Central Highlands, Low Head, Forth

 Had a lovely drive on a sunny day around the Great Lake in the central Highlands. Very good road except for the 20 km of gravel north of Miena.

I left the caravan at Quamby Corner CP - delightful place and only $16 p/n single for power & water. Very good new amenities.

The road winds up past the Quamby Bluff  walk entrance and some spectacular rocky mountains. There are several places where you can pull over and admire the view down to the plains towards Launceston.

When you come out of the bush to the alpine area you find Pine Lake with the very rare Pencil Pines. A very good boardwalk meanders through these trees to the head of the lake. Bitterly cold wind when I was there!

There is an Info board at a rest area when the Great Lake first comes in to view. The water level is down quite a bit at the moment.

All along the lake shore there are bachs tucked into the bush.

Stopped at Miena briefly. There is a free camp behind the hotel - a large carpark basically, with toilets and a playground. the cafe also has fuel.

Carried on across the bottom of the dam and then turned towards Poatina. Once again a very good road all the way. Stopped in to see Pumphouse Bay camp beside Lake Arthur  - looks good also, and only $2 p/n plus $2 for a shower. Onsite caretaker, and self registration. 

At the end of the lake the road winds down to Poatina. Many 15, 25 & 35 km corners. I think I would rather drag a van up than wear the brakes out going down. Spectacular views out across the central plains. For some reason the lookout has a gate across the road now so you can only go to a large turnaround area half way up.

Had a delicious lunch at Poatina cafe - even home-made butter!

On via Cressy and Bracknell back to Quamby across the flat fertile farmland. Sheep, cattle crops, massive wheeled irrigation lines.

Had a couple of extra days at Quamby - too wet and cold to be bothered moving. Then up to Beaconsfield for a night before crossing the Bateman bridge and stopping for a couple of nights at Low Head.
Love the apple orchards with their trees covered in fruit. All very regimented in places - but never can find a place to stop for a photo.

Back over the bridge and up a very winding steep road to Gindelwald. What a stunningly lovely 'Swiss' town. Immaculate. Stopped for coffee and chocolates before winding back down to Launceston and on to Evandale for a night.

Was heading to Gunns Cave but stopped at Railton instead. Wet and cold. On to forth to a beautiful recreation reserve beside the river. Dropped the van and did a round trip to Gunns, Penguin & Ulverstone. So pleased I didnt have the van - a winding narrow road with one very nasty sharp corner. Beautiful valley though, with dairy farms, pretty river and lots of bush.
The drive from Penguin takes you along the coast - very pretty, especially when the tide is in.

Only 2 more days in Tasmania. I think I will have to come back one day. Could very easily do it all again now I have the 'over-view'. A place where you can do very short trips and stay for a long time at each stop. Loved the east coast with its pure white sand, felt very at home in the west with the mountains, lakes and bush.
North west - green, farms, market gardens.... or maybe it is just so like NZ...... clean, green, fertile, 'proper' cattle, farms, fences, bumble bees, wasps, agapathus, fox gloves, pongas, clean flowing rivers, deep lakes, beautiful bush, deciduous trees ( = autumn colour!), great seafood and a gentle way of life it seems. Ahhhh...

Back to Melbourne and a big decision to trade in the Jayco for a newer Ranger - 2011 Panorama with twin beds. Just have to wait until it is ready to pick up then on the road again heading north.
May not do much on the blog any more as will be covering 'old' ground again, but will post interesting photos and check for comments at times.