Road Trip 2012

Day 1. Drove through snow on Mount Arrowsmith on way to Queenstown. Had a stop off at Derwent Bridge to view the wall in the wilderness, a fantastic mural wood carving depicting the industry of the area, and the history of the region. Then on to Queenstown and met up with a friend from a forum site. Was lovely to actually meet up in real life as we seemed like old friends it was just that we hadn't actually met up previously, and have planned to catch up again soon in the south of the state. Then onto Strahan.

Day 2. Gordon River Cruise, absolutely marvellous day out....very informative out through the heads and into the ocean, a historic tour around Sara Island in Macquarie Harbour, a look at Aquafarming, stop off for a walk in the forest and then back to the harbour and a look at a sawing mill. Lunch was a delicious smorgasbord on board the catamaran "The Eagle" it was an open boat, so we got to have a chat with the Captain and see all the navigational features of the vessel too. Then onto the North of the State and a stopover with friends in Ulverstone.

Day 3. Trip to visit friends in Smithton, with a stop off at the Tarkine Wilderness Forest at Dismal Swamp and a slide into the Forest through a large fibreglass, covered slide which reaches speeds of up to 45 kph, lots of twists and turns on the way down... loads of fun. Then a walk on elevated walkways through the swamp, with viewing platforms and loads of information on native flora and fauna. A look into Stanley and a walk around this beautiful little township.

Day 4. Drive across the north of the state with stop off at Bridport en route to Bicheno. Really good deal at the Beachfront at Bicheno Hotel, Ocean View room, meals in the Bistro.... Fillet Mignon (with either chips and salad or veg) which was delicious and a continental Breakfast too for $169 for a double.

Day 5. Headed for home, with a look at Diana's Basin ( where Powerboat races took place in previous years) Swansea,The Pub in the Paddock with its famous beer drinking pig Priscilla, and a cheese tasting at Pyengana.