Tasman Island and Devils
Let me start by saying that none of what I write is sponsored, it derives from experiences I have paid to attend and this was one of them – through Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. The basic day trip from Hobart was to do the drive from Hobart to near Port Arthur, board a boat to do a cruise to Tasman Island then head back. There are some hours between when the cruise ends and the ride home begins so look out for options, I chose Unzoo.
The Pennicott team do a fabulous job – from Phil our driver to Ange the guide and Dave(? Apologies as I forgot your name) our boat captain who was amazing. We had 8 people heading to and from and then 20+ on a cruise that is normally about 45. What a bonus.
A fabulous way to see some of the countryside if you are pushed for time. It is a relatively early start but also, it was an opportunity to see a lovely sunrise and picture perfect conditions at Constitution Dock and Sullivans Cove – how amazing. There was no wind about and we set out at 7.45am.
The bus trip was uneventful – exactly as you want it to be. Morning tea and lunch were included. The cruise is on a small vessel and you do require the seat belt that is fitted to the boat. We were moving through 3-4m swells, down from the 6-10m recently experienced. There was one wave that well and truly reminded you that you benefited from having your seatbelt fastened and I had to wonder whether I would have bruising the next day (I didn’t in case you were wondering).
There were dolphins, 2 types of albatross, seals and a wedgetail eagle that had taken over a sea eagle’s nest, as well as cormorants. The weather held and provided a magical day for exploring. The sea sickness preventative probably helped – a basic ginger tablet provided at the start of the trip.
I take my proverbial hat off to the early explorers of not only this country but the seas – the east coast of Tasmania is littered with wrecks, it is so desolate and so unforgiving. The dolomite cliffs are so unusual and unique – we do live in a pretty spectacular country which could have been settled by the French, or others for that matter.
Our return requires us to pass the Isle of the Dead at Port Arthur and you get a quick look at the Port Arthur site as we mosey in to the dock. There is so much history and trauma here. Those boys endured so much and the whole colony was really one of slavery, not that we acknowledge that.
On returning to land, there is a lovely hike back to the office, up the hill, across through the path and down to the office then onto the bus and lunch at the Port Arthur Lavendar Farm – a polenta stack for me, which was amazing. Lunch sorted and stomach sated, I had elected to go to Unzoo where there were Tasmania Devils. I missed the Devil feeding, but saw the rosella and the kangaroo. I wandered the paths and scouted about. It’s a pretty quiet, nor terribly busy, set up on the day we attend.
We are collected at 4.45pm for return to Hobart at 6.00pm. It is big, busy, lovely day.
Tonight I had booked at Mures Seafood, upper deck. I haven’t tried the lower deck. You need to book some time in advance and it was a very pleasant meal although the seafood stew was very hot, cooking the salmon through by the time I ate it. I accompanied the meal with a glass of Stefano Lubiano sparkling. Tasmania does amazing food, chocolate (as it is a separate food group of its own), coffee, wine and spirits. Having eaten my fill of 6 fresh oysters, the seafood stew and a divine earl grey tea crème brulee, it was time to wander across the road and fall into bed – a day most well had.
