Watch Out for the Tazzie Devils!!

Breathtaking views, scrumptious food, exhilarating hikes, majestic animals... What more can you ask for? Tasmania is honestly the prettiest place that I have ever visited. I cannot put the experience into words because it honestly left me speechless.






The trip began with a small and relaxing flight to Launceston, which is the second largest city in Tasmania. It was such a quaint city and I felt as if I had stepped back in time.Our first stop was at Cataract Gorge, which is a gorge reserve located just 2 minutes outside of central Launceston. We took a chairlift from the bottom of the basin and rode 457 meters up! It was absolutely beautiful and truly enabled Cataract visitors to appreciate fully and also photograph the spectacular views of this ancient rock gorge. At the top, we hiked and reached multiple lookout points. We even captured some wildlife on camera!!

After Cataract Gorge, we all ventured into the town of Launceston and had lunch. After lunch we drove (in our charter bus) for about 3 hours to reach Coles Bay. Coles Bay is an absolutely gorgeous bay and houses lots of wildlife such as cockatoos, wallabies, seals, little penguins and pods of dolphins. Upon arrival, we checked into our amazing log cabins and then got ready for a run and polar bear swim! Sadly guys, there were no polar bears...Just an expression for a quick jump into a really cold body of water (and yes it was excruciatingly cold). The run ultimately was worth it because of the amazing beach! After the swim in the absence of polar bears, we ran back to our cabins and got ready for our first group dinner at the Lluka Tavern. Dinner was absolutely lovely and we all parted ways with our tummies full of delicious entrees topped off with chocolate mud cake. Glad we went on a run!

Day 2... Early start at 7 am!
With a hike in our near future, we all knew to eat a big and healthy breakfast.

After our breakfast and prayers for survival, we headed off to Wineglass Bay. Wineglass Bay (our hiking destination) is only accessible by foot or boat, which ensures its pristine, natural condition. After our stretching or lack there of and Best of Rocky motivation hits, we started up the mountain. The 1/2 day hike consisted of hiking up for 1 hour and then down for an hour, which brings you to the Bay and then hiking back again. Boy, were the blood, sweat and tears worth it! The hike up was absolutely stunning and to my surprise, the destination was even prettier!

The bay was phenomenal with it's white sandy beach, crystal clear water, and half-moon coast. Pictures cannot do it justice.

After lunch at the world renowned bay, we hiked back and headed to Kate's Berry Farm. Truly an oasis, Kate's farm offered as much a view as lip smackin' jam and scones. The cafe, with its mouth watering menu, overlooks rows of berries and breathtaking views across Great Oyster Bay. Kate sure knows what she is doing because I was introduced to a new definition of strawberry jam. Yum yum.

After our delicious pit stop, we headed to Parson's Bay for dinner and a ghost tour. Dinner was great and at about 8 p.m. we departed for Port Arthur. Some history about Port Arthur... In 1833, it became a prison settlement for male convicts and quickly established a reputation as being a 'heck on earth.' During the 1840's, due to its captive resource of convict labor, Port Arthur became a self sufficient secondary punishment (had to break the law multiple times to land in this place. YIKES) prison settlement producing lots of goods. Port Arthur encompasses over 100 acres and features a large number of stabilized ruins and restored buildings from the convict era.
Now to the interesting part... It is pitch black dark. You see a creepy long haired man with a lantern ahead of you. There are wild animals all around you skulking in the bushes. You see a vague glimpse of light in a window of an insane asylum just ahead. As the shadows grow longer on the eerie night-time walk, you never know who will come to the light of the lantern. Darkness falls and another side of Port Arthur emerges. It's a different place after sunset, full of mystery and intrigue.

Church at Port Arthur

As we embarked on this journey, all arm in arm mind you, no one knew what the next step held. Vivid stories challenged our grasps of what happens when the past collides with the present. Truth or myth? Many people decided truth and were scared out of their wits. I sided with myth but still thoroughly enjoyed the walk accompanied with stories of ghosts inhabiting the island. Our guide detailed reported ghost sightings and unexplained occurrences, which many believed. I however, found it hard to believe in a guy that "mediates" every day, doesn't believe in hair scissors, and claims to ride with a ghost home from work.

Watch out for the Tazzie Devils!! Day 3 brought lots in store from watching Tasmanian devils eat to petting baby kangaroos! The morning consisted of a day time tour of Port Arthur (much less spooky and a good deal more informative than the ghost tour). The grounds were absolutely beautiful and abundant with lively gardens and ornate architecture. After the tour, we headed back to the bus for the Tazzie Devil Park and Raptor display. It was a great time and I had the opportunity to meet the famous little devils, cuddle with the kangas, and also discover owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, and potoroo among other interesting Aussie creatures! The guy conducting the raptor show taught one of his birds to retrieve money from our hands and to deliver it back to his front shirt pocket. Not only did the bird retrieve upward of 10 coins, but he returned each one to its rightful owner! Now who doesn't want a bird that can bring you money. What a valuable trick (literally)!

After the show, we headed to Meadow Bank Winery, which is located about 20 minutes outside of Hobart and is one of Tasmania's most awarded wineries. Here we were able to sample a range of acclaimed wines ranging from rich pinot noirs to crisp chardonnays. Even better than the wine, we were treated with a tray of cheeses and crackers. A surplus of cheese can count as lunch right?

After the munchfest, we traveled to Hobart, Tasmania's capital city. What a beautiful and interesting city! Turning to the right, you have Mount Wellington in your view. Glimpsing to the left, you are within reach of a white sandy beach. Looking ahead is the harbour filled with boats. It is every vacation destination condensed into one! After some exploration, we stopped and had dinner and commenced the evening with a great tour of the city :)


If only I had the talent of this guy------------->
He is not only playing the guitar but is also playing the didgeridoo, tapping a tambourine with his left foot, and tapping a drum with his right! That is four things at one time and I can't even hold a tune. Things, such as this amazing show, filled the streets of Hobart at the Salamanca Market on Day 4. We experienced the sights, sounds, flavors, action, and color of Australia's best outdoor market. There were hundreds of stalls and we met friendly people all along the way. The market highlighted Tasmania's fine art and craft with hand-worked glass, innovative design with wood and carving, stylish clothing and jewelry, and bold ceramics. This was truly an experience of a lifetime and I purchased two handcrafted bracelets!

After the Salamanca market, we departed for our MOUNTAIN BIKING ADVENTURE!! 1270 meters in the air, we rose to the peak of Mount Wellington. And by rose, I mean r-o-d-e in a bus ha. The extreme adventure was all down hill from there!!! The 3 hour bike ride was awesome, to say the least! It was harder than you would think riding downhill because you constantly had to brake if you didn't want to go 200 miles an hour the whole time. Because of the mega slope, all of your weight was placed on your hands on the bars which caused a little hand pain. John, I am not being a baby. It really hurt and it wasn't just me. We followed a guide from the top of the mountain and stopped at various points along the descent of the mountain to regroup.

View from the TOP I felt such a sense of accomplishment when finished and felt as if I was on top of the world! It was a great time and I am now ready for the next challenge. Bungee Jumping anyone?




We, extreme adventurers, headed back to Hobart and got ready for dinner. We had unlimited sushi! So so great and the fish was fresh from the harbor! After dinner, we all headed to bed tired and accomplished.

Last Day :( After our gourmet breakfast at our apartment hotel, we departed for.... wait for it.... A Laser Skirmish! We geared up in our army garb and began to strategize. With our massive guns, we split up across the field into two teams and IT WAS ON. We were equipped with laser guns and two sensors on our hats. The war zone was a dense wood, which left great places to hide and also ambush. Those that know me, could probably sense my excitement and intensity. I played this game like real life warfare and fully carried out the mission. Our last challenge was Last Man Standing. Who do you think was the last man? You would be right. Your very own.

I carried my victory with me all the way to the Hobart Airport and headed home to Bundoora. The flight was uneventful and we landed in Melbourne safe and sound. I said my goodbyes and all the LaTrobites hopped into a cab. Now that I am back in Melbourne, I realize how much I miss Tazzie even though it was a short trip. Thanks Mom and Dad for allowing me to go! I really wish that you could have experienced it with me (and I would love to see you in camo Mom ha).

Until Next Time!

A New Friend that I Made :)