Let the exploring begin.

February 21, 2022 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

We started the day with a great breakfast on the deck at Pinetrees. The staff here are lovely. They remember your name and help plan your day. You can choose a picnic or BBQ lunch or stay and have lunch on the deck.

The lagoon is perfect for a swim or a snorkel.

So what is there to do on LHI? It’s mostly about walking, swimming , snorkeling, golfing, bike riding and generally getting out into nature and making the most of it. Fortunately our weather is looking good. Apparently it’s been rainy and windy the last few weeks.

We’re a bit limited with some activities but I’m able to walk and Steve can swim so between us we are getting some activity.

After breakfast we walked to the little museum. It’s run by volunteers and has a lovely deck and cafe. It’s also one of only two places on the island with public wifi. I resisted!

The museum gives an overview of the history of LHI. This island is a unique place on earth. It is world heritage listed. More on the history later.

We passed the hospital- one doctor and two nurses. They are kept very busy with locals and then the visitors who seem to fall off bikes, or slip on walking tracks, or fall on Mt Gower. Let’s hope we don’t need medical attention.

We checked out Joy’s general store. It has a huge range of things. From fresh and frozen produce to gifts, toys, useful items and alcohol.

Government House has very low security! The islands administrator lives there. It S just lovely.

Our picnic lunch was ready for us and we found a shady spot near the lagoon and enjoyed our ham, cheese, beetroot and feta salad followed by cheese and crackers.

A perfect lazy picnic.

The sun was shining and the water blue so I had my first swim. It’s beautifully clear water. It’s easy to swim out to where the coral starts. You start to see coloured fish or if you’re lucky a turtle or some rays. Steve did when he swam out a lot further.

The water temperature was just perfect. It’s around 23 in the water so very comfortable. Apparently, it’s best swim weather over the summer months. February in particular.

The afternoon was spent reading and dozing in the afternoon sun and suddenly it was G & T time.

Dinner was once again delicious. A few lightly spiced prawns followed by swordfish for me and beef cheek for Steve. Dessert was a small cinnamon donut with poached pear. It was Valentines Day so we enjoyed a few bubbles.

Sleeping was easy.

Hello Lord Howe Island

February 21, 2022 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

A jewel in the ocean. That’s what it’s like arriving at LHI.

The two tall mountains, Mt Gower and Mt Lidgbird stand watch over the sparkling lagoon.

The 2hr plane flight in a small 30 seater was smooth and easy.

We pulled into the airport and straight through to be met by Lindy and Tom from Pinetrees Lodge.

We wondered how many other swimmers would be on our flight and it didn’t take long to meet up with Jane & Tony from Melbourne who along with their friends Anna & Brad , Helen & John had enjoyed the swim week so much last year they booked again. They were just as disappointed as we were that we wouldn’t be doing it.

We had a little drive with Tom pointing out some of the island features before arriving for a welcome drink and orientation.

It’s very relaxed and we quickly met another lovely couple from Wollongong AnneMaree & Greg, who are also returned visitors. It’s seems once you’ve been once you are likely to return.

Everyone cycles, snorkles and walk. We’ll be a little restricted with our knee and arm problems but intend to make the most of our week in paradise. It really is beautiful here.

Our room a Palm Room is comfortable, not huge, but has everything we need including a timber verandah with chairs and a bench bed. It overlooks a garden area with chairs for reading in the sun. There is no tv or wifi so time is devoted to relaxing outdoors.

Pinetrees is close to the lagoon which suits us as a short walk later we are at the waters edge and the boathouse.

Guests gather at the boat shed for ‘sundowners’. A beer , wine , bubbles on the deck or spilling over onto the grass. It’s a great pre-dinner spot to watch a spectacular sunset.

Dinner is served on the deck at 7.30. It’s coolish – more than I expected but the warmth of the international staff is just right. We sat with Annemarie and Greg from Wollongong and had a great night.

We had Lisa from Sweden and Francisco from Chile looking after us explaining the dinner for the night. It was all delicious. Four courses but not big and there is always a choice of a fish, meat or vegetarian.

It changes every night and features local fish and interesting local herbs and garnishes.

The watermelon starter with labne and pomegranates was fresh and delicious.

Following up with fish with the loveliest carrot and ginger glaze. Dessert featured chocolate or a light raspberry granita. Perfect small light serves.

The staff at the lodge encourages guests to get out and exercise during the day. They supply picnic baskets so you can move around and find a perfect shady spot up relax and enjoy a light lunch.

Even though the swim week has been cancelled Steve has organised a swim each morning with the Melbourne swimmers. They will swim along the lagoon or out and around the island.

I can tell we’ll have a great week.

Lord Howe Island.

February 13, 2022February 13, 2022 / brisbanefrannie / 6 Comments

We’ll here we come. Our second attempt at visiting LHI. https://lordhoweisland.info

The first was for our 40th wedding anniversary 7 years ago! It was cancelled at the last moment – at Sydney airport, as the wind was too strong for the plane to land on the island.

Last year – during covid we saw there was a swim week advertised on LHI. As we weren’t able to travel overseas for our much loved swim treks – https://www.swimtrek.com, we decided to book this one.

Arranged through Pinetrees Lodge, https://pinetrees.com.au , it sounded just right. Great location , good accommodation, good food, nice swims and led by Trevor Hendy.

Sounded perfect. Then in December I broke my arm. A plate and several pins later I realised I wouldn’t be swimming the required 2-3km morning swims.

I rang to cancel. It seems it was being cancelled anyway as our former Australian Lifesaver champion Trevor is not vaccinated so could not get into the island.

We decided to go anyway and enjoy it after all the rehab we have been doing. Me for my arm, Steve for his knee replacement. A reward!

All we had to do was stay covid free.

Somehow we have managed that and are sitting at the airport hoping we do in fact take off in an hour.

I’ve been in touch with the island and have booked us a boat trip to Ball’s Pyramid a trip around the island with Peter at https://lordhoweisland.info/experiences/tours/chase-n-thyme/. Peter has been so helpful.

There is little – or no wifi at Pinetrees so I won’t be posting until I get home.

The qantas magazine just happened to have a little article on LHI. So it’s meant to be.

Last days. Back to Bicheno

September 24, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

Our plan to return to Bicheno if the weather was sunny worked well. It was a magic day.

We went a different route up to Bicheno. The day was warm and the water was the most gorgeous blue.

We stopped for a little homemade picnic and a few photos.

Arriving back at Waub’s Beach House Ginetta & Stephen’s beach house we felt so fortunate to have friends with such a beautiful place at the coast.

I can recommend their house to anyone looking for a base to explore this area of Tasmania.

We took a walk on the beach and I was very tempted to swim. The water temperature was about 16! Too cold for full immersion.

Steve worked up a sweat working on a cover for the firewood so took a swim. For about 10 strokes!

We enjoyed a. Aperol with a view before our fish.

Tomorrow- the Wineglass Bay Cruise.

Beautiful Bruny

September 24, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 2 Comments

The barge to Bruny Island leaves from Kettering a pretty seaside town.

It was sunny when we got on the ferry and 20 mins later when we arrived it was cloudy.

This didn’t spoil our experience. It’s a big island with a combination of sealed and dirt roads.

There are houses scattered around the rolling hills leading down to a variety of bays.

There are very few shops and businesses. This is the way the 600 permanent residents prefer it. They want solitude not progress.

There are lots of little boats in the more sheltered bays.

We tried to stop for coffee but the Cheese Company we planned on visiting has decided to close Tuesday Wednesday. Due to covid and visitors not coming especially in the cooler months.

We did stop at the honey company and enjoyed a tasting. Leatherwood is my favourite though the fennel honey was quite different and delicious.

We crossed the narrow belt of land know as The Neck. It’s a great place to climb to the lookout for a view of the whole area. It was windy the higher we climbed.

You can see from the photo above the island and the route we were driving. We crossed the Neck to south Bruny and continued onto Alonnah Bay. There were more houses scattered along the bay , the Bruny Hotel and a general store. Yes we finally got some coffee.

This blue man was standing in a field and was made by the local men’s shed to highlight depression suffered by many farmers. The accompanying notes outlined how to recognise symptoms and how to help someone.

The small community have set up a number of street libraries and art work. Such a great idea.

We passed the Bruny Island Winery and decided that would be the perfect spot for lunch. After Cloudy Bay.

On the way we pass a resourceful local with an open garden.

Cloudy Bay has a lookout with great views

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the vineyard. And purchased some of their wines to take to Bicheno.

The lighthouse was next. So remote and one of the four oldest lighthouses in Tasmania. In the museum there was a story of one of the earliest lighthouse keepers who was there for 36 years and had 12 children. His poor wife! How difficult life would have been.

We climbed the steep hill to the lighthouse. Along the way passing more of the pretty wildflowers we seem to see all over Tasmania.

Luckily we had Stephens four wheel drive. We were able to cross the small mountain along dirt road to the last bay we wanted to visit.

Adventure Bay is where Capt Cook landed 1773 during his second journey.

We particularly liked this area. The beach is lovely and the houses a flat walk across to the sand. And lovely views.

It was back onto the barge, a drive back to Sandy Bay to our friends and out for a fish & chips dinner. Beautiful scallops and baked flounder.

The seafood in Tasmania is great.

Strahan -The Wall to Hobart

September 22, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 9 Comments

A beautiful breakfast sets up the day.

Then it was onto Queenstown, a mining town with a great railway trip.

https://www.wcwr.com.au

The Westcoast Wilderness Railway is a steam train journey from Strahan to Queenstown. We couldn’t book this time. There’s always another trip!

We stopped in Queenstown and went up the lookout. It was a very steep climb up. When we started it was fine and sunny.

We reached the top. The view of the railway was wonderful.

By the time we walked down it was cold and hailing lightly!

Back in the car we headed up and around the corners and wound our way towards The Wall.

Can you believe it. Snow!

If you are in this area of Tasmania you mustn’t miss this place. It would be easy to miss as it’s not widely advertised. But it’s so wonderful.

The Wall. Located in Derwent Bridge, the Wall is a work , started in 2005 by sculptor Greg Duncan. Originally from the Dandenong area of Victoria he came to live in this wilderness area. He has created a masterpiece of sculpture which he continues to work on today. Don’t miss it.

It is 3 metres high and 100 metres long and is sculpted entirely of Huon Pine. It tells of the history of this region of Tasmania. From the beginning when the indigenous population lived in the area, to the pioneers who began harvesting timber from the ancient forests. Following the pioneering era, there are images of the pastoralists, miners and hydro-electric scheme workers, shown along with the many animals found in the area and the horses who worked alongside pioneers.

After being blown away by the Wall we drove down past the hydroelectricity stations, through this fields of Bushy Park past the Oast Houses for drying the hops.

Onto New Norfolk. This town on the Derwent River is the third oldest town in Tasmania. established around 1870’s

It has some fine old buildings and it’s Willow Court antique market is the largest in the whole of Tasmania. Houses in the series of disused building it has as many things outside it’s buildings as inside.

There are beautiful gardens and quite a few antique shops.

Back to Sandy Bay and a great night with a group of Ginetta & Stephens friends. Perfect end to our road trip round Tasmania.

Tomorrow Steve & I will head to Bruny giving the Rochesters a day at home.

Exploring North West Tasmania

September 19, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

Over night there was the heaviest rain I’ve heard for awhile. Our little house is right by the water and it felt snug to be inside and warm.

Looking out our bedroom window- a veggie garden and the water.

After breakfast we drove up the Main Street which is lined with lovely heritage cottages and businesses.

The street was featured in the movie based on the book. The Light Between the Oceans.

We continued our drive up hill to Highfields House. It was built in 1826 by convict labour under the watchful eye of Edward Curr, chief agent of Van Diemen’s Land Company. His wife had 15 children! Poor lady.

The house was in great disrepair but has gradually undertaken a restoration. It’s a great example of Regency architecture.

It’s on a magnificent site and tells of the history of the house and the Van Diemen’s Land Company.

Down the hill, but not before stopping for a photo view of the town and The Nut – which is the remains of an ancient volcanic plug with a large, mostly flat surface that can be circumnavigated on foot. It’s very imposing and these days when the weather is good you can take a chair lift to the top!

We stopped at Smithton for coffee and enjoyed the towns Street Art.

Then it was off to Arthur River and The Edge of the World. it’s located in the Arthur River reserve.

This place is in quite a remote part of western Tasmania. Today it’s wild and windy & arriving at the car park you walk along a boardwalk and out to the edge.

There is a plaque there with a poem written by a local.

The waves are crashing, the wind howling and it doesn’t feel very safe for any water craft. There are lots of timber logs crashing against the rocks.

If you sailed straight out from here the next land you would meet would be Argentina!

Driving back through intermittent rain and sunshine we hoped that it would be fine back in Stanley.

The landscape is green. Rolling hills, lots of healthy looking dairy cattle and sheep.

A kelp farm. It’s dried and used as fertiliser

There are cattle on the road

Lots of little wild flowers along the way. It’s beautiful even without the sun.

Arriving back in Stanley Steve & I got out at the top of Main Street and walked back to our little cottage.

We popped into Providore 24 which was crammed full of Tasmanian products. Both edible & wearable. I bought some lovely pink gloves.

Next stop – the old bank which now houses a small bar which occupies those who don’t want to browse the clothes racks.

The street scape looks like a movie set. Which it actually was for the film all the Light Between the Oceans.

There are little signs outside many of the houses describing the history of the house.

Thoroughly enjoying our rather cool walk we were happy to get home just before the rain started again.

It’s nice on holidays to have a sitting area to enjoy a glass of wine before heading off for dinner.

Tonight we braved very heavy rain to get to the hotel – one of two places to eat in Stanley. It was busy !

I kept to my seafood theme and had a scallop pie with vegetables. delicious.

Tomorrow we farewell Stanley and head to Strahan.

Across the top of Tasmania

September 17, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 3 Comments

Our accommodation in Bridport was excellent. Our host left the ingredients for a very good breakfast. So we enjoyed bbq bacon & eggs.

The sun was out so we cruised along the beaches. I love the big boulders covered with lichen.

We took the road towards Launceston. The countryside is a picture. Green and lush with model cows and sheep with their babies jumping around them.

We crossed the Batman Bridge and followed the road toward Grindelwald. We wanted to stop at Turner Still-house. The owner Justin Turner is from Lodi, Californian – where our daughter in law comes from.

It’s an impressive gin distillery and like many businesses have struggled during covid. Justin made us very welcome and Brett, his distiller gave us a great tasting. It may have been only 10.30 but the hot gin toddy was a perfect substitute for coffee.

We enjoyed our visit very much.

We headed into Grindelwald which has a resort modelled on a Swiss village. A little strange really.

There was hardly a person around.

Back into the car toward Penguin.

We arrived to a pretty town festooned in blue. Their local footy team has made the Tasmania finals. Go Penguin.

Naturally there are little Penguins all over town. It’s a lovely seaside place with mosaics, great public seating and a beach that would be great if it weren’t 12 degrees.

Unfortunately the Penguin market is only on Sundays now.

The weather was deteriorating, so back into the car for the final leg of our journey to Stanley.

Out for a seafood dinner. I had Abalone for the first time. It was cooked in lemon & butter. Not bad at all! I also had some scallops. Steve had crayfish. Hard work but worth it.

Our accommodation is a little house right by the sea. Cosy but not as good as our last stop. As long as it’s warm.

Tomorrow we explore Stanley and go to Marrawah & The Edge of the World!

Bicheno to Bridport

September 16, 2021September 17, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 5 Comments

My day started with a wonderful walk on the beach. The sun was shining and it was peaceful. I headed down the steps straight onto the beach.

The surf club is just a few doors along from Ginetta’s house. It’s simple and practical and this morning had buckets of gear in front of it.

Local swimmers had already made their way into the very cool water. I had heard Shane Gould lived here and swam every day.

There in the water I spotted her ( well it looked like her and sounded liked her) she waved and encouraged me to join them for a swim.

If the water temperature was above 22 I would have joined them but 17 is way too cold for me. So I waved and continued walking.

I clambered over rocks and enjoyed the view.

I headed for the headland following the swimmers and hoping to see a whale before walking back through the small town.

Ginetta’s house on the left behind the sandy beach.

Back for breakfast at the outdoor breakfast bar. This is a magic spot.

Morning tea at St Helen’s another pretty seaside town.

A stop at the Shop in the Bush for a browse of the very well presented collection of jewellery, books, bric a bac. In fact it has everything.

Onto The Pub in the Paddock. A bit of an institution it a character pub set in lovely green pastures.

It features pigs! A bit like the Pondering Frog had frogs. Here there are pigs!

After a cosy lunch in front of the fire we headed to Pyengana dairy. They produce milk and lovely cheeses.

We bought a cheese plate to go with the Aperol Spetiz we are planning tonight.

The Blue Lake was our next stop.

The colour is a result of the minerals from mining days. It’s beautiful.

We detoured into Musselroe Bay along a dirt road through a National park. It’s a quiet fishing community where every house seems to have a boat outside it.

Last stop as the sunshine came out was Bridport. Another fishing community, it’s a lovely holiday spot. Well maintained parks and playgrounds. Golf courses nearby.

Our accommodation is a little cottage just off the Main Street. A great little place.

Bicheno – a jewel Tasmania

September 16, 2021September 16, 2021 / brisbanefrannie / 4 Comments

We packed up and headed towards Ginetta & Stephen’s holiday house at Bicheno.

It’s on the east coast of Tasmania and a popular summer holiday place.

It takes about 2.5 hrs to drive there normally! But took us more like 6. We had numerous stops as our friends know the area very well and stopped at local landmarks.

The day was sunny but typical for Tasmania it decided to have another season and turned cloudy. and cool.

We drove to Sorell for coffee then on through green farm land for another stop at Buckland. The Anglican Church, St John the Baptist had a pair of carved wooden statues out the front.

Next stop the Lisdillion salt works. Established in the 1830’s they were producing salt only until the 1840’s and the stone work in the photo are the remains of the salt stores.

We drove onto Swansea and passed the Spikey Bridge which was built by the convicts for a purpose not entirely clear. Perhaps to stop people jumping off!

Then time for lunch. The Freycinet Marine Farm was the perfect spot. We had plump sweet oysters and the most delicious seafood chowder I have ever had! Along with a Rose we sat in the garden covered with rugs to keep out the chill.

We put off visiting Coles Bay and headed onto Bicheno as time was getting on!

Not without another stop at the Pondering Frog. Ginetta & Stephen promised it was the most gorgeous berry ice cream ever. Served by Lester and wife Camille we enjoyed our ice cream as we heard Lesters story of his move from Qld to Tasmania. I think he has made his fortune in selling ice cream and giving advice. One of life’s great characters.

We finally arrived at Bicheno. Ginetta & Stephen’s house is the perfect beach shack. By 5pm it was very cool so we lit the fire poured the Aperol and explored the house and the view.

This is the view looking back towards the beach house. It’s on the Sandy beach on the left. A two minute walk from the town. Perfect!

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