Launceston....21st March

Another great  sunny day here in Launceston and today we thought that we would drive north of Launceston out to the coast. First we drove up Tamar valley up the western side of the river, then headed east along the top as far as Bridport then down to see the Lavendar Farm then back to base.

We got away at 8.30am arrived back at 2.30pm so quite a big driving day. Now that we have done that we realise that we could have shorten it a bit.

We drove up through the Tamar wine country as far as Beauty Point. We didn't go as far as the coast as we were doing that on the other side of the Tamar River. This is the boat harbour at Beauty Point. Not a lot to see up there.

We then drove back down to Beaconsfield and crossed over the river to continue up the eastern side.

Went over the bridge then walked under it to get this shot.

Arrived at George Town and had a look at these wooden carvings. Had a drive around George Town then continued up to the very top of the peninsular called Low Head at the mouth of the River Tamar, the windy coast of Bass Strait. We are about 50km north of Launceston. You don't realise how far inland Launceston is from the coast.

Standing under the light house looking down the Tamar river.

Above and below looking out to the  mouth of the river Tamar.

Light house which stands a the head of Australia's longest tidal river the Tamar which enters the dangerous waters of the Bass Strait.

Looking from behind the Light house over the sandy bay called East Beach. The eastern side of the peninsular of Low Heads.

Further down this little sheltered area is Pilots Bay above and below are on the Western side of the peninsula.

The old Low Head Pilot Station, dates from 1805. It's now used for a museum and cafe. Houses on the right were the crews quarters.

Also at East Beach were these wooden sculptures done by a man called Eddie Freeman who lives in the town of Ross about an hour south fromLaunceston. All done with a chainsaw.

Drove as far as Bridport on the north coast but nothing much out there. So we had lunch, a great bowl of real seafood chowder, yum then headed back. Above just a shot of the old  and new launching wharf for the local boaties.



We then went to the Lavendar Farm but as it is out of season for the colour I took a photo out of a magazine to show what it could look like.

But today it looked like this but it was still worth the visit. Had a coffee and a Lavendar scone and then got on our way.



Looking the other way more planting.

Wombat native to Australia he was sitting in the gutter. Moved away when we stopped to take a photo from the car window. Don't think that he looked very well. We haven't seen any before but we believe they don't come out until late afternoon and night time.

The countryside on our drive back to base. Another day in Launceston tomorrow. We might take it a bit slower tomorrow.....