TOURING TASMANIA WITH BRUCE & JENNY - PART 3
Suncoast Tassie Travels continue…Like us, find yourself enthralled by the east coast of Tasmania, where surprises await your travels. Tasmania is a stunningly beautiful place to go for a caravanning holiday. Home to some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery, Tasmania provides visitors with an opportunity to experience unspoiled nature and take part in outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, bushwalking and more.
From Huonville to Bicheno, there are many places to visit in between such as Hobart, Swansea and Freycinet National Park. Once you head a bit further north, we recommend exploring exciting sights such as the Blow Holes and unusual coloured algae-covered rocks at Bicheno. And be sure to try out the Lobster Shack seafood restaurant at Bicheno – you won’t regret it!
From Bicheno, immerse yourself into the tranquillity of nature at White Sands Estate and Iron House Brewery. With free camping in the estate grounds, you can really take a deep breath out here. Superb views await those who remember to check opening hours – as Iron House Brewery and other attractions are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays despite peak season! Unfortunately, on the Tuesday when we visited, everything was closed including for tastings.
We headed a bit further north from White Sands Estate and Iron house brewery on the east coast and visited with Jenny’s Aunt in Scamander and were pleasantly surprised that her cousin from Paris was unexpectedly on holiday too – making memories that would last forever. You, of course, needn’t include a stop at Jenny’s Aunts place in your itinerary!
On our journey, we reached St Helens and had planned to camp at Swimcart Beach and Cosy Corner camping areas. However, due to limited space for our large rig, we decided to return to St Helens and opted to stay at the RV park. For just $20 per night, we enjoyed a spacious grassy site with access to water and convenient waste bins. Our tip here, is to always consider the size of your rig and ensure that the campsites you choose are a good, comfortable size for your gear and those camping around you.
Moving along to Binalong Bay. With its scenic coastal village and locals who are welcoming and laid-back, Binalong Bay is the ideal destination to explore the unparalleled beauty of the Bay of Fires. Known for its crystal-clear azure waters, pristine white sand beaches, and magnificent burnt orange lichen covered granite boulders, this is undoubtedly one of the most stunning parts of Tasmania. Conveniently located just 11 km away from St Helens, Binalong Bay sits at the southern end of the Bay of Fires Conservation area.
If you’re planning a caravan trip to North Eastern Tasmania, be sure to add Pyengana Dairy to your must-visit list. For over 130 years, the farmers of Pyengana have been using traditional methods to make their cloth matured farmhouse cheddar. During your visit, be sure to have their delectable tasting platter and freshly brewed coffee. I loved the aroma of fresh brewed coffee, made even better by the intoxicating smells of the fully operational dairy. As you take in the spectacular views of lush pastures and hundreds of grazing dairy cows, you’ll also witness the fully operational dairy and ever-operating irrigation systems that keep the pastures so green.
Drive just a short distance from Pyengana, and you’ll discover one of Tasmania’s most spectacular waterfalls – St Columba Falls. With its towering height of over 90m, it is truly breathtaking. But it’s not just the falls themselves that make this place exceptional. The walk to the base of the falls is a highlight in its own right, taking you through lush, cool rainforest with towering tree ferns. Once you reach the lookout, you’ll be amazed as the South George River tumbles down in a series of steep cascades. In our opinion, St Columba Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls and has the prettiest walks that we have seen. Don’t miss this stunning attraction on your caravan tour of Tasmania.
After St Columba Falls, savour the delicious menu at one of the oldest pubs in Tasmania – The Pub in the Paddock. Licensed since 1880, this famous pub is also home to the adorable Priscilla the Pig, who will steal your heart away. Fun fact – the current Priscilla is the third one to wear the namesake.
Our east coast caravan adventure led us to Cape Portland, where two oceans meet. We found a spacious site at Petal Point and enjoyed two perfect days of weather. Mid-afternoon beach walks were a highlight, with only the sound of various shore birds for company. It felt like a flashback to the 70s, surfing Noosa Beach at 5 am with not a soul in sight. The wind farm adjacent to our campsite felt oddly out of place, with over 70 turbines creating a gentle hum in the background. Despite this, we were treated to some breathtaking sunsets and stunning views from our caravan. Overall, it was an unforgettable stopover on our journey.
On your way southwest from cape Portland, make sure to stop by the Little Blue Lake – a natural phenomenon, we discovered, just a few meters off the B82 between Derby and Gladstone. Originally a mine hole from the pioneering mining days of South Mount Cameron and the surrounding areas of the Far North East of Tasmania, the intense blue colour of the lake is from the minerals in its base. While now popular with locals for water-skiing, it’s important to note that swimming in the Little Blue Lake is not recommended due to the high mineral content in the water. Nonetheless, the beauty of this natural phenomenon is well worth a visit on your next caravan trip.
After adventuring around the beautiful Tasmanian wilderness, we returned to Launceston for a few final days of exploration. Luckily, we found the perfect accommodation for caravan enthusiasts: Old Mac’s Caravan and Motorhome Farm Stay. This friendly camp is located close to Launceston and offers great amenities for those traveling with caravans or motorhomes.
We just returned from an unforgettable caravan tour in Tasmania! With stunning campsites, exciting tours, and mouth-watering food and wine adventures, we highly recommend visiting this state. Whether you’re a seasoned caravan traveller or just starting out, Tasmania has something for everyone. From breath taking mountain views to stunning coastlines, you’ll be in awe at every turn. We may be back in Queensland now, but we’re already planning our next caravan adventure. Stay tuned for more travel inspiration and tips!