The North East and Dorset, with familiar place names like Weymouth, Bridport and Lulworth, though the scenery couldn’t be more different. The aboriginal history is sparse and difficult to find and understand without a guide, so I made a fair few omissions on my way. I want to go back and explore Tomahawk.
I whizzed through Gladstone, bored of the road’s monotony and headed down a dirt road towards Ansons Bay. Much more my cup of tea. Long straight roads and plenty of open, sheep-filled flowing fields, with wilderness creeping in, the further I went. I also saw my first living Wombat crossing the road. A walky koala type of thingy! Brown!
Ansons Bay, the start of the Bay of Fires to Binalong Bay and St. Helens for the night. Sailing boats bobbing. I drove through Suicidal Wallaby-land after dusk to see what was happening in the night sky. A cold half hour struggling to find a shot. Deep Space 9.
Biking along Binalong for the bluff at Sloop Reef the sun came out on wonderful forest roads, some flooded and impassable, but a great adventure down to The Gardens and back to Sloop Reef. Laid back Bicheno for the night, a great pint, and a totally fresh and delicious seafood platter.
Morning hike in the Freycinet Peninsula to a touristy iconic view of Wineglass Bay and a n afternoon’s tipsy Wine Tasting trail to Swansea and spectacular views of Moulting Lagoon; scudding clouds spraying the fields below with light and a little deserted cottage…..Swansea to the Bay of Fires. A Ewan’s pick!
My last day of this excursion started at the Blow-Hole, then north and inland to sample the delights of Blue Derby, Mountain Bike Park extraordinaire. World Class Entertainment.
Pygena and through Weldborough, to Derby is absolutely stunning and I’ll come back and base myself in Weldborough for the trails at Blue Derby MTB. A little blast through one left me gagging for more . Between Scottsdale and Nunamara, amazing roads left the tortured and shuddering Toyota creaking at the seams. A Porsherrari anyone?
Next stop Flinders Island– flying with Sharps Air from Launceston. yahoo
new horizons 