Today we decided to cover Devonport properly. Of course we had spent a night there at the start, and had a brief look at the town when having dinner with Faye and John, but we hadn't done all the touristy things.

So first stop was the Maritime Museum where we found out about the history of Devonport and how it had become the main port for Tasmania. There had been many submerged obstacles in the river inlet, leading to several shipwrecks, until the whole thing was dredged.

We also learned that the first explorers found the area inhospitable as it was so heavily wooded. They then learnt about the practice of ring barking from a Canadian sailor who was on one of the voyages. All of a sudden the area was now open pastureland. Then for their next trick, they introduced rabbits and blackberries. The rest is history.

We then went off to check out the Bluff and the lighthouse - with some great views up and down the coast.

Next stop was the Don River Historical Railway, where a group of passionate and devoted people spent their time and energy restoring old trains. There were some wonderful old engines, in various states of disrepair, as well as the beautifully restored Royal carriage which is used to transport the royal family whenever they come to Tasmania. We went for a ride to Coles Beach and back in one of the old rattlers.

We then went off to check out the CBD - quite a boring service town really, with very few people for a Thursday afternoon. The small historical towns were much more crowded and much more interesting.

Back home for a relaxing soak in the pool and spa - great way to end the day.

Then heard on the news that there had been severe storms in Melbourne the day before, and the Spirit of Tasmania II had actually broken its moorings, had sustained some damage, and the loading ramp for the vehicles was completely twisted and warped.

Still about ten days until we are due to go back. Will they have things fixed and back to normal by then?