2004/03 Tasmania loop - Penguin |
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Dear All
Part 3 Tasmania
We had visited Tasmania once before, in 2000, but our time then had been limited by the availability of rental campervans. In addition, the campervan we had rented was clearly not suitable for anything but the smoothest of roads. As a result, there were many places that we couldn’t get to in 2000, and quite a few others that we wanted to spend more time at. So, on this trip, we had a number of places to revisit and a lot more to see for the first time.
As mentioned in Part 2, we’d had to reschedule our trips for ferry availability, and we were now visiting Tasmania at the end of its season. We were going to avoid the crowds, but possibly hit some rough weather. Tasmania is squarely in the “Roaring Forties” and gets whatever weather is hurtling around the globe at that latitude. There are about 8000 miles of open sea between South America and Tasmania, so there’s plenty of space for the winds and waves to build up. Tasmania’s west coast is a place of dramatic scenery but equally dramatic weather.
Sunday March 7th
This was the Sunday of the Australian Grand Prix, a formula one car race which takes place on Melbourne’s streets. Just to be awkward they have it on the streets between Mulgrave and the ferry pier, so we had to leave early to avoid the race day traffic. As it happened we were early enough to avoid the traffic, but still had a long line-up for the ferry as the loading process is slow because of the security and agricultural checks. No apples, veggies, or bombs permitted.
It was a dull, wet day, without much wind, so Sandie was happy until we moved out of Melbourne Harbour into the Bass Strait and the ferry took on a gentle roll. However, I was able to keep the supply of cappuccinos and crisps coming, so all was well. We passed Point Nepean where we’d been with John and Edna on our last trip.
The ferry trip is over two hundred miles and takes about twelve hours. It was uneventful, but rather noisy as we were sitting close to a group of CMCA members. The Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia was holding its annual rally in Tasmania and these people were traveling to the rally. They reminded us of a bunch of teenagers where everyone talks louder and louder just to be heard. I should point out that we are also CMCA members: this trip reminded us of why we don’t go to their rallies.
The weather improved as we got close to Devonport. We had another delay there as customs had to inspect our refrigerator again for smuggled apples, and it was nearly dark as we headed west along the coast. We decided to head for the campground at Penguin as we knew where it was, and there was likely to be room for us. However, since our last stay, they had converted more of their sites for permanent residence, and we had to be squeezed into a spot on top of the cliff, looking out over the Bass Strait. 
Last time we were in Penguin we went to watch the penguins returning to their burrows, but the nesting season is from November to February, so they were now all out at sea until next spring. Penguin’s sea front is notable for its penguin images (on everything) and its Norfolk Island pines. The picture shows what those little pot plants grow into if you keep them long enough.
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