Tasmania 2014 Day 13 – Freycinet National Park

Started the day at 7am, washed up and left the accommodation at 8am, having to call the phone number on the reception and was met at the door by the owner. Gave her our feedbacks on the inadequate heating and the spiders, in which the response was that it was probably near spraying time, and that would have gotten rid of the spiders.

Pushed off to our breakfast location where we agreed to have it along the way when we saw one. It was a smooth drive where there weren’t many vehicles around. Soon we got through Eaglehawk neck and arrived at Dunalley, where we saw a Dunalley Bakery opened. Parked outside and dined in, ordering a mushroom and chicken pie and a ham and egg pie, and had one bottled ice coffee to go.

Before long, we were again on our way, getting through Sorell, one of the bigger towns and then to a midway stop at Triabunna and had some coffee at one of the stores (Triabunna Takeaway). Got some gas to full tank before the onward journey to Bicheno, also passing through another big town of Swansea.

Along the way, there were views of natural landscape, some green some brown, some sheep grazing and some cows and a few water bodies. We preferred the road trip in South New Zealand though, as that was filled with more crystal blue lakes, gave us more awe as we drove close to the clouds. But still we enjoyed this solitude of Tasmania.

Arrived at the Bicheno Ocean View Retreat just slightly outside Bicheno town and while at the reception, saw the notice about getting to the unit by ourselves when there was no one around. So we went to our unit 3 indicated on our Agoda hotel voucher. It was a part of a bigger building and it was very nicely decorated, with country style furniture. There was a kitchenette available too and parking was free, just next to the unit. But the best thing about this place was the view of the Maclean Bay. From both the living room and the bedroom we could get the panoramic view of the ocean and the beach, an excellent view!

We didn’t hang around too long and drove back to Bicheno town for lunch. Got into a cafe named Gangsters cafe and ordered some Pink Ling (fish) and Risotto. After lunch, went over to the pharmacy ( very helpful pharmacist provided recommend the drug suitable for pregnant woman) to get some anti constipation meds and then to supermarket to get bananas.

Sent my wife back to the accommodation since she wasn’t feeling well with the constipation and I drove 30km to Coles bay. Coles bay was a small little town, mostly residential and had a jetty where yachts could be launched. It had a nice view of the other side of the island but overall nothing much else.

Drove another few minutes to Freycinet National Park and visited the visitors center. Was informed of the park fees (which I didn’t know) and paid 60Aud for the vehicle that include all park passes for a period of 8weeks, slightly cheaper than individually getting the passes everyday since we were intending of visiting Cradle mountain and lake St Clair too.

Drove another 10mins to Wineglass Bay lookout carpark lot. Once I got out, I saw a few wallabies hanging around the carpark, and approached one to get a photo of it. Afterwards, I began trekking the route towards the lookout, a 1.5hrs return journey.

The route was dirt route but was clear. Most of it was upward sloping and I found it quite physically demanding as I had not been working out at all. I was also trying to go faster since it was already 320pm and that the sun could get too low and that the view would be darker due to that. After 10mins or so of fast walk, I got to the Coles bay lookout, puffing. Took some shots and a few sips of water and it was up and up again, steps and dirt path.

Another 10mins or more of fast walk, I finally got to the lookout. There were enough signages along the way to guide to the lookout, and I skipped the other longer route which would bring the walkers to the beach itself. Rested a full 5 mins as I admired the view. There were already 2 groups of people taking photos. After I recovered from the furious breathing, I also got into shooting mode to capture as bright a shot as whatever remaining sunlight could offer. The view wasn’t really the best with the dark clouds in the background not helping but it would do. Stayed for 20mins before my descent.

Going down wasn’t physically demanding but required concentration as well. The loose sand on the ground could be slipping hazard if not careful. Probably took about 15mins to get back to the carpark, and somehow I got back on a route that was different from the one that I took going up. Used the toilet facilities available near the carpark. At the carpark, the wallabies were still around and people were trying to interact with them, taking photos and touching them. I was just worried that my car would hit them as I moved out, so was being really slow and careful that I didn’t do that.

Returned the same way I came and the sun was getting lower as I drove back, sometimes disturbing my visual of the road. By the time I reached our accommodation, it was already close to sunset. The view then was extraordinary, the sun rays giving the view in front of us many facets. I spent a lot of time shooting photos and admiring the beauty presented to my eyes.

Left for Bicheno town for dinner at around 6pm and then the place was already quite dark. Visited the Bicheno Beachfront restaurant that was combined with a bar and a gaming facility and was near Best Western. Ordered and was informed that they do accept credit cards but only with approval through PIN numbers. I didn’t have a PIN number credit card and ended up paying cash. We had scallops and chicken for dinner with pumpkin soup. The portions were really big and I liked the scallops, which was quite bouncy. By the time we finished, we were filled to the brim.

After resting from the dinner and utilising the free but slow wifi (password from the staff), we drove through the dark road back to the accommodation. As I was about to turn into our carpark, I noticed something jumped from afar, pademelons! They were a few meters from our accommodation and were jumping away when they saw our vehicle. Felt amused that we were staying really close to wildlife.

The rest of the night was spent resting and watching tv. There were heaters that helped to keep the place comfortable. Blogged this and went to bed, tired and also anticipating the longest drive yet, for tomorrow.