Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 - To the North-East Coast

Launceston was not our destination - our goal was to spend time on the north-east coast of Tasmania. So we left our accommodation, but had a few more Launceston sights before heading out of town. The first was Cataract Gorge, at the head of the South Esk River. The amount of water was low at this time of year (midsummer), but the high water mark suggests it can become quite spectacular when the water is high. It is nicely set up as a recreation area 15 minutes from the city with a swimming pool, chair lift, trails, restaurant etc. When I saw that the chair lift was the 'world's longest single span' chairlift (1,010 ft), you know we had to try it!

Angus and Judy took off first.

 There is a pool of water called the First Basin that the chairlift goes over.

 

The South Esk River comes out into the Basin under the Alexandra Suspension Bridge, built in 1904.

  

We enjoyed seeing a little pademelon (a small wallaby) and peacocks wandering around the 100 year old gardens on the other side of the basin. 

He was obviously used to people as he allowed me to get quite close for photos.






I would rate the experience of Cataract Gorge as pleasant - it doesn't fall into the 'great' category. Lots of dolerite, a deeply formed igneous rock showing in lovely columns, similar to the cooling columns of basalt.

Before finally getting on the road, we swung by the Design Center Tasmania - Australia's only collection of contemporary wood design. The shop had lots of temptations, but budget and space saved me from any aquisitive urges. Our favorite piece was a Tasmanian spotted quoll (tiger cat) made with inlaid wood that sat on the counter. It was only AUD $19,000 (USD $14,500) for me to take home. I left the beautiful creature on the counter for the next visitors!

Finally on the road for Scamander, via Scottsdale, took us through a number of small mountain ranges. The drive was a mixture of beautiful hilly farmland set out in patchwork varieties of color and lush bushland. (In Australia, the 'woods' are called 'bush', so don't be alarmed at my terminology!) With the narrow two lane road, and many hair-pin turns we were glad to see the ocean finally stretching ahead of us in the distance.

This is taken from The Sideling Lookout on the Scottsdale Road - a very winding two lane road that crossed many mountain ranges.

From my seat in the back of the car, I snap occasional pictures - some of which turn out well. I like this one. I love the little rusty shed and the beautiful sky.

This one is also from the backseat and shows a bay near St. Helen's, not far from Scamander.

Our accommodation choice in Scamander is a little south of our real area of interest, The Bay of Fires, but we chose it for being in the first row of houses along the shoreline and good value. We will spend four nights here.