Michelle and Terry's Travels: Another Day on the Water

Today we thought we would like to spend the morning on another different boat. This time it was a kayak. This would be a good way to see some of the Peninsula coast up a bit closer.

Gearing up and getting in the kayak is always funny but after our usual safety instructions we were on our way.

This kayak was good as it had pedals to steer the rudder. All the previous ones we have been in we have had to steer using the ores. Stupidly I thought this would solve all our initial struggles, you know, like zig zagging up the bay because we can’t get our act together. Well, I was wrong, we immediately started with almost going in the wrong direction. After a bit of me saying “go left, GO LEFT”, Terry realised the rudder had not gone down properly so the pedals weren’t working. As soon as we got the sorted, thing improved dramatically and we started to enjoy being out on the water.

We paddled along the shore for a bit and then we had to do our first crossing. Fortunately, it was a beautiful day and the water was reasonably calm. Even when boat went by us and created the wash, it wasn’t too bad.

We made it safely to the other side and this where we stopped for a snack, at least this is what our guide Liana told us. What she meant was she was going to give us a taste of some of the food the indigenous people of the area would have as part of their diet. The first offering was a bright green seaweed which was OK and the second was the seaweed that grows like a string of beads.

It was also at this point where she told us little more about the traditional owners and how they care for the land. We were on Oyster Bay and were told the oysters here grow on the bay floor and can reach the size of a dinner plate. As the traditional people would collect these oysters for food, they would leave the shells in a pile to indicate that this area had recently been fished. This meant the next mob that came along would not use this area to collect food so they did not deplete the food source. Very clever! The more I learn about traditional land and sea management, the more it impresses me.

We paddled a bit further around the coast line and stopped at a little beach for a proper snack of tea and biscuits. The two guides had setting this up down pat and soon we were enjoying our morning tea on this lovely little beach. There was also a little waterfall at the back of the beach that was running with beautiful fresh clear water. Such a lovely place to take a rest.

With lunch over we were back in the kayak and headed back around the coast stopping again at the area the Italian stone mason brothers quarried the pink granite. I think I told you about them in my last post.

From this point, we started heading back home around the shore to Coles Bay. We had to do another crossing and although the wind had picked up and it was a bit harder to paddle, it wasn’t too bad.

We made back to the original beach without any drama. What a lovely way to spend the morning.

We had already checked out of the van park but we were able to sneak back in to have a shower before we headed up the coat to our next stop was Bicheno.

This was another lovely drive and as Bicheno is less than an hour from Coles Bay, we were there is no time. We found our van park, settled in then decided to go for a walk. There were three sites we wanted to look at.

First was the lookout. This was the little one in the town but big enough to have great view of the area.

The second was the famous blowhole. Well, we waited and waited with only little spouts popping up. After a while we kind of got bored with waiting as we thought the tide was wrong. I decided to give it one more go and video it. I finally got it after filming for about a minute. If you watch the video to the end, you will finally see a reasonable spout (I have edited the video to the good bit)

Our last stop was again another much talked about pace the visit, The Lobster Shack. By all accounts, they have the best lobster rolls and seafood on the coast. At first, we thought it was closed but luckily it wasn’t. Terry and I got the famed lobster roll to share and then a hot seafood plate to share. The roll was delicious and the hot seafood plate wad huge. It was enough to feed all four of us. Ruth and Mark got the cold seafood plate with half a lobster, lots of prawns and oysters. Supposedly it was all fresh of the boat that day. It was all delicious and I would be pretty happy if this was my local fish and chip shop.

With full bellies, we almost waddled back to the van for cuppa to wait until it was time to head out the Natureworld which is about ten minutes out of Bicheno. This is where we go to dine with the devils.

This experience was terrific and much better than I thought it would be. On arrival we will offered our wine and cheese. Ruth and I were a little disappointed with the presentation but I must admit the cheese was delicious.

We were sitting it a room that had the windows at table height so when the Tasmanian Devils came out to eat all, everything we didn't like about the presentation was soon forgotten.

This was one of the most unique experiences I have had. The commentary provided was excellent. If ever you get a chance to do this, you should!

Next morning, we packed up early, and headed for the Binalong with is on the beautiful Bay of Fires. I thought the Bay of Fires was just one beach that had the beautiful red lichen covered rocks but it’s a large area that has numerous beaches. Binalong was lovely and lovely glimpse into what we would be enjoying for our first free camp at Cosy Corner. This camp is the last one along the bay.

As we drove into the camp ground, we were pleasantly surprised to see a really nice campground and there was also a toilet block. After finding a good spot, we walked about 50m and we were on the stunning beach. The Bay of Fires does not disappoint!

The sand is pristine, white and soft. The rocks are huge granite boulders that are covered in the red lichen. All this seems to go on and on. The beautiful beaches separated by the amazing rocks.