Stanley

Friday Dec 13

We left  Cradle Mountain fairly early for the drive to Stanley arriving at Horizon Deluxe Apartments around 1:30pm as we had to stop along the way to stock up on groceries and grog. We had a late lunch at the pub - a shared grilled chicken sandwich which was excellent - a pleasant surprise. We walked around the very scenic town visiting a few shops and the local museum. We had dinner at home - pasta and salad, one of holiday apartment standbys.

Saturday Dec 14

Hip hip hooray - a fine and sunny day. We kicked off by climbing the "nut" and doing the circuit around the top. The climb was short (450m) but very very steep - most people took the chairlift - but not us old fogeys. Afterwards we drove to Smithton, the closest big town to get advice from their tourist information center.  The lady advised a full day driving circuit of the Tarkine visiting many points of interest - but since it was already noon she advised we drive to Marrawah, some 45 minutes away, and have lunch at their famous pub - but urged us to book first since it was so popular. Marrawah itself hardly counts as a town but it is home to a well know surf spot. The lunch was most unremarkable - not really worth the drive. The best part of the drive is that at the driveway to the many farms along the way, the owners had a wonderful Santa display - see photos.

Sunday Dec 15

Another fine day so we did a bit of a roadie around the Tarkine stopping at Boat Harbour Beach for lunch - the beach is rated one of the 10 best in Australia - it's certainly off the beaten track. After lunch we slowly headed back to our apartment. We had decided not to complete the Tarkine tour as most points of interest are accesses by dirt roads - not permitted in our hire car.

Monday Dec 16

So it was off home today - we woke up to howling winds and driving rain on and off so we left a bit earlier than planned. On the way to the airport (3 hour drive) we stopped at a winery just 10 minutes from the airport for a light lunch - Josef Chromy Winery is considered on the best in Tassie - it has a fine dining restaurant but we opted for the charcuterie plate in the bistro accompanied by a glass of their wine (at least I did, Dieter had a beer). Then it was off home - and off to Ventuno with Judy when we arrived around 6pm.