Early Departure from Tasmania

 As we relaxed at Bannon Park our trip was cut short (by a few days) by the unexpected arrival of our granddaughter. We checked the SOT website and managed to get on the next sailing (extra $148) to return home so we could help out and get a cuddle with the families newest member.

Our early departure from camp.

We had time to go to a dump point near Devonport. Then line up for a 10:30am departure

The sailing was smooth and we arrived in Geelong at 8:40pm and drove home.

We had a wonderful time in Tasmania and look forward to returning one day to see more.

we travelled 4,275km and out of the 49 nights we paid for 15 nights at low cost or national park campsites.

Gunns Plains Tasmania

After a windy night we packed up and drove down to the start of the Leven Canyon Floor Walk.

It was a short but steep walk with plenty of steps to the bridge over the Leven River. 

On the way we saw plenty of wallabies. 

From here we doubled back via Nietta and then onto Preston. We stopped to have a look at the falls. Unfortunately there hasn’t been much rain so the water wasn’t rushing 25m over the edge. Nevertheless it was worth the short walk. 

We then descended into the picturesque Gunns Plains. 

Our objective was the Bannon Park free camp. We managed to get a river front spot. 

Later the firepit came out and steaks were cooked on the plate for dinner.

 Fellow campers, Julie and Russel, in their Isuzu truck came and joined us for a chat around the fire. 

Only 31km today

Leven Canyon Tasmania

As we reach the last week of our stay in Tasmania we have slowed down the pace. Today we travel 33km to Leven Canyon. Again our drive took us through some beautiful countryside. Just after Wilmot Buster took it slow on Spellmans Road. The sign warned us the 15% gradient. We arrived early at the Leven Canyon Reserve and park up. 

There were different ways we could approach the walks. The main decision was whether to walk up or down the 697 steps between the lookouts or avoid them all together. We opted to go do the Fern Walk that has 150 year old ferns.

Another of Tasmania’s 60 short walks.

At the Edge lookout we got to see the canyon walls up close. 

We then tackled the steps up to Cruikshanks Lookout, 275m above the zig zagging Leven River, offering another spectacular panoramic view. 

 

As we finished our walk we spotted a Tiger snake sneaking back into the bushes. That was us for the day…