The morning of December 26th we set off on our adventure. Packed and ready to go we were off on a camping adventure around Tasmania. Despite the complaints from the kids that they didn't even have time to play with their new toys!!!...we were all excited.
Wagon loaded and ready to leave Canberra. We headed to Melbourne (about 800km away) to catch the ferry to Tasmania.
The Spirit of Tasmania in her berth at Port Melbourne
Lined up and ready to board
Bunks for 4 with porthole view!!!
We were allowed to board the ferry at 6:30pm and departure was 9pm. It is a night sailing and we arrived into Devonport Tasmania at around 6am the next morning. The ferry is great fun. Cafeteria style buffet dining (there is a fancy sit down restaurant too, but we skipped that with the kids), and of course a few bars and lounges to have a drink. There is even a small movie theatre on board. Options for travelling include a room with bunks (more expensive) or sitting in a chair all night. We opted for the room and had a good sleep. Many just sit up in their chairs all night. It is quite expensive at around $1500.00 for 4 people with sleeping room return towing a tent trailer. The trip over was smooth sailing and before we knew it we were unloading and starting our tour around Tasmania.
First stop was close to Launceston where we visited a beautiful lavender farm in north east Tasmania.
Later that same day we arrived at the Bay of Fires in north east Tasmania. There are several great campgrounds in the area. We stayed at a lovely camp ground called cozy corner north. There were lots of other kids and friends were made quickly. Time was spent around the camp fire (toasting marshmallows) and playing cricket in the dirt with the other kids that were around. The water was crystal clear blue, shimmering and sparkling. It was like a tropical paradise.....except the water was so cold that you could only stay in for about 5 minutes!!!
Tested the sit on top kayak in the surf at the Bay of Fires. It was lots of fun!!
Jules loved flying his kite. Check out the beautiful white sand...
Sullivan and Jules
Sullivan got a steel and flint for Christmas and was so excited the first time he was able to start a fire using the sparks he was able to create.
Bare feet was the footwear of choice....check out Jules' lovely black soles!!!
Eating gelato at the local shops in St Helens which was the little town not too far from where we were camping in the Bay of Fires.
Jules lost a front tooth at this camp group...luckily the tooth fairy can find you even when you are camping!!
There is a red lichen that grows on the rocks in the area. This is what gives the name: The Bay of Fires. It is quite beautiful. Rocks were lots of fun for rock hopping on too.
Greta with the crystal clear blue waters behind.
Heading out towing the two surf boards. I was towing them down the beach further so the kids didn't have to carry them.
Practicing paddling on the boards in calmer waters.
Getting ready to stand up.
Greta goes for a paddle.
From the Bay of Fires we made our way down the East coast to Freycinet National Park. This is one of the oldest national parks in Tasmania. It is beautiful and known for the post card image of Wineglass Bay. We locked up the tent trailer and put on our back pack camping gear to head out for 3 nights 4 days of back pack camping.
The first day we walked 8 km. 5km through some beautiful bush and then the last 3km along a great stretch of beach.
This is on the 1st day of walking just as we hit the beach. Everyone (even Jules) carried a back pack.
Heading down along the 3km stretch of beach. Chris out the front and Sullivan behind.
Greta and her pack.
A beautiful stretch of beach.
Arrived at the campground and set up the kitchen!! It was boiled water to rehydrate the camping food and porridge for breakfast.
Lots of time to explore the local rocks.
Dinner on the rocks.
Tea at sunset.
A beautiful end to our first day of backpacking.
Ready for bed.
Jules on the trail for the second day. Sydney the koala had the prime spot and got carried the whole way!!
Sullivan on day 2 arriving at the next beach. Beautiful blue water.
Braving the frigid waters.
Sullivan
Big sky.
Day 3 now...in the setting sun.
Heading back on day 4 our last day.
I carried this stick all day...
Arrived on day 4 at Wineglass Bay and took our postcard picture. It is absolutely beautiful.
Greta and the boys with Wineglass Bay in the distance. Further in the distance off to the right is a bit of beach you can just see. This is where we had walked from earlier that day.
Wineglass Bay
Up on the rocks for a better view.
Back at the car.
We walked about 25km in total...pretty good for a 6 year old. Feeling a bit tired and dirty. It was also Greta's birthday so it was off to Hobart to stay in a hotel for a but of luxury!!
Having a spa to get rid of the camping dirt at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart.
