Mount Field National Park

The next stage in our journey through Tasmania took us up past to the west of Hobart to Mount Field National Park. One of the best decisions of the trip was to stay on an acreage Bed and Breakfast. It was run by a sweet couple from Scotland (Aussies for 25 years) and thier dogs/cat. The building was rustic as you can see from the picture of the bedroom but not without comfort as we enjoyed this stay more than any of the hotels previous. To top it off the area was absolutely beautiful for a Barbie....

                                                 The bedroom complete with bathrobes and slippers......

As advertised, a beautiful view for an outdoor meal....

The puppies, notice the very large puppy to the right who was hogging the teat!!!

Mount Field national park was a dense jungle like forest. Every inch was covered with moss and if straying away from the path, one would easily be lost. The forest contained several very large types of trees that were enormous in both height and in width. Many are reported to be over 200 years old, dating back to when the first settlers arrived in Tasmania. Several lovely waterfalls were along the 8km hike we took. In addition possibly the highlight of the trip (for me anyway) was our encounter with the elusive "Duck Billed Platypus." Johanna spotted the animal swimming up-stream but instead of watching and enjoying the sight, we both attempted to maneuver for a photo opt, only to have the platypus disappear into the dead brush never to return. Oh well, at least we can say we saw one!

A mother and her baby (wallaby) having a morning wash....

Port Arthur and Convict Settlements

On our third day into Tasmania we had travelled well over 500km in our Suzuki econo box rental. That being said the rental went off roading and suprised both Jo and I with what we could drag it through. This brings us to the Convict setlement of Port Arthur, one of the closest points in Australia to the Antartic. Originally the settlement was a place that the British empire sent its re-offending criminals for "rehabilitation." This also included one of the first child/young adult prisions which was just across the water from the adults, the youngest to go through at 9 years! What progress! To place even more heart ache in this area, during the 90's, a psycho path armed with assualt weapons went on a rampage in Port Arthur and ended up killing around 30 tourists and staff. In fact the gunman even came during his escape to our Bed and breakfast (see below). Anyhow it was very interesting to visit and read some of the old prisioners/staf tell there stories of life within the settlement. Jo and I stayed at a very nice Hotel pub called the Fox and Hound which had its own lake side view, very posh! 

                           The Fox and Hound.....

                       Our view from the room......

Our access to the lake........

                                      The Convict settlement......

                  A view from the cruise ship........

     Note my poppy (on my hat) for remeberance day......

                         Cementary Island where up to 1500 convicts were burried....

Freycinet National park

Some more pics from Tasmania. Wineglass Bay is located in Freycinet National Park and have been voted by various travel authorities as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. Along the way up the mountain we encountered a couple of tame wallabies, one of which had a small Joey. Although the views were stunning, it made us realize how beautiful our own beaches are. The 13km hike made us both tired an happy to head out to our next destination: Port Arthur.

Launceston and the North East of Tasmania

This is such a beautiful place. Our reception is not the greatest but I will try to upload some pictures. Tasmania has been such a pleasant surprise so far. Such friendly helpful people and a stunning landscape with rolling green hills and colorful flowers. It reminds me a bit of Ireland with its intense greens and also a bit of Sweden with the flora and fauna and crisp clean air! There are lovely little cafes and restaurants and loads of vineyards. I wish we had more time...

Birthday fun

Little Jayda turned one last weekend and Lauren and Jarvis had organized a birthday party for her at Murray's Brewery. We spent a couple of hours there in very good company before heading back to the Bay where a wine and jazz festival was being held. Good food and very good wine sums it up.

We're now at Newcastle Airport heading to Tasmania for a little holiday. We've been told to expect beautiful nature, good cheese, seafood and wine and cute little towns. Sounds good to me:)