Well, it's New Year's Eve tonight, so we thought we would have to head to a big town which would have some celebrations. We wanted to be in Hobart by Friday night so we could go to the Salamanca markets on Saturday. So we headed to Launceston, from whence we would continue south the following day.

On the way to Launceston there were several attractions on the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Our first stop was the chocolate factory, where we had a lovely breakfast in a gorgeous old house set up as a café. Seems to be an ongoing theme here.

Next stop was a cheese factory, with many multi-coloured cow statues, followed by a berry farm. This was where we first tried out Tasmanian cherries, and they are absolutely wonderful.

Eventually got to Launceston - a very hilly town. Even the caravan park was on several levels, and if you backed into your spot too far, you may just fall over the edge. We unhitched again, and jumped in the car with John and Faye to discover the town.

First stop was Cataract Gorge, a dramatic gorge formed by the Tamar River as it carved its way through the rocky terrain, before it opened into a large pool. We sat in a café perched over this glorious view, and watched the chairlifts trundling up and down the rocky slope of the gorge wall. It was hot enough to swim, and there was a large swimming pool as well as the lake. But again we hadn't brought our bathers. At least the café was air-conditioned. And we had walked and swum there when we had come last time with the kids (15 years ago.)

We then drove on into town and took a cruise down the Tamar, seeing the town from a different perspective, as well as the entrance to the gorge.

We had heard there were some New Year's celebrations planned at the Country Club, as well as a few outdoor activities along the river. However the Country Club was free entrance, whereas the river wasn't. Well, that was an easy choice.

The Country Club was not far, and was a large pokies venue. There were several restaurants, some bands playing in various areas, and lots of glitz and glamour. As midnight struck, a bagpipe band made its way down the grand central staircase playing Auld Lang Syne. This was followed by hundreds of balloons, which had been suspended in nets above our heads, released and cascading down over the revelers.

It was fun, but this was all going on inside. By the time we made our way outside, we had missed the fireworks.