You certainly feel more alive when you visit the north west of Tasmania! This region reputedly has the freshest and purest air on the planet, so breathe it in we did. It’s good for the lungs and good for the soul. Due to unavoidable delays to the Spirit of Tasmania, we had to cancel our first planned destination, which was Ulverstone, and move along the Bass Highway to Boat Harbour Beach after disembarking from the ship.
The next 6-7 days of our journey took in Boat Harbour Beach, Table Cape, Sisters Beach, Rocky Cape National Park and the picturesque village of Stanley.
Boat Harbour Beach
Nestled between rocky headlands, Boat Harbour Beach is an idyllic and sheltered harbour of blue water, fine white sand, rock pools, kelp gardens and beautiful rock formations. Our accommodation was perched right above the beach front, making it a wonderful place to slow down, relax and breathe in the fresh sea air. Long beach walks, viewing the sea from the deck and enjoying good food and wine made up most of our activity time.
Table Cape
A bright, sunny day arrived in time for our visit to Wynyard and Table Cape. The Table Cape Tulip Farm was a highlight of this trip, but the surrounding countryside is also very beautiful, as we meandered along the roads taking in the rolling green vistas and admiring the rich red earth. It was amazing to witness the massive array of colour from the various tulip varieties. It was impossible to choose a favourite shade of colour.
Rocky Cape National Park
Jutting out into the Bass Strait, Rocky Cape National Park was another fabulous destination. The spring and summer seasons are a great time to travel here as the coastal heathland is in bloom with a vast array of wildflowers. It’s difficult to describe how beautiful this colour palette is - a maze of purple, pink, yellow, orange, white and every shade in between! The rugged coastline and craggy rocks makes this park particularly spectacular. It’s a great place to walk around and feel the fresh wind and sea spray in your face!
Stanley
The village of Stanley is an absolute gem, full of history, culture and natural beauty. Perched on the end of a dramatic peninsula jutting out into the Bass Strait, the township lies at the base of the Nut, a large basalt plug from an extinct volcano. Historic cottages wrap around the base of the Nut, framing the town with its two stunning beaches. Local restaurants serve up the finest northwest delights of Cape Grim Beef, fresh caught seafood and locally grown produce. Also, there’s not too many places where you can see fairy penguins in your backyard!
Historic Highfield House perched on a hill with sweeping views of the peninsula provides an excellent insight into the operations of the original Van Diemen’s Land Company and an understanding of how Europeans first settled into the district. The buildings and rooms have been carefully restored and it also provides commentary on the key characters who made up this new community. On a sad note, some of the early settlers had a dramatic and tragic impact on the Tasmanian Aboriginal population, who were killed in large numbers or driven off their country. They were also largely responsible for the devastation of the unique and splendid Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger), so they do have a lot to answer for. Let's hope for better times in the future.
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