Posts Tagged ‘Bay of Fires’

The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston promote themselves as the city’s premier 4.5 star hotel.  My mission (one I did choose to accept) was to put that theory to the test the night before my Bay of Fires Walk with Life’s an Adventure.  And I’m happy to report the accommodation was pretty special.  The service and the meals were first class, and I would definitely choose to stay there again.

Make a grand entrance: stay at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston!

Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston: A Grand Entrance

I arrived in the evening, and as I entered the lobby, I was suitably impressed.  You expect a certain decor in the foyer of an upmarket establishment, and over the years I’ve done my share of corporate trips.  The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston would not be out of place in Melbourne or Adelaide.

The reception and lobby/foyer area of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Avenue Restaurant & Lobby Bar

The in-house Avenue Restaurant and Lobby Bar were both busy with customers.  Several couples and one larger group were dining in the restaurant, and appeared to be tourists.  The bar looked to be the place for business executives relaxing at the end of their day!

The Avenue Restaurant at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston

Broadband Internet for the Corporate Traveller

With a little work still to be finished for the day, I went to my room and set up my laptop.  The room itself was comfortable, clean and quiet – the three most important things to me when I’m travelling alone.  I like to have a dedicated desk so I don’t have to juggle the newspaper and my dinner around my computer.

My deluxe room at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, with desk and lounge

Room Service… and then a Smile!

For dinner, I ordered room service from the Avenue Restaurant.  The menu was predominantly Tasmanian food and wine, and I chose roasted Cressy lamb rump, which came with a sweet and sour Sicilian dressing; slow cooked carrots, green peas, and a Romesco sauce.  Now I’m not claiming to be a food critic, but I know a good meal when I eat it… and this was good!!  The glass of wine from the Freycinet wasn’t bad either.

Room service from the Avenue Restaurant: Cressy Lamb

Travel to Launceston for Work and Play

While I was at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston only briefly, I can understand why tourists would use this property as a base for their holiday.  It’s centrally located;  many of the popular attractions of the northern capital of Tasmania are within walking distance.  The Brisbane Street Mall (the main shopping precinct), the CBD and Launceston City Park are all on the doorstep; and you can see Aurora Stadium (the home of AFL in Tasmania) from the window.

Aurora Stadium, home of AFL in Tasmania, from the window of the Grand Chancellor

Why Stay at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston?

Nearby Things to Do in Launceston include…

• Tamar River Cruise
• Cataract Gorge Reserve Basin Chairlift
• Old Launceston Seaport Marina
• Tasmanian Design Centre
• J Boag & Son Brewery and Museum
• Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (Phenomena Factory & Planetarium)
• Elegant Victorian streets & Georgian architectural buildings
• Antique shops and specialty boutiques

Driving a little further afield…

• Award-winning vineyards in the beautiful Tamar Valley Region
• Nearby historic villages of Evandale & Longford
• Seaside township of Bridport
• Hollybank Treetops Adventure in the Tasmanian forest

The writer was a guest of the Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston
For more information visit their website or phone (03) 6334 3434

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Map: Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston…

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 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…

When we asked Roger to go on assignment to the Bay of Fires on a walking tour with Life’s An Adventure, little did we anticipate the impending drama!  The excitement has been building for our intrepid reporter, but for his long-suffering wife Jeanette?  Not so much.  She sent me a little note, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me sharing it with you!

Poor Jeanette: Roger's training regime is a little overwhelming!

A Fitness Regime for Roger

My Dear Tania

For the past few weeks Roger has been preparing for the Bay of Fires walk.  He’s been taking it all very seriously and has been furiously working on his fitness.  I may as well live in a convent as he believes in preparing for a big occasion in the same way as the Italian soccer players (sex right off the menu!).

Every day he goes through the check list; packs and unpacks his gear then starts all over again.  Today he decided to dress in full wet weather gear and to test the weight of a full pack.  The walk is over three days and involves approximately 30 kms of easy walking.  Roger is prepared for the Kokoda Trail!

Roger’s travel plans are painstakingly precise.  Due to mud holes on the tracks, V-Line cannot run a train to Melbourne and Roger has decided to drive.  The car will be parked at JetBay and he will fly Virgin just like those before.

To hone his gourmet palate, Roger has been eating King Island brie and wallaby salami from the Grassy butcher.  He loves Tarkine honey and Bruny Island spiced cherries in Pinot Noir.  He’s also developed a taste for Tasmanian wines.

So you can fully understand the anxiety I’m experiencing, I have attached a few photos.

Can’t wait for him to go!

Best regards,

Jeanette Findlay

Roger tests his walking kit ready for the Bay of Fires adventure

Thank goodness someone else will be carrying all the gear for Roger!!

Although Gavin has taken a slightly more low-key approach to his training regime, he’s also pretty excited about his adventure.  Especially after this Facebook comment by Mark Norek…

Taste Cafe recently catered our first Bay of Fires for the season and the food was INCREDIBLE.  We would like to think that it was quite possibly the best food that we’ve had on one of our camping/walking holidays. Good work guys!

I know a few people who are just a wee bit jealous about the opportunity.  Can’t wait to see the photos and hear what they have to say about it all.  Talk about a trip of a lifetime!  And we hope poor Jeanette survives the last-minute preparations and sends Roger away in one piece.

Roger: prior visit, photo taken near Anson's bay off South Anson's road

Tassie Experience: Top Five

by Judy Livingston

Editor’s Note: this Tassie Experience article has been written for Think Tasmania by Judy Livingston of Eye See Personalised Tours.  I met Judy at a Facebook workshop at Business East in Bellerive.  It was easy to see she was passionate about her local business, but also very considerate of her customers.  I asked Judy this question:  of the many, many fabulous places in Tasmania, what special trips have you and your guests really enjoyed?  Luckily she agreed to share some of her Tasmanian secrets with us, and this is the result.

Judy Livingston with her Tassie experience tour vehicles

1. Evandale Village Fair

I wonder how many people have had the chance to get dressed up and go to work driving a modern vehicle, but outfitted in 1880’s high fashion?  I had the opportunity to accompany a group who wanted to experience the penny farthing championships in Evandale, held each year in the beautiful, historic Tasmanian town.

To really get in the spirit of things, we decided to make it a day to remember.  We all experienced our 15 seconds of fame being photographed as much as the bicycles themselves, by the visitors to the town.

The Evandale Village Fair is definitely a unique Tassie experience!

2. Cradle Mountain National Park

I am fortunate in being able to see Cradle Mountain in all its spring glory.  Spring at Cradle Mountain is a sight to be seen and remembered as the native wild flowers are abundant and spectacular.  While walking around Dove Lake it was a bit of a concern to see visitors having to hold mountains up… but they seemed to be enjoying the challenging Tassie experience!

Judy Livingston can take guests to Cradle Mountain National Park

3. New Norfolk & Derwent Valley

Autumn would have to be the best time of year with beautiful blue skies and mild temperatures and the stunningly beautiful colours of the leaves.  New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley would be one of the most spectacular areas with the willows and poplars lining the Derwent River on either side.  On a day when the river is mirror calm words cannot describe the beauty of the area.

Eye See Personalised Tours include the Derwent Valley Tassie experience

4. Richmond & Coal River Valley

One of the most popular places for people travelling to Tasmania would have to be Richmond.  This Tassie experience has it all.  The close proximity to Hobart and the Coal Valley vineyards; quaint little shops selling everything from candy to antiques and everything in between; and some beautifully preserved historic buildings including the beautiful old Richmond Bridge and St Johns Catholic Church.  Both of these buildings are the oldest in Australia that are still being used today.

Richmond is a highlight on the Eye See Personalised Tours itinerary

5. Tasman Peninsula & Tasmanian East Coast

With so many diversely beautiful places to see in Tasmania one of my favourites would be the Cape Raoul Lookout in the Tasman Peninsula area.  While carefully walking along the bush track, there is a chance of catching a glimpse of a wallaby.  After an hour you are rewarded with the most stunning view over the Great Southern Ocean.  It is like standing on the edge of the world.

Beautiful coastal scenery: a Tassie experience not to be missed

The east coast of Tasmania has some stunning scenery and beaches.  Everyone knows the famous Wineglass Bay, Bay of Fires and Bicheno but just a short diversion 24km south of Swansea is the beautiful Lisdillon Saltworks along the Saltworks Road.  There is the chance to wander around the ruins but also there are spectacular views across Great Oyster Bay to the Freycinet National Park.

Eye See Personalised Tours giving you the ultimate Tassie experience

Eye See Personalised Tours Gourmet Food!

There is stunning Tasmanian food available to everyone.  Some is gourmet; some is purchased directly from the farm gate.  However it gets to your plate you know it will be good.  I love to prepare food directly from my garden using fresh ingredients or eggs from the chooks.

When you do visit Tassie, experience the local produce. It's a delight!

The delight on people’s faces when they know it is from your garden is priceless.  For many it brings back childhood memories of the backyard garden and fresh baking smells coming from mum or grandma’s kitchen.

A fresh, gourmet lunch is provided by Eye See Personalised Tours

Eye See Personalised Tours offer many other Tassie Experience options.
It must have been very difficult for Judy to narrow her choice to
just a top five!!  So thank-you on behalf of Think Tasmania readers.

Map of Judy Livingston’s Top 5 Tassie Experience Locations…

Douglas Apsley National Park… that’s worth a visit.  So said Debbie, our host at Bicheno Ocean View Retreat.  Apparently, locals head there to swim in the waterhole during summer.  Hearing that made me a little sceptical… with the magnificent east coast beaches laid out on their doorstep, why would they bother?  But we thought we’d better investigate, just to make sure.

Apsley Waterhole, Douglas Apsley National Park, Tasmania

Douglas Apsley National Park Walks

As it turns out, swimming is not the number one attraction at Douglas Apsley National Park (I knew it!).  Dolerite cliffs, rivers, waterfalls, gorges, tranquil pools… and an extensive range of walking tracks to choose from.  Select a quick jaunt from the carpark to the lookout or waterhole; or embark on an overnight camping trip to tackle the Heritage Falls Rainforest Circuit.

If you’re really keen on bush-walking you can even tackle the Leeaberra Track.  Taking up to three days of solid walking, it starts from the northern entrance to the park and weaves south to Apsley Waterhole.  Classified as a moderate to difficult walk, it contains some very steep sections.  As fascinating and challenging as that sounds, the track is clearly only for experienced, well-equipped walkers.  What a shame; I’ll have to save that for another time!

Dry forest bushwalking at Douglas Apsley National Park

Okay, so I only walked from the carpark to the waterhole and back.  I would have climbed to the lookout too, especially as the views are supposed to be breathtaking.  But it was closed for maintenance.  Oh well.  Next time.

Bush-walking information & collection point for national park fees

Park Pass: Douglas Apsley National Park and Others…

Douglas Apsley National Park, as the name would suggest, requires visitors to purchase a national park pass.  We have an annual pass that allows entry into all Tasmanian national parks, but visitors can purchase a daily or holiday pass.  The funds raised from the sale of the park passes go towards maintenance of tracks, information booths and visitor facilities (yes, that compost toilet by the carpark!).

National park pass fees, used to maintain tracks & facilities

Some of the longer walks obviously contain challenging and steep sections, but the track to Apsley Waterhole was wide and stable.  Perfect for amateurs, the elderly, families with young children and lazy people like me.  There’s plenty of signage along the way, describing the dry sclerophyll and eucalypt forest plants that you’ll encounter.

Bushwalking for beginners: to Apsley Waterhole

Birdwatching enthusiasts are drawn to the region, and the park’s diverse vegetation includes wildflowers and native orchids.  And there’s wombats, too!  We didn’t actually see one, but we saw the evidence of at least one.  Square poo, which we now know belongs to the wombat (it’s a long story!).

Tell-tales signs of a wombat: square poo!

The area was originally used for grazing and trapping animals.  It was also subject to some small scale coal mining and timber felling.  The 16,000 hectare park was spared from industrial logging by the combined efforts of local activists, and Douglas Apsley was declared a national park in 1989.

Douglas Apsley National Park: forest saved from logging in 1989

Apsley Waterhole

Unsealed roads lead to Douglas Apsley National Park from the Tasman Highway, between Bicheno and St Marys.  The turnoff for the nearest access to Apsley Waterhole is just south of East Coast Natureworld wildlife park.  Driving past farms between the east coast town of Bicheno and the Douglas Apsley National Park, we captured this photo of a ewe with her newborn triplet lambs.

Down on the farm near Bicheno: ewe with newborn triplets!

And for the record: Debbie was right.  It is worth a visit.  It’s one of those magnificent Tasmanian places the camera just cannot do justice to.  Well, not in my hands, anyway.  Dipping your toes into the cool, clear water of Apsley Waterhole on a hot day… just a magic thing to do!  Maybe not quite as famous as other east coast icons like the Bay of Fires, Freycinet National Park or Maria Island; but Douglas Apsley National Park is worthy of a mention, all the same.

The magic crystal-clear waters of Apsley Waterhole

Map of Douglas Apsley National Park Tasmania…

Bicheno Ocean View Retreat.  Have the owners of this east coast bed and breakfast establishment coined an apt business name? Or have they embellished, just a little?  Some operators stretch the truth in the interest of increased bookings, so we decided to pay them a first-hand visit, just to be sure.

Bicheno Ocean View Retreat: 18067 Tasman Highway, Bicheno Tas

Bicheno Ocean View Retreat.  Or is it?

Let’s dissect the main claims…

• Bicheno? B&B accommodation just 4kms north-west of town
  on the Tasman Highway, towards St Helen and the Bay of Fires.
• Ocean View? Absolutely spectacular in that department.
  Couldn’t be better in fact; but seeing is believing.
• Retreat? Tranquil & relaxing, birds chirping, wildlife, alpacas…
  you might want to leave the mobile phone at home!

So yes.  Bicheno Ocean View Retreat ticks all the advertising boxes!  In fact, they even exceed expectations, which is a refreshing change.

First class ocean view: Bicheno beach, east coast Tasmania

Debbie & Jock Gardam

To borrow a phrase from my mum, Debbie & Jock Gardam (the owners at Bicheno Ocean View Retreat), are just lovely people.  They’re helpful and friendly, and have a particularly generous spirit.  Debbie clearly has a passion for promoting the local area, and is brimming with good ideas for travellers.  Their eagerness to please is balanced with a respect for guest privacy, and together they make the perfect hosts.

Debbie & Jock Gardam at Bicheno Ocean View Retreat

After 11 years at the property, Debbie & Jock have built their small business into an impressive collection of luxury accommodation.  We stayed in a self-contained unit, which was as big as a whole house!  Not only did it have a massive living area with a big screen TV, comfy couches and a dining table, there was also a full kitchen, huge bathroom (with a bath) and a laundry as well.

Huge self-contained family unit at Bicheno Ocean View Retreat

Inspirational: Diamond Island Views

The two bedrooms both had queen-sized beds and lots of room for luggage.  While many accommodation places only allow for the standard two children, Bicheno Ocean View Retreat caters for the larger family.  In fact, they have been known to host small business conferences and family reunions at their property.  With inspirational views over Diamond Island, there couldn’t be a better place to combine business with pleasure!

Retreat: gorgeous gardens and views over Diamond Island

For group bookings or individual holiday-makers, there’s a four-star unit to suit everyone here:  studio apartment; self-contained spacious living; and even a romantic spa suite.  Weather permitting, Debbie serves breakfast to the b&b rooms on the balcony.

Spa Suite: bed and breakfast accommodation, Bicheno Tasmania

A Room with a View… & Goodies!

As an optional extra for the self-catering rooms, you can order a goodies basket at Bicheno Ocean View Retreat.  Regular readers will know from my review of Alice’s Cottages bed and breakfast in Launceston, I like my goodies to promote Tasmanian produce.  And that’s exactly what you can expect here too.

Bicheno Ocean View Retreat: generous basket of local goodies!

Diamond Island wine, smoked quail from the local butcher, House of Anvers chocolates, Ashgrove Farm Cheese…  I won’t go on, other than to say the selection was delicious and if your budget can stretch that far, I would be inclined to recommend the indulgence.  Those fresh strawberries, with Westhaven Dairy Berry Temptation yoghurt, combined perfectly with the views from the balcony.  Could there be a better way to start the day?

Tassie yoghurt, perfect with east coast strawberries for breakfast

Things to Do in Bicheno…

You might think we stayed in our unit the whole time!  Tempting as that was, we were blessed with gorgeous weather, and we did manage to explore the region a little.  There’s so many things to do in Bicheno, it’s difficult to cover everything in a single weekend.  With the advice of our expert hosts, we…

• discovered abundant Tasmanian wildlife at East Coast Natureworld
• chatted with the friendly Bicheno locals while we did some shopping
• hiked to the waterhole at Douglas Apsley National Park
• dined at some of the great local restaurants and cafes
• watched divers filming underwater in Waubs Bay
• braved the ocean’s elements to look into the Bicheno Blowhole
• walked along the beach, home to the area’s penguin colonies
• dangled a line off the jetty… and watched on as the cheeky
  fish sucked the bait from our hooks in the crystal clear water!

Scuba diving in crystal clear waters of Waubs Bay, Bicheno

The east coast scenery is absolute paradise for photographers and Bicheno itself is not a bad place to spend some time!  If our experience is anything to go by, the weather can be amazing, even in winter.  But just to be really sure, we’ll have to return and explore the things we missed another time!

Iconic Tasmanian beaches, Freycinet Peninsula & Wineglass Bay, Bicheno wineries, surf beaches, whale watching, golf courses, snorkelling in Governor Island Marine Reserve, the motorcycle museum, glass bottom boat tour, a history walk, scenic flights, fishing charters…

The writer was a guest of Bicheno Ocean View Retreat Visit the website
for bookings, or call Debbie and Jock Gardam (03) 6375 1481

Map of Bicheno Ocean View Retreat Tasmania…

Photo Series – Tasmania: Mountain

Tasmania:  mountain climbing, bird-watching, fishing, trekking… I won’t go on and on.  You might know there’s lots of outdoor things to do in Tasmania.

You’ll enjoy fine Tasmanian food and wine even more when you’ve worked up an appetite in the fresh mountain air.  And a good dose of exercise will bring on a case of sleeping beauty…

Sleeping Beauty - Tasmania mountain photo series by Dan Fellow

So Think Tasmania wants to offer some inspiration in the form of these fantastic photos by Dan Fellow.  We’ve sung his praises before – and we’ll continue to do so!  We’ve also promised to give you quality Tasmanian photos, so this is the first in a series of pictures from Tassie.  We’ll put together a theme and showcase some great photography.  All you have to do is look and admire…

Tasmania Mountain One – Mt Roland in Spring

What better place to start than with this great spring showing?  In the municipality of Kentish in northern Tasmania, Mount Roland can be accessed from the nearby township of Sheffield.  Weighing in at 1233m above sea level, this mountain is a stunner in any season.

Mt Roland in the North West of Tasmania: Mountain in spring

Tasmania Mountain Two – Mt Lyell In Queenstown

Heading anti-clockwise around the Apple Isle from Sheffield, next up on our Tasmanian mountain photographic tour is in Queenstown on the West Coast.  Just to prove beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Mt Lyell is known not for spring flowers, but for copper mining.  Yet I think this photo is beautiful and interesting.

Tasmania Mountain: Mt Lyell, copper mining - Queenstown

Tasmania Mountain Three – Mt Nelson Signal Station

On we progress around Tassie until we come to the capital of Hobart.  Here it becomes obvious that the wilderness areas of the island don’t command all the mountains – some border the city too!  I’ve chosen a photo from Dan Fellow’s collection, not of Mount Wellington, but one taken atop the smaller cousin, Mt Nelson.

Easy to access from Sandy Bay and a great lookout over the Derwent River – you can buy delicious hot chocolate at The Station Cafe.  Or maybe now that daylight savings has kicked in and we are heading towards summer, you might like a cold glass of wine at the outdoor seating perhaps?

Mt Nelson in Hobart Tasmania: Mountain for summer drinks?

Tasmania Mountain Four – Ben Lomond, North East

Located in the Ben Lomond National Park and stretching to 1573m above sea level, you can find this beauty 50kms south east of Launceston.  Known as the place to go for snow-skiing in Tasmania, Ben Lomond is also a very attractive backdrop to the Fingal Valley Region at any time of the year.  We skirted the area on a trip to the Bay of Fires and found the autumn weather to be calm and sunny – and altogether pleasant.

Ben Lomond in the North East of Tasmania: Mountain in autumn

Tasmania Mountain Five – Cradle Mountain

To complete the lap of the island and return to where we started in the north west, here’s a photo that also completes the seasonal rotation.  It’s winter, there’s snow, and there’s a Tasmanian mountain.  Where else could we be but Cradle Mountain – one of the tourism icons of Australia, let alone Tasmania?  Hard to choose just one photo from Desktop Tasmania (mountain or otherwise) to portray the beauty of Cradle Mountain National Park, but this is the one.

Cradle Mountain, back in the North West of Tasmania for winter

So you would have to agree: a quick tour of Tasmania!  Mountain photos by Dan Fellow for every season – and one extra thrown in for good luck!  And don’t worry – I’m well aware that there’s lots missing from the list.  We’ll address that issue some other time.

Map: Tasmania Mountain…