Thursday the 11th of January
We finalised our packing and we were on the road to Oatlands for our first night stopover. We were to go through many roadwork's and the police were out checking speeds and making a bit of revenue probably. When we arrived at Campbell town we decided to have a luncheon break and whilst there we noted the council bloke arrive and immediately around twenty ducks came up from the river and he was to feed them. After lunch we were back on the road and the day was warm and there was not a great deal of traffic about. Before we knew it we arrived at Oatlands and set up camp for the night. It was good to see the lake now had water in it and there was plenty of wildlife around. The swans were swimming by along with ducks and water hen. When we had our happy hour six ducks were to waddle up so close that you could touch them and we gave them a bit of food. The outlook over the lake was very nice and we could see all the sandstone formations surrounding the lake and we noted the caves in the distance. There were many happy campers arrive and we noted that the Overlanders a chapter of the CMCA was having there weekend rally there. We dropped over and said hello for we new quite a few of the members of the club. Before we knew it was time for our evening meal and later we went inside and read our books before going off to bed. It has been a good day.

Friday the 12th of January
We went for a walk around the lake this morning and then back to have breakfast. We left Outlands around 10am bound for our next rest area at Forcett. We decided to turn off the highway and work our way across country to meet up with the Tasman Highway. We drove through farming country and finally arrived at Tunnack where we called into the Blue Gum Rovers Haven to have morning tea. Back on the road and it started to rain though not heavy.
We then decided to take the shorter route which meant we had 11 kilometres of gravel to travel. The rain was keeping the dust down or so we thought until we saw the mess of mud covering the Terios. When came onto the bitumen once again we noted we had cut 50 kilometres off the trip by taking the short cut on gravel. The bitumen was a bit slippery especially as we were going downhill. We came around one corner to see a car wrapped around a rather large gum tree. We stopped and the driver appeared to be ok and not injured at all though that car will not be going back on the road again for it was bent around the tree. All we can say is the bloke was very lucky not to be injured. He admitted he came around the corner to fast and the car lost traction thus into the tree side on.
We finally arrived at the Tasman Highway and it wasn't long before we arrived at Sorell where we pulled up to buy a few things from Woolworth's and Coles. Whilst there we had a cappuccino and then back on the road for we only had 10 kilometres to go.
When we arrived at Forcett both Ken and VI were there to great us and we parked up with the the luxury of power which was great.
After lunch we unhooked the terios threw buckets of water over it and then we went for a drive around to Dodges Ferry. The sky was now very overcast though the scenery of the bays with their boats etc looked excellent and we noted the number of interstate number plates that were travelling around.
Then it was back to camp at the Forcett Hall for happy hour and then our evening meal then watch television for awhile before going off to bed.

Saturday the 13th of January
We awoke to rain and it was pretty heavy and we placed two buckets to catch the rainwater. We sat under Ian's awning as the rain bucketed down. The two buckets were full in around ten minutes. After cleaning up we decided to go for a drive down to Port Arthur. We passed through many small towns before arriving at Dunally to find that the bridge over the canal was open to allow a small vessel to go through the canal. We were there for around ten minutes before the swinging bridge was back in place and we could proceed. We then crossed Eagle Hawk Neck and then turned of the highway and travelled through Doo Town where all the houses are named with the prefix Doo there were certainly some funny names like Doo Nix, alot, retire etc. We then went onto the Tasman Arch where you could see the erosion that had taken place to form the arch in the sandstone cliffs. Then onto the blowhole that was not performing all that well due to the low tide and smooth seas though you could see that it must be spectacular on the day.

We then came across areas of the coast where the sandstone had been eroded to form small bays. Back on the road and then we rejoined the Tasman Highway on the way to Port Arthur. When we arrived at Port Arthur we were directed to one of three car parks that had at least three hundred cars, caravans and motorhome's. We had been informed that it is very expensive to go on the the convict ruins so we decided against it. We drove back to the village of Port Arthur and the decided to sit outside Cafe and have fish and chips for a late lunch. All freshly cooked and they were a treat. Then back to the camp at Forcett with the rain tumbling down again. Started up the gas hot water system and it was playing up so changed the gas bottles and then it allowed us to have our showers. I then competed the days diary loaded it onto the server in the sky, so to speak, and lost the lot including what I had completed on the computer. Luckily it was only three days I had lost and I could still remember most of what we did. So have had to develop another web page to load which I hope works or I am in trouble. All this was taking place before going into the hall to help celebrate Ken and Vi's 50th wedding anniversary. There were around 60 guests and the meal and friendship was great for we remembered many that we have met on the road. There was a lot of dancing and merriment then their anniversary cake was cut and we all received a portion each. We then went to bed a little tired at the end of the night. Arose on the sunday morning to redo this diary and hopefully the server will not destroy this lot.

Vineyard on way to Bridgewater

Sunday the 14th of January
Luckily the upload of the new web page was successful and I just hope that no more glitches appear on this journey. Liz was inside the hall helping to clean up after last night and I arrived as all the work had been completed. We packed up and drove onto the road to hook up the Terios. Then back to say our final farewells and then we were on our way to towards New Norfolk. As we didn't want to go into Hobart we cut across country towards Bridgewater. The going was hilly nearly all the way and we were to see many vineyards on the sides of the hills though no Wineries. As we neared Richmond we were to see a lot of cropping ground for vegetables and they were for sale alongside the road.
On going through Richmond we were to note the very old convict built shops and hotels etc and the village itself had a lot of foot traffic which would have been mostly tourists. We were to see an old carriage pulled by a single horse awaiting customers to tour the town. Then we were to turn off again heading for bridgewater and again we were to see many vineyards and a few cherry orchards. On arrival in Bridgewater we avoided the town and headed over the bridge and turned right towards New Norfolk. We were now running alongside the Derwent River and we were to see the Boyer Paper Mill in operation.
On arriving at New Norfolk we stopped and had a cappuccino and a few sausages in bread for our lunch and then we moved onto to the service station to top with fuel for the journey ahead.
On leaving New Norfolk we intended to stop over at Hamilton for a couple of nights before moving on. Again we were to see many cherry orchards and vineyards and just before Hamilton we were to see the rock sign advertising their next sheep show.
We drove down to our rest area by the river and noted the amount of interstate caravans and motorhome's. It is a nice area with showers and toilets and we may stop another day just to catch up with the washing. We have set up the camp fire and will cook our meal on that as well sit by it tonight before retiring to bed. The weather is humid and the clouds still look menacing though we will be as snug as a bug in a rug if it rains at all.

Monday the 15th of January
A very quiet night and we both had a good nights sleep. When we awoke this morning the sun was peeking through the few clouds that were about and later in the day the clouds disappeared and it was very warm and would remain that way.
Our resident ducks visited us this morning though on this occasion we did not feed them so they drifted off to the Clyde River looking for food. Unfortunately the amount of water taken by the irrigators has reduced the river to a trickle so much so that the ducks are virtually walking along the bottom of the river. We had our breakfast outside and watched one of the irrigators in action before it was moved to another part of the paddock. Then on the opposite side of the road we were to see a further irrigator in action. Then in the distance there was a Pivot working so no wonder the Clyde River looks sick.

We then had a walk along the Platypus trail though we saw no Platypus doing what ever they do. There is a sign warning of snakes along the trail. Back in camp set the fire for tonight and then used the coin operated washing machine and the coin operated shower. Hung out the wet clothes and then settled down to continue to look across the green paddocks onto the very dry hills that were not being irrigated. Then we went walkabout up into the town centre where there are a lot of convict built building that are in good condition. The Central Highlands Council is in one of the those buildings and you could see where additions have been made to the original building. Though these additions are very tasteful and keeping in character. Then along to the Hamilton Inn which has a cafe on the side of the convict built building. We had lunch there which consisted of wedges with sour cream and chilli sauce very nice and of course washed down with a cappuccino. We then had a look through the Inn section and what a surprise to see the very old furniture and other goods adorning the walls. We were gobsmacked at the condition and the variety of items on display. Up on the hill is a very old cemetery which we declined to go and look mainly because you need to be a mountain goat to climb to it.
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing, which we are good at and read our books and watched the limited bird life on the Clyde River. It being a good day will mean that we have our fire again tonight and cook our evening meal outside. As it is not getting dark until after 9pm we will no doubt be visited by the ducks and we will watch the irrigators in action which seem to have calming effect.

Tuesday the 16th of January
A wonderful morning as we sat outside and had our breakfast before heading for the showers. The sky was blue with no clouds and would stay that way all the way to Derwent Bridge our next overnight stop. On the way to Tarraleah we were to come across many road works in progress with either a lolly pop man or traffic lights controlling traffic. Whilst sitting waiting for the traffic lights we noted the large steel container designated the Large Dunny up in the bush. Once clearing the road works we were climbing and at times we were in third gear the climb was so steep. The benefit of course was the wonderful scenery of bush and ferns along the way. We came across a few pine forests some that were being cleared and they were leaving a mess both sides of the road. We finally arrived at Tarraleah and noted both the water channels and the pipelines delivering water to push the turbines to create power for Tassie.

We then back tracked to the Fourteen Mile track which was 20 kilometres long and all gravel the going was ok though in some patches of the road it was a bit corrugated. By going this way we cut off the Tarraleah gorges that would have added a further 50 kilometres to our distance to Derwent Bridge, our stop over for the night. We were back on the bitumen and before we knew it we had arrived at our camp spot at the hotel at Derwent Bridge. After setting up we then went in the Terios and had a cappuccino and chips and sausage rolls at the Wombat Cafe.
Then onto to the Pump House accommodation at Lake St Clair. We were to enter the National Park where a parks pass was required. This we declined and then drove on the gravel road down to the pump house where we took a few photo's and noted the accommodation was very up market, they were able to fish for trout virtually from their bedroom windows.
We were to see the spillway from Lake St Claire which is the start of the Derwent River which flows through to Hobart in the south.
Lake St Claire looks a treat with the mountains as a back drop and you could see that the area in the winter months would be snow country. We then drove back to the hotel where we sat out in the sun and then shade to read our books until we retire for a happy hour at the hotel throwing down a few frothy's. It has been a wonderful day again and other than the the very hill country the weather has been kind to us.

Wednesday the 17th of January
We had an enjoyable late happy hour after our evening meal with the many happy campers that were staying at the Derwent Park Hotel grounds. There were people from Germany and Italy plus others from overseas. We retired to bed around 10pm last night. This morning we sat out in the morning sun and had breakfast and then it was time to say good bye to those we met yesterday. They are going in all directions this morning. We hooked the Terios onto the motorhome and then we were on our way from the Central Highlands onto the West Coast. There was the sign welcoming us though we still had many kilometres to go before we arrived at our destination. The going was easy though we were to come across many horse shoe bends and the roads were narrow and did not leave much room for error. There was fair bit of traffic going in both directions so you could not cut corners besides there were double white lines nearly all the way. The scenery of the bush with its different types of trees showing the different shades of green dependant on the tree. We were to see many Bee Hives along the way and they were placed amongst the Leatherwood trees, which produces a world class honey. We came across Lake Burbury and we were to cross the lengthy bridge. There was plenty of water in the lake which is used to create Hydro Electricity Power for the state and interstate.

It wasn't long before we were climbing again though the highway was wider and the bends were not so bad, that is, until we arrived at the now partially deserted township of Linda that now boasts a cafe for tourists. Then we could see the workings of the Blow Hole which is at the back of the Mt Lyall Mining Lease. We were to pass Gormanston that is now just a shadow of its self since the Mine closed some years ago. Then we reached the top and started to wind our way down into Queenstown. We stopped at the lookout halfway down and took a photo of Queenstown nestled in the Valley. It is now noticeable that the once bare hills of Queenstown is being clawed back by mother nature for there are trees growing in the clay surface and in some places you can see dirt being produced by the leaves, debris etc off these small trees.
We drove down the last of the winding highway into the Queenstown and the first houses are those from the early 1900's and are made of orb galvanised tin for the outer cladding of the houses. Also prominent is the Mine Managers house which sits up on the highest knoll overlooking the mine and the town. It is a massive brick structure and very impressive even today.
We thought we would park up first and unhook the Terios and go walkabout. We noted that there was not any happy campers set up at the football oval so we drove down to have a look at the parking behind the Railway Hotel which turned out only suitable for campavans. Ian's fifth wheeler had no chance of parking there or us to boot.
We drove around to the council chambers and sought information on the football oval and sure enough freedom camping is now banned. So we decided to do what many others are doing and that is drive through Queenstown and not spending money at all.
We decided to head towards Strahan where there is no freedom camping though we would deal with that when we arrive. Around five kilometres from the turn off on the Lyall Highway we came across a gravel dump so we pulled in here for the night. We had a later lunch and then settled in the shade to read our books and no doubt we may have a few other happy campers come in to share the spot. This no doubt will probably lead to another late happy hour. The scenery due the sunny day with lack of clouds made the journey to here most enjoyable we all thought.

Thursday the 18th of January
We had our breakfast out in the morning sun and enjoyed the tranquility of the west coast bush. We had left some bread scraps out last night and they were gone this morning. We can only assume that the Tasmanian Devils took them during the night. We cleaned up and then we were on our way into Strahan. The road was very narrow bitumen though the scenery each side of the road was very nice. We were to see many bee hives again along the road. We finally arrived at Strahan and the town was busy with tourists everywhere. In a small town such as this it is a worry to see parking meters given that tourists hop on the boats to do the harbour trips and the Gordon below Franklin river cruises.
We found a parking spot and discovered free hot water showers on the Esplanade which we all took advantage of. Then a small walk of the town and we arrived back just as the helicopter full of passengers took off on a tour of the area. Where we were parked we look across the harbour to Regatta Point where the ABT Railway departs for Queenstown. We then said our farewells to the town and then we were on our way to Zeehan.

The road was a lot easier going and we were going through pine forests that they are currently harvesting. The scenery again was great especially with the clear blue sky in the background and full sun of course. When we arrived at Zeehan we first stopped at the supermarket for bread and a few veggies and then off to top up our fuel tanks with diesel for $1.34.9cents a litre some 10 cents a litre less that we have paid to date. Then onto the hardware store to get a few items and back on the road. We were to head for the turn off into Trial Harbour where we hoped to set up camp. The road for the first ten kilometres was bitumen and then the last 8 kilometres was gravel. The gravel was easy going for the council was grading the road the only downside was that there was a lot of dust and the poor old Terios was copping it. The last few kilometres off the hill into Trial Harbour was very narrow and we struck two vehicles driving up and there was just enough room going over the verges to pass. We went out to the camp area and it was absolutely full of happy campers. There was no room for us so we headed back to the highway. We stopped at the place the council workers were having smoko and they assured us that the road into Granville harbour had been graded a month ago. Back on the highway and we were to see many beautiful mountains and whilst driving along the road into Granville Harbour we were to see the Henty Sand Dunes and the Ocean. The gravel road was terribly corrugated therefore we virtually crawled in. When we came down the hill into the town we swung a right and came out onto the point overlooking the sea and set up camp for we now intend to stay a couple of days here and just relax and take in the ambiance and the sea views. We were to see a fishing boat go past the harbour heading somewhere of course. We are having an early happy hour today for we need to relax and enjoy the views. Tonight we will cook our meal on the fire and sit out not worrying about television once again. No doubt tonight when we go to bed we will read out books for awhile.

Friday the 19th of January
We had a lovely chimney fire last night and we had a couple of the local blokes join us for a few frothy's. They were able to tell us of the best places to go to catch fish and to see the coastal tracks. They offered us the use of their four wheel drive Suzuki to drive along the headlands and beach up to the Pieman River. We declined the offer and after they left we found we could not sit by the fire for their were hundreds of mosquito's descending upon us. So we came inside and set the mosquito coils which ensured a safe nights sleep.
This morning we awoke to overcast weather with the sun attempting to break through. It was windy as well and as we had our breakfast we watched again the local fisherman in their four wheel bikes and others in their four wheel drive utes going out to check their pots and pull their nets. One family came in their caravan and immediately starting diving for crayfish and abalone along the rocky shore. After breakfast we were sitting reading our books when one of the fisherman returned and gave us a beautiful Trumpeter and three Sweep, fish of course. We thanked them and then we cleaned them and Liz then coated them in breadcrumbs for our meal this evening. We were to have steak and onion in bread tonight we will now leave that until tomorrow night.
Liz was to do a bit of hand washing and we all read for awhile before unhooking the Terios.
We drove out along the rocky headland sometimes through sand and then water courses. Liz recalls us getting bogged a couple of years ago and was reluctant to come and after around three kilometres along the coast she hopped out whilst Ian and I drove on further and when coming to the shale we decided to turn around before becoming bogged.
We picked Liz up and then returned and then drove into the village and up to where the bloke said he would leave the keys in his Suzuki for us to use and sure enough there were keys in the ignition. We still declined to take his vehicle out. We drove up to the Pedders place and sat and talked to them for awhile and admired their sunken garden with a small stream passing through their property. Whilst there, they invited us to fill our water container with tank water which we thanked them so much. We then drove around the village for awhile and then came back to the camp where noted two new happy campers had settled in with their caravans.
We had to start the generator to run our battery chargers and other equipment for there was not much solar power taking place. The day was little cooler so we opted to have our lunch inside. We then read our books and had a snooze before happy hour commenced. It is threatening rain though the barometer is still high. Given the gift of fish and water and meeting local people the day has been great and we hope to burn our last chimney wood tonight before looking for more. hopefully the mosquito's will stay away. A local fellow just dropped in giving us some octopus legs to use as fish bait. So we may go fishing tonight or tomorrow.

Saturday the 20th of January
We had some happy campers join us for happy hour last night which was great. We were to watch the fishing boat come through the dangerous reefs that abound at the entrance to the bay. This morning when we arose at 7am it had departed no doubt to pull the crayfish catch of the day. We had our breakfast and due to the cold south westerly wind and the overcast sky we had our breakfast inside the motorhome. The happy campers we met last night moved on this morning. We were to watch the small boats go out to pull their cray pots and then return to the boat ramp. We went for a walk along the top of the rocky coastline and then when returning to camp we read our books for awhile. By 11am the clouds had cleared and the sun was shining brightly and our solar panels were working a treat. We then decided to go to Mitre 11 to drop off rubbish and see what was being thrown away by the locals. We were to get two perfectly good back packs which we put in the back of the Terios. Then we ventured out along the road we drove down when we arrived and then went off road towards the beach.
It was obvious that this is the rough track over to Trial Harbour. We only travelled so far; as we could not get close to the beach for we did not like the deep sand we needed to go down to arrive at the beach. We turned around and then returned back to the boat ramp and went along the rough track in that direction. On the way back to camp we stopped and took a photo of our motorhome's across the bay nestled under the lee of the Tea Tree's. This sheltered us from the north wester and northerly winds though not from the South Wester that was blowing this morning.
Back in the camp and due to the sunny conditions we sat near the Terios that allowed shelter from the wind. The professional Abalone Divers were in the bay and they spent around three hours getting their catch of Abalone.
We were to see a lot of four wheel drive vehicles and quad bikes going and returning from along the coast. Many had hooker gear aboard and we noticed some had cray rings and cray pots.
During the afternoon we decided to dismantle our camp and pull in the awnings and store away the fire pot for we are leaving in the morning to go to the Reece Dam which is our next freedom camp. We will sit outside after our evening meal, subject to the weather, before coming in to go to bed where no doubt we will read our books for awhile.

Sunday the 21st of January
The wind had gone around into the east this morning so the water in the harbour and beyond was reasonably calm. We sat outside drinking a cup of tea watching the amateur fisherman going around pulling there cray pots etc. We are not aware of what if anything they caught.
We decided to move on this morning so we had our breakfast and fastened everything down for we have to go across 8 kilometres of corrugated gravel road to get to the main road.
It was 9.30am when we pulled out and Liz is driving the Terios out to the bitumen and will warn us of any vehicles coming into Granville Harbour, which Liz was to do on one occasion which ensured we did not come to grief on any of the steep corners.
We were say goodbye to the locals we know and the bid Granville Harbour farewell. Other than the corrugations on the gravel road the going was easy for we drove to the condition of the road. We have to say that the rough road in and out is worth it given the excellent camping ground and the friendliness of the permanent people of the village.
We had discussion this morning and decided against going on the the "The Road to Nowhere" due to Ian not being able to fit on the fatman barge that takes you across the Pieman River and having to go out to the main road and do an extra 150 plus kilometres to meet up with us again at the Pieman.
We came onto the Reece Dam and then headed for the camp area across the dam. We set up and said hello to the happy campers who were there and decided to hop into the Terios and drive up to the lookout where we have camped in previous years.
We were to note that they have done considerable work with a new table and chairs plus clear the scrub away that used to block your view of the dam as well as widening the road into the lookout.
We decided to go back and pick up the motorhome's and come and camp at the lookout. On arrival we made sure that we did not block the area from other vehicles who may wish to arrive and take photo's, as many did. Some came to check us out for since the clearing of the scrub you can now see us as you drive across the dam. We have only travelled 18 kilometres today and are now resting up taking in the beautiful views across the dam and and its waters.
We have phone coverage for the first time in several days so we made a few phone calls and uploaded this section of the diary. We will just relax this afternoon and read our books and cook and eat our dinner tonight outside and continue to take in the beautiful views. We intend to move on tomorrow on to the Hellyer Gorge where there will be no phone coverage.

Monday the 22nd of January
Another quiet and restful night and on going outside this morning there was fog around the tops of the nearby mountains and it was drizzly rain though not enough to be a pest. We ate our breakfast at the outside table and admired the dam and its surroundings which, still looked beautiful this morning. We were to see the happy camper at the camp grounds across the river out in his canoe for the water backed behind the Reece Dam was very glassy with no waves etc. All good things must come to an end so we packed up for our next rest area at the Hellyer Gorge. As the hills were steep going up from the Reece Dam we opted for Liz driving the Terios until we had completed the climb and then hooked up. We had 55 kilometres to go to arrive at the turn off on the Murchinson Highway. The going was really hilly and we were to see many different sites along the road where they had set up their bee hives and collecting the leatherwood honey. It was a bit overcast though it did not effect the beautiful views of the button grass hills and the gum trees lining the sides of the highway.
We arrived at the turn off to the Bastion Dam so we drove it for a look see. We noted the dam was not as large as the Reece Dam though it was holding a lot of water behind its dam wall. We were to walk out along the top of the dam where we could see the spillway channel and the power station which appeared not to be in operation. Then onto the very large water intake and there was no action around that either. They had a very large switchyard which centralises the power from other dams before placing it into the grid for use around the state. While we were there we had a home made cappuccino before moving on.

It didn't take long and we arrived at the turnoff onto the Murchinson Highway. Now the cloud had cleared and the sun was shining which was warming up the day. Firstly we came across roadwork's with stop lights and then when it was our time to move I noted it was over 10 kilometres long the work being carried out.
After we left this section the going was easy even though we came across many hills that had us dropping back through in the gears. We finally arrived at the turn off to Waratah and we proceeded along that road for a couple of kilometres and then turned onto the old highway that would take us down to the Hellyer Gorge. The scenery on the way down to the gorge was great and before we knew it we had arrived. There was only one happy camper there when we set up though by the end of the day it was packed. We set up and had our lunch and then went for a walk on the Hellyer River walk down amongst the large ferns and alongside the flowing river. It was very picturesque all the way to the bridge and even from the bridge it was great. Later the road patrol man came into the area to clean the toilets and take away camper rubbish and we were to talk to him and he was to show us where the fresh water tap was that was tapped straight from the river. We tasted the water and it was great for it comes from the swiftly flowing Hellyer River and is filtered by the river rock and sand before arriving at the tap. Later we were to see an old Gypsy Van come into the area and it looked not of place at all. As they we having afternoon tea we did not interrupt them and before we could take a look and a natter they pulled out and were back on the road.
Well it is time for happy hour and as it is my birthday today we might just have a few more frothy's than normal and as well we plan on having a fire. Tomorrow we head off towards Sulphur Creek which will be our next and final camp before heading back to Launceston.

Tuesday the 23rd of January
Another peaceful night and on going outside this morning the wonderful shades of the colours of the different varieties of trees was to greet us. We could hear the gentle rush of the Hellyer Creek in the distance. We were to have a chin wag to several happy campers who were seeking information for their future travels and where we intended to go today. We were to have our breakfast and then it was time to move. We were to thank the patrolman for keeping the area so clean and then we were on our way.
First we went across the bridge spanning the Hellyer Gorge and then we remained in third gear for the climb up out of the Gorge for it was steep and windy, around 7 kilometres We were to come out of the West Coast and all its rain forest timbers and ferns and entered many plantations of pine and gum trees. Then it was onto farmland where the paddocks were being irrigated for grass for the milking cows, of which there appeared to be hundreds.
The whole countryside has changed and even though a little hilly it had a beautiful look about it. We were to arrive at Yolla where we turned onto the road into Somerset. We were to see the rocky coastline of the North West Coast looking back towards Wynyard and the a little further along we were to look down on the township of Somerset and the beach and the sea.
We finally arrived at the turn into Burnie and in no time at all we were in amongst the business section of the town and of course the dreaded traffic lights. The traffic was heavy, something we were not used to on this trip, though we managed to navigate our way through.
We drove through Burnie and then Wivenhoe and on to Sulphur Creek which is our rest area for tonight. Needless to say we arrived around 10.30 am and then parked up and boiled the kettle for a cuppa and sat out in the brilliant sunshine. The only downer was the wind from which, we had no protection and it would be like this all day. There were a few camped here though by mid day they had moved on though we expect the grounds to fill later in the day.
We were to look along the beach's into Sulphur Creek and we could see the headlands up as far as Wynyard. I took a photo of the freight train as it went past which is close to our camp. We suspect tonight that we will hear more trains travelling along the coast.
This is our last night travelling with Ian and we intend to have our last happy hour with him and intend later in the day to go to the local fish shop and order fish and chips for our evening meal. We will then sit outside and watch for the "Spirit of Tasmania ship" as it leaves the port of Devonport bound for Melbourne in Victoria. It wont be long before we are in fact travelling on the ship on our continued journey around Australia. We expect to have a peaceful night before heading into Launceston and the end of our trip tomorrow.

Wednesday the 24th of January
We had a wonderful happy hour last night, it being our last in the company of Ian. We were to see several cargo trains go by near our camp and then we were to see the Spirit of Tasmania leaving from Devonport for Melbourne. What a wonderful sunset it was over the beach and sea at Sulphur Creek. We went off to bed around 10.30pm.
This morning had a cuppa before breakfast and took in the scenery both on land and out to sea, where we noted a Toll ship leaving the Port of Burnie. We spoke to a nearby happy camper that had Solar problems yesterday afternoon that had righted its self overnight with the use of a generator. We were to say our farewells to all and we were on way to the dump point at Penguin.
This chore completed we were to say our final farewell to Ian who is returning to NSW in mid February. Then we elected to drive through the old coast road through the Township of Penguin. Surprising the amount of tourists around taking photo's of the large Penguin and of the surrounding environs. We were to arrive at West Ulverstone and elected to drive up the main street of Ulverstone which was busy with foot traffic and we came out at the famous Ulverstone Clock, it being a tribute to those who campaigned in the world wars. Back on the highway the traffic was dense though flowing nicely especially with the amount of large trucks and trailers. It did not take long to go through the cropping country just before Devonport and then we were to cross the Bridge that took us out of Devonport and onto Launceston. We noted that the temperature of the day was hovering around 30 degrees Celsius at around 11am. We arrived in launceston and started unpacking both the motorhome and the Terios. It was getting hotter so we had our lunch and decided to leave the cleaning and washing of the vehicles until later in the night.
Well, that is the end of our Tassie Tour which we have enjoyed immensely and no doubt around this time next year we will do the same travelling and sightseeing somewhere in our state of Tasmania. In all we travelled over 940 kilometres in the time on the road and other than a little rain and wind we had no bad things to say of our journey. The scenery of the state is so diverse over a short distance and we took heaps of photo's of which only a small amount appear on this page. Well now it is time to relax and work out where we will be travelling in the various states of Australia when we depart Tasmania on the Spirit of Tasmania in May this year.