Bay Of Fires

Bay Of Fires

by | Jul 29, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

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.

Longford

Longford

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

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.

Stanley

Stanley

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Stanley

Tasmania

Nestled on the North West coast of Tasmania, Stanley is the largest town in the region, boasting historic charm and serving as a hub for surrounding fishing villages. With its scenic landscapes and quaint atmosphere, Traveling to Stanley as a family offers a perfect getaway for families seeking adventure and relaxation.

Getting to Stanley

Traveling to Stanley as a family will most likely include either traveling west from Devonport or Launceston. This route takes you through several major towns where you can stock up on essentials before reaching Stanley. Alternatively, you might come from the south, passing through towns like Strahan, Queenstown, or Zeehan. Having previously driven this route in a small campervan, we decided against taking our caravan due to the challenging roads.

Our journey from Gowrie Park to Stanley involved backtracking to Devonport before heading along the coast. The initial part of the drive was narrow and winding, but after Devonport, the road transformed into a major highway, making the drive as easy as it gets in Tasmania.

A Delightful Stop at Tuckers Beach Strawberry Farm

On our way to Stanley, we stopped for lunch at Tuckers Beach Strawberry Farm. This place was a highlight of our trip. With incredible food, a great play area for the kids, and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, it was a perfect family stop. The kids loved exploring the farm and tasting the fresh berries straight from the vine.

Accommodation at Big 4 Stanley

We stayed at the Big 4 Stanley for our four-day visit. It was one of the few parks where you didn’t have to pay for showers, a small but appreciated detail. The facilities were excellent, and the staff were friendly and accommodating, making our stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Exploring Stanley

Walking The Nut

One of the must-do activities in Stanley is trekking The Nut, a volcanic plug that stands out as one of Australia’s most unique landmarks. The walk up and around The Nut is a fun couple of kilometers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We tackled it on a particularly windy day, but it seems that windy conditions are more common than calm ones in this region.

Surfing at Godfrey’s Beach

Ella managed to squeeze in a surf session at Godfrey’s Beach on a day when the winds were offshore and the waves were clean. This iconic spot provided an unforgettable surfing experience, even if it was brief.

Dinner at Hursey Seafoods

Mel and Gary kindly took care of the kids one evening, allowing us to enjoy a date night at Hursey Seafoods. The seafood was exceptional, and we had a wonderful time dining in this charming restaurant, making it one of the memorable highlights of our trip.

Greenpoint Beach

We also took a drive to Greenpoint Beach, about an hour away, to check the surf. Although the wind wasn’t favorable that day, the raw beauty of this remote beach was evident. It’s renowned for being a great surfing spot, and we could easily see its potential.

National Park Drives

Stanley is surrounded by accessible nature reserves and national parks. We took the time to explore some of Australia’s most remote forests, immersing ourselves in the tranquility and beauty of the natural environment.

Traveling to Stanley as a family provided us with a mix of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. From trekking up The Nut to enjoying fresh seafood, Stanley offered something for everyone. If you’re planning a family trip, Stanley should definitely be on your list.

 

Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain

by | Jul 23, 2024 | Locations, Tasmania

Exploring
Cradle Mountain

Tasmania

Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family is a chance to visit one of Australia’s most iconic and recognisable landmarks. This place is incredible. With multiple walks, hikes, and treks, filled with mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and rivers, it is a natural wonderland. It also snows here a lot, so be prepared all year round for it to be cold. We went in January and still needed normal winter clothes we would normally wear back home in Coffs Harbour.

Accommodation: Gowrie Park Wilderness Village

We stayed at Gowrie Park Wilderness Village for a few nights. It was about 30 minutes northeast of Cradle Mountain and the closest place to stay with a van outside of the Discovery Park at Cradle Mountain.

Day 1: Exploring Dove Lake

Our first day was spent as a group, with Ella’s mum and her partner Gary joining us. We visited Dove Lake and then walked back to the Ronnie Creek car park. We spent equal parts around Dove Lake, taking our time to enjoy the scenery. The track back to Ronnie Creek car park took about 80 minutes of walking with the kids. We were lucky to see one wombat on the track. When Ella and I did this in 2016 in September, we saw many more wombats. We assume that the hotter temperature kept the wombats out of the sun.

Day 2: Climbing Marion’s Lookout and Family Walks

On the second day, Ella, Mel, and Gary climbed Marion’s Lookout. They had a blast, and it took them around 3 to 4 hours for the return trip. Meanwhile, the kids and I did some short walks around the Enchanted Forest, Pencil Pines Falls, and Knyvet Falls. The walks took less than an hour, with plenty of stops for snacks and wombat spotting.

Visiting Devils @ Cradle

The kids and I then went to Devils @ Cradle. This experience was fantastic for the boys, as the enclosures were well-suited for young kids. It was also reasonably priced for a prime attraction in the area.

Tips for Visiting Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain can be done as a day trip from nearly anywhere on the northwest coast, or even Launceston. However, if you plan to stay closer, ensure you have enough food supplies, as shopping is limited.

Driving with a Caravan

Driving the caravan from Devonport to Gowrie Park was an eye-opener. I hadn’t driven on such narrow roads with the van before, but traffic was minimal. This set the tone for most of the driving done with the caravan off the major highways. There’s roadkill everywhere too, so it pays to be very attentive.

Traveling to Cradle Mountain as a family was a memorable experience, filled with breathtaking scenery and adventures. Whether you’re hiking, wombat spotting, or exploring the local attractions, Cradle Mountain offers something for everyone.