Day 7: Touring Tasmania – Launceston to the East Coast and Back

 

The day started with a run through town to the Cataract Gorge, up these crazy steps.  Started rainy, but refreshing as it was a warm rain.  Headed out to the Pool and Alexandria Suspension Bridge before being pleasantly surprised by my first Australian fauna...

...wallabies (think kangaroo, but smaller and less aggressive) and a peacock.

 

The Gorge is a beautiful place, but the Tamar River that runs through the center is always murky and very muddy. Saw some chaps rocking climbing on the Gorge wall run back.

Started by heading east to Scottsdale through the forest. After a quick stop, I pushed through to Pyengana – a working dairy farm that makes delicious cheese, YUM! Stopped for lunch at Banjo’s in St. Helens before making the final push to the coast.

Had spectacular views down the coast past the chain of lagoons – check out that gorgeous blue-green water.  Breezed through Bicheno and headed into Freycinet (Fre-sin-eh) National Park.  Spied my only bush fires (small wisps in the distance) which were well controlled on this coast. Tasmania has been ravaged by bush fires recently as has mainland Australia.

Hiked up the Wineglass Bay trail (literally straight up a ton of steps) to the overlook.  Surprisingly beautiful views of Coles Bay (first pic in the floppy hat) on the way up only to be blown away with views of Wineglass Bay at the top. 

 

This view hasn’t been rivaled yet!

 

Just past Cranbrook,  headed west again on B34 to Campbell Town.  Was treated to some spectacular views crossing the valley, as well as more sheep and cattle than I could count.  Unfortunately, there was tons of wallaby road-kill as well as they are more prolific and brazen than our deer on the east coast. The day ended back in Lauceston with an early bedtime after 10 hours of driving!