27/6/10 off to Tasmania

"The Mania Boat... the Mania Boat...!!" A chant we'd heard everytime the ad came on TV for the Spirit of Tasmania over the past few months from 3 excited children anticipating a our trip on it!

On a chilly winter's evening we drove aboard the Spirit of Tasmania II, found ourselves at the front of a row of cars giving us pole position for driving off the following morning. Found our way to our cabin - a 'cosy' four berth with a porthole window. Gemma's bed was a portacot that fit in between the bunks. We dropped off our overnight luggage and went for a wander around the boat. As we set sail we had a bit of dinner in the eatery.

When we awoke the full moon shimmered on the still water as we smoothly cruised towards Tasmania. We could see the lights of several towns along the coastline, west of Devonport. The kids enjoyed the view as we entered the Mersey River for the dock.

We found ourselves driving off, first ones off the main deck... and it was 6:30am and pitch dark outside! We figured half the boat would be heading to McDonald's for breakfast, so we didn't join them. Drove out of town and found ourselves in the small town of Penguin. The sun was rising across the sea, creating some great colours in the sky. We bought egg n bacon pies at the just opened for the morning bakery and ate them in the car near the 'Big Penguin'. It was way to cold to get out though.

Next we continued west, driving through Wynyard and up onto Table Cape. The cape is the remnants of a volcano's feeder plug, has terrific chocolate brown soil and they grow tulips and other flowers in spring. We parked at the lookout which afforded great coastal views back towards the east. There was a walk of about 20 minutes to the lighthouse. As it was sunny, but only 4 degrees, we donned beanies, gloves, fleecies and coats and braved the chill for the great coastal stroll.

Next we drove on to Smithon, just past Stanley which was where our accomodation for 4 nights was. We had found ourselves a house at the 'Riverbend Youth Camp' which was only $50 a night. As there were no camps in we also had free access to all other facilities such as the trampolines, playground and large rec hall. The house was old but comfortable - quite a big living area. Most importantly it was warm and cosy! The kids particularly liked the chooks that hung around in the gardens around the house.