Nothing much used to spring into mind when I thought -
Tasmania. But just after a four days of experiencing its natural beauty and serenity, I am in awe of those who live there. The crisp fresh air had my lungs joyously diffusing the moment we stepped foot in Hobart (literally when we stepped off the plane!).
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| Bicheno |
Excited and not knowing what to expect, we embarked on our exploration of this pretty landscape. With some vague advice from our campervan rental guy, we were on our way. I remember looking at the map and giggling. The west side was all green =). Our trip was from Hobart to Launceston and then back to Hobart.
Bicheno is a small town a short distance before Tribunna (travelling from Hobart). We stopped for gas but felt a something was really special about that place. It just felt right. Wandering across the road to a beach, we found out why. Huge red-stained boulders sat beautifully, creating a breathtaking sight. Giant kelps formed a web of dark green in the crevices. Small pools of trapped seawater between the rocks supported ecosystems of shellfish and baby fishes. Orange starfishes were everywhere! I remember us climbing excitedly up the big rocks hoping not to slip into the light blue waters. Or more importantly, hoping not to step on any living creature living an absolutely splendid life on those boulders!
Visualise this: That spectacular beach. Behind you, lush green mountains. = Bicheno! =)
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| apples! and an assortment of homemade jams =) |
The East Coast trail was a well planned out route without a lack of sights and things to do. I loved the small fresh fruits and vegetables stores outside farms with local produce. And for those who enjoy nature trails, there are national parks all along! Hooray! The quaint towns we managed to stop at were Bicheno, Tribunna, Swansea (has a great sustainable-food cafe: The Ugly Duck Out), St. Marys (on a hill!), and St. Helens (one of the biggest and busiest towns we stopped by).
http://www.theuglyduckout.com.au/
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| Wineglass Bay lookout, Freycinet National Park |
A great thing about such trips is that you never know who you're going to meet. At Swansea Holiday Park ,we met a fisherman who wasn't shy in proclaiming Tasmania as 'God's Land' due to its beauty. In a nuts and health food shop in St. Helens, we met a lovely lady who had interesting thoughts to share. She told us of the aboriginals and how they were right to say that we had to be gentle on Mother Earth and care for her, not exploit. An important point to remember...
We managed to sneak in a bit of the South of Hobart. Definitely a good idea if you're visiting. 40 over apple farms along the route we were taking had me screaming APPLES every ten minutes in the campervan =). The town of Cygnet was a gem! Cafes a natural medicines were a highlight there.
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| Just cruising along...a picture from the campervan window =) |
When it was time to leave, I couldn't help but feel sad. I missed being surrounded by so much peace and quiet. What a release from the usual congestion that has scarily become a norm for many of us. Is the hustle worth anything, really?
Now when I think of Tasmania, all I can do is smile =) .
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the most beautiful sunset. we couldn't capture it all...
p.s. Watch out for wallabies and possums when you're driving (especially at night!)
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