Friday, December 16, 2011

Port Arthur continued....

And there's more!!!


So much to see and do down in this very southern part of Australia....


Frank's friend 'Trip Advisor' recommended Tasman Island Adventure Cruises which takes off just around the corner from the Port Arthur Historic site...


The wonderful boat.....
Apparently this baby can travel at 100 km/hr. Not today though.


The kids up the front 'feeling the need for speed'...Their Mother was a little bit tense as they did not seem to have alot to hold onto....




It was pretty chilly....




Frank's ears have never known such warmth...




This part of the world is famous for these huge 'Dolerite' cliffs. Dolerite is a hard 'igneous' rock that erodes much slower than limestone cliffs.


They have a real organ pipe appearance....




The sea cliffs are the highest in the southern hemisphere (300m)..




Some great deep sea caves....




and the most amazing shiny kelp that was very well attached to the cliffs...




Some sandstone/ mud stone coastal creations.....



Lots of Australian and New Zealand Fur seals resting up...




We zoomed around Tasman Island which is the final turning point for the yachts in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race.


The lighthouse on Tasman Island was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, automated in 1976 and de-manned in 1977. Before automation there was a small community living on the island. They were relatively self sufficient with stock and vegetable gardens etc.


It was quite amazing how they got supplies up to the top. On this side they had constructed a 'flying fox' type of  setup. You can see the remains.



The seas and winds got a bit wild and woolly here. 






We saw quite a few Albatross near Tasman Island which was fabulous and particularly exciting for Charlie. They have a huge wing span, up to 3.8 metres!


I was pleased to be back on solid ground. The kids could have probably done it all again...



1 comment:

  1. Amazing cliffs,like the look of those sea caves,just like the "Goonies".My gypsy sister is freezing down there as well!

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