Tasmania - Tiny towns and National Parks.....

We said farewell to Lake King William and made our way South to Mt Field National Park where we were going to see Russell Falls.  On the way we stopped at Tarraleah and found a little town whose existence came about to house the workers for one of the first Hydro Electric Schemes.

 The tiny town is immaculate and has a real touch of 'The Stepford Wives' about it as all the houses are identical and painted in the same way with different colours.  We did not see a soul other than tourists and wondered if they were inhabited or rentals.  We have since found out the entire estate is Art Deco accommodation.   Tarraleah's other claim to fame is that it is home to the highest golf course in Australia.  Who knew!

We continued on with a short stop at Ouse to pick up some bread and then we followed the road around to cross Lake Meadowbank and soon after we were arriving at Left of Field, a quirky campground up the road from Mt Field National Park, just 8 km out of the tiny town of Westerway.    

We settled in and my first job was the washing which I took care of very quickly and once it was blowing in the wind we walked out the back gate and down to the Nive River where we were told we  might see the resident platypus.  No luck, though Bill did enjoy the gorgeous Red Robin who joined us on our walk.

The next morning we woke to a chilly but fine day and we drove back down the road to Westerway were we bought some fuel, yummy raspberries and enjoyed a coffee at the Possum Shed Cafe.  We met Poppy the new puppy here but did not see Flossy, their resident Platypus, either.  With all that taken care of it was time to go exploring. 

We set off and walked into the National Park entrance from Left of Field and then followed the path up to Russell Falls.  On the way Bill found this adorable little Pink Robin which seemed intent on accompanying us on our way up the path.  We were interested to read that this beautiful national park had been added to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 2013.  

Around one more corner and there was our 'Wow' moment.  Russell Falls are just beautiful and such a delight to be here enjoying nature at its best.  We spent some time here before continuing to climb the many steps up to Horseshoe Falls.  While lovely, they were not nearly as spectacular as Russell Falls below but then that may have something to do with the lower rainfall Tasmania has experienced this year.

Back on flat ground we followed the track back and found these gorgeous little Pademelons relaxing in the undergrowth.  After seeing so many of these little guys flattened on the road it was lovely to see these ones safe and well.

We stopped to eat a sandwich and as we made our way back to our campsite we found a very photogenic and accommodating Echidna.  Bill took lots of pictures and this is one of my favourites.  A very cute little guy.  And our walk to the river that evening has left us thinking that this platypus is an urban myth! Still no luck, maybe tomorrow.

The next morning we set off early to Strathgordon to see Lake Pedder and the Gordon Dam.  Some of the roads up there had been closed due to the terrible fires burning since January but have just been reopened this week.  The scenery was definitely divided into two halves as we travelled through the heavily forested Maydena Range before coming out and looking across the button grass plains to the incredible and dramatic Sawback Range.  

Here you could see the evidence of the recent fires but already with the little rain here there was a green tinge on the ground.  Just amazing how quickly nature gets on with rebuilding.  Soon after we were standing on a hillside looking over the spectacular Lake Pedder.  So interesting to read that the original lake is in fact still under all that water.  

We drove into the very tiny town of Strathgordon but found no sign of life at all and so continued on to the end of the road at the Gordon Dam.  The massive arch wall across The Gordon River is a truly spectacular sight and one I was happy to see from above.  Bill however trudged down the 196 steps to walk along the dam wall and get some amazing pictures.  Of course the downside of this was he had to climb back up the 196 steps - yes, he counted them!

We drove down to the shores of Lake Gordon and here you can see just how low the water level is.  There hasn't been water up to the high water mark for many years.  A very sad sight from this location.

We returned back the way we came but turned off into the World Heritage Area of The Styx Valley.  It is home to some of the tallest trees in the world and we were here to see 'The Big Tree' and we were not disappointed.  At 87 metres tall and 21 metres around this 400 year old tree is a must see if you are passing through.  And just a little further along the track is 'The Bigger Tree' and it is!  It certainly makes you feel very small as you stand beside these forest giants.

Leaving the trees behind we walked down the meandering track to the beautifully tranquil Styx River.  The tea coloured river was so clean and clear you could count the rocks on the riverbed here.

Back in the car we made our way further into the forest to find 'The Chapel Tree'.  Listed on Tasmania's Giant Tree register for its massive volume ( as opposed to its height) the Chapel Tree is a classic old growth Swamp Gum (eucalyptus regnans).  The tree is decaying from the top down and the inside out leaving a massive hollow trunk that you can walk inside.  Large enough to hold many people this hollow tree has hosted many events including a choral performance and a blessing by the Gyuto monks from Tibet.

We made our way back home from here and tried once more to find that pesky platypus but again with no luck.  I know they are elusive creatures, but you would think they would be thrilled to star in Rhossietalk, wouldn't you.  Obviously no one has told the platypus how fortunate they would be.  Ah well, perhaps another river on another day.  

The next morning it was time to pack up and hit the road again. We had really enjoyed our time here in this cute little campground and we wish Adrian every success as he continues to fine tune Left of Field.

We continued to make our way south as we headed for New Norfolk where it was time to top up the cupboards again.  Not as small a town as we had been in but not too big and the Supermarket was just what we needed.  On the way we made just one stop near Plenty when Bill noticed a large number of birds on the rocks in the River Derwent.  Apparently these Kelp Gulls were after the trout that inhabit this part of the river.

On our arrival in New Norfolk we made our way to Tymwald Park, the local sports ground, where we free camped for the night.  There were a number of vans there already and a few more came in after us but room for all and walking distance to town.  What more could we want.

The next morning we did the shopping and had a walk through the lovely park before we hit the road once more on our way further south.  We are going to hang out in Geeveston for the long weekend.

until next time.......