Triabunna

Sunday April 15th saw us say our final goodbyes to the Tasman Peninsula and begin our trek North along the Eastern coast of Tasmania. Our first planned stop was at Triabunna which is the main access point to Maria Island.

The trip was short in distance and the initial section was good road. That of course changed to the usual winding, hilly, narrow roads that we still haven't got used to. There was one section just before we got to Orford that was very narrow with a sharp drop to the left with only a few unsteady looking wooden posts. Not very relaxing especially when towing a caravan.

We pulled into the Spring Bay Hotel in Triabunna late morning and got set up in the camping area at the rear of the Hotel. The area is fenced and offered for a donation which goes to the local community. A very nice stop with good amenities across the road at the Visitor Centre. We checked in with the bar staff to let them know we were there while Rans and I enjoyed a cold beer. We did a short walk along the wharf area checking out the Ferry and tour boat, as well as numerous private vessels. Quite a pretty area with the sun shining the calm winds.

After lunch we headed out for a short drive to explore the surrounding area. We headed South again to Orford before heading towards the coast. Our first stop was Spring Beach where we had a short walk.

From there we continued where we got a nice view of Prosser Bay before another short stop at Shelley Beach.

We finished off with a short drive around Triabunna which wasn't all that exciting a place other than the wharf district. We did get treated to a really nice rainbow as we were returning to our campground.

Sandra and I were interested in doing the Maria Island Cruise on the Monday but when we called they were 90% sure it would be cancelled as very high winds were predicted. The Ransleys had decided to take the ferry over to the Island and do a few walks instead.

We woke to near gale conditions and while the Ransleys headed off for the 9am ferry they returned shortly as even the ferry had been cancelled. The day was miserable with cool temperatures and very strong winds. We ventured out for some hot chips at the Fish Van which were very good and reasonable. Sandra and I also did a short walk along the main street in the afternoon. There wasn't too much to see and we nearly got blown away. All in all it was a quiet day spent huddled in the caravan catching up computer work.

We are moving on tomorrow to Bicheno where we are booked in for a week during school holidays. We didn't get to do the Maria Island tour due to the weather but may have another look at it when we return this way to head up to Launceston.