Tasmania Week 3 – Brickendon to Beauty Point
Day 19
Anzac Day dawns and we had good intentions of rising for the dawn ceremony in Longford, however, we stayed abed. The sky turned on a beautiful sunrise and we took a moment to mark our respect. As we travel today, the locals have turned on their acknowledgment of Anzac Day and really focused on the poppy which has been, as far as we are aware, the memento for Armistice Day. Where we roll into this evening has certainly done their bit to mark Anzac Day and beautifully acknowledged the animals that served in war.
This morning, before leaving Brickendon, we explore the estate. Thank goodness for the foresight of the women of the Archer family – they were responsible for the ultimate preservation of this part of the Brickendon/Woolmer heritage. We take time to walk through, looking at the barns and the stables and the still working shearing shed, say hello to the crazy turkeys who strut their stuff and puff their rough at every opportunity,
This site is UNESCO listed. Woolmers, across the river, was owned by another branch of the family. It has been in a trust since early 1990’s when the last of that line of the family died a recluse who did not see his family across the river, save through the window of a car with his mother, who was known as “the duchess”. The estates are so different, having now been able to look at each, and run so differently. Brickendon is a 7th generation family working property.
Having taken our fill of this part of heritage, we move on for a mosey through the backroads and find out way to the Lilydale tunnel, a decommissioned railway tunnel that is 750m long. We do not feel the need to walk the entire distance but rather to marvel at the engineering efforts and the slope it is built on, as evidenced by the slight running water which pools to the side of the long disused track.
We are on the Northern Forage Drive today.
Leaving the tunnel, we really go the backroads and round about, along the Tamar River, across Batman’s Bridge and on to Brady’s Lookout then Turner Stillhouse and Tamar Ridge Winery. Tasting flights completed, we head up to Exeter and on to Beauty Point where we are staying tonight, glamping style. Our direct itinerary would be about 60km but us being us, we manage about 170km – and the backroads are truly lovely, rolling hills which are much nicer than highways zipping through the countryside.
There’s not really a lot to say about today. It is a more “restful” day if that makes the remotest bit of sense. Whilst we have some tastings, we are nowhere we need to be other than our accommodation which is a lovely glamping tent with ensuite, fridge with wine glasses already chilled, heater, electric blanket for the bed, and some deck chairs as well as a little table an chairs for civilised sipping or supping.
A stroll is necessary to the local fish and chippery for dinner, then back to settle into our space and consider what we will do tomorrow, over a glass (or 2) of Derwent Estate Rose – very nice drop it is too. Our original itinerary has wineries but let’s just see what the day brings with a quiet and slow morning ahead. Looks like we might swing by Burt Monroe’s Café – stay tuned.
