Heading Home

We had some time this morning to walk the beach one last time before we travel back to Launceston. It was pretty sad saying goodbye to the Broads this morning as they head back to Hobart. We've loved traveling Tassie with you guys.

I'm writing this waiting in Launceston airport about to head home. Sam is driving back with Dad because Jono has some work to do before school on Monday.

It really has been a great trip and we all agree that there was nothing that was really a let down and everything has far exceeded our expectations (except MONA, lol). We've all really enjoyed ourselves and are keen to see all of you blog-viewers soon.

Nick

Bay of Fires

We finished Bicheno with a walk around the headland and through the Gulch. It was so beautiful and the water was so clear. We saw heaps of sea creatures. But I forgot to bring the camera on the walk (sorry) so no photos. We then drove up to a free campsite just south of, yet still on the same coast as the Bay of Fires. We then drove along the coastline and stopped off at different locations. The views were beautiful and the water was so clear and blue.

Finished the day with campfire and marshmallows It was a great way to end the day and our last night.

Rocks at our campsite near the Bay of Fires.

 The photographer.

 The Bay of Fires.

 Last night campfire.

Animals at Bicheno & Penguin Night Tour

This morning, we packed up and headed to Bicheno. Before leaving Freycinet, we went to the Cape Tourville lighthouse to take in the views, which did not disappoint.
As soon as we arrived in Bicheno, we headed to 'Nature World' wildlife park just north of Bicheno.
We saw heaps of animals including our first Tasmanian devils, quolls, wombats, a sugar glider, kangaroos, wallabies, ostriches and many more.
At night, we went on the penguin tour and saw heaps of fairy penguins coming out of the ocean and finding their nests on land. It was well worth it and they were so cute.

View from Cape Tourville lighthouse down the coast.

 Cape Tourville lighthouse.

































Tasmanian devil at the wildlife park.

 Cute sleeping wombat.

 The kangaroos were so tame. They were bounding up to us so that we could feed them and we were cuddling up with them.

 Little joey.

 Another wombat.

 Clyde the wombat.

 Penguins on the tour. We weren't allowed to take photos, so these penguin shots are from the tour website.

Wineglass Bay & Hazards Bay Walk

This morning we went on the Wineglass Bay walk. The views were amazing from the viewing platform and on the beach itself. Next, we followed the track along Hazards Bay. We loved playing in the crystal clear (but freezing) water. This walk took close to four hours with lots of stops and was the only thing we did all day as we were all really tired.

The Wineglass Bay lookout.

 Wineglass Bay.

 Hazards Bay.

Car Fixing Day 2

Dad was booked in to see the mechanic in Hobart this morning, so we planned to see a movie while the Disco was being repaired. The repair was really quick and was finished before we entered the cinema, so Jono and Dad went to the Cascade Brewery while the rest of us saw the new Cinderella movie (which was quite good).
Once we'd finished all our stuff, we headed for Coles Bay where we were going to stay the night.

Dad and Jono's trip to the Brewery.

 Hops.

Car Fixing Day1

We had issues with the car so we were marooned in Hobart while the Broads stayed the night in Port Arthur. So this day consisted of Dad making heaps of phone calls to mechanics and then mucking around in Hobart.
Dad took the disco into one of the mechanics he'd been talking to, to get it looked at while the rest of us wandered around Constitution Dock until he was done. Once he was done we all went to see the Women's Factory which was quite interesting.

Constitution Dock.

 A metal replica of one of the recently found quilts made by the women in the Women's Factory.

 A seal we saw next to the fish and chip shop at constitution dock on the way home.

Port Arthur

Today we drove down to Port Arthur where we spent most of our day. It was one of the most interesting places we've been on this trip and learning about convicts and life back then was fascinating. I had a real experience of the hardships the convicts must have suffered on a daily basis (note to self, listen to mum when she says to bring more than just a t-shirt and thin jumper).On the way home, we stopped to have a look at Devil's Kitchen.

 Port Arthur.

This hobo followed us around all day But he was reasonably helpful with his unlimited information from the commentary listening device.

 Devil's Kitchen.

Salamanca Markets

Markets, markets, markets at Salamanca!! There aren't many photos of the markets as we were too busy shopping (well, mostly mum, who was in heaven).

Mum - “You guys wouldn't believe how much money I've saved on the jewelry. It’s so cheap here!”

Dad - “Yeah, I can’t afford to save all this money”

Also, guess who we bumped into at the markets. Neil and Kathy! Small world.

We left mum in her element at the markets for a little extra time to herself to shop, while the rest of us went to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. It was quite interesting and we've all learned a lot particularly about Antarctica.
On the way home, we stopped at The Taroona Shot Tower.

Neil and Kathy at the Markets.

 Sculpture at the Museum & Art Gallery

 On the way back to find mum when we spotted the May Queen which was one of the ships we heard about at the Franklin wooden boat place.

 The Taroona Shot tower.

Mt Wellington, MONA & Cadbury Factory

Today, we got up early and drove up, through the clouds, to the top of Mt Wellington. There is nothing else to say, just look at the amazing pictures. Next, we went to the MONA art gallery. Everything was weird, but mum got a kick out of it. I guess we all don't really appreciate art. We were all very keen to go to the Cadbury Factory next. It was actually better than expected although not too sure about the "not nice" monotone lady who ran the tour (video/demonstration).

Top of Mt Wellington.

 MONA.

 View of Hobart from MONA.

 Outside the Cadbury Factory.

Tahune Forest

Today we went to the Tahune Forest. The walks were great and the hang-glider zip-line was a hit over the Huon River. The 'Air Walk' was awesome and it was great being above the canopy, appreciating the great height of some of the trees. This was followed by the 'Huon Pine walk'. I guess after this holiday you could probably call us huon pine experts.  The 'Swinging Bridges' was also great and the kids loved running, Shrek and Donkey style, along the swinging rickety bridges (don't worry Grandma, they were quite safe. David, the engineer, kept commenting on how well the bridges were designed). On the way home, we stopped to look at the boats on the Huon River and to go to the Wooden Boats Museum in Franklin. It was quite interesting and we heard more about the huon pine and particularly how it is used.

Lisey on the hang-glider.

Chris on the hang-glider.

The Air Walk.

 It was amazing looking at the tops of the trees.

 Jono hugging a huon pine on the Huon Pine Walk.

Wild mushrooms on the Huon Pine Walk.

 The Swinging Bridges.

 The beautiful boats on the Huon River.