Destination's Journey

Category: animals

  • Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Cape Raoul Track Tasmania

    Getting There

    Located in the south-western section of the Tasman Peninsula, the Cape Raoul Track has a large carpark and toilet facilities at the trailhead. There are no facilities on the track, so take all of the food water and spare clothing you will need. Weather in Tasmania changes quickly, so be prepared for cold windy conditions as well as rain and possibly sunshine.

    The Track

    A disinfecting boot wash at the trail head prevents invasive bacteria infecting the national park, so ensure you use it correctly. Rising gently, the track makes its way through tall eucalypt forest before reaching a junction to Ship Stern Bluff Lookout.

    • Boardwalk At the Start of the Cape Raoul Track
      Boardwalk At the Start of the Track
    • Large Trees in the Open Forest Cape Raoul Track
      Large Trees in the Open Forest
    • Chair not far From the Start of the Track
      Chair not far From the Start of the Track

    Ship Stern Bluff Lookout

    At this point, you can either take a 30-minute return detour or continue on the main track. We chose the detour, knowing that we would be too tired to attempt it on our return. The views at the lookout are amazing, but not as spectacular as those along the main track.

    • Signpost to Shipstern Bluff
      Signpost to Shipstern Bluff
    • Shipstern Bluff Lookout
      Shipstern Bluff Lookout

    Cape Raoul Lookout

    Only ten minutes past the intersection to Ship Stern Bluff, the first lookout provides a glimpse of the amazing views on offer. From here the coastline to Cape Raoul is visible, giving you an idea of how far you have to go.

    • View From Cape Raoul Lookout
      View From Cape Raoul Lookout
    • View of Cape Raoul From the Lookout
      View of Cape Raoul From the Lookout

    Descending to the Plateau

    Descending to the plateau takes you through dense forest. Although the grade from the top to bottom is very steep, the track uses switch backs to limit the grade. This is the steepest section of the track and the one we found hardest on the return walk. We had regular stops to catch our breath, we were surprised how quickly it was to get back to the top of this section.

    • Track Descending Through Dense Growth Trees Cape Raoul Track
      Track Descending Through Dense Growth Trees
    • Steps Going Up on the Return Trip
      Steps Going Up on the Return Trip

    Cape Raoul Plateau

    Once of the plateau, the topography flattens out, making the walk much easier. On this windswept area, the vegetation is hardy coastal banksia around 2m high. The closer you get to the cape, the smaller the vegetation, until only ankle high bushes are growing.

    The trail starts as a cleared path but is replaced by boardwalk as the vegetation becomes more prone to damage by hikers. This certainly makes walking easier.

    • Track Through Low Coastal Banksia Scrub
      Track Through Low Coastal Banksia Scrub
    • Boardwalk on the Plateau Cape Raoul Track
      Boardwalk on the Plateau
    • Small Pond on the Plateau
      Small Pond on the Plateau

    Cape Raoul

    On reaching Cape Raoul, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of sheer dolerite cliffs and crashing waves. At this point, we decided to have lunch while admiring the views before walking a little further to view the seals.

    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Crashing Waves and Dolerite Cliff Face
    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Dolerite Cliff Face

    Seal Rock Lookout

    Only a five-minute walk from the main lookout, the seal lookout not only gives even better views, but you also get to see seals. The signpost also conveniently tells you that it is a 3 hour walk back to the car park.

    From this point, the dolerite forms a narrow but high spine running into the ocean which look amazing. Looking carefully at the base of the cliff, the white section is a seal colony, but without binoculars you may not see them. The photo below was taken using a 300mm zoom lens and you can only just see them.

    • Sign Post
      Sign Post
    • Cape Raoul
      Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Dolerite at Cape Raoul
      Dolerite at Cape Raoul
    • Seal Colony on the Rocks at Cape Raoul
      Seal Colony on the Rocks at Cape Raoul

    What Did We Think

    This was an amazing walk, which took us over four and a half hours to walk the 14km return track. With the track recently upgraded and more sections undergoing repairs while we were there, it was fun to walk. Remember to take plenty of water, warm clothes, high energy snacks and be prepared for a weather change. Although the weather may be pleasant when you start it may change drastically while you walk.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on

  • The Dog Line Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania

    The Dog Line Eaglehawk Neck Tasmania

    The dog line was established to prevent prisoners escaping the Port Arthur penal site. The narrowest point on Eaglehawk Neck was chosen and dogs were spaced here held in place by chains.

    The only indication that the dogs were here is a life sizes bronze sculpture. The dog certainly looks vicious, baring its teeth while looking huge.

    Parking is not obvious with the sign only visible as you are leaving the peninsula. In this case you make a right turn into the old officer’s quarters where a community hall now stands.

    This was a quick but fun visit to see a remnant of the past. Including the walk from the car park we only stayed about ten minutes.

    • Bronze Sculpture at the Dog Line
      Bronze Sculpture at the Dog Line
    • Bronze Sculpture at the Dog Line
      Bronze Sculpture of a guard dog and its kennel

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

  • Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    How to Get There

    The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise leaves from Adventure Bay on Bruny Island. On arrival, park your car in the large carpark and make your way to the large building, where you check in and wait for the tour to start. From here, the guides will walk you to the boats tied up at a nearby pier.

    What to Wear and Take

    The weather in this part of Tasmania is very changeable, meaning that although it may be warm before you start, it may be cold or raining later. The tour recommends warm clothing, as the temperature out on the water may be cold. A waterproof jacket is provided, which is ankle length, but you may still get wet. We wore woollen jumpers and jackets, but still used the jackets provided. Gloves and something warm for your head, like a beanie and a scarf are also recommended.

    There is room in the overhead nets for bags and backpacks to keep them dry, but anything on the floor will get wet. To avoid water damage photos are best taken when the boat stops. We kept cameras inside our jackets when not being used and they did not get wet.

    Prior to the boat leaving the dock, the crew provide a safety briefing and distributed ginger seasick tablets. Fortunately, no one became sick during our cruise.

    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Bruny Island Adventure Cruise Boat

    The Coastline

    One of the main attractions for the cruise is the rugged coastline which provides a fantastic backdrop throughout the three hours you are on the water. Whether it is towering cliffs, blow holes, sea caves or arches, there was always something to look at. The boat stopped regularly, which allowed us to take pictures. Taking pictures while moving was impossible, as we moved too fast, and it was too bumpy and wet.

    Cliffs

    The towering dolerite cliffs dominate the coastline, throughout the trip, reminding you of how rugged the coastline is. One of the best sights is the monument, an eroded spire standing out of the sea watching over the coast.

    • Dolerite Cliff Face
      Dolerite Cliff Face
    • Opening to a Sea Cave
      Opening to a Sea Cave
    • The Monument
      The Monument
    • The Monument Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      The Monument

    Sea Caves and Blow Holes

    Wave action has cut caves and fissures into the cliffs in many places, producing caves and blow holes. As the water enters the fissures and is forced out by air pressure, huge spouts of water erupt into the air. The boat got close enough so that we were often covered by the spray.

    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Blow Hole on a Cliff Face

    Arches

    Over time erosion around the sea caves turns them into arches. These look magnificent standing above the sea, with waves crashing around their base.

    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face
    • Arch in the Cliff Face
      Arch in the Cliff Face

    Islands

    The Friars, several small islands are home to seals and sea birds. The tour takes you out to them, but they also look good by themselves.

    The Friars Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    The Friars

    Wildlife to See on The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    Although a major highlight of the tour, there is no guarantee that wildlife will be seen during the cruise. We were lucky, because seals and seabirds were basking on the rocks and dolphins put on a show for the return journey.

    Birds

    During the cruise we were able to see many sea birds, most of which were drying their feathers on rocks off the coast. We managed to see a sea eagle, but it was too far away for a good photo.

    • Black-faced Cormorants
      Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      White Faced Heron and Black-faced Cormorants
    • Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron
      Black-faced Cormorants and a White Faced Heron

    Seals

    New Zealand and Australian fur seals were basking on rock ledges when we were there, making for great photo opportunities. At the Friars, the boat was able to get close inshore where we saw them up close. This was very special and a highlight of the trip, although the smell was overpowering.

    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seal
      Australian Fur Seal
    • New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
      New Zealand Fur Seals Bruny Island
    • Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island
      Australian Fur Seals on The Friars Bruny Island

    Dolphins

    During the return trip dolphins swam next to the boat, putting on a great show.

    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise
    Dolphin Swimming Next to the Boat

    Whales

    Sometime during trips whales are visible as they migrate to and from the Antarctic. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but the other wildlife we saw was great.

    Back on Shore

    After returning our wet weather jackets and thanking the crew, we made our way to the restaurant where we had a hot meal and a drink from the bar.

    Post Cruise Refreshment
    Post Cruise Refreshment

    What Did We Think of The Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise

    This was the highlight of our visit to Bruny Island with the coastline and wildlife being amazing to see. Remember to wear warm waterproof clothing and don’t forget your camera.

    To read other posts about Tasmania, click here.

    Our photos are available for purchase on