Bicheno

Bicheno

Exploring
Bicheno

Tasmania

Traveling to Bicheno as a family is an experience filled with seaside charm, outdoor adventure, and memorable moments. This stunning seaside village offers excellent fishing, good surf, and plenty of activities for all ages. We stayed at the Bicheno Holiday Park, one of the best parks we’ve encountered on our travels, as it didn’t charge extra for showers. The large sites were conveniently close to town and the beach, making it easy to explore everything Bicheno has to offer.

Exploring Douglas-Apsley National Park

Our adventure began with a visit to Douglas-Apsley National Park. The 20-minute walk to the large freshwater swimming hole was well worth it. We spent a wonderful day exploring and swimming with the kids, who loved the refreshing water and the natural surroundings. The park’s beauty and tranquility made it a perfect spot for a family outing.

Surfing at Redbill Beach

Next, we headed to Redbill Beach, a cute, small beach that offered excellent surfing conditions. For a few days, the beach worked as a point break with a low and slow right, perfect for our surfing sessions. The gentle waves provided a fun and safe environment for everyone, making it a highlight of our stay in Bicheno.

Dining at the Lobster Shack

No trip to Bicheno would be complete without a visit to the Lobster Shack. The boys were thrilled to taste crab, calamari, lobster, and fish. The seafood feast was a hit, and the amazing ice cream we had for dessert was the perfect way to finish off our meal. The Lobster Shack’s delicious offerings and friendly atmosphere made it a must-visit spot.

Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat Tour

One of the most exciting activities we enjoyed was Bicheno’s Glass Bottom Boat tour. The one-hour trip on the water allowed us to see a variety of marine life, including fish, stingrays, and a seal colony. The kids were fascinated by the underwater views and had a fantastic time spotting different creatures.

Visiting the Bicheno Blowhole

We also took a small and fun walk to the Bicheno Blowhole. Watching the powerful bursts of water shooting up through the rocks was both thrilling and mesmerizing. It was a simple yet captivating natural attraction that everyone enjoyed.

Easy Drive from the Bay of Fires

Getting to Bicheno from the Bay of Fires was an easy drive down the highway. The smooth journey allowed us to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Traveling to Bicheno as a family was an adventure filled with fun, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From exploring national parks and surfing pristine beaches to indulging in delicious seafood and discovering marine life, Bicheno offers something for everyone. We can’t wait to return and create even more memories in this beautiful seaside village.

Bay Of Fires

Bay Of Fires

Exploring
Bay of Fires

Tasmania

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family offers a truly unforgettable experience. Immersing you in one of Australia’s premier nature regions. With exceptional beaches, river systems, forests, waterfalls, and mountains, this area is a haven for nature lovers. We stayed at the Tasman Caravan Park in St Helens, which proved to be a fantastic base for all our adventures in the region.

Discovering The Gardens

Our journey began with a visit to The Gardens, the northernmost part of the Bay of Fires. This remote wilderness meets a stunning coastline, offering pristine beaches and captivating walks. The untouched beauty of this area made it a highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend spending time exploring its natural wonders.

Beach Bliss at Binalong Bay

Next, we headed to Binalong Bay, a charming small town with unreal beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores provided a picturesque setting for a family day out. The kids loved splashing in the waves, and we enjoyed the serene ambiance of this coastal gem.

The Fascinating Little Blue Lake

Located at South Mount Cameron, Little Blue Lake is a geological marvel worth visiting. The lake’s hyper blue color is due to abnormal mineral levels, creating a mesmerizing sight. Although swimming is not advised, the fun walk around half the lake provided plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to marvel at its unique beauty.

Mountain Biking in Derby

For a change of pace, we visited Derby, a small town dedicated to mountain biking. With several world-class trails, driving into town felt like stepping into a mountain biking movie. We also indulged in a visit to the floating sauna, a truly exceptional and unique experience that left us refreshed and rejuvenated.

Culinary Delights and Natural Wonders

No trip to the Bay of Fires is complete without a visit to the Pub in the Paddock and Pyengana Dairy Company. The pub, one of Australia’s oldest, served exceptional food, and the dairy company offered live cow milking presentations and some of the most incredible ice cream we’ve ever tasted. Just up the road, St Columba Falls, one of Tasmania’s premier waterfalls, provided a spectacular sight. Ella found a small water hole near the falls for a refreshing dip.

Surfing and Sand Dunes

Beerbarrel Beach was a great spot for a surf, and Ella caught a couple of waves in the afternoon. However, be mindful of the tricky currents. We also visited Peron Dunes, an exceptional spot for the kids to slide down on bodyboards and have fun running around the massive dune system right on the beach.

Surf Village Vibes at Beaumaris Beach

Our adventure continued to Beaumaris Beach, a little surf village where we spent fun mornings chatting with locals and watching surfers. The open beach, with its left break off a small headland, provided an exciting surfing experience.

Navigating St Mary’s Pass

On our way to St Helens, we drove through St Mary’s and down St Mary’s Pass. After our experience with Bulli Pass, we were initially apprehensive, but we found this pass manageable if you take your time. Set your brakes right and enjoy the scenic drive without too much fret.

Traveling to the Bay of Fires as a family was a remarkable experience filled with adventure, natural beauty, and memorable moments. We can’t wait to return and explore even more of this incredible region.

Boat Harbour

Boat Harbour

Exploring
Boat Harbour

Tasmania

Boat Harbour is one of the most incredible beaches, not just in Tasmania but in all of Australia. Nestled down a steep hill, this hidden gem offers a slice of paradise. This contrasts the usual rocky, uneven coastline typical of Northern Tasmania. Traveling to Boat Harbour as a family promises a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery.

The Hidden Gem of Tasmania’s North

Unlike much of the Northern Tasmanian coastline, which can be rugged and less inviting, Boat Harbour stands out with its pristine sands and clear waters. The small town of Boat Harbour is tucked away, providing a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While you’ll need to do your grocery shopping down the road at Burnie, once you’re settled in, you might find it hard to leave this coastal haven.

Activities and Adventures

Boat Harbour isn’t just about stunning views; it also offers a range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. We enjoyed mostly flat, beautiful days perfect for snorkeling and fishing. However, the area is also known for its surf, with waves rolling in when conditions are right.

The beach features a great café and a playground, providing a perfect spot for a relaxing day out. For those seeking more adventure, a trip to Sisters Beach offers more exploration opportunities. If you visit during the right time of year, the Tulip Farm at Table Cape, about 20 minutes east of Boat Harbour, is a must-see with its vibrant blooms.

Staying at Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park

Our stay at the Boat Harbour Beach Holiday Park was a highlight of our trip. Although getting onto our site required some tricky driving and reversing our caravan up a hill. The stunning views made it all worthwhile. For those less inclined towards such challenges, easier sites are available. The park’s facilities were good, and it was a short walk down the hill to the beach. However, the steep walk back up led us to drive down most of the time.

Getting There

Reaching Boat Harbour involves a scenic drive down the highway, followed by a turn-off and a steep descent into the town. The road narrows significantly, so it’s important to take it easy and drive carefully.

Traveling to Boat Harbour as a family was an unforgettable experience, combining the serenity of a hidden beach paradise with various activities and adventures. Whether it’s snorkeling in calm waters, catching a wave, or exploring nearby attractions, Boat Harbour offers something for everyone. So pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready to create lasting memories in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful coastal towns.

Ulverstone

Ulverstone

Exploring
Ulverstone

Tasmania

Traveling to Ulverstone as a family

When we initially planned our trip, Ulverstone was not on our list of destinations. However, when our 30-year-old fridge started giving us trouble, it became clear we needed an upgrade. Caravan repairs can be difficult to schedule, but we were fortunate to find a supplier of Bushman fridges in nearby Penguin who could order and install a new fridge quickly. This unexpected turn led us to spend a week in Ulverstone, a week that turned out to be filled with fantastic adventures.

A Week of Surprises and Joy

Our week in Ulverstone, which we initially thought would be a write-off, turned out to be a delightful surprise. One of the highlights was catching up with friends from Coffs, which was a massive treat for us.

We stayed at Apex Beachside Holiday Park in West Ulverstone, and it was an absolute blast. One of the most amazing experiences was seeing penguins walking around our caravan most nights. This park was not only reasonably priced but also offered us a front-row seat to nature’s wonders.

Exploring Leven Canyon

One of our memorable adventures was visiting Leven Canyon. The canyon itself is incredible, with breathtaking views and a rugged, challenging walk that took us through the circuit. While the numerous stairs and steps made it tough for the kids, we persevered and were rewarded with stunning scenery.

 

Discovering Penguin

The nearby town of Penguin was another gem. We enjoyed a visit to the great playground there and indulged in some fun shopping. Penguin is a cute seaside town with a charming atmosphere, perfect for a family outing.

Relaxing at Bannons Park

While searching for waterfalls, we stumbled across Bannons Park, an off-grid area where we enjoyed a barbecue and a swim. This cute park provided a peaceful and refreshing break from our busy itinerary.

Visiting Delaneys Falls

Delaneys Falls was another highlight of our stay. This waterfall, with its easy walk and picturesque setting, was a pleasant excursion for the whole family.

Easy Accessibility

One of the convenient aspects of Ulverstone is its accessibility. The drive is easy, with a short trip off the highway, making it a stress-free destination for families traveling with kids.

In conclusion, what began as a necessary detour for a fridge repair turned into a week of unexpected adventures and cherished memories. If you ever find yourself traveling to Ulverstone as a family, embrace the opportunities it offers—you might be as pleasantly surprised as we were.

Next stop for you could be Stanley, Cradle Mountain or  Bay of Fires!

Longford

Longford

Exploring
Longford

Tasmania

Traveling to Longford as a family offered us an exceptional opportunity to explore the heart of Tasmania. This quaint, historic town, just 20 minutes south of Launceston, became our perfect base for our adventures in central Tasmania. We stayed at the picturesque Longford Riverside Caravan Park, nestled on the banks of the Macquarie River. The park provided great facilities and friendly staff, making our stay pleasant and comfortable.

Launceston: The Hub of Convenience

Launceston, being so close, was our go-to city for all our needs. Whether it was stocking up on supplies, getting a car service, or indulging in fast food, Launceston had it all. The city also boasts a variety of attractions that kept the kids entertained. From interactive museums to beautiful parks, there was no shortage of activities to fill our days.

The Majestic Liffy Falls

A highlight of our trip was visiting Liffy Falls, about an hour’s drive from Longford. The journey itself was breathtaking, showcasing the best of central Tasmania’s landscapes. Liffy Falls is undoubtedly one of Australia’s premier waterfall systems. Ella, our adventure-loving daughter, braved the freezing waters for a swim, though the rest of us were content to admire the falls from the sidelines.

Delightful Longford Berries

Our visit to Longford Berries was another family favorite. This charming berry-picking spot offered incredible ice cream and strawberry gin tasting, much to the delight of both the kids and adults. The small playground kept the little ones busy while we enjoyed the warm hospitality of the owners. It was a perfect blend of relaxation and fun, making it a memorable stop on our journey.

The Scenic Great Lake

We dedicated half a day to exploring Great Lake, a trip that involved a lot of driving and sightseeing. Situated in the middle of Tasmania, this area is known for its cooler temperatures. Even in summer, it was quite chilly, but the stunning scenery made it worthwhile. The vast, serene lake and its surrounding landscapes were a testament to Tasmania’s natural beauty.

Discovering Honeycomb Caves

Our adventure took an unexpected turn when we stumbled upon Honeycomb Caves near Mole Creek. While the famous Mole Creek caves require booking and come with a fee, Honeycomb Caves offered a free and flexible alternative. This off-grid camping area featured a fascinating underground creek system that we could explore. Ella, ever the brave soul, took a dip in the frigid 8-degree water, adding to her collection of daring swims.

Easy Access to Longford

Driving to Longford was a breeze, thanks to the almost entirely dual-lane highway. This ease of access made our travels smooth and stress-free, allowing us to focus on enjoying our time together as a family.

Traveling to Longford as a family was a delightful experience filled with stunning landscapes, charming local spots, and plenty of adventure. From the historic town’s hospitality to the natural wonders of central Tasmania, every moment was a cherished memory.