Posts Tagged ‘Birds’

Historic New Norfolk

by Cassandra Wunsch

After Hobart and Launceston, historic New Norfolk was the third planned settlement in Tasmania.  Official attempts to name the town were basically ignored by the inhabitants, with ‘the Hills’ and ‘Elizabeth Town’ failing to stick.  In a lot of ways, that may have set the tone for the general ‘go your own way’ mentality often attributed to the residents.

Historic New Norfolk accommodation property Tynwald (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Hop Plants & Oust Houses

Hops made their debut in the area in 1846 and that’s where our interest really begins.  The most well-known feature of the town was the Oast House on the Lyell Highway.  Only in operation for a little over two years (1867-1869), the Oast House made its way into the modern tourism trade, operating as a museum and tea house until it was destroyed by fire in 2009.

With the major draw-card destroyed, there was a serious drop off in interest in New Norfolk… though this is completely unwarranted.  The Oast House was good, but it was far from All.

Historic New Norfolk Oust House (Photo by Dan Fellow)

The Bush Inn

The truth is, there is a heap to see and do in New Norfolk, especially if you’re interested in history.  My personal favourite location is the Bush Inn.  At the time when I was a frequent patron, they did a smoked rainbow trout to die for!  My father used to love watching me eat it.  He said what was left at the end reminded him of Fred Flintstone’s comb.  In food, as in life, Dad’s usual approach is a little ham-fisted.

If you’re after a little bit of scandal, you could always track down Licensee Tom Atkins and ask him about secret convict tunnels which have been rumoured to start in the basement and run off underneath the historic New Norfolk township!

Autumn colours: click image to see article ~ Autumn in Tasmania

Antique Stores

I am of the personal opinion that New Norfolk also has the highest proportion of antique stores relative to town size of any place in Australia!  You can’t turn around without falling over one.  Slightly dim rooms, piled floor to ceiling with everything from junky buttons to the Narnia wardrobe.  They’re also uniformly run by friendly retirees who’re more than happy to answer your questions about their wares, and all the local history they know.

The Grave of Betty King

One such conversation might lead you out to Magra, about 3km north of New Norfolk proper, to the grave of Betty King.  Local lore suggests that Mrs King (then miss Thackery) was the first white woman to set foot on Australian soil. Or it might have you water-gazing near the New Norfolk Bridge, where the sunken hulk to the river steamer ‘Emu’ is still sitting.

The Derwent Valley, attracting tourists for history, nature and fun (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Salmon Ponds

If you’re after a touch more excitement, or a family outing with the kids, you can’t go past the Salmon Ponds.  There’s a museum and heritage buildings for mum and dad, a licenced restaurant and the kids can feed the fish.  Located about 10 minutes from historic New Norfolk, this picturesque spot is well worth a visit.

The Salmon Ponds is a great family attraction, 10 mins from historic New Norfolk

Devil Jet

Not lively enough for you?  Alright… you asked for it.  Devil Jet is a little enterprise on the banks of the Derwent River designed to get you screaming!  The 12 metre jet boat is designed specifically for skimming you along the surface of the river like a smooth stone.  A word of warning though, you will get wet.

Want more than history in New Norfolk? Try a Devil Jet Boat ride on the Derwent River

 Cassandra Wunsch is a third-year journalism student at Open Universities
Australia.  She lives in Hobart with her husband Florian and daughter Taliesin,
and would like to continue to write full-time when she graduates.
Her personal blog is www.10percentinspired.com

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Map: Historical New Norfolk, Tasmania…

Tasmania is a great place to see Little Penguins (or Fairy Penguins as they are also known).  If you’re in the north west region of Tassie, an easy-to-get-to and excellent spot to see these cute little critters is the Lillico Beach Conservation Area, 10 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

Little Penguins are also called Fairy Penguins (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Little Penguins at Lillico Beach

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

This shrubby coastal strip of land is home to a colony of delightful Little Penguins.  They enchant visitors every breeding season (September to May) and during the summer months (mid December to mid February).  Local volunteers and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife rangers are on site during this time.

The Friends of Lillico Penguins also offer a free guiding interpretation service all through the breeding season.  The reserve is only 2.5kms long with a total area of 14 hectares.  Lillico Beach, which is an important wildlife corridor for the area, is made up of sand and attractive, evenly polished stones known as shingle.

Little Penguins can be seen at Lillico Beach in the north west of Tasmania

Information about the habitat of the Little Penguins is provided at Lillico Beach

There’s a first-rate viewing platform and walkway arrangement in place, which makes it easy to watch the Little Penguins as they return to their burrows each evening after a day’s search for food in the beautiful waters of Bass Strait.  These penguins are around 30cms in height and weigh in at just a kilo.  They are the world’s smallest breed of penguin and have been known to dive down to 57 metres for their food.

Viewing platforms at Lillico Beach allow visitors to observe the Little Penguins

How to Behave Around Fairy Penguins

There’s a few “dos” and “don’ts” if you are coming to view the Little Penguins of an evening.  Firstly, penguins use visual cues to make their way back to the burrows, which means they can become easily lost and confused by light and noise.  Visitors are asked to stay on the platform; remain quiet and still; wear dark clothing and refrain from using camera flash or any white light torches.

During the right times, visitors to Lillico Beach Tasmania can see Little Penguins

Definitely do not approach or touch the penguins or walk through their colony.  That would be very traumatic for them and could damage the burrow areas, preventing the adults from getting to their hungry offspring.

Fairy Penguins will return from Bass Strait to their burrows to feed their young

As the penguins can easily see movement (especially if you are outlined against the sky) you should not walk along the beach to get to the viewing spot.  A torch with red cellophane over the light source is acceptable.  Digital cameras without a flash and video cameras without a spotlight can be used.

Lillico Beach is along the Bass Highway from Devonport in north west Tasmania

Lillico Beach Conservation Area is a very well established and maintained area to view these Little Penguins, and we are lucky to have them here in Tasmania.  This is a lovely experience to take with you from this part of the north west coast.

Little Penguins: adorable Tasmanian wildlife will captivate tourists (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Penguins in Tasmania

Penguins can be found almost anywhere around Tasmanian coastlines.  Some other interesting places you can see Little Penguins in Tasmania are:

• the aptly named town of Penguin where they come ashore near
  the main town area (there’s also the Penguin Point Fairy Penguin Tour
  run nightly from September to March)
• at Burnie in the early evening on many of the beaches and at the
  Little Penguin Observation Centre on Parsonage Point at the western
  end of west beach (where Friends of the Burnie Penguins hold free
  interpretive tours for visitors from September to March)
• near the town of Port Sorell you can frequently see them hurrying
  up the beach
• at Low Head near George Town where nightly tours are taken from the
  Coastal Reserve
• at Stanley I’ve often seen penguins in the day swimming around where
  the fishing boats are moored
• Bicheno Penguin Tours have the biggest nightly penguin tour in Tasmania.
  It runs all year but penguin numbers are more reliable during the breeding
  season
• Bruny Island penguins are common along the isthmus beach where
  North and South Bruny meet
• at Strahan on the west coast you can take the Bonnet Island Experience
  Tour or discover them yourself if you take a trip at dusk to the southern
  end of Ocean Beach

Little Penguins can be seen in the town of... Penguin!! (Photo by Dan Fellow)

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
If you’d like Michelle 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: Little Penguins at Lillico Beach, 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…

Hi Tania ~ Here are some images for 41 Degrees South.  Good stuff, fun to do and great tastings ~ Dan Fellow

And with that little note, Dan attached a heap of great photos.  He really is a man of few words, hey?

41 Degrees South: Tasmanian Salmon Farm, Ginseng & Wetlands

However… Dan is also a great advocate for all things Tasmanian, particularly tourism attractions close to his home town of Westbury.  Everyone has loved the professional tourism photos we’ve shared from Dan recently…

• Silk
• Windermere Corner Cafe
• Lilydale Tavern, Bakery & Cafe
• Dinosaurs at Tasmania Zoo
• New Year on Royal

So I went to the 41 Degrees South website, to find out more.  Here’s what they’ve got to say (and I quote!)…

41 Degrees South: Salmon, Ginseng & Wetlands

41 Degrees South Tasmania is a unique tourist attraction near Launceston and Devonport.  A 45 minute drive from Launceston brings you to our salmon farm, ginseng nursery and wetlands near Deloraine.  We offer free tastings, a small café is located at the farm and light lunches are available.

41 Degrees South offer tastings and sales of their Tasmanian products

The farm was carved out of of willow and gorse infested scrub in 1998.  Ponds were built and wetlands were created.  A patchwork of wetland grasses, freshwater ponds, dykes, wetlands and marshes are set along the western creek rivulet.  The wetland was not only created to attract a wide variety of birds, it’s aim was to also be used as a natural biofilter for the salmon farm.

 

There is always something to see here as changing seasons bring different birds and give them a place to feed, breed, nest and rest.  Things to do at our farm include a self-guided tour of the fresh water salmon ponds and ginseng field.  You can also take a walk along the boardwalk through our wetlands set at the foot of the Montana Falls.

Take a tour of the Tasmanian Salmon ponds at 41 Degrees South near Deloraine

First-Hand Experience: Photos from 41 Degrees South

The only thing left to do now is share the photos (which do tend to confirm what 41 Degrees South have promised about their attraction).  Because there were too many photos to format and add to this article, I’ve turned them into a slideshow for our YouTube Channel.  I’m sure Dan’s photos will inspire you to visit…

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: 41 Degrees South Tasmania…

Discover The Leven River Cruise

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to join a Leven River Cruise and see what was upstream?  Well I recently had an opportunity to do just that by boarding the Jus’ Leven for a Discover The Leven River Cruise in Ulverstone.

Arriving at the Ulverstone jetty to board the Jus' Leven river cruise boat owned by Kim Haines

Leven River Cruise: Owner Kim Haines

From the moment we stepped onto the pontoon at the boat ramp we were warmly welcomed by owner and operator Kim Haines and her daughter and helper for the day, Christie.  We settled into our seats for a “get to know you” chat, safety demo, pre-checks and then we were off… out into the blue waters of the Leven River on a picture perfect day.

Cruise to the mouth of the Leven River where it joins Bass Strait

To begin with, we cruised up to where the Leven River meets the sea.  Meanwhile Kim shared stories and some history of each of the landmarks and of Ulverstone.  Turning around when we reached the mouth of the river we headed upstream while listening to more interesting information, facts and funny anecdotes along the way.

Tasmanian Wildlife: Wallabies, Fish, Birds…

It was so relaxing taking in the view and spotting the wildlife and we saw lots of fish and many species of birds.  I enjoy watching birds in their natural habitat and we were rewarded with a very special treat:  a beautiful white-breasted sea eagle, which followed us along the river and then promptly dived down to retrieve a fish.  Right in front of us!  As it took the catch to its young in the nest, everyone on board was thrilled they had just witnessed this great sight.

Wildlife spotted during the Leven River Cruise can include a Sea Eagle

As we went further up the Leven River the water changed from blue to tea-coloured, which helped to highlight the reflections on the water along both sides.  In fact these reflections have been admired for over 100 years for the stunning mirror-effect.

Reflections from the water of the Leven River as you cruise further from Ulverstone

You will often see this coloured water in Tasmanian waterways.  It’s due to the tannin that leeches into the water off the buttongrass plains.  About half way along the river we were introduced to Ruby: the Bennett’s wallaby that Kim is hand rearing.  Sweet little Ruby was an instant hit with everyone and she got carefully passed around for cuddles and bottle-feeding.

A passenger on the Leven River Cruise holding Ruby, the Bennett's wallaby

Earn Your Lunch at Leven Park Reserve

Before lunch we pulled up at the mooring area in the Leven Park Reserve.  This reserve is beautiful; an untouched area of natural bushland that has been a favourite of visitors going back as far as 100 years.  We disembarked and went over to the lunch area to get ready for our walk.

Our guided walk was an easy, serene and informative stroll through soaring eucalyptus, 500-year-old man ferns and beautiful tall Blackwoods with a lovely understorey of attractive ferns.  We returned along the banks of the river and back to the lunch area to chat and enjoy some refreshments, while Kim and Christie prepared our three-course meal.

Leave the Jus' Leven at Leven Park Reserve for a nature walk through the bush

Our very filling and scrumptious lunch was served in the form of an entrée, main meal and dessert.  We all agreed we probably wouldn’t need to have dinner that night having just devoured all of the lovely food.  With our bellies full we all kicked back and shared highlights of our day, as well as funny travel stories experienced over the years.  It was time to depart this peaceful spot and start the return journey of the Leven River Cruise.

Lunch, part of the 5-hour Discover the Leven River Cruise from Ulverstone

Leven River Park for lunch on the 5-hour cruise from Ulverstone, Tasmania

Special Ulverstone Cruise & Tours

On the trip back Kim had even more history and wonderful stories to tell us as we glided along and once again took in the pretty river views.  Fantastic tour and great company adds up to a fabulous day.  This is a must to do if you are in Ulverstone and want to explore the area.  It’s a relaxing, no hassles, little-known gem of a tour.

Jus' Leven cruise boat moored on the river at Leven Park Reserve

There are three unique tours to choose from to discover the Leven.  I took the 5-hour Jus’ Leven Meal and Bush Tour.  There is also the 2-hour Jus’ Leven River Tour and the 1-hour Jus’ Leven Bay Tour.  Every tour is explained on the Discover the Leven River Cruise website along with other useful information such as departure times, prices and availability, contact phone number and what to take with you etc.

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
as well as articles like this about the north west coast of Tasmania.
She was a guest of Kim and Discover the Leven River Cruises.
If you’d like Michelle 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: Discover the Leven River Cruise, Tasmania…

Naracoopa Cottages: Meet the Hosts

by Roger Findlay

When Jeanette and I stayed at the Naracoopa Cottages (King Island) in 2009 we experienced exceptional hospitality from our hosts John and Rhonda.  For this reason I contacted the couple to ask them how they do it and a bit about themselves.  I hope you enjoy what I’ve written from their extensive notes and I thank them for giving me the opportunity.

John and Rhonda: a Love Story!

John’s brother, Bert, works at the hospital on King Island and so does Rhonda.  About eleven years ago, Melbourne based John decided he needed a sea change and asked his brother if he could find him a date!  As in every romance, John met Rhonda they fell in love and married not long after.

Introducing Rhonda and John, owners of Naracoopa Cottages on King Island

I observed their love for each other.  Every morning John opens the front gate for Rhonda as she leaves for work.  He keeps the home fires burning and in the evening he opens the gate and greets her as she returns.

Naracoopa Cottages: a New Lease on Life

It was a wrench for John to leave a good job in Melbourne, his son and his dog (Mojo), but it was something he had to do.  Initially John worked a variety of jobs and lived at Rhonda’s house in Currie, but he was keen to move elsewhere.  One day they were driving along the Esplanade in Naracoopa.  They were aware that the Naracoopa Cottages had been on the market for years and the owner had recently lost her husband.  Noticing how run-down the buildings were, John sensed the time was right to make an offer.  The offer was accepted and the refurbishing began.

John devoted all his time to the repair and restoration of the buildings and the garden.  In his spare time, he looked for ways of increasing business.  He taught himself how to use a computer; he designed a website and learned the tricks to getting his business on the first page of Google.

All this time, Rhonda kept going in and out to the hospital job and John opened and closed the gate with Mojo, not far from his heel.  Love Is!

Former faithful companion at Naracoopa Cottages, John's beloved "Mojo"

John and Rhonda Meet Charlie!

One day, Rhonda had the brilliant idea of decorating the front lawn with a boat and jetty.  To her surprise, John and his son set about the project by acquiring an old Aurora Energy power pole for a slab of beer.  Abalone fisherman, Robert Jordan, had a leaky boat that couldn’t be fixed and then along came Charlie!

John bought Charlie on eBay.  She was the most attractive mannequin he could find.  She arrived by King Island Airlines and she turned plenty of heads as John drove his naked passenger up and down the main drag of Currie doing the macho thing:  blockies!  King Island is a small place and news travels fast.  The phone began to ring as Rhonda received reports of her husband’s new lady friend.

Charlie (now dressed as a man) provides some interest at Naracoopa Cottages

Charlie now sits on the jetty next to the boat on the lawn.  But John decided to dress her as a man to deter the local young bucks who seem to be interested in anything in a skirt!

Over to You John…

One of the great things about running the Naracoopa Cottages is the amount of really nice people that cross our paths.  We try to be as friendly and helpful as possible to our guests but are also aware and very mindful of the fine line between being friendly and invading their space.

Last year we won two awards (showing off now!):

• Winner Westpac Business Excellence Awards for Tourism 2011
• Winner Westpac Business Excellence Awards for Customer Service 2011.

John & Rhonda: proud of their award-winning Naracoopa Cottages

Naracoopa Cottages are also Number One for King Island with Trip Advisor reviews.

Rhonda and I also do our bit as volunteer members of the Naracoopa Progress Association.  We keep the foreshore areas clean and tidy, procure and erect playground equipment, foreshore seating, signage etc.

King Island Birds and Wildlife

We are striving towards being self-sustaining with a healthy orchard and vegetable plot, but are forever having problems with the wildlife versus our garden: 1600 people; 600,000 wallabies, innumerable possums…  Oh well, I guess we share!  The wildlife is so abundant.

I also became quite interested in birds because of the variety of bird-life on our property to the extent of developing a website on King Island birds.  There is an interesting article about saving the whales beached at Naracoopa a few years ago.

John & Rhonda Meet Julia Gillard

The prime minister even came here last July.  It was about 8am on a Saturday morning.  It was about the carbon tax issue:  she inspected our solar and wind power installations.  She must have been up fairly early to be here at 8am, considering the time it takes to fly here.  And to cover her face with make-up!

Julia Gillard visited Naracoopa Cottages to inspect energy-saving measures

I have another photo of her and I and it looks like we’re coming out of the pub in Currie!  I sent it to friends and family with the caption ‘Jules and I on a pub crawl’.  In real life she comes across as a genuine and nice person.

With over 600,000 wallabies on the island, you can now understand
why John has to open and close the gate to Naracoopa Cottages!
Or is it to keep the young ladies away from Charlie?  ~ Roger

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: Naracoopa Cottages, King Island Tasmania…

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve

by Michelle Kneipp Pegler

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve is nestled between the foot hills of the Dial Range, six kms south of Penguin.  It is one of the region’s best kept secret places.  We have lived in this region for over twelve months now and didn’t even know it existed.  One day we happened to come across Ferndene Gorge by chance while driving along Ironcliffe Road.  What a hidden treasure it is, and so easy to get to!

Cross the bridge over the creek as you walk in the Ferndene Gorge State Reserve

Gorge Yourself at Ferndene

Turning off Ironcliffe Road at the Ferndene Gorge State Reserve’s bright blue sign, you enter the attractive, shady picnic area.  There is plenty of parking, a well maintained toilet block, bar-b-que, outside picnic tables and under-cover picnic tables.  It’s a great spot for a picnic lunch or early morning breakfast while listening to the many bird calls that sound out around this forest reserve.

Ferndene Gorge entrance, marked by a blue Tasmanian State Reserve sign

Plenty of parking available at the Ferndene State Reserve near Penguin, Tasmania

Mining Features, Man Ferns & Magical Fauna

Just off to the left of the covered picnic area and over a little bridge is the walk to Thorsby’s Tunnel, an old silver mine shaft.  You will also pass Brownings Tunnel along the way; both are left over from bygone mining days.  This is a very pleasant and easy walk, with just one gentle incline mid-way along the track.

Remnants from bygone mining days in Tasmania: Thorsby's Tunnel

At the start of the walk there’s a large grove of very tall Man Ferns or Tree Ferns.  These stately and beautiful sentinels of the state reserve do a fabulous job guarding the entrance to this stunning walk.

The aptly named Ferndene, has tall ferns lining the walking tracks

Like so many of Tasmania’s national park and reserve walks, as you wander along you are accompanied by the sight and sound of a beautiful, clear water bush creek running parallel with the path.  We encountered a few pademelons having a morning drink before they quickly scampered off with a thud of their tails.

Pleasant walking experience: a creek running through Ferndene Gorge

Dial Range Walking Tracks

When you reach the Thorsby’s Tunnel sign, there is another walk that takes off to the right.  This one goes to Mt Dial and Mt Gnomon so if you are feeling energetic you can walk on further and discover more of this interesting area.  The Dial Range has a whole system of walking tracks.  Depending on your fitness level and experience, you can choose…

• Ferndene Walk (30 mins)
• Tall Trees (45 mins)
• Leven River (40-60 mins)
• Mount Montgomery (2 hrs)
• Mount Gnomon (2 hrs)

All of these are accessed via Ironcliffe Road.  For more information about these walks you can purchase a Dial Range Recreation Map from the Penguin Visitor Centre across the road from the Big Penguin.  If you’re after a very pretty and relaxing (but not too strenuous) walk, then Ferndene Reserve is the one for you.  Very easy to get to; you don’t need a four-wheel drive and it’s not far off the Bass Highway.

Ferndene Gorge State Reserve has walking tracks to suit every fitness level

There are also many interesting options in this region for the experienced walker, including the Penguin Cradle Trail.  This walk starts at the Dial Range, continues through Gunns Plains and the Leven Canyon, then on to Black Bluff and Cradle Mountain.  The walk follows a wide and diverse variety of landscapes along the way.

If you’re interested in doing the Penguin Cradle Trail and have bush walking experience, check out the North West Walking Club website.  It has lots of interesting information about walking in this region.

Michelle Kneipp Pegler writes a blog called Leven River Farm
about the ups and downs of her Good Life
and occasional forays delving into the lessons of the past.

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: Ferndene Gorge State Reserve, Tasmania…