20063bTasmania North

Home > Travelogues > 2006 Travelogues Index > > Tasmania - North around Launceston

Short version only - full version with pictures yet to come

We reach Tasmania and follow a plan to see a good cross section of the island in our short seven week visit, starting in the North. We then explored the West, the South, the East, travelled through the historic Midlands and finally toured through the Central Highlands. See where we camped.

Turning to explore east of Devonport, seagulls grazed on crustaceans on the beach at low tide at the Narawntapu National Park. Campers also gathered oysters for breakfast.

At the historic town of Evandale the annual fair features the national penny farthing bicycle championship races. Here a young man from Perth wins the novice event. There was a display of steam engines and of vintage cars. Some ladies were dressed in keeping with the era.

Not far away is the Ben Lomond range which peaks at 1,575 metres and is the location of a winter ski resort. A switchback road known as Jacob’s Ladder climbs a rocky scree to the ski fields. Extensive views even give glimpses of the coast.

Launceston is connected to the ocean by the long Tamar River estuary. Overlooking this bend is known as Brady’s lookout and is reputed to be where a bushranger watched for ships to plunder.

Overlooking Launceston, the site of the first water supply for the town is now a popular picnic area with walks at Cataract Gorge Reserve. A chair lift and a suspension bridge add to the novelty. While a pretty spot and a nice day outing for people from the city, it was not really worth making the special effort to visit when compared to the natural sights around Tasmania.

The Batman Bridge across the Tamar River north of Launceston rattles as a road train crosses. Oyster covered the rocks at the water’s edge at low tide. Seahorses are bred at Beauty Point and a tour of the facility can be toured for a fee. Photo courtesy Sea Horse World; photos not allowed at the breeding tanks. From Point Beauty Point, looking across the Tamar as the estuary widens near the mouth.