Melnq8

This trip was taken from March 29 – April 16, 2006. All prices given in Australian dollars unless indicated otherwise. All accommodation was located and booked online.

We’re Americans living in a remote part of Indonesia, so this trip commenced from Changi Airport in Singapore. Getting from our home to Singapore is a bit of an ordeal, taking an entire day, so we don’t consider the vacation underway until we’ve actually reached Singapore.

We flew from Singapore to Melbourne via Singapore Air – tickets were about US $760 each. The flight took just over seven hours and other than being rather turbulent, was fine. The plane was only about half full, so I was able to score an entire row of four seats to myself and enjoyed one of the most comfortable naps I’ve ever had in coach.

We arrived in Melbourne the following morning, collected our rental car and headed towards Geelong and the Great Ocean Road. We took our time, stopping in Airey’s Inlet for a nice chat with the owner of a Greek café, and sampling the Cooper’s Pale Ale and a wonderful Shiraz that I searched high and low for the remainder of the trip. It’s amazing how a little sunshine and some refreshment can perk up a person. We continued on the GOR stopping for photos at every opportunity. We had a late lunch in Lorne, where we spotted our first koala in a tree behind the Visitor’s Center. We then continued on to Apollo Bay, where we checked into our home for the next three nights - Apollo Bay Colonial Cottages: www.colonialcottages.com.au.

These cottages are actually located in Marengo, 2 km past Apollo Bay, set back from the road, yet just across the street from the ocean. A$132 per night got us a very nice two bedroom colonial cottage complete with fireplace and two person spa tub. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for moderately priced, self-contained accommodation. We chose Apollo Bay as a base, from which we made day trips along the GOR, thus avoiding packing and unpacking.

GOR – Day 1

We explored Apollo Bay a bit, and then backtracked to Airey’s Inlet, where we picked up a walking map. We then headed to the Split Point Lighthouse and took the Cliff Top Walk, a wonderfully scenic 7 km (return) trail overlooking the ocean. We thoroughly enjoyed this walk and were clicking our camera the entire way. We saw dolphins and some pretty incredible scenery.

After lunch in Lorne, we drove up to Teddy’s Lookout for some more great views, and then on to Erskine Falls before heading back to Apollo Bay. So, we drove the squiggliest part of the GOR three times, which was plenty for someone like myself; prone to car sickness.




GOR - Day 2

We headed towards Port Campbell, and were stopped a short distance from Apollo Bay by a woman standing on the side of the road, waving her arms. We pulled over, thinking she might need help, but she was warning us that a koala was crossing the road. Talk about your great photo opportunities! The koala had reached the other side of the road and was trying to scramble up the bank to the trees. It was fun to watch – he kept sliding down the bank and rolling backwards. He finally reached the low branches of a tree and then turned back and posed for us.

Back on the GOR, we detoured towards the Cape Otway Lightstation, looking up into the trees. We saw about 4-5 koalas, but most were too high up in the trees to get good photos. We continued on to the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk, an elevated walkway, 25 meters above the forest floor ($17 each). There are only three of these canopy walks in the world and all three are in Australia. We took the Tahune Forest Airwalk in Tasmania not long ago, so two down, one to go. I rather enjoy being up in the air amongst these incredibly tall trees; makes one realize how insignificant we are.

Back on the GOR we made the obligatory stops at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. The scenery was incredible, despite the uncooperative weather (cold and wet). We continued on as far as Port Campbell, where we took a breather before turning back to Apollo Bay.

Impressions:

Thoroughly enjoyed the GOR. Could have easily spent more time here and would have loved to take in a few more walks.

Next: 13 days in Tasmania

Melnq8

We left our cottage and headed back to Melbourne via the inland road – total drive time about 2.5 hours. Our Jet Star flight to Hobart was bumpy, but otherwise fine. We like Jet Star (for short flights anyway) – new planes, friendly crew and can’t beat the price at $69 each way.

We collected our rental car and headed toward Battery Point, where we had a bit of trouble locating our new home – Bath Street Apartments:
www.bathstreetapartments.com.au

A$134 per night got us a recently refurbished second floor one bedroom apartment with balcony and great views of the Derwent River and waterfront. Our unit had a well equipped kitchen with fancy espresso maker and the nicest wine glasses I’ve ever seen in a self-contained unit. The bathroom had both shower and spa tub and huge, thick towels. We really liked this apartment and wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.
As an added bonus, the apartment was within walking distance to the neighborhood pub – the Shipwrights Arms – can’t beat that.

Hobart – Day 1

We left Hobart and headed towards Mt Field National Park where we stopped to buy a Holiday Parks Pass (A$50 – good for up to 8 weeks). We verified that the Gordon River Road was open, and headed to Strathgordon, the construction township for the development of the Middle Gordon power scheme. We took the Gordon River Road until it ended at the Gordon Dam and Hydro-electric Commission’s Visitor Center. We missed Strathgordon on a previous visit to Tasmania, and the dam was something my husband (an engineer) really wanted to see. The drive to the dam was very scenic, albeit steep and winding.

Visitors are allowed to walk all the way down and along the top of the dam. We were surprised to learn that Gordon Dam is the site of the highest commercial abseiling in the world (140m). We saw some police preparing to abseil, but didn’t stick around because it began to pour.

On the way back to Maydena, we were flagged down by a kid who’d gone off the road and rolled his car down a steep embankment. Fortunately (and amazingly) he wasn’t hurt, but his car was totaled, and it was a poignant reminder of how treacherous those squiggly Tasmanian roads can be, especially in wet weather.

On our way back to Hobart we stopped at Mt Field National Park again and took the Tall Trees walk and a portion of another trail until the rain chased us back to the car.

Hobart – Day 2

We headed south to the Huon Valley, stopping at a vegetable stand to pick up some of that yummy leatherwood honey. Our next stop was GrandvEWE Cheesery, where we sampled some sheep’s milk cheese and got a kick out of the “CamemBAA”. We made a detour to Eggs and Bacon Bay (no, I didn’t make that up) then called in at the Hartzview Winery where we met a Kiwi from Golden Bay, a place near and dear to our hearts. We sampled several wines and just had to buy a bottle of Tasmanian spiced apple liqueur mead. After a nice cheese platter and a glass of wine overlooking the vineyard, we headed back towards Hobart. We decided to drive up to Mt. Wellington, where we saw our first and only snow of the trip. Awesome views.

On the way back down Mt. Wellington, we stopped for a short walk in the rainforest. Back in the car, we discovered that some thirsty leeches had found us, and we hightailed it back to the apartment to de-leech ourselves (ugh).

Hobart – Day 3

I was anxious to visit a strawberry farm, so our first stop was the Sorrell Fruit Farm, where we picked our own strawberries and raspberries. It was muddy, but lots of fun and the berries were really, really good (especially when topped with luscious Tasmanian cream!)

We headed towards the Tasman Peninsula and the penal settlement of Port Arthur, where we spent the next three hours ($25 per person). The entry price includes a 45 minute guided tour and a 20 minute harbor cruise. We couldn’t see a thing from the fogged windows of the boat thanks to the bad weather, but the commentary was interesting and our Port Arthur experience was enlightening.

Next: Lake St. Clair

shandy

Am enjoying your trip report. Glad to hear that you enjoyed your time on the GOR. I will keep your recommendation for Colonial Cottages in my notes for next time I am down that way. I love all the waterfalls in the Otways, so it would be a good base. Sorry, that the weather wasn't the greatest. It can be very hit and miss during April. Such a shame you weren't a week earlier as the weather was wonderful then - but that of course is the one thing that can't be planned. At least you didn't let it spoil your enjoyment.

Look forward to hearing about the rest of Tassie when you get a chance

wally34949

Interesting information. I'm flying back to Sydney in December, plan to take a three day tour to Melbourne, Fly to Hobart, and spend a week in Tas and then fly back to Sydney for the flight home.

Melnq8

We began our day with a walk in Battery Point. The sun was out when we started so we didn’t take our rain coats and sure enough, the skies suddenly opened up and we were drenched by the time we got back to the apartment. There was snow on the top of Mt. Wellington from the previous night. We said goodbye to Hobart, the driest capitol of Australia (so I’m told), picked up some provisions at Woolworth’s, and headed to the Lake St. Clair area.

The drive was pretty, and the rain continued, even when the sun was out. It became progressively colder and windy; so much so that we almost froze when we stopped in Tarraleah. When researching places to stay near Lake St. Clair, I’d run across Tarraleah, an old hydro-electric township being converted to a tourist area. Nothing was open, and it appeared that construction on the Tarraleah Lodge has a long way to go before opening for business (planned for 10/06). Their website is up and running and looks intriguing should anyone want to consider this place in the future:

http://www.selecthotels.com/hotel/Ho...ocumentID=1044

We arrived in Bronte Park, had lunch in their restaurant and watched the antics of a kookaburra through the restaurant window. We checked into Highland Cabin #2 for the next three nights. The cabin felt like an icebox, so our first priority was to scrounge some kindling and start a fire in the wood burning stove. Eventually, the cabin was nice and cozy and we hunkered down for an afternoon of reading in front of the fire. We later heard that the temp was 5c, well below the average for April.

Lodging in the Lake St.Clair area is limited – this site lists all accommodation in the vicinity: http://www.riversrun.net.au/v4/live/page2.php?page=h4

Our cabin was small and compact, but comfortable enough. It had one bedroom, a spa tub, small kitchen and lounge. It was very quiet and our only visitors were the local birdlife and the sheep that came to graze in our yard. We paid A$155 per night.

Lake St. Clair – Day 1

The next morning we didn’t want to get out of bed because the cabin was so cold. We eventually built a fire, had breakfast, donned our long underwear and rain pants and headed toward Lake St. Clair (31 km from Bronte Park). After a stop at the Visitor’s Center, we decided to brave the rain and walked the track to Platypus Bay (didn’t see any) via Watersmeet and the Aboriginal Cultural Walk. This was a nice (albeit cold and wet) figure 8 loop that took us about 1:30. After warming up with some coffee and cake in the cafe (next to the Visitor’s Center) we continued on the Lyell Highway towards Queenstown. We stopped at Franklin River in the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park and took the 25 minute loop. The river was all but bursting its banks. This was an interesting walk through rainforest (and no leeches!).

We continued on the Lyell Highway and walked to Donaghy’s Hill Lookout, a nice hike that ends on a rocky lookout point – 40 minutes return. We then turned back towards Lake St. Clair, stopping at the Frenchman’s Cap Track, where we walked in a bit past the Franklin River swing bridge before turning back (this is an arduous 3-5 day track through areas of knee deep mud). Then it was back to our cabin and a nice warm fire.

Lake St. Clair – Day 2

Surprise, surprise, more rain. We returned to Lake St. Clair where we embarked on the Shadow Lake Circuit (four hour return). We walked in for about 45 minutes then turned back. The trail was a river and it just wasn’t much fun. After warming up with soup and coffee in the café, we went back to our cabin. Naturally, the sun came out as we drove back to Bronte Park, but 10 minutes later it was gone. This was a truly miserable day.

Next: Binalong Bay and sunshine!

Melnq8

We woke to a partly sunny, DRY day.

We’d originally planned to drive to St. Helens via B11 (Marlborough Road) from Bronte Park, but when we saw how rough the road was, and discovered it was unsealed for the first 30 km, we thought better of it. Instead, we backtracked to Hamilton via A10, picked up B110 to Bothwell, A5 to Melton Mowbray, 1 to Oatlands and A4 to St. Helens.

Oatlands is an interesting town of concrete block homes, antique shops and lots of ducks. Ross is a nice little town too; home of the Female Factory and many historic buildings and churches. As we approached St. Mary’s, we kept our eyes peeled for Mount Elephant Pancakes, an establishment I’d run across during my research – www.mount-elephant-pancakes.com.au. We located the turnoff, headed up Elephant Pass and were rewarded with some delicious king sized crepes in a beautiful park-like setting. We couldn’t commit to just one crepe, so we shared a curried chicken crepe and then shared an apple cinnamon crepe for dessert. Both were really good ($25). Then it was back to St. Marys and on to St. Helens via Scamander. Here we stopped at the Eureka Fruit Farm where we purchased some not-very-good strawberries (they don’t offer pick-your-own).

Some 6.5 hours after leaving Bronte Park, we arrived in Binalong Bay and the house we’d booked for the next three nights, Binalong Sands - www.stayz.com.au/16233. This was a very nice place – A$130 per night got us a three bedroom, one bath home with huge wraparound deck and great views of Binalong Bay. The house was quiet, spotlessly clean, and very well maintained.

After a taking a walk in the neighborhood, spotting a wallaby (and getting lost) we enjoyed some wine on the deck while viewing the moon through the telescope the owners had provided. Our first day without a drop of rain!

Binalong Bay/Bay of Fires – Day 1

We woke to a beautiful sunny day and a yard full of green parrots. We poked around St. Helens for awhile then headed north to Mt. William National Park, hoping to find some walking tracks. Forty kilometers of unsealed road later, we found some holiday homes in Anson’s Bay, which boasted a permanent population of 18, but no tracks. Oops.

We headed back via Gladstone and detoured to St. Columba Falls, the highest falls in Tasmania (20 minute return walk to falls – very nice). We called in at the Pub in the Paddock, where we had a drink and chatted up the owner before heading to the Pyengana Dairy Company for a cheese tasting. Loved the “tasty cheese” and took a block home to have with our wine.

Binalong Bay/Bay of Fires – Day 2

Another pretty day! We drove to Skelton Point Picnic Area, parked and walked to Dora Point and back (2:20 return). This is a very nice walk with beautiful coastal views. We didn’t see another human being the entire time. Our wildlife sightings included a furry animal we couldn’t identify (looked like a huge rat), and several incredibly vocal birds.

We drove over Humbug Hill and stopped for lunch at Angasi, overlooking Binalong Bay. Beautiful views and wonderful food! My husband had ½ dozen natural oysters and a very good green curry chicken wrap ($12 & $6.50). I had lightly floured chicken strips on potato cubes with roasted red pepper salsa and sour cream ($15.50) – excellent! We shared a piece of raspberry cheesecake for dessert ($7). Highly recommend this restaurant.

Sated, we headed to The Gardens, where we tromped around until the frigid wind chased us off. Then it was back to Humbug Point Nature Scenic Reserve where we took the trail to Humbug Point in an effort to work off our lunch. Two hours and 10 minutes later we were back at the car, tired but well exercised. We didn’t like this walk as much as Dora Point and we didn’t see any wildlife. We did hear several wallabies thumping around in the bush however.

Next: Final stop – Tamar Valley

dotty

Hi, Melnq8,
This is just incredible! I am looking at the possibility of visiting Tasmania in January next year (departing from Melbourne as I need to return to that great city to do the GOR! and catchup with friends) and here is your wonderful report. Your report, combined with Percy's report I read last week, means the promo for Tas. is complete!
Wonder if the animal you saw on Day 2 at Binalong Bay might have been a potaroo. Not sure if they are found on Tassy, though.
A couple or five questions, please - how big is the Jet Star plane (I realise sadly it will not be a 747!), and how long is the flight? How fit are you? I do like the sound of the walks but am not overly fit at present.
Did you visit any towns as well? Finally, what website did you use for your research? I have found a couple of sites through google which seem to be okay but would be open to further suggestions. Looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks for such an informed report.

Melnq8

Hi dotty -

Thanks for your kind words. I found myself nodding off while writing the rest of the report, so had to wonder if it was having the same affect on others.

Jet Star has Boeing 717-200s (holds 125) and Airbus A320-200s (holds 177) in their fleet. The flight from Melbourne to Hobart took about an hour. We returned via Launceston (still writing that part of the report) and the flight time was similar.

I had to look up potaroo - never heard of it - not sure if they're in Tassie either, but seems they're not all that common, so hard to say.

As for my fitness - I'm an avid walker and spend an hour a day on my elliptical trainer. On holiday I'm good for about 4 hours of hiking each day, but much more than that wears me out (due to my rapidly advancing age no doubt). All the walks we took were pretty easy.

Yes, we visited towns, but in an effort to keep my report a reasonable length, I didn't mention them all. We visited Hobart, Launceston and St. Helens. Of course we drove through many others and made short stops here and there but I guess that doesn't really count.

This was our second trip to Tassie - on our previous trip we visited more towns and I'd be happy to discuss them with you if you'd like.

As far as websites for research...

I found some good ones along the way and they might help you with your planning:

www.hobartstays.com.au
www.tasmanianbedandbreakfast.com
www.accommodationguide.com.au
www.greatplacestostay.com.au
www.totaltravel.com.au
www.travelmate.com.au
www.cottages.com.au

Saving the best for last:

www.discovertasmania.com.au

We had a pretty good idea of which places we wanted to visit, so I found the accommodation sites by doing Google searches for things like "Binalong Bay cottages" or "vineyard accommodation", etc.

If you'd like more info, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]

Neil_Oz

The lookup problem might be because the name is spelled "potoroo". It's described as a rat kangaroo (as opposed to a kangaroo rat, I suppose) and it seems the long-nosed version, which grows to 1.3 kg body weight, is common in Tasmania.

Melnq8, congratulations on a trip report that's not only useful but well-written in all senses.

Melnq8

Before leaving the area we walked to Skeleton Bay - the only trail we’d missed the previous day. An easy walk with some nice coastal views – 40 minutes return.

Then it was off to Scottsdale via A3. We drove through the Blue Tier, Weldborough Pass Scenic Reserve and the Bass Forest. This was a gorgeous drive along very narrow, winding roads. Prior to visiting Tasmania, we thought the South Island of NZ had the world’s skinniest, squiggliest roads. Well, Tasmanian roads make NZ roads look like super highways. There seemed hardly enough room to accommodate our Nissan Pulsar. Made us wonder if there’d been an asphalt shortage when they were building the highways of Tasmania.

It took 1:40 to reach Scottsdale, where we stopped at the Forest EcoCentre, a visitor’s center and forest interpretation site. The building was constructed to demonstrate wood production and use, and it’s really quite interesting.

http://www.tasforestrytourism.com.au...ecocentre.html

We continued towards Launceston, a pretty drive through countryside fringed by mountains and forest. Some three hours after leaving Binalong Bay, we checked into our final accommodation, Rosevears Estate. Rosevears is a tiny township 17 km north of Launceston and at the beginning of the Tamar Valley Wine Route.

http://www.beautifulaccommodation.co...rth/rosevears/

A$190 got us a one bedroom apartment (#11) with ceiling to floor windows overlooking a vineyard. Unfortunately, it also overlooked A7, so there was some road noise. The apartments are cantilevered and perched up on the hillside. The units are individually owned and vary a bit. Ours had a spacious bathroom with the biggest shower enclosure and deepest tub either of us had ever seen. It had a huge lounge, compact kitchen area, interesting lighting and a balcony. I’d classify this place as contemporary minimalist.

Each day a generous continental breakfast was left in our refrigerator – cereal, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk, bread, butter and jam. This was the only accommodation on our trip that provided breakfast and was serviced daily.

We were told when we checked in that we’d probably see a lot of millipedes (we did) and we were advised to read the information in our room regarding the spiders we might encounter on the property (Redback, White-tailed and Huntsman) and which of these would bite. Fortunately, we didn’t have any run-ins with spiders.

We were also warned about all the wildlife on the road behind our apartment and they weren’t kidding. We saw more animals driving from our apartment to the main road than we’d seen the entire trip. Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian pademelons were out in force at dusk and we saw Tasmanian native hens just about everywhere.

After getting settled, we walked to the tasting room and sampled the goods. Not ones to leave a wine tasting without at least one bottle in tow, we returned to our apartment for happy hour.

Later that evening we took a moonlit walk around the property. We didn’t see any wallabies or other furry creatures, but we sure heard a lot of thumping in the bushes and the birds were going berserk. The birdlife in Australia never ceases to amaze me. Not only are the birds unbelievably colorful and exotic, but they make the most incredible sounds! I’m not talking about your garden variety chirping, but rather primeval screeching, squawking, braying and yes, sometimes they even sounded like they were laughing.

Tamar Valley – Day 1

Apparently, the foul weather gods had followed us up north, and it began to rain as we took A8 to the Tamar Valley in search of berries. This was yet another pretty drive through orchards, vineyards and yes, strawberry farms! Our destination this day was Hillwood Strawberry Farm despite being warned that the pickings might be slim due to the lateness of the season. This was not the case – we picked well over a kilo of beautiful strawberries ($7 per kg) which we later consumed with delicious calorie laden Tasmanian cream. Hillwood also makes fruit wines, vinegars and jams. We loved the strawberry wine and the raspberry vinegar, so had to snag a few bottles.

No matter where our travels take us, we invariably end up on the highest peak and/or at the end of at least one road. And so we found ourselves literally at the end A8 in Low Head with only Bass Strait before us. We explored the Low Head Lighthouse before backtracking to George Town, Australia’s oldest. Here we took the walkway to Mt. George for some great views of the Tamar Valley.

Heading back towards Launceston, we crossed the Batman Bridge and called in at the Artisan Gallery and Wine Center. The gallery houses some beautiful items made from Tasmanian timbers and much more. Enroute we encountered a massive pelican at Paper Beach – I had no idea pelicans were so big. While wine tasting at Moorilla Estate, we were told that we could see some winemaking in action at a new winery that had just recently opened, so off we went to Velo Wines (A7 near Legana). At Velo we had a nice chat with Michael Wilson, a former professional bike rider turned vintner, who was making some fabulous cabernet sauvignon.

That evening we had an excellent casual dinner at Roseears Waterfront Tavern.

Tamar Valley – Day 2

Good Friday – just about everything was closed, including restaurants and gas stations.
We drove to Tamar Island Wetlands ($3 donation), located between Launceston and Legana on A7. Here we had a long, very interesting chat with a volunteer (Gordon), who patiently answered all our questions about the wildlife we’d encountered thus far. Tamar is the longest estuary in Australia (70 km) and home to a fascinating assortment of birds.

We took the 1.5 km boardwalk to Tamar Island, keeping an eye out for copperheads. Fortunately, we didn’t see any slithering critters, but we did see a lot of lizards, black swans, herons, gulls and Tasmanian native hens. After a picnic lunch on the grounds, we drove north on A7 to Beauty Point, then took C721 to Badger Head (Narawntapu National Park). Once again we found ourselves at the end of the road and overlooking beautiful Greens Beach. Here we parked and walked half of the 2.5 hour (one way) track to Copper Cove.

Next: Final notes & impressions

Melnq8

Thank you Neil!

Melnq8

The following day we left Rosevears early and headed to the Launceston Airport. We were unable to find a gas station near the airport, so had to backtrack about 12 km to gas up the rental car. We’d driven 2,473 km during our 13 days in Tasmania and loved every minute of it.

Our Jet Star flight to Melbourne was uneventful. When we checked in for our Singapore Air flight in Melbourne, our carry on luggage was weighed. Apparently this isn’t an airline specific policy, but rather a strictly enforced Melbourne Airport policy limiting carry on luggage to 7 kg per person. We planned to check our luggage through to Indonesia, but had to spend a night in Singapore, so we had a bit more than we’d usually carry, causing us to be a wee bit overweight. The check in agent actually did us a favor weighing our cabin bags before we reached immigration (where they were weighed again), thus giving us the opportunity to put a few things into our checked baggage. Good thing I didn’t load up on Tim Tams.

Our return flight to Singapore was full and entirely too bumpy, but otherwise uneventful.

Impressions of Tasmania:

Loved it! This was our second visit, and I would return tomorrow if I could; great scenery, helpful, friendly people, fascinating wildlife, wonderful fresh produce, decadent dairy products, etc. There’s so much to do, especially if you enjoy National Parks and long walks.

Food: We didn’t eat out much, choosing instead to self cater with the foods we miss in Indonesia; fresh berries, fruit yogurt, bread, wine, cheese and the occasional Tim Tam.

Maybe I’m just deprived, but I swear I’ve never seen produce the likes of what I’ve seen in Australia. I saw leeks I was convinced were on steroids and heads of lettuce and cabbage the size of basketballs. And the carrots!

At my husband’s urging, we ate dinner at Little India on Harrington Street each of the four nights we were in Hobart. This is an unassuming takeaway joint that offers good, fast, cheap Indian meals. For $10 you can get a generous plate of rice and two curries.

Our most memorable meals were at Angasi in Binalong Bay and Rosevears Waterfront Tavern.

Accommodation: We prefer self-catering accommodation for the extra space, kitchen and laundry facilities and personal touches often found with private holiday rentals. Without exception, every place we stayed was of a very high standard and we would happily return to all of them.

Gas: Petrol is not cheap in Australia, so be prepared. We paid between A$1.23 - $1.39 a liter, which I’m told is well over US $4.00 per gallon. So it goes.

A big THANKS to adeben for the helpful information you provided regarding the GOR. I waved as we drove through Skenes Creek. Thanks also to Tropo for your insights regarding the Bay of Fires and Binalong Bay.

wlzmatilida

Hi Melnq!

Fantastic trip report!

It made me want to visit Tassie again!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie/Tasmanian Specialist

dotty

oops, sorry about my spelling, Neil. It did cross my mind as I was typing that it may not be spelt that way, but I had no resources to hand to check it out.
Oh dear, Melnq8, talk of snakes and yukky Huntsman spiders makes me shudder. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to them. No problems with mice, rats, lizards and some spiders, including redbacks which we encountered in a swimming pool in Deniliquin, and white-tails which we have here in NZ, but slippery critters and big fat spiders are not my scene. Mind you, in all our many trips across the Tasman, the only snakes I have seen - and held - have been in wildlife parks.
Again, thanks for your great and informative reports. Have noted the website addresses, and your email address too. For double security I am about to print off your report!
Dot

Melnq8

dotty -

Believe me, I'm no fan of anything that slithers. I had to remind myself more than once that we weren't in NZ, where I can tromp about without a care in the world.

Just remember that most critters don't want to see you any more than you want to see them. I'd suggest you avoid overgrown trails - we walked a few that creeped me out a bit, especially after the leech incident.

Elizabeth_S

Melnq8 - just wanted to thank you for recommending the Apollo Bay Colonial Cottages - we just spent 4 nights there and loved it! Met the owner (Nick) who took us on a 3 hour tour of the area including lots of Koalas in the wild.

In Hobart now - leaving tomorrow AM for our house (5 nights) near Orford.....

Thanks for posting

Melnq8

Elizabeth - Glad to hear you liked the cottages! We're currently in Perth, winding up a two week trip in WA - we found a gem or two here as well - I'll post details when I get home.

Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

Melnq8

Topping this report for Susan7 and to
add the photo links (better late than never!)

GOR

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/332498/index.html

TAS

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/332559/index.html