This morning we left Strahan for th last of our journeys around Tasmania. Heading for our final stop in Hobart the capital. This was a 4-5 hour drive and the most demanding for our valiant driver Bill. I have never been on a road with so many twists and turns.
Our first stop was back in Queenstown where we went on the train. There Bill and Sue were able to show us the huge copper mines where both their fathers had worked, although not at the same time. We saw the house where Bill was born and also The Gravel which is the only gravel Aussie Rules football pitch and quite famous over here.
As we climbed out of Queenstown looking back you could see what a huge operation this had been. It only closed down in the last 10 years. Leaving behind quite a ghost town where once thousands of people had lived and worked.
We drove on through miles of tree lined twisting roads and our next stop was at Lake St. Clair. This was at the other side of Cradle Mountain where we were a few days ago in the snow. This is the end of a 6 day long distance walk and there were plenty of people coming in who had just completed the walk.
Just a mile or so from there we stopped at a gallery called The Wall. This was owned by a guy who was just so talented with wood carving and had created or was still creating 100 metres of panels with the most exquisite carvings depicting the life of Australian folk from the beginning. If you have chance google it and see what this guy has made it’s unbelievable The Wall Derwent Bridge Tasmania.
Our next stop was at a town called Tarraleah where Sues Family moved when her father got a job with the Hydro Power company. Hydroelectric power is a big thing over here and it was very interesting to learn how they built the system and moved from one site to another taking their houses with them!!
We eventually arrived in Hobart and checked into a very nice duplex apartment in the harbour area of town. Went out for an Indian Meal last night with 2 couples who are good friends of Bill and Sue. They are catching up with mates whilst they are over here. Looking forward to seeing Hobart tomorrow.