Tasmania From Launceston to Freycinet

The day begun with breakfast in one of many of the great bakery of Tasmania. And after a short stroll around the book shops we headed out on our next full day of Tasmania senery.

The day begun with a walk to another waterfall. Get use to this, waterfalls become an important part of our Tasmania trip. They are amzaing things. So this day we head to Ralph's Falls. Where we find this breath taking view and made a friend.

The view from Norm's Lookout


Ralph's Falls


Grasshopper


This was follwed by a outstanding walk through the Mount Victoria Forest where I came arcoss a Tiger Snake, going the other way. With some relief on my part. And a walk to Saint Columba Falls.

Mount Victoria Forest


Saint Columba Falls


After a fun packed morning we found a ture Australian, homely pub to have a cold beer and refill our stomachs. Whislt sharing a cold one with the local pig.

The Pub in the Paddock


With our stomachs full and our feet well rested, it was time for a gentle stroll along the bay of fires. It was out of the this world. And the sea was so blue. Sue and I got into the hoilday spirit and had a paddle. Mark informed us, as he dose that we didn't have time to swim. The whole time we were there I had to pick myself. As I never thought I would be walking on a beach with such blue sea and white sands.

Bay of Fires


A lovely relaxing day was finished at Freycinet Lodge where we enjoyed walks along the beach, a good meal, wiskney tasting, twilight walks with many Australian animals. I think my best moment was resting on the beach watching the bright stars and listening to the waves. It took me right back to the evenings I spent on the beaches at home with my greatest friends.

Freycinet Lodge


Claire at Freycinet


Sunset At Freycinet

Tasmania Day One

After a full fun packed few days on the Great Ocean road. I begin to see once again how amzaing this Country really is. If anyone wants a tourist guide for the great ocean road. I would be happy to take the position.

My next Challenge was my first ever over night trip on a ferry to Tasmania. The roughness crossing in Australia. I was told. Which is not what I wanted to hear as me and ferries have never seen eye to eye. I have to say though the crossings were not as bad as I was expecting and defendently worth it.

When on the boat we head straight to the deck to help me find my sea legs.



We say godbye to Melborune en route to our 2 week hoilday in Tasmania.



And when the ships captin wake us up at 5.45am. We were welcomed by Devonport welcome at 6.20am and our Tasmania advnture began.



Once we had found breakfast our journey around this amzaing place began. We head to the Liffey falls for an early morning walk.







This was followed with a drive through the Great Western Tiers, a walk along Pencil Pine lake and then a drive to Launceston, a bit of bird watching and an evening stroll up Cataract Gorge.

Pencil Pine Lake


Central Okateau


Sue teaching Claire the skills involved in bird watching


Sue I've found something.


Cataract Gorge

The Great Ocean Road

After working hard for 10 months, and welcoming our first UK visitors to our home. We head out on our first Australian trip down the great Ocean road and around Tasmania.

We drove down the great ocean road over 3 days before getting on the ferry in Melbourne. Our first days travel found us in Robe.

On the way to Robe we went along the Coorong and came upon a salt lake.



Robe



The second day we headed to Warnamboll. On the way Mark showned us some of the azaming places he has found on his work trips.

Cape Douglas



Mark taking photo at Cape Douglas



A Farrell photo



The third day we head to Lorne, recommended by a work mate of mine. It is a place I would fully recommended. It serves the best Paella that I have every tasted, with a great atomphere.

Claire at Port Fairy



London Bridge



The 12 Apostles

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Claire at the twelve apostles



Rainforest at Melba Gully



Erskine Falls

Christmas down under begins

I know before you say anything, I need to blog about the holiday we have just had to Tasmania and down the great ocean road. I promise I will once Mark has sorted all the photos, but I really wanted to tell you about the beginning of our Christmas down under. It’s something I will never forget.

The weather outside maybe in the mid 20’s to low 30’s and the local radio stations don't play christmas music 24/ 7 from the 1st December, there was nothing that was going to stop us getting inro the christmas mood. So the last few weekends we have been busy writing cards, wrapping presents, making a christmas cake and getting a really Christmas tree.

I think the christmas tree has to be the best part of it. We found a Christmas farm on the internet and headed to the Adelaide hills to select one. When we arrive we are welcomed by a young girl from Manchester. She handed us a saw and said, have a drive round and chop your own tree down and then come back to me.

So off we went in Larry the Freelander in search of the best 6ft Christmas tree we could find. We drove to the top of the hill to find what lay in front of us under a clear blue sky and a bright shining sun was row upon row of Christmas trees, surround by eucalubts trees, yellow grass, and grape vines.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.555730547263.49144.289200057&type=1&l=4e8079e35d
check out the above website for mark's photos of him cutting the tree down.

After satisfying Marks need for off road driving we selected our perfected Christmas tree. Once I’d checked that I could reach the top, so that I would be able to put the star on the top. Mark demonstrated his muscle and cut the tree down. Once home the Christmas music was playing and the tree decorating began, that is once we had rid the Christmas tree of Australian bugs, a Ground Assassin Bug.

http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_assinsinbugs/GroundAssassinBug.htm