I was really interested to explore the beautiful granite boulders and coloured rocks of the Bay of Fires but time was our enemy, so we instead settled on a stop at the very quaint holiday village & fishing town of Bicheno, this way I could still enjoy seeing these gorgeous rocks up close. Lichens (tiny organisms that live on the rocks) are what cause the delightful orange & red hues.
The Bicheno Blowhole was also a point of interest for us and is located a short distance from town. Parking was at a premium the day we visited so a spot on the side of the road it was. Caution advised for drivers & pedestrians alike. Easy walking track from roadway to the Blowhole but I did not feel it was wheelchair accessible. From our parking spot we also enjoyed great views of the Blowhole too.
Stopped for lunch at The Lobster Shack but the walk around Waubs Harbour, Boat Jetty and Marina we found more interesting. Always carry a jacket with you when in Tassie and this day was no exception, blowing a gale but just such a beautiful area so well worth the visit for the animal spotting. Governor Island Marine Reserve sits not far offshore and is home to many migratory Birds, Australian Fur Seals & Penguins. There is also a couple of other tourism products Bicheno Glass Bottom Boat tours and Waubs Harbour Distillery (a converted Oyster hatchery) to check out as well.
Continuing a 40-minute drive south to Freycinet National Park, we stopped in the Visitor Centre to update our Parks pass then continued to our overnight accommodation at Freycinet Lodge. This is my second visit to the region and still loved this visit as much as my first. From walking trails to swimming & snorkelling in the ocean, the spectacular views of the Hazards, the scenery and the wildlife to me is always wonderous.
Highlights on this visit:
Flavours of the East Coast – this is a daily Food & Wine tasting trying East Coast Wines paired with locally sourced foods. A fantastic introduction to Tasmania’s East Coast cuisine and beverages, an experience not to be missed.
Honeymoon Bay & Richardson’s Beach – walk followed by swimming, snorkelling & rock hopping.
The Bay Restaurant – Dinner, a superb dining experience of local regional produce and amazing Tasmanian wine.
Oyster Bay Tours – not only an informative educational introduction into Oyster Farming but you also get to don a pair of waterproof waders and wander out into the water to see how Oysters grow from the tiny Spat to the yummy treats we have come to love and enjoy. After all your hard work, the best part enjoying the crop washed down with a local Reisling but first you must learn how to shuck! Declan is a fantastic spokesperson for his industry, his passion and enthusiasm to teach everyone about Oyster farming is compelling. Probably one of the best hands-on tour experiences I have had and just so great to be able to support a family-owned local business.
Pennicott Journeys, Wineglass Bay Cruises – what a different way to enjoy Freycinet National Park. I boarded the Pennicott Journeys vessel from the dock at Freycinet Lodge which was fab. The Sky Lounge, which is an adult only area of the Schouten Passage II vessel I would highly recommend. You have a great viewing deck, morning tea, incredible lunch and beverages are all included. The commentary on board is great, staff could not have been more welcoming and friendly. The coastline is dramatic and ever changing. We travelled all the way through the passage between Schouten Island around to Wineglass Bay. The granite cliffs, bird life and waterfalls were stunning.
For more information:
