We are getting close to the end of our wonderful trip around Tasmania. We have found many spots we will go back to for a week or two, and many spots we have missed, to visit at a later date.

Yesterday, on our way down from the highlands, we visited Nant Distillery. Their “Liquid Gold” quality truly captures the essence of the unique Tasmanian highlands from which it was created. Nant Distillery produces Australia’s only Highland Single Malt Whisky on the historic Nant Estate (circa 1821) in the central highlands of Tasmania, near Bothwell.The whisky is made from 100% Tasmanian brewer’s barley and water sourced from the central highland lakes from the River Clyde. Whisky distilleries, like the popular cool climate wines produced in Tasmania, are becoming famous for their top quality. Lark is another excellent distillery based in Hobart which we enjoy.

We are spending a couple of days in Ross, one of Mal’s favourite little towns. Ross is a historic town in the Midlands of Tasmania. On the Macquarie River, Ross is located 78 km south of Launceston and 117 km north of Hobart. The town is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is noted for its historic bridge, original sandstone buildings and convict history. It is stunning. We have spent today walking the Ross Heritage trail, visiting the many heritage buildings. We even went shopping, and will now need to come back next week, as the church pew we bought will not fit in the car !!!! Mind you, we would love to buy the Church for sale in nearby Campbell Town, but commonsense prevails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have spent the last couple of days around Lake St Clair and the highland area. The world heritage Franklin Gordon National Park is stunning. We are very lucky to now have this area so close to home.

We visited Queenstown again after 10 years and it seems the vegetation has  recovered slightly since our last visit. The mountains surrounding Queenstown have unusual pink and grey hues that come from the conglomerate rocks on the two most adjacent mountains – Mount Lyell and Mount Owen. The mountains surrounding Queenstown are often snow-capped through winter. Snow falls a few days out of the year. Owing to a combination of tree removal for use in the smelters (Gold Mining), the smelter fumes (for about 40 years), and the heavy annual rainfall, the erosion of the shallow horizon topsoil back to the harder rock profile contributed to the stark state of the mountains for many decades.

We have had a mixture of weather, cool mornings, a little drizzle but mainly pleasant days. We visited a cute little town called Tarraleah built in the 1930’s as a Tasmanian Hydro town. We are getting closer to home ! Last night we spent a memorable night camped outside the Derwent Bridge Hotel at Lake St Clair. We enjoyed a delicious meal beside the huge open fire with some other fun guests and locals from nearby Ouse. A good night.