Finally, we ended up our journey in Australia with a road trip in the (Tasmanian) Devils’ Island. Tasmania is named after the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, the first European who sighted it in 1642. With its scenic landscapes, unique wildlife and untouched rainforests, it is a spectacular yet highly underrated region in Australia.
Although Tasmania may look small in comparison to mainland Australia, it is actually the same size as Ireland !
We stayed one week in Tasmania. We really wanted to visit the Tarkine, a remote and isolated region of Tasmania, but it was too much driving with a child. Instead, we opted for the following itinerary: Hobart – Derwent Valley – Freycinet via Heartlands – Hobart.
Hobart
The Tasmanian capital was once the busiest Harbour in the southern hemisphere, owing to the penal transportation and whaling industry. Today, it is a small and intimate city whose skyline is still dominated by the rugged figure of Mt Wellington (Kunanyi in Aboriginal language).
We visited the Cascades Female Factory, a historic site associated with the story of female convicts.
Around 7,000 of them were transported here (over 25,000 women in total) for mere petty crimes forced by poverty in Britain’s industrial cities.
We drove past the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many animals, including Tasmanian devils, the animal emblem of Tasmania.
Derwent Valley
We drove out of Hobart through the beautiful Derwent Valley until Mount Field National Park, where the stunning Russell Falls hid amongst tall trees and wet forestland. On our way back, we stocked up on raspberries in a self-picking farm.
Heartlands
We enjoyed a scenic drive through the Heartlands, a region in Central Tasmania dotted with cute historical towns with sandstone facades.
The serenity of Lake Dulverton at the heart of Tasmania.
Freycinet
We visited Freycinet National Park, a peninsula of pink granite mountains, white-sand beaches and friendly wildlife. Finally, we drove back to Hobart along Tasmania’s beautiful eastern coastline.
We stayed in Coles Bay, in a rustic home with a view of the lagoon and the lush surrounding landscape.
Leave a Reply