3 replies to this topic

[cathypault]

Day 1

The start of our Tasmanian holiday

We were up at 5am and off to the airport at 6am. We flew into Hobart on a Virgin Blue flight and arrived at 11.30am where we picked up our hire car a Subaru Liberty. We set off in the direction of Port Arthur to settle into our previously booked accommodation at Eaglehawks Nest. We were in awe of the beauty of the surrounding areas as we drove through Sorell.

We stopped to view the Tasman Monument at Dunalley, nice little location but if you miss the Monument don't stress. Our km reading was 17853 and it was now 1.40pm. We had stopped and grabbed a pie at The Devils Kitchen cafe and it was great. We found our accommodation at the Lufra Hotel at Eaglehawks Nest[attachment=944:Day_1___...s_010Red.jpg] and proceeded to take in sights that included the Tessellated Pavement(opposite the Hotel), then drove to the Blow Hole and Fossil Bay Lookout. Burning off in the area took the edge off the scenery but couldn't hide the beauty.We proceeded to Tasman Arch[attachment=945:Day_1___...s_051Red.jpg]. I found this to be a real wonder and would recommend viewing. The Devils Kitchen which was adjacent to the Arch was also very good.

We finished the day with a trip to the Coal Mine Ruins that took us through some beautiful country scenery that meandered on until it was met by the beautiful peaceful water that interceded every now and then. I found it very relaxing and very beautiful. The coal mines were extremely interesting and historically informative.

We arrived back at The Lufra Hotel at 5.30. This was now the most critical point of the trip, a monumental decision had to be made, Boags or Cascade. After many samples and deciding on Boags we settled in for a wonderful meal, a humongous T Bone and Chicken Schnitzel. It surprised us when we managed to devour the lot even though we had told ourselves that we were never going to be able to eat all of this. The people were great and we were even happier when the owner called us aside and told us that he was going to upgrade us to a room that had ocean views as he was a Queensland Lad also, originally from Cleveland. We paid $80 for a pub room with an ensuite, older style but clean and cosy. Other styles of rooms were available.

An early night in readiness for tomorrows boat cruise. It was decided that it was a great start to our Tasmanian Holiday.

[Shane V]

Thanks Paul for your report, sounds like your first day was fun.

I know what you mean about the food servings, much bigger than mainland servings aren't they?

Looking forward to the next reports.

[Mystic]

Thanks for sharing the first part of your trip with us. Sounds like it was off to an excellent start. Agree with Margie about meals down here, all that fresh air makes us hungry

Looking forward to more.

[tassiesim]

what a great read , glad you had such a great time