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Published: March 6th 2014
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Freycinet N P
Rugged pink granite mountains The morning broke with clear skies and the only thing making a ripple on the bay was a float plane taking a group of tourists on a scenic flight around the Freycinet Peninsular. As the engine reved up the sound echoed a few seconds later off the surrounding granite hills as if a second engine reved up. It was only an echo, but quite dramatic.
I went up to the info centre as soon as it opened to see if there were any cancellations for sites for tonight, but the news was all bad.
Plan B kicked in so we left the camp quickly and drove over the peninsular to Tourville Lighthouse. There is a really good walk from the car park out to the rocky east coastline, around the lighthouse and back to the car park. We were so glad after humming and haring about this walk. The road, while sealed, has some serious pot holes that make passing vehicles tricky. As we headed out early, we didn't encounter traffic coming out, but on our return journey we met two tour coaches heading in. Fortunately, they were on the fall off the cliff side of the road, but
each time there was space for both to move slowly past each other.
The views of the coast line and the rugged granite mountains were fantastic in the morning light. The views extend into Wineglass Bay as well as out to Lemon Island to the south and craggey foreshore to the north. We are still to discover why Wineglass Bay was given that name. Originally it was called Freycinet Bay, but later changed to its present name. Some say it is the shape of the bay, others say that the water is as clear as a quality wine glass. I also wonder if the decision was made over a wine glass, primed with quality wine - and that would be idealistically pure Australian decision making.
On the way up to the lighthouse my camera started to sound more like a concrete mixer whenever I used the zoom function. The control was erratic and it became difficult to take photos. Fortunately I have an extended warranty on the Canon, and a quick phone call later confirmed the process of making a claim for repair or replacement.
Next stop was the walk down to Sleepy Bay. The walk down
to the bay is through fern clad hills, but down a generally well maintained track. The Bay has a beauty of its own, and the coastal views through the walk are an extra reward.
Back up to the MH and we returned to the Info Centre, and then headed out of the National Park, with the idea of getting to Swansea, and possibly staying at a free camp at Dolphin Sands Beach. Now Tommy let us down badly today after a quick stop at Swansea. Dolphin beach is a little north of Swansea down a rural road. However, Tommy insisted that we go back to the National Park and drive across a 20 meter strip of water. A quick inclusion of a way point on the correct road solved the problem.
On our way down to the camp via said way point, we were hailed down by another Horizon Motorhome leaving the bay. They had gone down and found it exposed and deserted, so were heading north to find an alternative. We decided not to go the last 8ks and came back to the main road and headed south. We were thinking of stopping at the small town
East coast pf freycinet
Looking back to Wineglass Bay. of Triabunna, but before we got there we saw a small caravan park tucked under a bluff and sheltered from the worst of the blustery wind, so stopped quickly and soon found a sight. Magic! Million dollar views for a gold coin donation. Bargain!!!!! So we stopped there for the night. No TV, minimal phone signal, and sheltered from the howling wind.
The night was a little rocky, and the constant swish from the shore gave a soothing back ground as we left for the land of nod.
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Mum & Dad
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Rocky coastline.
Great views of rocky outcrops and lovely bays. You sure had a million dollar view at Mayfield Bay. Water looks inviting but rather cold one would guess. Have fun