One night in Richmond was enough. At least we were out of
the city of Hobart and somewhat on our way to the Freycinet National Park where we would
stay at Freycinet Lodge for two nights. We tried a few places for Sunday dinner in
Richmond, only to be told the kitchen was closing or that they only had snacks.
Finally, we found a lovely winery cellar door in town! And it had a restaurant!
There was only one couple eating and a few outside tasting
wine. It looked like they were getting ready to close, too, but the owner and
his wife were smart business people and offered to cook us a meal even though
the chef had left for the day. While we waited for food, several more customers
arrived so I think they had more business than they expected on a late Sunday
afternoon. Hopefully they will keep the doors open a little later during
tourist season.
Our lodging was an interesting experience. The place looked
good on paper, but was rather eclectic and needed some TLC. A family has owned
the property for 30 years and they looked as weary as the place. It was clean
and it sort of grew on us, but I was glad it was only for one night. The place
is called a “manor” on a 100 acre working farm and is publicized as an event and
wedding venue. Humm…
They turn the horses and sheep loose to “mow” the grass so
the entry gate has to be closed while they are grazing. Larry, the ram,
greets you with several loud Baaaas! Then he settles down. The owners were lovely
people, but the furnishings and layout left something to be desired. But it was
just a place to get a good night’s rest and we did. Breakfast was hearty and
served with a pitcher of home-grown apricot juice. They used to raise a lot of
apricots and made apricot wine. The orchards have aged and the production is
low now.
Now we are off in search of the beautiful white sand beaches
of Tasmania. And, boy, did we find them. They are miles long, wide and windy.
The wind coming off the Tasman Sea gave us a sandblasting and forget wearing a
hat or visor if you ever want to see it again! They are absolutely stunning.
Second only to the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia.
The biggest difference besides the wind is the various rock
formations along the beaches. There are no crowds as these beaches are a long
way from population centers so it would be a weekend trek or holiday vacation
to bring crowds out there. You can just pull off the road onto a track and head
toward the beach. People were camping near the water in many places.
 |
| We finally found a place to eat on Sunday night! |
Along the way we stopped at Convicts’ Spikey Bridge to see a
rock bridge build by convicts. Like I mentioned before, a lot of Aussie history
centers on the convicts.
There are a number of Convict Bridges in Tasmania, but
this one is known for its rock spikes. It was in service until they moved the
highway a few years back. We drove across it just to do it!
For lunch we found
Kates Berry Farm and saw an interesting array of ice cream flavors, including
lavender. I had a taste – nothing distinctive.
 |
| This was the first stop along the way! Beautiful! |
 |
| We stopped at several beaches along the road, |
 |
| Convicts' Spikey Bridge |
 |
| This is how it got its name! |
Time to keep going toward the Freycinet National Park to get
there before dark.
One night in Richmond was enough. At least we were out of
the city of Hobart and somewhat on our way to the Freycinet National Park where we would
stay at Freycinet Lodge for two nights. We tried a few places for Sunday dinner in
Richmond, only to be told the kitchen was closing or that they only had snacks.
Finally, we found a lovely winery cellar door in town! And it had a restaurant!
There was only one couple eating and a few outside tasting
wine. It looked like they were getting ready to close, too, but the owner and
his wife were smart business people and offered to cook us a meal even though
the chef had left for the day. While we waited for food, several more customers
arrived so I think they had more business than they expected on a late Sunday
afternoon. Hopefully they will keep the doors open a little later during
tourist season.
Our lodging was an interesting experience. The place looked
good on paper, but was rather eclectic and needed some TLC. A family has owned
the property for 30 years and they looked as weary as the place. It was clean
and it sort of grew on us, but I was glad it was only for one night. The place
is called a “manor” on a 100 acre working farm and is publicized as an event and
wedding venue. Humm…
They turn the horses and sheep loose to “mow” the grass so
the entry gate has to be closed while they are grazing. Larry, the ram,
greets you with several loud Baaaas! Then he settles down. The owners were lovely
people, but the furnishings and layout left something to be desired. But it was
just a place to get a good night’s rest and we did. Breakfast was hearty and
served with a pitcher of home-grown apricot juice. They used to raise a lot of
apricots and made apricot wine. The orchards have aged and the production is
low now.
Now we are off in search of the beautiful white sand beaches
of Tasmania. And, boy, did we find them. They are miles long, wide and windy.
The wind coming off the Tasman Sea gave us a sandblasting and forget wearing a
hat or visor if you ever want to see it again! They are absolutely stunning.
Second only to the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia.
The biggest difference besides the wind is the various rock
formations along the beaches. There are no crowds as these beaches are a long
way from population centers so it would be a weekend trek or holiday vacation
to bring crowds out there. You can just pull off the road onto a track and head
toward the beach. People were camping near the water in many places.
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