Arthur River was certainly a revelation to us. It was an unexpected spectacular experience in ancient nature and one we would all highly recommend.

Today we head to Stanley but taking the long way via The Tarkine Drive.

We were advised by the local ranger to have a look at Julius River but a must do is Trowutta Arch. The drive through this area is like so many of the car adds where the trees overhang the road and the leaves swirl behind the car. We endured this for 50 km. It was a beautiful drive interrupted by some interesting bush walks and beautiful scenery.

Alan’s turn to lead and navigate.

Julius River

The Julius River walk was cut short by a bridge being washed out so we pushed on to Trowutta Arch. This is really the jewel in the crown. The walk into the arch takes about 15 minutes wandering through ancient cool climate rain forest.

On the way we crossed over Arthur River again, this time a lot different to that which we had sailed upon yesterday.

Then on to Trowutta. It was a slow trip, climbing and descending 150 metres about 5 times before we got there. Then down a dirt track, through a large logging operation. I had always wondered how the logs were stripped before being loaded.

We stopped just to watch this machine in action. It will strip, top and tail a 30 metre log in about 15 seconds. It is amazing to see.

Arriving at the start of the arch walk we were delighted to see a turn around facility for long vehicles, very handy when towing a caravan. However on checking it out we found a tree across the road. There followed lengthy discussions on how best to turn around which needed to be resolved before we could enjoy lunch and the walk.

Eventually it was decided that Alan would do it his way and I would do it mine. Not uncommon with two alpha males. Anyway lunch went down well.

On the way onto the track we met two rangers who were unaware of the problem. They promised to help if their chainsaw was big enough. We set off on the walk much relieved.

Fungi of all colours and varieties not seen before. Even bright red.

More Fungi.

The arch is a natural phenomenon that leads to a very deep sink hole. According to the rangers the traffic into this area has been traditionally very light so they haven’t cordoned off the sink hole yet. The slope down is quite steep and slippery and the rangers were very concerned to see about 20 people there, about a months worth normally. I think a fence is forthcoming.

The sink hole, very deep but innocuously covered in weed.

It is very impressive and a beautiful surprise at the end of the walk.

More Fungi, the red one maybe not fungi but its smell was incredibly bad.

On to Stanley where we will stay just one night.

Cosy and protected from the wind at Stanley. It was blowing a gale.

The Nut and the chairlift we hope to utilise tomorrow. Today it is too windy.

We wend for an exploratory drive around Stanley and The Nut. It was blowing a gale and cold so we didn’t spend a long time out of the car.

It has been a very dusty trip. Wash me please!!!

The Nut from the harbour side.

Loading for King Island, 100 km north.

You can see a fire in the background. It was a bad day for the firefighters in southern Tasmania. In the north we escaped most of it but there were a few small and isolated fires around us without causing us any problems.

Godfrey’s Beach where we planned to see some Little Penguins later in the evening.

The Nut and Stanley from the historic Highfield House that we intend to visit tomorrow.

Highfield House.

Cooking dinner outside.

By dusk it was COLD. We rugged up as best we could but out on the beach it was still COLD.

Highfield House

Godfrey’s Beach

The penguin viewing platform.

Eventually after a long and cold wait four penguins waddled up to be raucously greeted by their partners and thankfully farewelled by about 30 very cold spectators. We had the heater on that night.

Tomorrow more Stanley then Burnie.