Zeehan, Strahan, Queenstown, New Norfolk

So pleased I decided to go to the Museum at Zeehan. I don't usually bother but this had a great display of rocks, crystals, mining info etc. Makes you realise just how amazing Mother Nature really is when you see her works displayed so well. 

Out the back of the museum a board walk takes you to the Masonic Lodge. the door is OPEN and all is on display. Very interesting. Next to that is the old police station then on to the Gaiety Theatre and art gallery. An excellent film about the region, mining and tourism runs in the theatre. Well worth watching. What a great way to link the historical buildings in the town and kudos to the people who thought about it.

Good road through to Strahan. Stopped at the golf club. $10 p/n to stay there. Had a look around this lovely old port town but it is quite touristy. It seems that every second cottage is now rented for holidays, and there are several cafes, boat/helicopter/plane tours from the waterfront. 

Went out to Ocean Beach - so glad I didn't take the caravan as the end of the road is quite small and really only suited to campervans. Found the very old cemetery on top of a hill, then up to the water tower lookout. There is only one grocery shop and  one fuel place (a bit hard to get in to) so stocked up.

On to Queenstown. Nice drive although still hills everywhere. Found the Gravel Oval  - they play on this grit - but decided to go on to Lake Burbury. Climbed up the 99 curves through the desolate landscape. They have worked out how to get vegetation to grow again it seems. Photo does not show how steep and windy it is but got there just fine.
Missed the turn to the Lake Burbury camp so on to the council camp ground. $5 p/n but no caretaker so checked it out and decided not to stay either.  Met a couple there who had been in to another camp – Thureau so went the 6km back to there. Had lunch but decided not to stay. Sloping ground and small area.

 More mountains, and area of bad fire. Must have been fast through the manuka. No leaves but the wood still standing. Collingwood camp – who knows what is there. I think the road has been closed on one side. A short tight bit of road in to there so didnt investigate. 

 On to Derwent Bridge. Missed the sharp turn to the boat ramp so turned at the lodge and back in  via another rather overgrown track. Was feeling really grumpy by now as I have scratched the van a bit  but did find the little  camping area. Went for a walk and decided there was no where else. May have to go back the way I came in as the turn to the highway is very sharp. Spent 2 peaceful days beside the river. 3 lots with kids the second night but they were fine. Plenty to entertain them along the banks. Fish jumping!

To Bradys Lake. Missed ‘the wall’ just out of Derwent Bridge. Much easier drive now – out into farmland. Checked out B
ronte village. Pretty rundown chalets etc but used the loo there. Info bloke at the store didn’t seem overly friendly. Rough road – sealed to the store then dirt.

Spent 2 cloudy, damp and cool days at Bradys lake. Found a nice waterside spot. A few others here.  Hobart has had its heaviest rain in years last night and more forecast all over Tasmania so will stay here again.  No radio or internetL Read so much my eyelids are ‘ticking’

Another grey day so off to Tarraleah. Long winding road down through very tall trees to the hydro station at Nive river rest area. Water piped from canals high above on both sides. Tarraleah is a little old hydro town set high above the gorge with tavern, Caravan Park, lodge – aiming for the wedding market I am told. On to Wayatinah Caravan Park. Another little hydro town. Still no internet so paid $2 for their access. Only $15 p/n for me and busy. Lots of bookings I gather. Had unlimited internet for a while so a bit of a catch-up. Rained again!

 Drove through Ouse to Bethune camp. Mob of dairy cows on the road so a bit splattered! Drove over the causeway and turned sharp at the top of the rise through a tight gateway. Bit sloped but found a spot and unhooked. Into Hamilton to empty loo and swap gas bottle. Only a pub/café there. Good coffee, curry scallop pie. Curry overpowered the scallop so a bit of a disappointment.  Small free camp but great park and facilities above it. Paddock opp the pub is terraced for self contained units I gather. Back to Ouse for fuel and groceries. More wind and rain but at least I have TV and internet – and radio!  

I had hoped to go sight seeing but another blustery squally day so read, TV etc. yuk! Got up in the middle of the night and put the feet down - was worried that I would get blown off my blocks. Time for a CP I think so now at New Norfolk for a couple of days civilisation. Must be a big place - have seen 2 car yards already.
Will be around Hobart for a week or so - have to get the clutch done on the ute. Fortunately there is a lovely Grey nomad friend down here who has been a 'life saver' for me with recommendations etc.