Penguin to Launceston...20th March.

We got away at 8.30am on our way to Launceston where we will be staying for three nights. Woke up to a perfect day not a cloud in the sky. We drove to Deloraine to check if the weather was OK to go up the mountains to the Great Lake lookout which is on the southern side of the mountain. On our trip to Strahan we weren't that far from the bottom of the Great Lake. Tassie has so many lakes. They call it the land with a thousand lakes but not sure if that could be possible although lakes pop up everywhere large small so who knows. I know if you fly right over Tasmania and look down there sure are lots of lakes down there. On our way to Deloraine we stopped off at Devonport to have a drive round before we left the area.

Unfortunately we just missed the passenger/car ferry leave for Melbourne. We had checked when it left so we should have left Penguin a little earlier. As we drove down to the beach behind Devonport we saw it in the distance.

Devonport lighthouse.

Looking back to Devonport from the lighthouse.

Over to the left is where the ferry leaves from. If we had been that few minutes earlier we would have had a great view of the boat travelling down the river.

Now at Deloraine looking over to the mountain we wanted to drive up to the Great Lake lookout. We went to the tourist info to see what the conditions were like up there. We were told they were perfect. The road wound up around the side of the above mountain.  It was a great wide road winding up the mountain  which made it easy to drive. We were surprised how good it was. These mountain ranges along this ridge are called the Great Western Tiers.

On our way up the side of the mountain.

Getting nearer the top outlook out the other way. There was a nice view right down the valley but far to hazy looking into the sun to take a photo.



As we got higher the mountain face became really rocky.

Now at the highest point for the lookout at the top of the Great Lake. The view doesn't give you the impression how big it is. It goes for miles. We climbed from 230m above to sea level to 1220m in a very short time. For Australia it is a very large altitude gain in a relatively short distance.

The vegetation also changes dramatically over the half hour drive, and the drop in temperature is very noticeable. It was 4 degrees up there. Not as cold as Mt Wellington behind Hobart, which was colder. When we got to the lookout the weather had started to close in over the lake. Hence the view wasn't as clear.

This photo and the one above are close ups of the wider photo below.

The outlook wasn't as good as I was expecting but still really worth the drive up there. 

A little way on our way down we stopped at an area called Pine Lake. Apart from the Lake there is a short boardwalk down to the lake through the pencil pines which are unique to Tasmania

At the end of the boardwalk looking over the lake.

These are the pencil pines you see a lot of these through Tasmania.

We are now in the area they call the wilderness plateau  and the vegetation has changed a lot  from lower down the hill. It's all very rocky without a lot of growth.

Now back down from the Mountain and back in Deloraine where we stopped for lunch. Pretty river running through the town.

Main Street. Shops quite different, all old and full of old looking stuff......

Decided to come off the motorway and do some travelling down the Great Western Tiers Tourist route just not to miss the outer places.

Above, we went through Westbury and drove around the back of town and found this old building, The Commercial Bank until 1887.

You would think that someone would tidy it up and care for the old building. I felt like getting my gloves on and doing a bit of weeding!!!

We have now arrived at our accommodation at Launceston for the next three nights. An early 1900s terraced townhouse. Only about 5m wide and two story which you will see below. The owners were there to greet us. They live out in the suburbs of Launceston a place called Perth. The place is amazing. Liz and Shane restored it very tastefully for a holiday let and they have done a beautiful job. The presentation is very well done lots of old pieces around.
Gone a bit mad with the photos but it is so nicely done. Much nicer than staying in a hotel room and cheaper.

The second bedroom and kitchen downstairs

The lounge and main bedroom (below) are upstairs. Very cosy

The landing at the top of the stairs.

We are in these terrace houses. Our one is just behind the lamp post.

This is the front. Terraces upstairs and patio downstairs. We had a drink tonight on the terrace upstairs. The sun was pouring in.

The property is called Two Up On York. 177 York Street Launceston.