Tasmania Tales by Joanna Bradley

TASMANIA TALES

My adventure in Tasmania was to be by campervan, so we collected our vehicles and drove to the port to board the

Spirit of Tasmania II for the overnight journey to Davenport. After a lovely meal I snuggled down in my cabin to arrive refreshed the next morning and ready for breakfast at the Anvers Chocolate Factory. Chocolate muffins, chocolate spread and steaming mugs of? Yes, hot chocolate!

Tasmania’s wilderness and sleepy towns unfolded as we drove to Cradle Mountain. The lodge, with roaring fires and big comfy armchairs, is welcoming after a day outdoors on the many walking trails – the most spectacular being the two-hour easy-energy trek around Dove Lake. The pencil pine cabins were lovely with fireplaces, kitchenettes and decking to relax in peace and quiet. Up in the main lodge the restaurant serves excellent food, fine wine and there’s even a spa with massages and detox mud wraps!

In stark contrast the next night we ate BBQ and enjoyed the outdoors in our campervans.

Venturing further into Tasmania’s wilderness was our visit to Montezuma Falls and crossing the “I’m a Travel Agent, get me out of here” bridge. Our overnight was Strachan and the next day we cruised the Gordon River, going through Hells Gate to Sarah Island.

Hobart seemed very built up and busy after that. Sport plays a bit part in everyone’s lives all over Australia and we were whooping that evening as we watched the penalty shoot-out and the Soccer-Roos go through to the World Cup – the first time in 30 years!

Back at the office I’ve been nicknamed ‘Action Girl’ so I was pleased to join an excursion ‘Downhill all the way’ – this was a thrilling three-hour bike ride descending 4000ft from Mount Wellington to Hobart. So my reputation is still intact!

I can’t finish my portrayal of Tasmania without mentioning the wildlife not just in the wild, but also the many conversation centres and sanctuaries. Some of Tasmania’s animals are unique, not just to Australia, but to Tasmania itself!

In summary? A beautiful, unspoiled, unrushed haven of peace and tranquillity! If you’d like to share my peace and tranquillity…. Meet me in the Gallery!