Tasmania In A T3

We left Brisbane bound for Tasmania and the bi annual Wooden Boat Festival via the town of Orange my sister’s big Birthday bash.

- Bruce Costin

Pulled in late to the quaint village of Nundle, near Tamworth, having already booked into the gorgeous old Jenkins Street Guesthouse. A lovely destination on its own and being situated right beside the historic Peel Inn, it made for a top evening because as luck would have it the Nundle music festival was in full swing. Under an ancient vine canopied beer garden, some great blues/country/rock tunes were appreciated, along with a fine pub meal. It was a great start to our road trip.

Pulled into Orange at our accommodation for the weekend, the beautiful old mansion of Duntryleague built in 1876. Many family and friends had arrived to celebrate the big 60th and on Saturday night old Duntryleague was jumping! A great time was had by all. Mum joined us at this point and we set sail early Monday morning with a large gathering waving us off.

Embarked for a night crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. We booked a 4 berth cabin with ensuite; a better sleeping arrangement than the first time, snoozing around the bar until the wee hours is not a good way to arrive, dog tired and hung over! Disembarked at Devonport refreshed and hungry, so stopped in at historic Cafe Squire for a big breakfast!

We had a week before the Wooden Boat Festival started in Hobart, so stocked up with food and red wine, and with bushfires in the southern Huon Valley area, we headed west along the coast. Had a very picturesque drive through to Burnie and beyond. No big road distances here, and with max temperatures around 25 degrees, the T3 and passengers really enjoyed the drive. Stopped first night in the village of Somerset, and with cool weather it made for a comfortable couple of nights camping here. We had a good look around the area with a run up to the hinterland and west along the coast to Table Cape Lighthouse. Hazy sea but view spectacular all the same.