Tasmania 2023 – Week 3 Beauty Point to Deloraine
Day 22
Over the evening, and into the morning, rain came tumbling down with the temperature being a moderate 13 or so – helped with the heater in the super-sized swag and the electric blanket which worked a treat to take the edge of the lovely cotton sheets.
When the rain stopped, the wind came up – it blitzed around the layers of the swag and eventually settled down to a light breeze. There are 2 layers to the roof of the swag. It was not a harsh sound as the wind did its thing. What was more entertaining was the bird sound from the plovers who were doing whatever it is they do and then the other birds chiming in for their say from time to time.
Breakfast was at the River Café before meandering through the Meander Valley. We found a lot of back roads, bends and turns and a little backtracking when the decision was made not to go to the Honor Falls, after we had found out the Liffey Falls were closed. The backroads were absolutely lovely, England-like and lots of hedgerows.
We were entranced for a bit watching some eagles soar on the wind currents, doing their thing. They are a majestic bird, as much as they annoy the farmers and feed on their livestock.
We could have been just about anywhere as we moseyed through the countryside – there were no definitive markers for Tasmania or New South Wales or England. We saw Highland Cattle so we could have been in Scotland…
We manage to turn what should be a drive of about 110km into something more and will do the same tomorrow but expanding a lot less distance into proportionately a lot more.
Coming through Deloraine, we suss out where we are staying then head on to the Salmon and Ginseng Farm, in the midst of more rain – having hung around for ages, had the occasional spit and then decided that when we were about to get out of the car it was a good time for a dumping. A tasting plate of hot smoked salmon was enjoyed – fresh smoked salmon was really good. Coming back into town, we informally decide that we should partake of a number of the pubs/drinking establishments after having an ice-cream sundae/banana split at the Cruzin’ in the 50’s Diner – what a cool joint. The box hedges they are crafting at the front are something else – in time there will be a car, it already sits next to what is becoming a bowser and there are car parts in the open sections of the hedge. It is not expensive in the big scheme of things and the food and service were good. Fantastic atmosphere.
Moving across the road, we found the Bush Inn Brewhouse and partook of some sloe gin and a warm hard ginger beer as it was definitely the weather for it. The sun came out and the wind played around some more but having been fortified and wearing our winter jackets, we strolled on to the Red Brick Brewery where we partook of a mighty fine G&T off tap with ice set with gin botanicals. Moving on, having warmed our feet by the fire, we strolled up town and found the Little Green Men Brewing Co at the British Inn and partook of some of their ales. Returning down the main street, we found our way to the Empire Hotel where we are staying tonight. They are a little crazy about cycling here. The room is gorgeous, with en suite and a small sitting room of our own. There is a heater and an electric blanket (well my side worked). The restaurant was busy so it must be a popular place.
In the course of the afternoon, as we were resting having explored the local establishments, we heard a train sound its horn, then watched as the round about that splits town ground to a halt, waiting for the train (3 diesel locomotives) to pass through. It had various shipping containers and several empty coal wagons. We weren’t quick enough or dedicated enough to count the number of wagons but guess it was about 40-45 wagons long – it certainly made for banked up traffic, as much as you get in a town like Deloraine, and I don’t say that disrespectfully, it is simply not a huge town although it is big enough for a Woolworths.
The statues in the main street are lovely – we saw most of them last trip through. As with some of the towns we have passed through, it is larger than we had thought. Some of the places we have been today are part of a Tasting Trail – the map for which I will have to upload so you can see where to visit. There’s a lot in this area and well worth some time. As with the locations we have visited so far, the people are sociable and surprisingly tolerant given some of the behaviours you see (and you see those everywhere).
