Will she make it over the strait?

It was a great way to spend our last morning in Tasmania, with a little sleep in, it was crisp outside.

Today being our last day in Tasmania we only had one question on our minds, even if we didn't talk about it. Would she make it? We weren't worried about the car, or getting to the Spirit of Tasmania on time, we were both worried if Katie would make Bass Strait without illness.

Leaving Strahan around 9 we headed north and passed through Zeehan, then through more of the wilderness and into Rosebery.  We stopped in town, had a coffee and then moved on to Burnie. On route just out of Rosebery a detour was made to Murchison Dam, such a quiet place with just us there.

We stopped into the Burnie information Centre, which also doubles as a place where 'makers' can work and sell their wares. Mostly there are jewellery types.

We also did the paper makers tour which was very interesting and even got to make our own paper. This was a great distraction from the upcoming voyage across Bass Straight.

Rather than taking the Bass highway to Devonport we followed the more scenic route along the coast through the towns of Penguin and Ulverstone.

Devonport was our final destination today and there was still time before check-in to explore the Bass Strait Maritime Centre. This centre is dedicated to providing visitors information, and that it did. There is a great mix of things to do here and was thoroughly enjoyed.

The time had finally come and we had checked in. 

Rather than having such a restless night we upgraded from the Ocean Recliner to our own room, with the hope this would help Katie's sea legs. 

Around 12 hours later we arrived in Melbourne, Katie slept through, no sickness.

Good morning, Melbourne!

Strahan sightseeing

Laundry, it has to be done, and thankfully Strahan has a laundromat.  After the chore was finished we headed out to Ocean Beach were we had a quick drive along the

West Coast Wilderness Railway

After another early start, we headed to Regatta Point in Strahan for our day trip in the West Coast Wilderness Railway. We opted for the full day adventure (Queenstown Explorer) in the

Ahoy skipper!

Our next big adventure in Strahan was to board Eagle and join World Heritage Cruises for the day. The cruise departed at 9am. We did cover some of the water we saw last night, but still was interesting to hear the skippers commentary and see the landscape during the day.

Ahoy Skipper, ready for cruising

Platypus, penguins and pure Tasmania

After four days and nights exploring Hobart and the area it was time to depart this morning and thanks to the ending of daylight savings were able to awake with out the need for an alarm.  We were out of Barillia Holiday Park just after 8am.

Market, Museum and Richmond

Salamanca Market is huge, in fact it would be the biggest market we have ever been to. It stretches for what seems like 500 meters with at least 300 stalls. Lots of hand made items, from wood to glass with food and drink in between.

Port Arthur

As we had both been to Port Arthur in the past, we knew what were were in for but still wanted to go back to see just a little more. The haunting remains of the

Females, freezing mountain and fascinating museum

Cascade Female Factory, the place where many female convicts were sent when they arrived in Hobart, is just south of Hobart and provided us with an insight to one particular woman's arrival. We attended the 11AM performance of Her Story and were impressed.

The Midland Way

One of the worst lookouts we have ever been to would have to be on High Street, Launceston.  We drove past on Tuesday and made a point we would return on departure to see the city one last time. Well we should have taken some photos, but as we were so disappointed neither of us drew a shot.

Tamar Trippin'

Beaconsfield and Beauty point were today's points of call

Our first stop was the Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, infamous for the mine collapse killing one miner and holding 2 others prisoner for 14 days.

Lovely Launceston

After a very shaky and tiring journey,we started the morning with the waiting to get off the Spirit of Tasmania 1.  It was a relief to get off and it wasn't long before Katie regained some of her colour and was back to her self.

Rather than doing a foodie discovery tour a change of plans was needed

No sea legs

After a lovely dinner and watching some television, we retired around 11PM into our Ocean Recliners.  For us it made sense, no reason booking a room when we could have the equivalent comfort of airline business class seats.

Spirit Of Tasmania 1

After a leisurely afternoon in Port Melbourne watching the world go by we got in line to board.

Boarding started at 6pm, and we were in line ready to go. We passed through security check, in which the officer had great interest in the Thumper battery.

The loop

29th March 2015 - 10 April 2015