Seahorses & Platypus

Friday 28th

We had a plan....and for once we didn't change our minds. First to Launceston to find an iSite, collect more leaflets on things to see and do around the area and then go do it!

Cataract Gorge was first on our to-do list. 59k of walks and tracks through bush including taking a oneway chairlift across the South Esk River, the longest river in Tasmania, and returning via Alexandra swing bridge. Of course, we didn't do the 59k but a mere 8k but that 8 was challenging enough.

Early afternoon and we headed for Seahorse World at Beauty Point. A 40k drive along highway 7. On arrival not only the Seahorse World but Platypus House where one could get really close to these unique egg-laying mammals.

From newborns top left to 1-month-old bottom left

The seahorse tour finished at 2.55 which gave us 5 minutes to leg it across the car park to the Platypus house. 3 years ago we were fortunate to see these mammals in the wild but this place gave a great view of their underwater world and the way they feed.

One thing we hadn't planned and that was where to stop for the night. Ian found a Freedom site at Greens Beach about 10k up the road, looked lovely and we were all set to stop when I spied a notice stating no overnight camping! All was not lost as further along the beach road a proper campsite with all amenities looking like a good bet. In we went, paid over our $30 for a site with electric and then discovered that the showers had to be paid for, $1 for 4 minutes! All well and good but by the time you put the money in, undress, wait for the hot water to come through, half your time had gone! Only just managed to rinse before the water cut off. Note to oneself, undress first before putting in the money!

And seen on our walk,

Bay of Fires and waterfalls

Wednesday 26th cont....

After cuddling that adorable baby Wombat earlier I did wonder what we could now do to top that experience. So far we haven't any plan, not route wise or excursions. Waterfalls are quite numerous in this part but that means an inland treck whereas at the moment we are heading around the coast. We were told to go see the Bay of Fire and even with the changeable weather this part of the Northern coastline didn't disappoint. The name refers to the Aboriginal fires spotted by Captain Tobias Furneaux when he sailed past in 1773, but could it be the brilliant orange lichen that grows on the granite boulders?

There happened to be freedom camping very near to the beach but we did struggle to find a spot. Down three sandy tracks, and every convenient spot was full. Luckily the forth and last area we tried had a vacant spot.

 Ian even got to dip his feet in the sea, very brave if I may say so because the Tasmine Sea is bloody cold!

Sea on one side and this beautiful small lake on the other.

Reminds me of an oasis.

Thursday 27th....cold with a fierce wind!

We did make a decision, head inland to St Columba Falls at Pyengana, one of the highest falls in Tasmania with a 90-metre drop. Saw lots of fire-ravaged trees as we drove along the highway, but not all the trees had been consumed. Amazing how flames can jump across small areas leaving some trees intact.

The walk to St Columba Falls was a short one, 10 minutes was all it took,  all downhill with some steep bits which I dreaded having to walk back up. It was well worth the effort I thought.

Seen from the road before the descent

But not so the next falls at Lillydale. Two falls both named the same and within 5 minutes walk of each other. Most disappointing but there was a bonus though. It was also a Freedom camping ground and lucky for us we arrived early and could pick a good spot. Now there is not a space to be had.

Lillydale Falls (1)

and (2)

And seen on route,

The painted rock Derby (fish)

 And wildlife

Swamp Harrier

Blackheaded Plover

Fairy Wren female

and male