One of several reports in a series covering the Subaru 4WD Club's Tasmania excursion from 17 September to 17 October 1999
Tasmania
Day 13
2 October 1999
Dover to Hobart
Reluctantly leaving Dover and the beautiful D’Entrecasteaux Coast behind, we set off on the Huon Trail, bound for Hobart. As Ralph and Marilyn went ahead of the main party to get groceries, Danny led the rest north. With Matthew and Big John in tow, Danny took the scenic route along the banks of the Huon River; while the Liberty and freshly washed Forester (shame Arnold, shame!) stayed on the black top, until reuniting with the rest at Geeveston, a little way up the road. For the coast followers it was to be a simple task, but Big John, plodding along at Pie Van speed, lost contact and turned off the main route, only to find himself ahead of the leader back on the black top. Cause of this mishap was poor convoy procedures (failing to wait at the corner) and John’s magnetic attraction to turning off the main track.
At Geeveston, we all regrouped, and after depleting the local pie shop of the
world’s best sausage rolls, Danny handed the reins back to Ralph for the drive
north. Passing through hilly green country, containing the most densely packed
cow paddocks you’ll ever see, we turned south at Huonville, to find some of
Australia’s most southern wineries. This mission was successful!
First stop was at Panorama Vineyard, near Cygnet, where we were introduced to some cold climate varieties, including an apple flavoured wine – a cheeky little number just crying out for a plate of smoked salmon. Danny & Beth’s Subaru got heavier, and gave out a distinctive glassy clink as they drove off. Next stop was at Hartzview Mountain Vineyard, accessed by a beautiful forested drive. This winery was a little more up market and also carried wines from other vineyards across the state. Compulsion to taste and buy set in, Danny & Beth’s Subaru got heavier.
Having teased the taste buds with fruits of the vine (and by now it was only morning tea), we set off on a leisurely drive toward Hobart. Pat & Arnold pressed ahead of the main group to visit the famous Salamanca Markets, which are only open on Saturdays. The rest of us had to be content with the, now standard, magnificent green scenery passing by - this time laced with bays of azure blue and white sand beaches.
As we got closer to Hobart, more and more yachts and day sailers appeared, until
Graham & Peggy’s nautical twitch could take no more. Ralph decided to put
them out of their misery by stopping for lunch at Kettering, a substantial small
boat harbour and ferry point for North Bruny Island. While the rest of us had
lunch, Graham & Peggy drooled over the boats.
Next
stop after lunch was the historic Shot Tower, just north of Kingston. Built in
1870, the 48m high tower was used for many years to manufacture lead shot for
firearms. The was achieved by dropping molten lead through screens of varying
sizes into a cold water pool at the bottom of the long drop. The shot formed
round balls as it descended through the air, then cooled and set in the water.
The tower has since been restored and visitors can climb the 260 steps to a
lookout atop the tower. Most of us braved the steps, which were very shallow and
not as arduous as we had originally feared. The views of Derwent River estuary
were most impressive.
The Shot Tower & Beth at the top
Finally, it was off to Hobart town, to find the Sandy Bay Caravan Park, overlooking Wrest Point Casino. There, Ralph negotiated a large patch of ground suitable for our entourage, in an otherwise cramped, caravan-dedicated park. A major drawback of the campsite was its remoteness from the ablution block – a good 220 paces away, the last 120 being up hill. Definitely not conducive to cold midnight sorties. Future visitors may choose to find a better Caravan park than Sandy Bay. But despite initial dissatisfaction with the camp ground, tents were quickly set up and Hobart explored.
As the sun went down, the air quickly chilled, and for most, an early night was in order.
Danny Williams SC412
Previous Report - 27 September to 4 October - Strahan to Hobart
Next Report - 3 October - Lake Pedder & Mt Wellington By Night
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