Tasmania 2

29.03-5.04

2.04

This morning, it’s raining, almost as bad as the Florida rain. And of course it’s the day we are going to Freycinet National Park to walk to Wineglass Bay, which is rating one of the most beautiful beach in the world.

Not really motivated to go there because of the weather, we took our time to get ready, before heading over there. It’s a 45 min drive from Bicheno, so we were hoping for the rain to stop, but it didn’t so we looked into something to do and wait a little to see if the weather would get better. There is an oyster farm on the way, and Elena loving them, we stop there for our second breakfast of the day.

After that we went by the visitor center to see if they had more information about the weather and if it would be ok for us to walk in the rain or if it would be too dangerous. They told us that going to the bay wouldn’t be the best idea, but we could go for a short walk by the lighthouse.

So we did so. I’m not sure the guy we talk to really know the place. It was windy as hell, making the rain going sideway, so bad that we couldn’t make it to the light house, the wind pushing us so hard against the railing we could barely move.

Back to the car, soaked, wondering what to do?? There is an other short walk that we could go on and since we were already wet, we decided to give it a try. Since that one is not on the edge of a cliff, it’s protected from the wind, so we’ve been able to enjoyed it :)

It felt like the rain almost stop and we thought that maybe we could give the lighthouse an other try, but as soon as we got up there, we realized that it was still bad for that one.

Not really wiling to give up on seeing the Wineglass Bay, we went to the beginning of the trail to see if it might be ok. There were some people coming back from there, so we asked them how it was. Good news, it was ok to go, still raining a little, but doable. We only went to the lookout, didn’t wanted to be in the bad weather for much longer. We saw the bay, it’s nice, probably really beautiful with blue sky and sunshine!

From there, back on the road to go to Hobart for the night. We stopped at a few lookouts and the historic village of Richmond and we even had a bit of sunshine along the way :)

Once in Hobart, we went out for diner and a drink, but didn’t stay out too long, having to get up early to be able to catch the first ferry for Bruny Island in the morning.

Freycinet National Park

Wineglass Bay

Along the way

Richmond Bridge

3.04

So today, we are going to Bruny Island, which is situated south of Hobart. Didn’t know much about it, but a friend of Elena told her that we should go on the cruise there because it’s a really good one.

We got up early to catch the first ferry and having time to go around a little before going on the boat. Since there is an oyster farm, we had to stop there so Elena could have some for her breakfast, still couldn’t do it… 

And it was time to go on our cruise. It was interesting, but wouldn’t say it was amazing. The coastline is nice, high cliff, blowhole, caves, etc. We went by a seals colony and saw some dolphins. The only thing special about it is the boat they use, which make the whole experience a bit like a roller coaster since the ocean is a little rough in that area. 

Next, we went by a small cafe for a hot chocolate to warm up, and then the chocolate factory, the berry farm, the cheese factory and the winery.

After all that food, we drove all the way south to the lighthouse, nice place.

The last thing on our list to do was finding some white kangaroos, and with the advice of local people, we saw them :)

And we were ready for diner. Didn’t had to choose where to go since there is only one restaurant on the Island!!

By the time we were done, it was dark and we still had 30min drive to the place we were staying. It was the first time we were driving at night and it was an adventure. So many eyes on the side of the road, shining in the light, and suddenly crossing in front of us. Better be careful!

South Bruny

North Bruny

On the boat

Fure seal colony

Lighthouse

Warming up after the cruise

Cheese factory

White Wallaby

4.04

This morning back on the ferry to go back to Hobart. Once we got there, we parked at our hotel and decided to leave the car there for the day, done enough driving the rest of the week and it would be nice to just walk around.

We started by going to the Salamanca Market, that is known to be on of the best. Well, I didn’t felt like it was so special. Lot’s of local produces, art stuffs, and everything else you found in every market…

After that, we went to Cascade Brewery, the oldest one in the country. It was mostly for me, my mate not drinking beer. Got a flight to try a few of them, good beer :). The building itself is worth to go by and they have a nice garden to sit and sip your beer in the sun, perfect!!

Next we went to MONA, the art museum in Hobart. It’s the weirdest one I’ve ever been, and I definitely don’t understand modern art… The museum is 15min drive from the city center, but you can get there by boat and it’s what we did. Nice little cruise along the Derwent River. 

We ended our day with a good diner and a few drinks to celebrate our Tasman adventure!

Morning view

On the ferry to Hobart

Cascade Brewery

Going to MONA

Mt Wellington

MONA

Loving fall colors

Last sunset in Tasmania

5.04

And it’s already the end of my Tasmanian adventure, and saying goodbye to my travelmate. I’m flying back to Melbourne and she’s going to the east coast. I had a great time in Tassie but I’m ready to explore more of the mainland!!