Day 10 - Stanley to Devonport to Melbourne

Stanley to Devonport and Ferry back to Melbourne

Today was a really leisurely start to the morning.  Maritta was able to have a lazy cup of tea on the verandah which was particularly pleasant bathed in glorious morning sunshine.  We had shared a lovely evening meal in the hotel where we were staying followed by a short get together for night cap drinks on the upstairs "balconie" as Ruth had christened it.  

We all had a late breakfast at the cafe across the road and then took the chairlift to the summit of "The Nut". Tudor shamed us all by walking to the top and back before most of us were even out of bed.  He mentioned passing some of the early morning locals such as the odd wallaby or quocker. 

Mike Hirst (solo) takes the chairlift to the summit

McKinnon's 12/50 and Parsell's Eagle take in the view from The Nut car park

Weather was remarkably good making the views from the summit quite spectacular.

Alan and Noeline reach the chairlift summit

Maritta ponders the view

View back towards Wynyard

Maritta and Norman strolling on The Nut

White Bellied Sea Eagle soars over The Nut

 The trip back down allowed for some spectacular views. 

Views towards Smithton

 

Norman and Claire enjoy the view on the rather steep return trip

From Stanley we had a short detour towards Smithton to get fuel for the 12/50's, only 91 was available so Dale, Norman, Mike B and Bernie decided to wait for a better offer.  

Mike "helpfully" dropped Alan's oil bottle which finished up in the under tray, they could see it but couldn't retrieve it

We headed off towards Burnie, following the coast road as much as possible through Wynyard and Somerset.  

12/50 charge ahead

A long lazy lunch was at Hellyers Run Whisky Distillery. Lunch itself was very reasonably priced and of superb quality.

Mike and Ruth a little surprised by the size of their "Tasting Plate"- where to start? 

We detoured from the route outside Devonport to visit an amazing shop called "Reliquaire".   This shop has the most amazing collection of collectibles imagined.  The shop covers at least 4 shop fronts and is jam packed with items from dolls to memorabilia, books to children's toys and dress-ups to science projects.  The serious problem was getting lost and it was just before closing time.  Noeline and the Bakers did eventually emerge from behind the locked front doors to the relief of the remaining group.

The weary travellers bordered the ferry and we departed for home (in Melbourne) at 6.30 am.  It was a little overcast and quite chilly but we were glad to be back.  It was a wonderful trip and every one without exception appeared to enjoy themselves.  BIG BIG thanks to Noeline and Alan for all their hard work in putting this together.

Superb people, fabulous food and stunning scenery - it doesn't get any better than this!  Looking forward to the next outing. 

Day 9 - Strahan to Stanley via Queenstown

Strahan to Stanley via Queenstown and a trip on the ABT Railway.

Yet another early start!.... as we had to be at the ABT Railway in Queenstown by 8:30 am (sharp!). 

Noeline(with gentle persuasion and negotiation skills) had arrangements for breakfast shifted from the restaurant at the top of the stairs to Banjo's bakery in the town (no stairs!!).  We all took the option for breakfast this morning - even Dale!

Although it is only a 40km drive from Strahan to Queenstown it is a long slow up hill drive through twisty challenging mountain roads.

This morning we were heading west and directly into the early morning sun.  A few times the road didn't seem to exist at all!  Considerable caution was needed. 

Blundell's and Todd's headed off just a little earlier than the rest of us. We collected our pre-ordered lunches from the Bakery and headed out of Strahan.

Mist shrouds some of the corners in the dawn light

Alan and Noeline nearly invisible as they round a bend on the road to Queenstown

McKinnon's 12/50 sparkles in the morning sunlight

Heavy mist and clouds shroud the valleys as we approach Queenstown

We made it to Queenstown with plenty of time to board the train however the Todds and the Blundells' are nowhere in sight.  After discussions and missed phone calls, both cars appear.  They had taken an incorrect turn just out of Strahan. 

The group cheers as Norman and Claire make "an entrance" after missing a turn off

The ABT Railway was originally built to transport the copper ore from the smelter in Queenstown to the Port of Strahan. It uses the rack and pinion system of Swiss design to negotiate the steep grades, sometimes as steep as 1 in 10. This much steeper than the normal 1 in 40 which is considered safe for normal rail lines. The track itself is narrow (2ft 6in gauge) and the steep sided cuttings sometimes rub on the carriages walls.

Luxurious interior of the restored train carriages

Steam wafts through the tress

The cog rack is just visible in the middle of the main rails

Tudor and Ruth explore the engine room

Alvis people loitering again

King River - upstream

Spectacular King River - down stream

Engine driver and train

You have to be fit for this job, turn table operated by manpower

Even though we had organised lunches from the bakery in Strahan we received not only morning tea (hot scones, jam and cream) on the train we also had lunch included.  So bakery sandwiches were "discarded" and lovely hot soup and a selection pointed sandwiches were eagerly consumed. We do seem to be eating continually! 
After departing the train in Queenstown we travelled north via Rosebery only really stopping for fuel. 

Semi -Trailer and 12/50 sandwich!

The traffic was a little heavier than usual with many larger trucks including log carriers now on route.  This did cause a little angst as the trucks either held up the slower cars going uphill (a pain for the 12/50's) or on the downhill runs would try to pass.  We stopped for afternoon tea just short of Hellyer Gorge.  Alan broke out the billy and Noeline had Mary Berry's fruit cake at the ready.

Afternoon tea stop near Hellyer Gorge - Parsell's Silver Eagle in front

Group gathers for Aussie billy tea

Hirst's 12/50 on the road to Stanley

Back on the road and with light fading we travelled a little more urgently through Hellyer Gorge to Stanley for our overnight stop. The sunset gave us a spectacular display but we were again driving into the sun!

McKinnon's 12/50 motoring towards Stanley

Approaching Stanley, going West into the sun this time

Spectacular sunset across the bay near Stanley

Day 8 - Strahan and Gordon River Cruise

Strahan and surrounds

Our accommodations in Strahan are at the foot of the mountain facing the harbour. Both lovely and very comfortable however the small down side was that dinner last night was up the stairs to the restaurant at the top of the mountain. In the dark this was an interesting adventure so when we were told that breakfast in the morning would be at the same restaurant most opted not to partake. Dale also advised that the food provided on the boat trip tomorrow would more than compensate if you opted not to have breakfast however this advise coming from a man known not to eat breakfast or lunch routinely had to be taken with just a grain of salt.

It was another early morning (we set the alarm once again) as we had to be on the wharf by no later than 8.15 am (sharp!) for the 8.30 am Gordon River cruise departure. 

Once the initial shock of the phone alarm had worn off Dale and I set off across the road past the 2 geese and 4 ducks feeding on the lawns of the harbour.  The mist was quite heavy and it was a grey morning but still very pretty looking out over the water.

Today was pure relaxation...as we had opted for the up market option of this cruise (a Noeline speciality) and walking past the "common or down stairs folk", we climbed the stairs and stepped into the Captains Lounge.  Met by Kylie our hostess, we were ushered to our plush recliner chairs all positioned to get uninterrupted scenic views across the water and fleetingly wondered what the rest of the world might be doing. (please note this did not last long!)  This was a full service arrangement and started with a glass of champagne for breakfast - and the mood was set for the next 6 hours - and let it be known we did not mind it one bit.  Clearly this would be a great relaxing day allowing everyone to recharge and refresh after a big day of driving yesterday. 

Mike and Ruth enjoying the finer things...Champagne for breakfast!

Noeline and Maritta share a chat and coffee after coming in from the upper deck.

Claire and Ruth share a joke or two while Ian (behind) has a little kip

Claire, Noeline and Jo enjoy the scenery off the top deck

We motored out across the bay, briefly out into the Southern Ocean then back through the narrow and treacherous "Hells Gates" and up the Gordon River.

Approaching Hells Gate out into the Southern Ocean, crossing is shallow and narrow 

Salmon Farms in Macquarie Bay

The breath taking beauty of the area is incredible and to think the state government of the day planned to dam the Gordon and Franklin Rivers.  Fortunately the voice of the people prevailed and the project was dropped.

Reflections of the Gordon River

The beauty continues.

Not sure which way is up!

We continued up the river, stopping for a short guided walk through the rainforest to experience the sights, smells and solitude of this pristine wilderness.  Learning about the ancient Huon Pine and various other fora in the rainforest.  

Plate Fungi

"Captain" Norman is in charge and everyone is just a little nervous!

Lunch was a sumptuous affair - smoked salmon, cold meats and a lovely hot ragout, salads and of course a selection of Tasmanian cheeses and wines.   

After lunch we headed back down the river and stopped at Sarah Island for a fascinating guided tour of the penal colony considered to be one of the harshest settlements in the British colonies. This was where the most difficult convicts or re-offenders were sent.   The guide was amazing - somewhat theatrical and a wealth of information he was able to vividly convey how life on the island would have been for the soldiers and convicts alike.

Convict built slipway

Leaving Sarah Island - a small island with a big history.

 Back on the boat and back to Strahan.  Once back on land the late afternoon and evening are free and some chose to fettle their cars - Dale and Norman work to get to the bottom of the power drain issue with the Blundell's Eagle,  Alan makes sure the battery on the 12/50 is charged and everyone seeks out the local petrol station to top up for tomorrows trip out.

A number of us decide to take in the local pantomime, "The Ship That Never Was".  Based on the true story of 10 convicts that managed to steal the last convict built ship and sail it to South America.  It is a great show with lots of laughs and audience participation.  Apparently it has run for the last 22 years. We were provided with blankets given the cool evening which was most appreciated.  Pauline was picked out  for a "starring" role as Captain Taw and Mike B also scored a part but luckily didn't need to get on stage. 

 The group gathered for dinner at the Strahan Hotel (yay - no stairs tonight!).

Day 7 - Hobart to Strahan

Hobart to Strahan

Early start again!  Quick breakfast and we hit the road.  We are privately convinced that Noeline is enjoying this just a little too much!!

First stop is the Patchwork Cafe and Antique Centre in New Norfolk. We didn’t actually have morning tea here but rummaged through the many rooms filled with the most interesting collection of objects for sale.  Everything from rare books, records, antique furniture, industrial machinery, clothing to cars and even Blitz trucks.  These were scattered around the building and grounds that once housed the Lunatic Asylum.Very apt!

Out front - McKinnon's and Hirst's 12/50's Blundell's Eagle and Todd's Speed 20 on the road to New Norfolk

Grounds of the Patchwork Cafe

Dragging the men away from the antique centre - we were back on the road and travelled a short distance to Salmon Ponds for morning tea. Much to the delight of our UK visitors a pair of Platypus also live in the ponds and were not too shy in going about their daily business.

Graber and Silver Eagle at Salmon Ponds

Autumn display leaving Salmon Ponds

Travelled a long a little used route from New Norfolk, through Westerway until we joined the highway and continued to Derwent Bridge. Well worth a visit here is the “Wall in the Wilderness”, a 350 foot mural being carved depicting life in Tasmania’s west along with native animals and other Tasmanian based subjects. The workmanship of the ever changing display is incredible and not to be missed. No photos taken at the request of the artist but you can view examples on: website - http://www.thewalltasmania.com/

12/50's lead the way, Todd's Speed 20, Blundell's Eagle and Baker's Graber in hot pursuit!.

Narrow bridge crossing

All were pleased no-one was coming the other way!

Quick viewing (and restroom) stop outside Tarraleah Power station then back on the road...........

Rest stop near Power Station

Pipeline to Power Station

Lunch was at the Derwent Bridge Hotel which we very nearly missed as the kitchen closes at 2pm and we arrived at about 1:50. Lovely soup all round.  Ruth and Mike H were a little concerned as they did not get an allocated number  because "they had run out of numbers" but their lunch did eventually arrive. 

On the road to Queenstown

From here we had a long fast drive through the unusual landscape of Queenstown.  Alan (12/50) has been running without a generator and the power drain issues on the Blundell's Eagle are still a concern.  Both cars had to get themselves to Strahan before dark. 

12/50's and Eagle - Queenstown to Strahan

Blundell's "hot footing" it to Strahan before dark

Strahan harbour by night