Let’s continue where we left off.
After 45 panic stricken minutes, continually worrying about missing the ferry, we now found ourselves in a queue, where we spent the next hour waiting before we even got on the bloody thing. Plenty of time to reflect on the virtues of being a good navigator. For some strange reason Christel seemed to think it might be a good idea if she navigated and I drove next time. Sometimes women are hard to understand.
The trip across on the ferry was very smooth, and we amused ourselves with an onboard movie, 2 or 3 hours of school work, touring the boat, and enjoying the sights as we left Melbourne and then later as we came into Devonport in Tasmania. We finally docked at about 7.30pm. Tasmania is very particular about what fruits, foods, fish, etc are brought in, and to this end there is a customs checkpoint both before getting onto the ferry and then again as soon as you get off. However we found it all a bit of a farce as they first asked if we were carrying any of the above, and then having been told no, asked to see in the back of the Pajero, and on opening it up, again asked if we had any of the above. On being told no again, we were free to go. No search, nothing. Couldn’t see the point of it really. Of course this all takes time and hence long queues both getting on and then leaving again. Never mind, Welcome to Tasmania.
We spent the night in a cabin in a nearby campground, grabbing the first thing that was available, being well aware there were still lots of like minded travellers still coming off the boat. It was the worst accommodation we have struck, and the most expensive. $125 for the night. I think they are ripping people off because they are so handy to the ferry.
Next day, Saturday, we moved to a lovely camp ground at LATROBE, which is on the southern outskirts of DEVONPORT. We plan to stay here for three or four days while we get our bearings and check out some of the local sights. After setting up camp we went into DEVONPORT to get groceries and look around.
On Sunday 6th we visited the Don Station Steam Train Museum, and took a ride on a train pulled by a steam engine. A great thrill for Cameron, who after the ride, was able to go up into the drivers cab and load coal into the fire.
The Museum has a huge display of steam and other rail paraphernalia, including a ‘Real Thomas’ they are rebuilding. Cameron of course had to climb aboard.
Afterwards we drove out to PORT SORELL, a small beach side town about 14km west of DEVONPORT and spent the afternoon there. It had beautiful golden beaches, very much like Able Tasman National Park in the South Island of NZ.
DEVONPORT and LATROBE are both on the Mersey River, which is renowned for having the highest Platypus population in Australia. The river is about 100 meters from our campground, so we have spent a couple of evenings on the river bank looking for these elusive little fellows. No luck so far.
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