Author: Merelyn Terlich

April 8th

The water tower at Evoca is outstanding…

our drive to Ben Lomond National Park, a few days ago, was a real highlight for me, small mining towns here and there, most deserted and when we got to the village of Rossarden, there was a group of fallow deer just wandering around an old tip site. It was great to see them in the wild , and that they just hung around while I got some photos

We drove on ,eventhough it was misting with rain. The bush track up to Stacks Bluff was very rough and narrow, we couldn’t drive all the way to the Bluff, and it had started to rain heaver, so opted not to do the hour or so walk up.

Back down on lower ground we found an unused oval of some sort, there was a cricket pitch and monkey bar there, as well as a fire pit and an old kettle with water in it.

Again the roads were no more than bush tracks as we headed into Craggy Peak, water rushing down the hillside and going under the road. Made for a special sight, on a rather wet afternoon.

We passed a nice little church at Mangana, then some old convict lock up cells at Fingal.

Then it was back to Campbell Town, to stay the night, and catch up with travelling friends again. Campbell Town is a nice little town, with a red brick bridge and tree carvings in the park.

As for the R V park, it’s great, a big level area beside the river, with a walkway into town.

Next day we drove into Liffey and left the caravan in the old School yard. The weather was fine again, and it was a convenient spot to camp and have a look around the centre of the State. All the shades of blue looked lovely as we travelled through the area of Perth.

Liffey school and grounds was our next camping spot for a few days.

A lovely church in Westbury. Then further on up to the central North Coast and the Marintime College Marina at Beauty Point. What a beautiful day to be on the water.

It’s a nice area, so we had some lunch and then went for a bush walk around the historic site of where the town of York was settled.

A few flowers, a bit of fun and a beautiful R V water wheel park.

Then we moved on to visit Beaconsfield and the historic old mine site. It brought back many memories of the mine collapse , that traped workers underground for two weeks and the rescue that saved two of the three that were trapped.

There is a museum fitted out with lots of interesting old machinery. Also different areas dedicated to showing how living in the 1800s was like.

((P

The outside area still has all the rubble from the original buildings as well as some remains still standing. Some of the old buildings have been shored up so you can walk through giving you an insight to what miners working conditions were like

on the way back to camp this little church at suffly river looked nice in the afternoon shadows. That’s it for now.

April 5th

Not a bad spot for a boat ramp, or an overnight stop…

We are still down the South of the State, in the Coals Bay area. A nice quiet overnighter, then into Swansea for a morning walk around.

A quick stop at the Pondering Frog Cafe. frogs everywhere, before we made camp for the next few days at the Lagoons in Freycinet National Park

This is a good area to access some of the walks and beautiful scenery around the south, and also a nice place at the end of each day. No one else around and fun with the camera.

The next day we headed into Wineglass Bay, a very popular spot, but very chilly that morning.

To warm ourselves up we did the walk up to the Cape Tourville lighthouse.

We did the full Cape circuit, taking in all the little bays

Even going down the rocky cliff face and onto some of the beaches, it was a beautiful day and a great walk. Sleepy Bay was especially nice, and gave us a chance to have a rest.

Looking a bit like rain when we got back to the van. The next day we had a leisurely day as it did end up raining most of the day. The first full day of light rain, in 7 weeks, and they sure needed it. Albeit a whole 20 ml I’m thinking.

After our day off, it was back to some serious walking. A two hour, 600 step, trail from Wineglass Bay to the Wineglass Bay Lookout.

There was plenty of cute seating along the well maintained track, just as well, as there wasn’t really any views, only lots of rocks as the walk takes you up and inland.

But when we finally got to the top , what a view.

Even though it is a very rocky area, I still found it interesting and took lots of photos. When I’m under some of these towering rocks just balancing there, I can’t help but think it’s like life itself ,just one big balancing act.

Oh and I’m told there was 1000 steeps back down to the car park. It was well worth doing. Down is good for me, it’s the incline that gets me overheated.

The next morning we moved on to a Park in the paddock, going through some small towns and doing some shopping in Campbell Town. This little church was in Cranbrook .

Renovations on a house near Aspley

We had a lovely day in Oatlands. Such a lovely town, home to the Callington flour mill ,that is now a Distillery and all the old buildings are open to look through. So well restored and set in a nice leisure park.

Another beautiful sunny warm day to be wandering around, we have been so lucky with the weather.

A pretty sheep and a idiot goat !

These trees took my eye in a school yard, with their autumn colours.

I couldn’t help but notice, one flag at the Cenotaph in Oatlands. Well done.

Today we met up with our wandering friends again.They are staying not far away and came to check out Ross. We were having a quite day also. Ross is a great town ,so many specality shops Wool, wood and antiques to look through.

And how about the workmanship on this old church.

Guess these 3 are solving the problems of the world, or Tasmania at least.

Take a good look at this wedding dress. Yes they are Zip ties.!!

How lovely is the lace iron work on the Post Office in Ross.

Below is the Bakery we had our vanilla slice, morning tea at, before we went our separate way

it was just sprinkling with rain as we stopped for some photos of the Ross Bridge.

Now back at the paddock for a night of footy. We move on tomorrow.

April 2nd

A big day out at Port Arthur…..

Us and our travelling companions drove down to Port Arthur in time to catch the tour ferry and do a short cruise around the waterways and the Isle of the dead. So many were buried on the Isle, both convicts and early settlers in the 1800S.

Once back on shore we had a wander around the foreshore , before going to explore the old settlement and buildings. Some restored and some just how they were left.

The buildings would have been magnificent in their day, again, all built by convicts, shipped out from England.

We caught up with a couple of the tour guides, who showed us through some of the renovated homes of the well off .

We met up with our friends for a picnic lunch, and a bit of a rest before heading out to see more.

The restoration and upkeep of the gardens and memorials, make for a pleasant day out, especially on the warm sunny day like we had.

By the end of the day, we were pretty well exhausted and managed to catch a groundsman in his buggy, who gave us a ride back to the entry point.

On our way back to camp, Chris and I called into a lookout and walk down into the remarkable cave. The sea breeze down there was freezing, but worth the treck down

That night the 6 of us went to the historical Dunalley Pub for dinner, well, another dozen Oysters kilpatric for me!

The next day was not so full on, we just went for a riverside walk .

We walked out to the mouth of the river, watching the boats coming and going from the lovely bay.

As we got back to the bridge we were fortunate enough to arrive just as it was swinging open to allow a boat go through .

Easter Saturday we were up early and drove down to Triabunna to catch the cruise boat over to Maria Island. It took about 40 minutes.

There is lots of friendly wildlife, that greeted us as we got of the boat. The Island has the remains of another 1800S settlement. No cars , no shops, just lots of walking to do. The whole Island is very dry at the moment, as is most of Tasmania we’ve found.

Hopefully the photos will show what it was like, nice scenery, fossil rocks, wombats everywhere, and a very hot day.

We were lucky enough to come across a bench seat to have our picnic lunch at, would of been about 5 kilometres into our walk. Yes , we look a bit hot and bothered, haha.

One of the old cottages, that is being restored.

You can stay on the Island, in accommodation, which is very basic or bring a tent. We sat on the verandah and had a breather, before going on to see the painted cliffs?

Now this was easier said than done, it’s supposed to be a walk, but my legs were starting to get a bit tired and shaky, so I ended up bumming it or crawling, it was a long rocky drop if I fell.

OK so that is painted cliffs? And that’s as far as I’m going, time to get back on firmer footing and do the bush track back.

Don’t you just love the wombats.?As for this goose, it posed like this for about 10 minutes. strange!!

After 6 hrs and about 12 kilometres of walking/crawling, we arrived back at the jetty and caught the boat back. A bit rougher ride than the morning crossing.

Looking back on Maria Island from a lookout on the way home. My watch also told a story haha.

We arrived back at camp to find someone pulled up right next to us, apparently nowhere else on the 2 acher vacant block suited them. There’s always gotta be one!

One very happy old girl, after going back down to Triabunna warf the next day to meet the ferry and retrieve my purse, which I had left there the afternoon before. I won’t go into the rest of the saga, only to say it was a very stressful night.

After the retrieval, we drove on ,stopping to look at a few places, including the spiked bridge?

A couple of nice small beaches, before we made camp at a boat ramp for the night.

March 29TH

While staying next to the Dunalley Pub ,which is more or less the gateway to the Port Arthur region….

We were able to venture out each day and explore some of the South. Whilst catching up with fellow travellers each evening, and chat about what and where we found interesting.

The walks around eaglehawk neck and the Tessellated pavement were spectacular

I think this blowhole has had its use by day, nothing happening here. But a nice little Bay for the boats.

The Historical sites around Port Arthur, are well worth wandering around. There are memorials to the convicts, remains of settlements ,some restored enough so you can walk through, other bits are just how they were in the 1800S.

This area was a coal mining settlement, built and worked by the convicts.

I choose not to think of the bloodshed and cruelty that went on here, but marvel of the craftsmanship and the ability to build these anonymous settlements with their bare hands and ankles in chains.

The convicts cells were cold , dark and small with no windows. Those in charge had prime views from their quarters, higher on the cliffs.

There’s so much history around Port Arthur, then I come across a little clump of life in the form of white lace fungi, ahhh nice.

An open coal shaft, and old boiler from more recent years.

On a lighter note, and a beautiful day out we went into Richmond. We walked around town , so many old buildings, beautiful parks and leafy green streets

This is the pick of our towns so far I think. And yes it has an ice creamery, a must have!

Apart from its beautiful buildings.,it also has the oldest bridge in Australia, still in use , built in 1823 by the convicts

That night we went on a Ghost tour of Port Arthur. I thought it would be out of my comfort zone, but I guess I’m too much of a sceptic. It a beautiful warm , full moon night and I just enjoyed taking photos. Our guide was a fun bloke and a great story teller.

We had a two day pass. So we went back the next day , however that’s it for now. Hope you all had a lovely Easter 🐣.

March 24th

After Bruny Island, Hobart with it’s diverse landscape and architecture…

We chose to stay at Lee Scout Camp, a big acreage high up on a hill on the outskirts of the city.

We did a sightseeing tour on the Red double decker bus . Which gave us some idea of what we could do in the next few days.

The tour took us from the Port area, through exclusive suburbs, and past historic and modern buildings.

The next day we went up Mt Wellington , it was freezing cold but worth the trip.

On the way back down the mountain we stopped into this cute little hut for a warm up Coffee.

Another must do is the Salamander Markets. They are huge. A big tourist attraction and visited by thousands, and we enjoyed following the mob ,up one row and down the next.

on our way back to the carpark, we walked past some of the old buildings ,

I knocked on the treasury’s front door , but they weren’t handing out any cash that day.

We stopped for a look in this beautiful old church . The next day we went to Mona. Museum of Old and New Art. We didn’t know what to expect as there is so many different opinions on the place. And so another must do for me. I’ll let you make up your own mind from the following photos.

You can catch a ferry across, but we drove and parked near the grape orchard, then walked up the hill , passing some unusual signs.

The entry was also interesting, all mirrors

I think the building itself is amazing. Three floors of carved sandstone.

The next photo is of a waterfall that has Google news headlines screening on the water, the photo doesn’t show how amazing it is.

some things I just didn’t get what they meant. Like these goldfish? If you can work out what it means ,let me know.

This structure is put together like a jigsaw, no nails or screws.

This room is just full of blank white paper books.?.

unusual tunnels to walk through for different experiences

This was a table that you could sit at and count a scoop full of grain. Suppose to clear your mind of all thoughts?

I was so interested in this one that I stepped over the line on the floor, and set of the alarm. Frightened shat out of me and the security came running and saved the day.. He explained it was likened to our digestive system, they feed it one end then works it’s way out the end.

There are also quiet areas to sit on very lavish furniture.

I found this image of a deceased young girl, with mice and rats over her, so real, yet so gross. Very confronting!!

There is a lot of ancient and religious arts ,dating back hundreds of years.

Also a licensed bar

The surrounding grounds also have some interesting things to look at

Another day we had a lovely lunch at the restaurant on top of Mt Nelson. More spectacular views over the coast. We have been so lucky with the weather . Fine sunny days,with little wind.

From mountain tops to Botanical gardens, we are enjoying every place we go to and spending most days out and about between 10 and 4pm.

Even though it is so dry around most of Tasmania, we spent over 3 hours just wandering around the garden, most of the flowers are finished but the water features are lovely, autumn is in the air, so many of the shrubs have a hint of gold .

We left Hobart the next day, driving out around Marian Bay, then did some shopping in Sorell and finally getting to Dunalley where we are camped behind a beautiful old pub.

There was also a friend staying in Dunalley, so we went for a catch up and had dinner together one night. That’s it for now have a safe and happy Easter, family and friends.

March 20th

Take a look at Bruny Island…

We caught the ferry across to Bruny from Kettering.

We chose a bush camp site at the neck of the Island. A narrow bush area with beach either side. A nice sheltered area behind the sand dunes, and a few metres down to the beach.

Once we had set up, we drove a short distance, then climbed up many stairs to a lookout. Not a bad view and a warm sunny day.

From there we did the board walk out to the beach, through the sand dunes where alot of sea birds nest and hatch their young.

Over the next few days we explored the island from top to bottom. Beautiful bays and beaches at every turn.

While we were on the island there was a bird festival on, which we went to.

Also went for a drive on the beach at one of the bays. Not sure why, and the birds weren’t too happy about having their peace disturbed .

One drive was along a very narrow bush track, high up in the hills.

We found a walking track, which ended up at the site of an old timber mill. The old machinery still laying around in the bush

We had a morning tea at a nice little restaurant at the far end of the Island, Dennes Point .

Also a lunch with a view, Oysters kilpatric. Love them.

On our last afternoon we did a beach walk from where we were camped, to as far as the rocks in the distance, and the waves stopped us from going any further. It didn’t look far, but it was a quite a distance.

So thats it from Bruny Island. We would definitely go back, an Island paradise!

March 18th

The geographical location of the centre of Tasmania…

Halfway across the state and halfway through our time as well. We’ve enjoyed the West Coast, then spent some time in the Mt Field National Park. First travelling through Hamilton ,and seeing the big power station.

A look around an old cemetery and church, dating back to the early 1800S. Also a lot of apple orchards in the area

We went for a walk through another great rainforest and up to russell falls , they would have to be the best we’ve seen.

We started at the bottom of the falls, then did the 240 odd stairs to the top

The climb was worth doing, and I managed to get some pics of different ground covers.

That night we chose to stay at a private property just out of New Norfolk. Owned by a lovely couple, and it was so handy, we stayed for 2 nights.

Such a pretty area, especially from the lookout over New Norfolk. Very hilly..We went to the Salmon ponds, where we had fun feeding the fish. lots of different varieties from all over the world. I had fun with the camera also, and we finished off the day with pancakes by the pond , very relaxing.

the fish were hard to get a photo of, but the platypus seemed to enjoy the attention.

we drove through Hobart, not stopping till we arrived at our next stay in Geeveston

An old timber town, with a nice timber museum and timber carvings representing days gone by.

Always time for a bit of a laugh

The camp spot is behind a club and on a creek with about 20 resident ducks that come out to be fed by the tourists. Seemed like a fun thing to do, till we got up next morning and they had shat on our matting.

Using Geeveston as a base we drove down south as far as we could, the point marked with a big bronze whale. It was freezing cold and windy, after all it’s not far from the Antarctic.

whilst there we got talking to a young couple, and who should it be, but the daughter of a school friend from Bomaderry where I grew up. Tamika took a photo to send to her mum.

Next we drove up and did a tour of the Hastings caves . 500 steps through mother natures art galleries. Just brilliant!

I can’t remember how far down into the cave we went, but we spent about an hour there all up., and I took lots of photos so this is just a few.

OK that’s enough, you get the picture! There’s also a thermal pool there, but we opted for a short walk around the park and a coffee before going back to camp.

The next day we drove around the Southport area and stocked up the fridge as we planned to go over to Bruny Island the next day.

Well that’s it for now peeps, next will be Bruny Island. The bays down South are so calm and picturesque. So many boats of all kinds, just lolling around. Xx

March 10th

Before leaving Queenstown a walk around town….

From there we headed up the hills and took one last look back over, what I think is the most unique place I have been. A place built from mining, which gives tribute to their hard working forefathers all around town. So many lost their lives here.

Since then we have done walks each day, mainly in the Franklin Gordon National Park, a beautiful place. Hills, Lakes, waterfalls, and wilderness.

We are camped at Derwent Bridge over the weekend, took a drive out to the dam wall then a walk into Nelson Falls. One of the best we’ve seen.

It’s been raining on and off today, but it was a good day to do the Franklin Nature Walk. I loved it, so many different species of plants, all fresh from the showers of rain.

At the end of the trail we came to the *one at a time* suspension bridge

Lastly a very steep climb up Donaghy Hill. I can understand now why there was such a protest about daming this area. Even on a wet day there is so much natural beauty along the Franklin.

When we got back to camp, us and 2 other couples, we have been meeting up with, went across the road to the pub, for a beer and chat about our days adventures.

All caught up now , nice rain on the roof, I’m tired after another big day, so time for lights out. X

March7th

After leaving Zeehan, we headed South West.

First stop was a lookout with views over Ocean Beach. Also a few bush flowers out there as well.

Then we walked the bush track down onto the beach, before driving out to Macquarie Heads.

The next couple of days we stayed at the Strahan golf club, from there we were able to do day drives

Also there is a lovely rainforest walk and waterfall out from town.

I really liked Strahan, lovely old buildings that have been renovated,and a harbour full of luxury boats. It is a shame that there are a lot of empty shops.

A little coffee shack on the edge of town seem to be the only place doing any business, and their muffins and coffee went down well.

We booked a trip on the Wild West Heritage train

.However the next day was a cloudy and somewhat rainy day. But we enjoyed it.

The journey takes you through the forest over old iron bridges and finally a station stop in the rainforest, where we were treated to honey tasting.

Here the engine shunted to the other end of the carriages, to bring us back into town.

The next morning we left the golf club ground while most camperswere still asleep

Destination Queenstown and a view from the lookout over the gravel football oval where we are camped at the moment.

It’s a town full of Mining history and disasters. Lots of murals and memorials to those that lost their lives.

There are mines everywhere, most of them closed now I think. The views are spectacular looking at the surrounding hills and the open cuts with water in them.

We drove all around the hills, thankfully the van was back safe at camp. The roads were very steep and narrow and all gravel

Chris decided we needed to see another waterfall, way up one of the hills. I said it wouldn’t be running as it is so dry around these hills. Also it was a hot day. OK…we climbed and climbed

And when we got to the top. … Does this look like Horsetail Falls?. I tried to tell him,! Doesn’t even look like a Horsetail to me let alone a waterfall.

Now take me somewhere nice, to end the day .

Yes it’s a nice camping spot out at Bunbury Lake .

We had a look around a pioneer cemetery. So many graves there, but most are just mounds in the ground, some still have headstones dating back to 1800s

The town of Linda, has the remains of the 1910 Pub and one cafe. That’s it ! What a quaint little place, the scones were yummy.

I need a lazy day tomorrow.

March 1st

We had 3 days at Green Point, which was really nice. On the last day I went for a walk with my cuppa tea, and came back with a mug full of blackberries.

They were so yummy I went back out with a saucepan, then we had stewed blackberries and yoghurt for the next couple of days. That evening it was a nice sunset and the paddy melon wallabies came out to feed. We were snug in the van , but that night the wind was shocking, coming off the ocean, up the hill and rocking the van with gusts over 65 klm.

The next morning we were up early and drove down to Arthur River, where we went on a cruise for the day. It was a bit cloudy to start, but turned out good, and was so calm and peaceful as we travelled along 14 klms into the forest.

The tour guides, were very knowledgeable, pointing out things of interest and stopped to feed some of the Sea Eagles, fish, as they wait for the boat to arrive each day.

Both sides of the river has thick ground cover, not many rocks, but so much fernery, especially tree ferns. Morning tea on board, was a beautifully layed out fruit and cheese platter with champagne . Or juice in my case.

We arrived at a private jetty, where we walked up a track to a bush hut.

The Captain lit the pot belly fire for a bit of comfort before guiding us on a bush walk, following the creek.

If you don’t like to marvel at the beauty of nature, best you scroll on quick. I just love taking photos of what nature can create, when humans don’t have any input

There ws no such path to follow we just walked till the creek stopped us, and then headed back to the bush shack

When we got back the BBQ was fired up and we sat down to rib fillet steak, sausages and salad. More champagne, red wine, tea coffee or whatever. A great spread in the middle of the forest.

We boarded the boat after lunch for the quiet ride back to the little town of Arthur River. We could either have afternoon tea on the way back or take home for later. We all had enjoyed the 5 hr adventure and the afternoon tea slices, were enough for dinner that night as we had had such a big lunch.

Later that day we went for a quick drive out to a place they call the edge of the world. It’s where the river goes out to sea. Very cold but nice viewing.

There is a lot of timber that has come down the river and been washed ashore by the ocean

We left the van at the park in Arthur River the next day and went for a tourist drive along the west coast. First stop was out to Bluff Hill Point. Very rugged coastline, and the most spectacular rock formations to wander around and take lots of photos.

so many different colours and patterns, I loved this beach.

There are only 2 big houses on the edge of a cliff above the beach, we had to walk around them to get down to the beach and on our way back Chris was taking my photo outside one house when the owner came out and started chatting.

We talked for awhile, then we were invited in for a cuppa. Wow what a view over the beach. As for the house itself it is full of memorabilia and photos of past visitors. While we were there we met a builder and his 2 workers. We ended up staying for an hour or so, having a great conversation over tea, coffee and cake. We also had our photo taken before driving off on our way to the next stop.

Another stop and look around Couta Rocks.

A quick look around the stockmans retreat, before doing a short walk down to Rebecca Lake with lots of black Swans swimming around.

Last stop for the day was Lady Sarah beach, which seems to have a few residential houses. It’s been good to see some of these remote areas and how isolated people are living in them, the distances may not be far but the roads are mainly gravel and very winding. It was a good idea to leave the van back at the camp. That’s it for now.