Strahan

Strahan,a town full of surprises

Strahan is a tiny seaside town set on the waters edge of Macquarie Harbour. The roads that you must travel to access Strahan consist of many twists and turns. As we set off  from Cradle Mountain it was not long before the tight bends began. Luckily we did not encounter any snow. I was bad enough dealing with the bends, I can't imagine what I would be like with both snow and hair pin bends at the same time. But the bonus from travelling the high roads is always the view. And Tassie is one place where the views are magnificent.We travelled through some lovely little towns on our way to Strahan.

We found a friendly place for a rest stop at a town called Tullah. There is a wonderful large area to pull up with your caravan and very clean toilets. This is also the place where you will discover the Wee Georgie Wood Steam Train. We had the pleasure of having a chat with the guys who were working on a new engine and they invited us to view their workshop. Thanks Guys we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 

                                 http://www.weegeorgiewood.com.au/

Zeehan was also another interesting town. We had a walk along the main street, admiring the old architecture. The museum took our eye and we debated as to whether to enter or not. We decided that we would continue on. We have since been told that the museum is fabulous and worth a stop. Of well, you win some and lose some.

There are so many interesting stops on the way, so give yourself time to take it all in.

On arrival at Strahan we checked in to the Strahan Beach Tourist Park. A nice small park with very friendly staff. It is close to the water and there is a walking track into town. Our cabin was cosy, warm and had everything that we needed.

                                 https://www.strahantouristpark.com.au/

One of the reasons that I wanted to visit Strahan was that my grandmother was born there, my great grandfather worked as a harbourmaster there, and my great uncle's name was on the war memorial there as he was one who did not return from World War One. So I was pleased that I could throw in a little bit of family history research. Now I am regretting driving past the Zeehan museum.

Spirit of the Wild

We did discover that some businesses close down in the quieter months but not Gordon River Cruises. It was not on our list of things to do but I am so pleased we chose to relax on board Spirit of the Wild. The cruise takes you out through Hell's Gate; a quiet glide up the Gordon River and a  walk through the UNESCO World Heritage area. Also is a stop and wander around Sarah Island. What a miserable life the convicts endured whilst there. A buffet lunch is also supplied and by gee was I hungry. And to top off the day, we were greeted by a pod of dolphins on our return. It was well worth the money.

                               https://www.gordonrivercruises.com.au/

Hells Gates

Floating along on the Gordon River

We had the benefit of meeting some lovely people on the cruise. Everyone was always ready for a chat to discuss what had just been experienced or seen. Nev and Anne from Gilgandra were wonderful to talk to and like us, were thoroughly enjoying travelling around this beautiful island state.

Strahan has many things to see and do, but you need to scratch the surface to find them. You can drive out to Macquarie Heads or perhaps jump on the Wilderness Railway. If you are keen on bushwalking you may like to do a short walk to Hogarth Falls. This walk features as one of the 60 Great Short Walks.

Hogarth Falls

                                       

 https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/

Yes there is so much to do in Strahan, and there is always someone who is willing to help you or offer great suggestions

Happy travelling everyone and stay safe.

 

CRADLE MOUNTAIN

Cradle Mountain - A must See !!

On our trip to Tassie I had hoped that we could get to Cradle Mountain. But, as with all plans there are many things that you have to consider. 

In this wonderful island state, the weather is something that concerns me. 

And in July snow is a distinct possibility.

When we left Devonport Discovery Park  we were told that the roads we would be travelling on  to Cradle Mountain were passable, if we were driving through Sheffield, but not if we were travelling from Burnie. 

The Tasmanian Police Facebook page is worth checking out too,  as it has road closures listed, or links to them.

Ute packed up and off we went, and very soon found the drive  interesting and very pretty, and discovered that it was going to be one where you cannot completely accept the arrival time that your sat nav tells you as there was always  somewhere to stop along the way. I either had the window open and taking photos or hubby was stopping so I could get out to take some photos of

unique scenery

We discovered the town of Sheffield. Please do not drive straight through. You need to take a break and walk around the streets and admire all the murals. The town has an annual mural festival and these amazing paintings are worth the time spent admiring them. Such very clever people! 

Me, I can't paint to save myself and I really admire those people who can wield a paint brush with incredible results.

There is quite a large carpark in the side street behind the IGA supermarket with plenty of room for caravans, and clean and neat public toilets.

Don't forget to stock up on some food and fresh water if you need to, as  there are no supermarkets up on the mountain. The Cradle Mountain Discovery caravan park has a small shop where you can grab some essentials.

After leaving Sheffield it was not long before we began our ascent up the mountain. 

Lots of wildlife to see

Was I stressed ?

Yes !

A bit of an anxious passenger am I !

But overall, the drive up was not as bad as I had imagined. Oh yes, we had plenty of tight bends, and long drops when you looked over the side. And I was looking at the tree tops. But hubby stated that he would not have a problem towing the caravan up to the top.

We did have snow, but only along the edges of the road at the final section of our ascent.

Checking in at Cradle Mountain Discovery Park was easy and the staff friendly and helpful.
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/

So nice to arrive at our nice warm cabin, a gas log fire glowing welcomely.

And little Pademelons were sitting in the snow next to our cabin, waiting  to greet us.

Snow at Discovery Park Cradle mountain

Plenty of these cute pademelons roam the caravan park

After an early night we headed over to the Tasmanian Parks visitor centre to jump on a bus up to Cradle Mountain car park, as private vehicles are restricted. 

We had purchased our Parks Pass whilst on the Spirit,  and you must have one to allow you to enter the parks. There is no charge for the bus trip which covers approx. 7 kms of winding road but stunning scenery.

Once you arrive there are many walks that you can choose to attempt, or you can just sit and take in the scenery.

If you are walking you will need sturdy boots, and a good quality coat to keep the wind and rain out. I am so thankful for my great hiking boots, waterproof coat, beanie and gloves.

Not all the walking paths around Dove Lake are this good.

There are stone steps and water on some tracks

We tackled the Dove Lake walk which took us 2.5 hours. It is a walk that has water on some sections of track, some well constructed boardwalk, but also some steep stone steps but awe inspiring views. Was it worth it ? Hell yes ! 

While I carried my camera bag, hubby carried a back pack with a thermos and cups so we had the opportunity to enjoy a cuppa in the shadow of Cradle Mountain.  A memory  that will remain with me for a long time.

Well if that walk wasn't enough, we returned for more walking the next day. But this time we jumped off the bus at the Ranger Station. These walks were much shorter than our Dove Lake walk, but the scenery was still spectacular. Tree ferns  and waterfalls were a big component of these walks and they were definitely worth filling in another day of walks. 

Knyvet falls

Lots of boardwalks to make access to these places a bit easier

A holiday at  Cradle Mountain, no matter what season, is something that is worth considering, but make sure you are prepared.

While we were at Cradle Mountain we  did not have the opportunity to see falling snow much to hubby's disappointment, although the temperature seemed cold enough. 

But then if it did snow we may not have been able to head to our next destination, Strahan.