Tried to book a wine tour for today but they were all booked out, better luck for tomorrow with a 6 hour tour, lunch included with a visit to a few Tamar Valley winerys....expect a messy blog after this performance??
Plenty of research done for todays itinerary, the result being a visit to the Cataract Gorge followed by a wander up the eastern side of the Tamar Valley to the Low Head Lighthouse.
Arrived at Cataract Gorge at about 9am after cleaning the ice off the window of the car. There was some discussion about volunteers for the chair lift, I was keen and the only other candidate was Denise, so we set off for the aerial route to the other side while Pam and Noelene decided to walk across over the suspension bridge. We met on the other side, dodged a few peacocks and walked back to the cafe, had coffee and scones at the reasonable time of 10.15 and had a committee meeting about our next expedition.
Cruise on the cataract Gorge at 11.30. Went on a 50 minute cruise, up the Tamar River for 10 minutes, along the North Esk River for 10 minutes, up the South Esk River for 10 minutes (the longest river in Tasmania) and into the Cataract Gorge. I know it sounds exhausting but it was a very relaxing cruise on the little boat Lady Launceston, with a commentary where we learnt just a little about Launceston.
Following the cruise lunch was at a small cafe at Hillwood township on the banks of the Tamar River, about halfway to the Low Head Lighthouse. Very interesting lunch, an old style cafe, operated by a couple who looked 80 years old, the menu had about 50 items and included all the favourites from the 1950s and prices almost to match (savoury mince, grilled cheese melts and others). Delicious lunch at reasonable prices with great views.
Went the scenic route to Batman Bridge, then on to Low Head Lighthouse, took a couple of photos then headed south, over Batman bridge to Bradys Lookout. Great views but Brady was a bit of a bad person and after being transported from the UK for stealing food was subsequently hanged for a multiple of offences committed as a bushranger, one of his hangouts was this particular lookout.
It was almost beer time by the time we left Brady so it was straight to Dan Murphys for some 'groceries' and home to turn the air conditioning on high and plan our gourmet dinner of cheese, biscuits and/or toast. Of course alcohol makes it all taste delicious!!!
 |
| Over we go!! |
 |
| The causeway |
 |
| Almost there |
 |
| Happy campers |
 |
| Back to the cafe, looking for coffee |
 |
| Between a rock and another rock |
 |
| On the 'Inclinator' - covered in ice?? |
 |
| Gorgeous houses overlooking the river |
 |
| An old wharf |
 |
| Dry dock Launceston style |
 |
| Stuck in the mud |
 |
| Photos along the Cataract Gorge, the tide line quite visible |
 |
| The old wharf under the new boardwalk |
 |
| Our ship, the Lady Launceston |
 |
| Views at Hillwood - our lunch stop |
 |
| Another diversion/scenic route |
 |
| Batman Bridge across the Tamar |
 |
| The three amigos at Low Head Lighthouse overlooking Bass Strait |
 |
| Looking south down the Tamar Valley |
 |
| Views from Bradys Lookout over the Tamar |
