Launceston and the Tamar Valley.........

We woke the next morning to very chilly 2.2 deg, (what happened to the 4), and grey skies but no use sulking we had lots to see and do.  We made our way into the city and after a quick stop at the information centre to pick up maps we were soon taking a walk through the streets of Launceston.

The buildings here are beautifully maintained and you get a real feel for the way it must have been in the early days of the colony.  The old GPO built between 1886 and 1889 in the Queen Anne architectural style was once considered too decorative but now is a landmark building as are the Town Hall and Macquarie House.

From here it is just a few minutes away to Launceston's jewel in the crown, Cataract Gorge.  This is a truly amazing place to visit and we spent a couple of hours wandering some of the smaller walk tracks.  

The first European to discover this incredible river gorge was William Collins in 1804 and the pathway from Kings Bridge in town was built by volunteers in the 1890's.  Running along the north bank of the gorge this path is still in use today.

Alexander Bridge, the iconic suspension bridge crossing the gorge was built in 1940 and links the shorter walk tracks with the longer walk to Duck Reach power station.

From here we drove down to the seaport and walked along the extensive boardwalk beside the Tamar River.  Across the river you can see the Gorge entrance, Kings Bridge and Ritchie's Mill which was built around 1836 and operated continuously as a flour mill for 137 years.

As the weather was deteriorating and the wind nearly blowing us away we decided that we would take a drive out to the East Tamar Valley and so made our way out to George Town at the end of the road.  

We stopped to check out the local information centre and found two very helpful ladies who seemed glad to have a captive audience for a little while.  Loaded with brochures we left and made our way into the little town where we stopped to look at the Watch House before making our way to Windmill Point to see the wonderful carvings along the foreshore.  

Artist Eddie Freeman has transformed old macrocarpa pines into tales of Geoge Town maritime history.  All done with chainsaw and chisels these carvings, which include whales, penguins, replica ships, pelicans and sailors leave you in awe of this talented artist.

From here we drove to the end of the road at Low Head to see the Lighthouse, the Tamar River and the coastline.  Beautiful scenery as always and the end of our touring for today.  Returning home we settled inside to stay warm as another chilly night was forecast.

The next morning we braved the cold early and set out to explore the West Tamar Valley.  Our first stop was just out of town at the Tamar Island Wetlands. 

This wonderful facility includes 3.2 kms of walk tracks and boardwalks as well as a bird hide not far from the visitor centre.  It was such a lovely spot to stop but being on the banks of the Tamar River it is tidal and as the tide was in while we were there not too many birds were to be found.  It will certainly be on the must visit list again next time though.

Our next stop was off the highway to find the Batman Bridge where East Tamar meets West Tamar.  This is the first cable stayed bridge in Australia and was built between 1966 and 1968.  What might be the largest 'A' in the world, the bridge spans over 400 metres and rises almost 100 metres in the air across the Tamar River.  It really does look impressive from all angles.

Back on the highway we made our way towards the coast and finally stopped at Badger Beach in the Narawntapu National Park.  This was a tiny beach at the end of the road but with not much else here we made our way back to civilisation and stopped at Beaconsfield.

Of course we all remember that dreadful day when we heard the news of the mine collapse, but even though the mine has closed, the little town has reinvented itself as a tourist site.  The mine and heritage centre is very impressive and the miners village across the road is very interesting to wander through.

We stopped for a quick look at Brady's Lookout.  Once the home of the infamous bush ranger Mathew Brady it now plays host to the many people who stop here to admire the sweeping views along the river and valley below.

Our last stop for the day was at the historic Kings Bridge.  Dating from 1864 this bridge is still in use today although there is a newer larger bridge beside it.  The original toll house can be seen here beside the bridge as well.  

Shortly after we were back at home for our last night at Old Macs.  Time was running out and we had just two more nights left in Tasmania.  

Next morning we made our way north towards Devonport with just the one stop at Deloraine for coffee.  Soon after we were back where we started from at Mersey Bluff Caravan Park.  Today the sun was shining and the wind had gone making this a much nicer place to be than last time.  We spent the afternoon tidying up in general and getting ready for our return trip on the ferry.

Just one last walk along the Mersey River to see the Neptune style nude sculpture called the Spirit of the Sea, standing trident raised and leg up at the headland that welcomes the ferries.  The setting sun enhanced the lighthouse beside the Mersey River.

Spirit 2 was loading for it's departure later that evening and we continued our walk to meet Avril and Ian for dinner at Bella's Italian Restaurant.  It was good to see them again and we had a great night hearing about their Easter adventures.

A very early start saw us back in line to board the ferry.  Much quicker this end and soon after we were settled in for the next 10 hours.  The weather was great, the sea was calm and right on time we were driving off the boat and back onto land in Port Melbourne.  Where did that six weeks go?

Arriving after dark we decided to stay overnight beside the beach again and left for the drive home early the next morning.  Just two hours later the van was parked and so began the not so fun task of unpacking.  

And so there ends another adventure in the life and times of Rhossie and Bill.  We have just loved Tasmania and our thoughts of going to 'finish' seeing it have now changed to we must go back and next time for at least three months.  Not just yet but not too long away either.  

We found it such a welcoming and friendly place and just loved the tiny towns we found along the way.  And yes, the roads are narrow, winding and hilly but around each bend is another gorgeous view or fabulous place to stay which makes it all worthwhile.

So as life returns to normal for a little while we'll sign off on the Tasmanian tales now and see what else is happening in our little corner of the world.

until next time......