gorgeous gorge

Posted on October 16, 2015 by kathy

Last Sunday, we ventured to Launceston to catch up with our friends from Darwin. We spent a glorious spring morning at Cataract Gorge, a unique, natural formation close to the city centre.

Cataract Gorge Reserve covers 192 hectares at the lower section of the South Esk River.

The nesting swans have a spectacular home.

There are many walking tracks and lookouts offering fabulous views.

The Alexandra Suspension Bridge was built in 1940 to connect the two sides of the river.

A short pause midway rewarded us with a great view upstream.

The chairlift is a relaxing way to travel from First Basin to the Cliff Grounds. Built in 1972, it is the longest single-span chairlift in the world

and presents a different perspective from above.

The swimming pool, presumably empty for winter maintenance, is a very popular place in the warmer months.

The Cliff Grounds are serene, with sweeping lawns and variant displays of colour radiating from the many azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and exotic plants

as well as ferns bursting forth with new fronds.

The Gorge Restaurant showcases Tasmania’s finest produce and wines

while the kiosk offers casual dining and the perfect terrace to enjoy a beverage.

The resident peacocks turn up in some surprising places.

Some are happy to quietly display their magnificent plumage

others feel the need to show off

and the girls just get on with it.

The wallabies are a little more bashful, especially with baby on board.

Don’t miss the experience of Cataract Gorge when you next visit Launceston.

rainforest reflections

Posted on October 10, 2015 by kathy

At first glance, our property has a nice, cedar clad house, surrounded by a large garden, surrounded by a few paddocks. What is not immediately obvious, is the other 40 acres of untouched rainforest. A short stroll through the western paddock finds a gateway to nature’s wonderland. The path should be taken slowly, not only because of the steep gradient but also to appreciate the expanse of manferns embracing the hillside.

The mesmeric burble of a gently flowing stream follows down to the bridge where it continues, hidden by the forest, to the Blythe River.

Continuing along the track, variant scenes unfold revealing the beauty that is the rainforest.

Through a clearing, the house is spied on it’s hilltop perch.

The clematis vines that wind their way through the woodland unexpectedly reveal their grace.

A rainforest can never really be owned but we are proud to be temporary custodians.

tulip time

Posted on October 4, 2015 by kathy

October is festival time at Table Cape Tulip Farm and a visit is an absolute must. Perched on top of the extinct volcanic vent that is Table Cape are the largest tulip fields in the southern hemisphere that you are able to wander through. The first bulbs came from Holland in 1984 and now look at them….

As well as the tulips, the views are magnificent and Table Cape lighthouse adds to the stunning landscape

The colours and varieties of tulips seemed endless

sometimes a random interloper appeared in the crowd

There were some that didn’t resemble tulips at all

like this Foxtrot Double

and La Courtine Parrot

My favourite was the Flaming Parrot

The displays in the shop showcased the different varieties along with irises and liliums that are also grown on the farm

I found a close second favourite – the hairy tulip

It’s a shame this wondrous spectacle can only be enjoyed for such a short time each year, but then that’s what makes it so special.

Cooper’s day out

Posted on September 26, 2015 by kathy

A few months ago, Michael realised his long held dream of owning a Mini Cooper S. It was love at first sight – for both of us!

We took her out one gorgeous, sunny August day and found ourselves at Boat Harbour Beach.

A glorious spot to sit and watch the view while sipping a beverage. Unfortunately, the beachfront café, Harvest & Cater, was closed for the winter break. We shall have to return soon https://www.facebook.com/HarvestandCater

We meandered our way through the beautiful countryside of Flowerdale and discovered the quaint tea rooms at the lobster ponds. Cooper stayed outside to admire the view

while we enjoyed hot chocolate (with three marshmallows!) overlooking the valley in cosy comfort.

The unique reclaimed timber table gave us ideas for future projects

With the top down, we continued along the winding country road to Moorleah, taking in more magnificent vistas before making our way home.

We’re looking forward to more outings with Cooper.

lunch with Mary

Posted on September 23, 2015 by kathy

Last Sunday, we had an invitation to lunch at the home of a friend. The location shall remain a well guarded secret other than to say, clinging in seclusion to the cliff face of Table Cape, it is a most spectacular setting. After a heart starter coffee, we wandered down to the private beach, only accessible for a few hours a day at low tide. Across rolling green pasture,