Saturday 2nd April 2011

Another day out sightseeing.  Still based at Swansea, we head out to explore the Freycinet Peninsula so the thermos and picnic lunch are all packed.  Heading up the Tasman Highway we start to see more vineyards.  Climbing Cherry Tree Hill (no we couldn’t see one) the view across Great Oyster Bay towards the Peninsula was quite special.  Coming down the other side of the hill we see vineyards and walnut orchards for as far as you could see.  This is the site of the Freycinet Vineyards and there is a large area under cultivation.  Our turnoff to Coles Bay is approximately 30km north of Swansea and we then head out towards the National Park and it isn’t long before The Hazard Range is on view.  This range consists of 5 pink/red granite mountains that keep watch over this scenic area.

Further along into the park is the site of the famous Wineglass Bay, judged as one of the top 10 beaches in the world for it’s fine white sand.  Again we had been here 18yrs ago but there has been much development since then.  There is now a Visitors Information Centre run by National Parks providing great info and displays on the area along with all the various souvenirs and of course also now an entry fee to the park.  The day cost for a vehicle is $24 so having purchased our ‘Parks Pass’ on the ferry coming over we are now well ahead instead of paying individually at each park we have visited.  There seems to be quite a few more buildings and most of them are accommodation cottages and units it seems.

Parking at the walk car-park we cannot help but notice that the wallabies are missing.  Last time we were surrounded by them soon after exiting the car.  Admittedly there were not many vehicles parked there that time, not like today, where there are now 3 levels of parking and most of the spaces are filled.    The track up to the lookout is certainly much improved and although it is mostly uphill the steps and wide track make it reasonable going.  You always like to stop and admire the improving view as you go so that helps get the breath back (well that is my excuse anyway).

white tea tree

banksia

White Tea-tree is in flower all along the track and combined with the various strains of Banksias and the fantastic views the climb doesn’t seem too bad.  There are plenty of rocky seats that have been constructed along the way for a ‘sit and view’, and as the track is ‘one way’ you don’t have folk walking down towards you.   We passed some interesting rock formations along the way and also an interesting tree trunk.  Now can you see anyone peeping out?

Rain Shelter?

Arriving at the lookout we take our turn at getting photos as now there are people everywhere it seems.  The view is still magic, like before, but we decide against the 90min return walk from here down to the beach and settle for just the lookout.  Finding a spare rock we sit ourselves and enjoy an apple and a chocolate as a reward before starting the track back down to the car-park. 

Wineglass Bay

Driving back towards Coles Bay we turn off and take the road to Cape Tourville and the lighthouse walk.  This is a walk that is wheelchair friendly so no need for rest breaks here.  The view again is spectacular back along the coast and as the coastline has curved further east we can actually see the entrance to Wineglass Bay from our vantage point.  There is no mistaking that white sand in the distance.   

looking south

There are two large rocky islands just off the coast from us and they look like happy homes for various sea birds.  The sign advised that if we travelled due east of our point we would hit the mid coast of the South Island of New Zealand.  Also the yachts in the Sydney to Hobart race can be seen passing from this point.  Fortunately for us the day was fine with only light cloud and a cooool breeze so visibility all around was good.

What more could you ask for than after returning to base, a spectacular sunset to finish the day.