Located in the Hunter Valley near Jerrys Plains, The Clydesdale Experience is a fantastic way to spend three hours. Not only do you get to see the horses up close, but you see them work and learn their history, all in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Visits are by appointment only, which can be done through their website.
Meet the Clydesdales
Greeted by our hosts on arrival, we then met the four Clydesdales that currently call the farm home. While getting up close to the horses, we learned about them and the owners’ history with the breed. For such large animals, they were extremely gentle, although we were reminded to be careful as they are very strong.
Wilfred
Morning Tea
After meeting the Clydesdales, our hosts put on morning tea and coffee. Very nice coffee and homemade scones and cakes, which were delicious! Two of the horses joined us in the shade while our hosts explained all about Clydesdales.
Hunter and Leroy at Morning Tea
Morning Tea
Working the Horses
After morning tea, we went out to the ploughing field where we had a demonstration of what Clydesdales could do. We started with a demonstration of old horse powered machinery, where the horse powers a pump or grain crusher.
We then saw ploughing and were able to take part by guiding the plough. This was great fun, and everyone had a turn.
All of this in the wonderful Hunter Valley with the Wollemi National Park as a back-drop.
Leroy About to Start Work
Barney
Harvey Relaxing After a Hard Day Supervising
What Did We Think of the Clydesdale Experience?
This was an amazing experience, with friendly hosts and wonderful horses making it a great time. If you want to learn about Clydesdales, how they work or just want to get up close to them, this is a great experience. We had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
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 Track
Large Trees in the Open Forest
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
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 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
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
Boardwalk 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
Crashing Waves and 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
Cape Raoul
Dolerite at Cape Raoul
Dolerite 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.
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.
