A traveller's reflection: 09 Tasmania: Strahan

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing..." - Walt Disney

(Table Cape Lighthouse)

Day 09: 28 August 23 (Monday)

Route: Strahan - Wynyard - Boat Harbour - Stanley
Distance: 252 km
Hotel: Stanley Seaview Inn, Stanley

We had cereal and milk with steaming hot coffee to warm us up. It was below 3⁰C this morning and our car was covered with ice. It took a while to warm the engine. Once the windshield was cleared we started our journey.

(The sun is slowly melting the ice)

(Keeping warm and ready for another long drive)

About 10 km after Strahan, we stopped at Henty Dunes. The Henty Dunes are 30 m tall, reaching several kilometres inland and extending 15 km along the coast north of Strahan. These giant towers of sand create a desert like escape amid the rainforests of Tasmania's west coast. We did not dare to explore as one could get lost in the huge dunes.

(A good view of the huge dunes is from the top)

(A brief description of Henty Dunes)

It was raining all the way. Comfort break was at Guildford. We refuelled at Highclere, about 30 km from Wynyard. In Wynyard we stopped at the Wonders of Wynyard, a home to the world-class Ransley Veteran Car Collections.

(Mountains and lakes along the route)

(Wonders of Wynyard)

(Exhibitions in August)

(Leaving the town of Wynyard)

We left Wynyard and took the Table Cape Rd travelling up the rolling hills to the end of the road where the Table Cape Lighthouse stood tall on the flat promontory.

(The light house is surrounded by scenic farmlands)

(The light was originally powered by an oil burner)

(A viewing area about a kilometre away)

(Spectacular view of Wynyard coast line)

Later on the way back to Highway 2 we detoured to the Table Cape Viewpoint passing through cattle, sheep and Alpaca farms. The Tulip Farm was closed in winter and tulips were not in season.

(Enjoying the drive on country road)

(Alpaca, sheep and hairy moo farms)

On the way to Stanley we made another detour to the Boat Harbour Beach for some photo shots. Another stop was at a beach at Mawbanna with tessellated pavement and a view of the Nut, the solidified core of a volcano which dominates the historic town of Stanley which is nestled at its base.

(Toilet break at Boat Harbour Beach)

(The Nut from a distance)

We reached Stanley around 3:30 pm and checked in at Stanley Seaview Inn. We booked a table for two at Stanley Hotel Bistro for a 5:30 pm dinner. To while away our time we drove to some of the attractions in Stanley.

(Stanley Fishermans Wharf)

After visiting the Fishermans Wharf located at the end of the Nut, we drove a steep road to Highfield Historic site not far from Stanley town. These ruins of the convict barracks are located near the entrance to Highfield House. A plaque states that the buildings were built in 1834 and occupied from 1836. The view from the site where the remains of the convicts barracks at the top of the hill is very picturesque.

(Convicts responsible to develope Highfield)

(Most convicts were highly skilled)

(The ruins were perched on the hilltop)

(Beautiful beaches and picnic areas)

Fairy Penguins, the world's smallest breed of penguin can be watched from the viewing platform at Godfrey’s beach as they come ashore after dark. The best time of the year is between September and March. Fewer numbers can be seen over the winter months. when we were there we did not manage to sight any.