Monday 28th March 2011

Today we set off to drive the south eastern side of Tasmania – the Huon Way.  We left at 9.30am and arrived home at 6.15pm travelling a total of 327km.  What a great day.  Weather was again perfect, just like yesterday with a clear sky and the sun warming us nicely.  There is a cool breeze blowing so standing in the shade needed a jacket. 

First stop was Kingston where we found Kingston Beach and a lovely park as our cuppa break.  The beach formed a gentle curve and the Derwent River influenced by Storm Bay had gentle ankle waves breaking on the sand.  It certainly seemed a popular place for mums and littlies as there were at least 4 groups enjoying the beach.  Back to Kingston and then we headed down the Channel Highway which would take us towards Snug and Kettering (catch the vehicular ferry to Bruny Island) and just a little further down the highway we have a photo opportunity and wow there was the ferry actually crossing.  I had spotted the lovely sailing boat moored just below us and wanted to snap that when we saw the ferry coming to top it off.

Bruny Isl ferry in background

view across the Huon River

Finally around the bottom of this peninsular and we head up to Cygnet along the eastern side of the Huon River.  This was to be our lunch stop and we were taken by some of the lovely old buildings still in the little town. 

Catholic church and college building

We had been passing apple orchards along the road along with Hereford cattle grazing contentedly on the lush grass.  The mountain sides are covered with timber and there are log trucks carrying their huge loads.  At Geeveston we stop to photograph a huge log that was cut down in 1971.  The information advised that there had been another piece chosen to be for the display however it was so heavy it could not be carried and this second piece had to be cut. 

Imagine what the whole tree must have looked like?  In Tasmania any tree over 86 metres is now classified as a Giant Tree and is protected.  Swamp Gums are quite prolific and are also known as Tasmanian Oak.

Southport is our most southern destination for this visit to the Apple Isle.  Our trip has been along twisting roads as the mountains are quite close to the coastline down this end of the island.  Most of the names along the highway have been just small villages and Southport is no different.  A hotel with a caravan park attached and a few other buildings are all that is to be seen.  Fishing boats are moored at the jetty and Cape Bruny lighthouse is visible from the coast reached by driving down a short road. 

Cape Bruny lighthouse in distance

sea kelp in the swells

Down below us we could see kelp swaying in the water as the surges from the Tasman Sea came rolling into the bay.  Today the water was calm with little wind so what must it be like when the weather is blowing from the south.

There is an outlet from a tannin stained creek across the sand near the jetty.  The water is rushing out so our guess is that the creek is tidal. 

Standing watching the rushing brown water suddenly there is a loud splash noise.  We look around and see that the sandy sides of the outlet are falling in as the rushing water undermines them.  This must happen every time the water runs out, it was quite intriguing.  Needless to say the camera worked overtime to try and capture what was happening.

By the time we have a cuppa and decide to turn for home it has been 6 hours and 197 km since we left.  But a very enjoyable 6 hours.

The return trip takes us back through Huonville and Longley along the Huon Highway.  This road seems as though it might be the old highway back to Hobart as it is quite twisty and only two lanes as opposed to the 4 lanes that went back to the coast towards Kingston.  However the views to the east are fantastic, only problem is finding somewhere to stop for a photo.  We had been on the Hobart end of this road when we went to Mt Wellington the other day so now we were able to enjoy the views coming from the southern end.  Found another waterfall (Silver Falls) just before Fern Tree and we were able to stop and admire.  The rock looked so smooth from water running over it constantly and again what must it be like after heavy rain?

The trip to the south eastern coast below Hobart have shown us apple orchards, vineyards, timber, beef cattle and fishing as being industries that are keeping this area busy.  Evidence of catering for tourists is visible everywhere either with cafes, wineries and tastings, fruit stalls and craft displays happening all along the highway.  There were bed and breakfast signs along with the various camping sites for caravans and motorhomes all along the highway so the opportunity to explore this wonderful area is there.  Just needs to be warnings given about the drivers using both sides of the double white lines.