Posted by To celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary we chose Tasmania to visit and explore some regions we has passed by on our one and only previous trip in 1983. The Freycinet Peninsular and especially the Coles bay, Wineglass Bay area has facinated us both so it was time to head on down. First stop was Hobart and a very nice stay at the MACQ1 hotel on the Harbour-front next to the Cruise Ship terminal with a fabulous view of the Derwent river, the city and Constitution Dock.
We set off the next day to explore the Salamanca markets and the streets of downtown Hobart and despite the warm day there was plenty of shade
The Markets were massive and something for everyone so we spent a good few hours wandering around before taking a look at St Davids Park and its old cemetary features. We wandered around the edge of the city and the old Docks and the IXL Jam factory after lunch at the Brooke street Pier and then enjoyed a nap before dining in the Hotel restaurant due to everything else being booked out for our anniversary. We wandered around at dusk and enjoyed the quietness of the riverfront.
The next day was MONA day so we headed off to Berriedale early to avoid the crowds and found it very easy to get into having bought our tickets online. The setting is really interesting and the access very unusual with it being primarily underground cut into the side of the river edge. the sandstone cuttings are visible right through and the design is masterful in its execution but unfortunately for us it played havoc with Ann’s vertigo and after about 2 hrs we had to move on.
We still managed to see some outstanding installations and after a while we moved on to check out further up the river at New Norfolk looking for a lunch spot that did not eventuate. We settled on the Jam packed cafe in the Jam Factory which worked out very nice indeed. Our anniversary dinner was excellent that night at the highly rated Peacock & Jones so thank you Hobart for a nice short stay.
The next morning was stunning as you can see with Mount Wellington still cloud enclosed but otherwise not a cloud in the sky. After breakfast it was off to the Freycinet Peninsular for us but on the way we wanted to stop off and check out the Historic Colonial town of Richmond and its famous Bridge, the oldest in Australia still standing.
The local ducks really control the park here and its no wonder the grass is so green, but seriously this is one cute town. Its got history oozing out of every stone and the precision of the bridge construction would have seen plenty of blood sweat and tears. The preservation of our colonial heritage is alive and well in Richmond with a good 100 years of all types of buildings being well looked after and well used.
The shop fronts are fascinating and the current use of colonial houses and old Inn’s as guest houses is very popular.
We set off towards the coast and our first view of the region was Maria Island and then came the Freycinet peninsular in all its glory. the white sandy beaches gave us glimpse of what was to come
Arriving at Freycinet Lodge in Coles Bay after stopping for lunch at Swansea on the way we were immediately taken by the location sitting beneath the Hazards Mountains at the edge of the bay. The new Villas were of cutting edge design but it was their setting in the bush setting that was most I’m preside. The design is out there and not totally practical but funky indeed. The lodge itself is very nice and the restaurants food is excellent.
The sunsets over the Bay were stunning every night and the very raw feel of the land was a reminder of how we are just tourists on this planet earth.
The next morning i took off for the climb to Wineglass bay and despite a dodgy knee i managed to reach the lookout without too much trouble to enjoy the wonderful spectacle that is laid out in front of you within the granite boulders. One of the most beautiful sights of nature unfolds and draws you to explore more so i headed off down the 1,000 steps but at about half way i decided to turn back due to the knee not being very happy. It was a shame not to go all the way but a fact of life that me health is more important than anything
Looking back to Coles bay and the Eastern mountains in the distance was equally stunning
The granite outcrops of the Hazards with their pink, white and brown colours was everywhere and is a real feature of the region.
one of the most beautiful parts of the peninsular was just 200m from our villa. Honeymoon bay and the surrounding small coves were breathtaking in their quietude and beauty. swimming in the crystal clear waters and just emerging ourselves into the energy of the place was so refreshing and relaxing that we spent plenty of time enjoying this space.
We headed off to Coles Bay village in the afternoon for some lunch and again the view of The hazards was stunning
There is plenty to explore here and we ventured over to Sleepy cove and its pristine natural environment as part of the massive new marine reserve. Sleepy cove is named after the granite boulder located down on the beach that has a cave naturally carved out of it that can be used as a great place for a nap or a full sleep out from the elements
Further exploring took us to Cape Tourville Lighthouse where the views look back towards the eastern side of the Hazards and the the mountains of the Freycinet peninsular on one side and further to the north on the other. The walk along the cliff edge is nice and easy with a boardwalk suitable for wheelchairs having being installed.
We found this amazing burnt out tree that we called the dancing man tree as it looks like its in the middle of some dance moves from “staying alive”
just around the corner from the Coles Bay village is the rocks that lead to Beach and from here the views over the bay and the light play of shallow to deep waters provides a stunning colour palette.
