four nights.  As someone who often makes restaurant bookings before flights and accommodation, I was quick to secure reservations at The Source at Moorilla Estate, Garagistes and The Stackings at Peppermint Bay.  Any foodie trip would not be complete without a visit to Salamanca Markets held every Saturday and the Taste Festival which runs each year from 28 December to January 3, showcasing over 70 food, wine and beverage exhibitors displaying the best Tasmanian produce.

Heaven on a stick for a foodie: the Taste of Tasmania Festival

The Produce of Hobart and Richmond

Whilst in Hobart, we will also spend a day touring the charming historic village of Richmond and exploring a few of it’s surrounding vineyards.  The region is reported to produce some of the state’s finest Pinot Noirs, Sauvingnon Blancs and Rieslings.  Perhaps, one night we will head out to one of Hobart’s many pubs to catch a local band and sample a few local ales and ciders.

Hobart Tasmania: a mecca for the dedicated foodie

Referred to by locals as ‘the mountain’, Mount Wellington rises to 1,271 metres over Hobart, and we intend on visiting the summit.  With temperatures ranging between 1-7 degrees Celsius it should be fun!  We may even embark on one of the Mt Wellington Descent bike rides where as part of a tour, we would travel about 21km to the summit and then after being supplied with riding gear, head back down on bikes.  I did something similar called the Haleakala Sunrise Tour in Maui, Hawaii back in 2004 and it was one of the most amazing travel experiences I have ever had.  For that reason alone, this one is definitely on the list of things to do.

The Mount Wellington decent bike ride will provide the perfect active introduction for the next part of our trip where we will head north to Swansea for two nights.  During this time we will get back to nature, exploring the Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.

Any foodie can work up an appetite in the Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

Hitting the Tamar Valley Wine Trail

Our Epicurean trail will then continue north, when we head to Launceston where we will base ourselves for the remainder of our trip.  Whilst in Launceston, we will explore the Tamar Valley wine route and sample some of Tasmania’s finest cool-climate wines.  A few nature walks and a trip to Cataract Gorge will also feature in our visit here.

A visit to Cataract Gorge Reserve in Launceston is high on the travel agenda

Time permitting, we would like to investigate the Hollybank Treetops Adventure as well as tour the Queen Victoria Musuem & Art Gallery.  I’m still looking into which restaurants we should visit in and around Launceston.  Does anyone have a favourite to recommend to a fellow foodie?

An taste of adventure in the treetops at Hollybank

A Taste of Produce: Foodie Heaven!

I anticipate our trip will be wonderful.  We will devour some of the best produce in the world; sample some of the finest cool climate wines Australia has on offer; indulge in delicious cheese, boutique beers and spirits; as well as explore the amazing wilderness, pristine rainforests, waterfalls and experience the serenity that is Tasmania.  I look forward to sharing our Tasmanian foodie experience with you all in the new year.  Erin x

Taste some Tasmanian berry produce, a delight for any foodie!

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Erin writes a foodie blog called The Food Mentalist
She is passionate about food and so is her husband Pete.
They live in Sydney with their eccentric cat Max, who also loves his food.

Article Photo Credit: Dan Fellow

Map: Erin’s Foodie Trail…

The Changing Face of the Douglas River

by Roger Findlay

The Douglas River can be found on the east coast of Tasmania about 15 minutes drive north of Bicheno.  It has many changing faces as it runs down out of the hills of the Douglas Apsley National Park and out into the sea.

Spectacular beaches: Douglas River region on the east coast of Tasmania

Since we first visited about eight years ago the beach has now accumulated timber that has washed down from the hills.  You may be aware that St. Mary’s and the Elephant Pass has been hit by floods in recent times and this is the result.  This hasn’t stopped us visiting our favourite spot in Tasmania.  In fact it is quite the opposite.

Roger & Jeanette like to go fishing for bream in the Douglas River

Douglas River Family Farm

There is just one family living on the Douglas River and they’re right on the estuary where we like to fish for bream.  This family work the land right along the front and down to the beach.  Sheep, beef cattle and pumpkins provide their living and have done for years gone by.

Being such regular visitors, we are treated like family.  They are always glad to see us and we feel the same.  The evening drinks are relaxing for both parties and the conversation is non-pretentious, basic stuff: weather, Tasmanian politics, Home & Away, etc.

Douglas River: one of the pristine beaches of the east coast of Tasmania

You’ll Own the Beach!

As we are given a key to a gate, we have access to private land and a deserted beach that stretches for miles in both directions.  One day we got such a fright when another person appeared!  Walking towards Bicheno, the sand dunes have been eroded into a formation that our friends call The Porches.  Bird life is abundant and the giant kelp creates an attraction of it’s own.

Roger is fascinated by the seaweed on the beach at Douglas River

Looking back up the estuary, the hills of the Douglas Apsley are often capped by cloud.  You can see the weather changing.  At times the Douglas River can be running fast but when the tide is out it can be extremely calm.  About a year ago the authorities installed a steel platform in the river close to the bank.  It may have been to monitor the flow.  The experienced land owners advised what to expect and, when the floods hit, the platform washed away!

The changing weather in the Douglas River region near Bicheno, Tasmania

Accommodation Near Bicheno, Tasmania

If you are looking for good, clean and reasonable accommodation near Bicheno, I can recommend Douglas River Cabins.  A three night stay would be ideal for visiting Bicheno, Coles Bay and St. Helens to the north.  For the walker, the Douglas Apsley National Park can be accessed close by.  There are two cabins that are suitable for a couple, small family or large group.  Give it a try but don’t tell the world!  You will not be disappointed.

Near the Douglas Apsley National Park on the east coast of Tasmania

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Map: Douglas River Cabins:

Think Tasmania and Life’s an Adventure!

by Roger Findlay

Tour company Life’s an Adventure invited Think Tasmania to join them on
their 3-day Bay of Fires walk.  As a thank-you for his dedication, we asked
Roger to represent us and write a report about the Tassie experience.
All he had to do was pack his bags and get himself to and from Launceston.
Roger made meticulous preparations (just ask Jeanette!) and duly arrived.
Now all we have to do is publish his article and photos.  So here you go…

Roger takes a walk along the beach in his role as writer for Think Tasmania

Bay of Fires Walk: Starting Out

Our Life’s an Adventure group of six met at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston and after introductions we departed in a small bus with a trailer.  The journey to the top end of the Mount William National Park took us through Bridport and along a dirt road into Gladstone.  We were covered in dust by the time we arrived at the starting point for the walk (Stumpy’s Bay camp site 4) but we did see plenty of Forester kangaroos.

We were met by our walk leader, Kat, and her support crew:  Warrick and Daniel.  Our group consisted of myself, Gavin, Robert and Karen (husband and wife), Liz and her daughter Meg.  Gavin was the only Tasmanian-based walker, while the others hailed from the NSW central coast, Mildura and Melbourne.

Roger joins the Bay of Fires Walk with a group from Life's an Adventure tours

It must be said at this point that we all got on famously with only myself being a bit of a pain at times. (Thank-you to you all for tolerating me!)  After a short briefing we were given a packed lunch and nibbles before setting off with our day packs.  Warrick and Daniel had taken our large bags and driven off in a Troopy to set-up camp further down the track.

Life’s an Adventure: Stellar Team

From the outset, it was obvious that Life’s an Adventure guide Kat was a fun person and as strong as an ox!  She always carried a full pack that was as tall as herself but her experience and training made the task easy.  Over the three days, I got to know her quite well and have an appreciation of her formal qualifications that make her so knowledgeable in the terrain, flora and fauna, as well as shanties!

Life's an Adventure has a strong and capable leadership team

The first stage of the walk, 12km, was mainly over soft, white sands.  When we stopped for lunch, our mermaid – Liz (a retiree), looked splendid in a yellow bikini as she headed into the cold ocean.  The rest of us tucked into the delicious apple juice and wraps.  Late in the afternoon, we crossed shallow water before arriving at the Deep Creek camp site for a well earned drink.

Covering a diversity of terrain walking in the north east of Tasmania

Warrick and Daniel had everything set up, including our two man tents, huge kitchen tent and shower tents.  Our bags were placed in the tents and the food preparation was underway.

A Taste of Tasmania on the Bay of Fires Walk

All Life’s an Adventure Bay of Fires Walk menus were created by Tassie chef and author, Karen Goodwin-Roberts and consisted entirely of Tasmanian produce.  Some of the food appeared to be pre-prepared but our trio from Life’s an Adventure had excellent food handling and preparation skills that ensured perfection.  Ninth Island wines and cold Boags draught beers were available to those who behaved!

A relaxing glass of wine or beer after a hard day's walking!

Tonight we started with Pyengana cheddar, blackcurrant paste, crayfish, damper and Pyengana butter before feasting on the main courses of hot smoked salmon and mustard seeded lamb with rice.  For those still hungry, the dessert of lavender panna cotta with wild berry sauce looked yummy.

Camping maybe, but Life's an Adventure supply gourmet Tasmanian produce

After sitting around a smoky camp fire telling tall stories, it became time for bed.  Our sleeping bags fitted nicely on the mattress-style camp beds and it was quite easy moving around in the dark without electricity.  Torches and head lamps were the go but I didn’t have to go far for a private loo.  Gavin the Snorer did just that (snore) but, in the morning, I felt well-rested and ready for the new challenge of a pit toilet and optional cat lick wash or shower tent.

Warrick and Daniel carry luggage and set up camp each day on the walk

Kat is an expert with blisters!  Each morning she inspected, padded and taped the feet of the lame!  It looked like a real chore but Kat was up to the task.  My only regret is that of not taking a photo or presenting an award to Liz for her pristine condition feet.  Well done, Liz!  You walked almost double the distance of the actual walk.  It must have been the swim that gave you the vigour!

Clever Kat Saves the Day

Once we had finished the huge breakfast of cereal, fruits, bacon, eggs, rice pudding, juice, tea or ground coffee it was time to walk.  Today the weather was ominous with a forecast of thunder storms.  It was fine when we started off towards the distant Eddystone Point lighthouse but that rapidly changed forcing a change in plan.  As the rain pelted down, we came across a young, loving couple outside a shack.  Their car was bogged but Kat and the boys became their saviour.  However, there was a catch!  In return for freeing them from the bog, Kat asked them if we could prepare and eat our lunch in the shack.

The Bay of Fires beach... beautiful, even in stormy weather!

After a brief visit to the lighthouse and listening to Kat’s well rehearsed Eddystone Lighthouse shanty, we lunched on hot soup, salmon and cured meat before being shuttled by car and Troopy to a tree lined road for the 6km walk into the camp ground at Policeman’s Point just south of Anson’s Bay.

On arrival, the National Park Ranger visited.  An interesting character who’s worked in the same role all over Australia.  The scenery of the entire east coast region was magnificent but the setting at Policeman‘s Point was extra special.  Robert took the opportunity to test his large telescopic lens on the abundant bird life while the rest of us had a leisurely stroll on the sand.  Liz returned from her 3km walk to find us all lounging alongside the estuary snacking on uniquely flavoured dips.  I must apologise to Gluten Free Meg for unintentionally stealing one of her four naan’s that had been specially prepared!

Life's an Adventure Bay of Fires walk is catered by Karen Goodwin-Roberts

Daniel formally announced the menu before each meal and on this occasion we had pepper berry damper with Duck Reach butter, Nichols chicken cooked in Cascade pale ale, spiced lamb cutlets, bbq’d Mediterranean vegetables, pink eye potatoes in a green pea mayonnaise sauce.  This was followed by spiced strawberries and rhubarb.

The Bay of Fires Walk: Evening Entertainment!

On this particular night, Elliot wasn’t helping dad milk the cows or pack onions in the shed.  Instead, he was staying just across the road, but our gathering around the camp fire was far more attractive than the party at the house. Elliot wasn’t a bright kid.  He was 15 and maybe he thought Sydney was in New Zealand because of the bottle of Stone’s he’d consumed.  He didn’t come alone.  There were at least five more, including girls.  After a while our able leader, Kat, displayed skills of diplomacy in asking them to leave.  Our sleep went undisturbed.  (Not so sure in the House of Elliot).

Gavin was late to rise as I had (supposedly) snored all night.  New Outfit Karen appeared from the tent dressed like the perfect fashion model for a sport or camping store.  After a breakfast of pancakes, fruit and cereal, Kat did her usual with the blisters on the feet before letting us set off ahead on the final stage of the walk.

Roger gets some running repairs from Kat, so he can complete the Bay of Fires walk

The Bay of Fires walk along to the Gardens entailed long white sand beaches, black shale and orange stained boulders.  Early that morning we were fortunate to see a killer whale gambolling in the blue-green sea.  Mermaid Liz so wished she could join it while Big Lens Robert missed the action shot.

Life’s an Adventure and a Challenge

We stopped for lunch on huge granite boulders but I was bricking it and couldn’t enjoy what we had. The smoke-cured ham, terrine, salad, chutney, pickled onions and mountain bread looked splendid, but the walk ahead was my main focus.  Was I capable?  Mermaid Liz gave me great encouragement as we scampered under a tree limbo style and over the rocks.  She even found me a stick which later became a flag pole.  (I wonder what Gluten Free Meg thought of it all)?

The tour group managed to make the distance, proving life is an adventure!

The Gardens became closer.  Warrick and Daniel both came out to greet us.  I had fallen for Kat!  As usual she didn’t believe me and asked to see the proof.  I could only show her a small bruise.  It wasn’t enough for her extra special attention.  Maybe another time?

The bus drive back to Launceston went slowly.  Except for Liz, we were tired and had little to say but in our minds we reflected on a great walk with wonderful people.  Now I just have to get back to Tasmania.  What a great place it is.

Capturing great memories of the Bay of Fires walk: who wouldn't love Tasmania?

Thanks to Life’s an Adventure, Kat, Warrick, Daniel and our two bus drivers.
The Bay of Fires Walk is one of the best things to do in Tasmania.
Without this adventure, my life would be incomplete ~Roger Findlay

Map: Bay of Fires Walk in Tasmania…

East Coast Natureworld is in Bicheno on the Tasmanian… east coast!  That makes sense, doesn’t it?  It also makes sense to include East Coast Natureworld in your itinerary when you’re touring around Tasmania.  Like many other wildlife parks in the state, it’s a brilliant experience.  You can get up close to the animals, learn a few things and if you’ve got kids… they’ll love it.

East Coast Natureworld is on the Tasman Highway just north of Bicheno

East Coast Natureworld: Wicked Wildlife Park

The grounds are pretty extensive.  You’ll need to allow plenty of time to cover everything on offer, especially if you’re walking (they do have a fun alternate form of transport for busy times).  If you’re staying in Bicheno, it’s only a 7km drive north towards St Helens (just past Douglas Apsley National Park) to reach East Coast Natureworld, which is open seven days from nine to five.

Take a fun tour of the East Coast Natureworld wildlife park

Always a favourite with the kids, the kangaroos seem to love the attention.  I think they watch as you leave reception to see if you’ve bought a bag of food!  A little gentle pat of the kangaroos is okay by the keepers, as long as you don’t intimidate or rough-house the animals too much.

Feeding the kangaroos at East Coast Natureworld, Bicheno Tasmania

Saving the Tasmanian Devils

Doing their bit to save Tassie Devils and raise awareness of their endangered status, East Coast Natureworld have established Devil World.  It’s a room with lots of interactive games and puzzles relating to the native Tasmanian animals.  It’s another great place in Tasmania to take kids where they can learn stuff in a fun environment.

Tasmanian Devil World at East Coast Natureworld, making learning fun!

Devil World even has a bar… of sorts!  A Poo Bar, actually.  Little drawers open to reveal the size, shape and colour of the poo of some of the animals found at the wildlife park.  What kid is not going to be impressed by that?

The Poo Bar! Check out the size, shape and colour of some animal poo!

To add to the experience, East Coast Natureworld have Old MacDonald’s Farm.  You can wander around the paddocks with pigs, chooks, horses, sheep and peacocks.  In addition to their native Tasmanian animals and conservation work, there’s a nocturnal house, bird aviaries, wallaby walk, beach walk, Coal Mine Heritage display and a playground.

A Pig in the Paddock at Old MacDonald's Farm, East Coast Natureworld

Native Tasmanian Animals… or not!

Some animals are just so adorable and cuddly-looking, you can’t help whip out the camera every time you see one.  You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?  A koala!  Although the marsupial is an Australian species, koalas are not actually native Tasmanian animals, so the only place you’re going to see one is at a wildlife park.

Koalas are not native Tasmanian animals, but they're very cute all the same!

And while theoretically you may happen upon a Tasmanian devil in the wild, the chances are slim.  At East Coast Natureworld, you can watch the keepers feed and interact with them at scheduled times throughout the day.  I was amazed that the manager even let the Tassie Devils lick egg from his fingers.  And without the slightest hint of fear in his eyes!

Tasmanian Devil licking egg from the fingers of his keeper!

My Favourite… Wombats!

Last but certainly not least, the wombats.  I don’t know what it is about wombats, but I find them so appealing.  They’re just so cute!  I asked if I could take one home, but of course, I wasn’t allowed to.  No surprises there, especially when the aim of East Coast Natureworld is to release creatures back into the wild.

These young wombats at East Coast Natureworld will be released back into the wild

I’ll just have to stick with my ever-growing collection of photos.  Nothing like a wildlife park to bring out my snap-happy side!

The writer and her family were guests of East Coast Natureworld
in Bicheno Tasmania.  Check out my previous article about birds,
with more images from the wildlife park still to come in the future.

Map: East Coast Natureworld, Bicheno Tasmania…