ADVENTURES IN OZ with WOK 'n WOBYN: HUON VALLEY and TAROONA

4^th January, 2014

It was time to head south, but before we did that we headed east through Launceston and then north east to Bridestowe Lavender Farm. Many years ago we had visited the farm but it was just after all the lavender had been harvested and at that time there was only a small gift shop and an informative video explaining the history of the farm and how the lavender was harvested and distributed. It had piqued our interest enough to make us want to return to actually see the lavender in flower. We arrived at the farm by lunchtime and found that to gain access we would have to pay a fee of $15. As we had detoured a long way to come to the farm we grudgingly handed over the money and then found a place to park near the rows of lavender.

Lavender farm at Bridestowe

There was a restaurant now attached to the gift shop and if we hadn’t paid such an exorbitant fee to park would have sampled some of the interesting lavender themed food that was on offer. Instead we had lunch in the van and watched the bumblebees fly around the lavender. After lunch we took a walk through the lavender and checked out the gift shop where all things lavender were on sale – at a price of course! We were disappointed to find that the only information provided to the visitor about the history and processing of the lavender was on a small screen TV in the gift shop where the audio competed with noise from the restaurant and gift shop patrons. Twenty years ago this place had all the potential to be a great tourist spot if developed correctly. Do we think they succeeded? NO!

We continued on our merry way taking a different road back towards Launceston and then turning south towards Hobart. We free camped overnight in a rest area that was off the main road before setting off again in the morning. The weather was a bit drizzly as we drove through Hobart but by the time we got to Huonville the skies were looking brighter. We checked into Huon Valley Caravan Park intending to stay a couple of nights before heading further south. The following day (Christmas Day to be exact) a round table discussion occurred and a consensus was reached. We decided to base ourselves in the caravan park and explore the surrounding areas by doing day trips in Mitzi. The furthest point south (by road) was less than two hours away and Hobart was an easy thirty to forty minutes drive. The caravan park was unique in that it had been recently established and was situated on a working farm beside the Huon River. This meant that there was always something going on with all sorts of farm animals wandering around including a squad of ducks, geese and chickens which regularly visited our campsite.

Hmm! Seven ducklings - now where did the others get to?

Each afternoon at 6 o’clock the cattle and pigs were fed, the cows milked and the sheep and goat rounded up. Campers were invited to accompany Rowan (our campground host)

On our way (with accompanying chickens) to milk the cows

and get up close and personal with the animals.

This calf really liked the bread rolls that Wok was feeding him

Rowan is quick to point out that the farm animals are not pets and the farm is largely self sufficient with chickens, turkeys, cattle, sheep and pigs raised for their meat. An apple orchard, fruit trees and large veggie garden along with eggs from the chickens and milk from the cows supply Rowan and his family with most of their food requirements. We move from feeding the cows and calves to feeding the pigs

It's no fun eating if you can't get your feet in the trough too!

and then on to milking the cows.

No ... that can't be right! Milk comes in plastic bottles and cartons!

With the milking chores out of the way it was time for ‘Badge’ the working farm dog to round up the sheep and one goat and herd them into their paddock for the night.

Badge (the dog) rounding up the sheep and one goat

On New Year’s Eve the farm put on a fireworks display which was better than some of the professional fireworks displays we have seen. For fifteen minutes we ooohed and aaahed as splashes of light and colour illuminated the night sky. The whole valley echoed with the explosive sound of the crackers. It was a great way to welcome in the New Year.

Over the time we spent at the farm we explored all roads south, east and west. There are lots of fruit orchards in this part of Tasmania and right now is cherry picking time with fruit stalls at many of the farms. To say we had a scrumptious time tucking into the ‘straight from tree to tummy’ cherries is an understatement. They were ‘deeeelicious’. At the southernmost point of Tasmania is a National Park. The park is restricted as far as vehicles are concerned but for those that like hiking numerous trails are available. We go as far as we can in Mitzi and then walk along the track to the sculpture of an adolescent sperm whale.

Rob with the whale sculpture

In the early 1800’s French whalers decimated the whale population in the southern waters of Tasmania. For 150 years no whale was seen in the bays and inlets where they had been hunted. Over the last few years sightings of whales in these waters have increased and it is hoped that in the not too distant future whales will once again be a common sight in the inlets and coves. The roads in this part of Tasmania follow the coastline and wind in and out of the multitude of bays where fish farming can be seen. We happen to be in the right place at the right time to see the yachts from the annual ‘Sydney to Hobart’ race sailing up the Derwent estuary to the finish line at Constitution Dock in Hobart.

'Sydney to Hobart' race yachts at Constitution Dock

It was surprising at how little security there was around the moored yachts and we could wander along the jetties between the boats for a close up look.

Wok with 'Wild Oats'

The race also coincides with the ‘Taste of Tasmania’ festival which is held along the wharf area near the docks. All manner of Tasmanian produce was on offer with cheese, wine, berries and seafood on more than one stall. There was quite a variety of food to taste but the line up at ‘Fish Frenzy’ caught our eye and we opted for crumbed fish and calamari with chips for lunch before eventually making our way back to Mitzi.

It’s the Friday after New Year and time to pack up the rig and head to the suburb of Taroona south of Hobart where we will be doing a house sit for a few weeks. The house is situated on the Derwent estuary and has a wonderful view across the water.

View from our bedroom

We have a golden retriever to look after and each morning and afternoon take her for a walk along the track which winds its way along the foreshore in front of the house.

Walking along the foreshore track

Actually we are not sure who is taking who for a walk as ‘Ishta’ (the dog) knows every tree to smell, every bush to rub up against and every grassy patch to roll in.

Ishta seems to be saying "Hurry up you slow coaches"

The views along the track are lovely and we often stop to take in the scenery.

Wok and Ishta checking out the scenery

Oh ... and Ishta loves to go for a swim on her walks

Ishta to Wok - "Come on in. The water's fine!"

and quite enjoys swimming after cormorants and anything else that might happen to be in the water.

Oh OK - guess I'll have to catch this fish all by myself.

Even though it is summer the water temperature is quite cold. Ishta doesn’t seem to mind though and is reluctant to come ashore when it is time to go.

Aww gee! Do I really have to come home?

After an exhausting morning of walking the dog, having breakfast, brushing the dog, having morning tea and playing with the dog is it any wonder that we sit for hours in front of the lounge room window just watching the passing parade …