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
sand.

Next we headed to Macquarie Heads and Bonnet Island, this time from the land. There is also a lovely camp ground in the area, something we will keep in mind if we are ever back in summer.

Then back into Strahan for a barbecue in Peoples Park followed by a little exploring of the town, the tourist shops, the view from water tower lookout and a quite relaxing afternoon at Franklin Manor.

Tonight we attended Australia's longest running play "The ship that never was" now in its 22nd year.

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
Wilderness carriage.  This would take us from Strahan to Queenstown return via many stops on the way, including morning, afternoon tea and lunch.

We started the day by watching our little engine, Mount Lyle No.3 being turned on the turntable by just man (and woman) power. This little engine comes in at around 23 tons.

Next was time to board as the engine was coupled and we were given a lovely glass of sparkling, and it was still before 9am.

The carriage

There was no doubt about it the trains and tracks were not as smooth as todays trains. But the ride was great.

Filling with water stop.

Another stop for water.

After many twists, turns, bridges, sheer drops and stops for water we arrived in Queenstown and had our lunch and a brief tour.

The return trip was via the same track and once again it was impressive to be going through such a lovely place.  At one of the stops for water, we were able to walk over the Queen River and see some of the discolouration caused by over a century of mining in Queenstown,  This type of mining has now changed and the river is no longer being polluted, but it will take many years to return to normal.

 

 

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

Strahan Harbour

We passed Bonnet Island the site of our Penguin encounter and then went through hells gates, named by the convicts as this is what they thought they were entering.

Katie with Bonnet Island

Hells Gates only 75 meters wide!

We made it through the gates, just need to get back into Macquarie Harbour now.

Next we stopped by some Salmon pens and saw how the operators feed the salmon by spraying out the feed with a water canon.

With some more nautical miles under our belts, we arrived for a semi theatrical tour of the once penal settlement.

 

Gordon River

Back on the Eagle, it was time for a buffet lunch while heading upstream on the Gordon River, then stopping at Heritage Landing for a stroll through the rainforest and close up of Huon Pines.

This is over 650 years old

The final stop back at Strahan allowed us to view Morrison's Saw mill now in its fourth generation.

Tomorrow... Choo Choo.