Oct 2 We decide to base ourselves in Devonport on the north coast of Tasmania for our first week. This lets us visit the many attractions on the north of the island. Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state, 296 kms north to south and 315 kms east to west.
We are both blown away by our first impressions of Tasmania. The beauty of the place is difficult to describe. The greenness of the scenery, the mountains, the richness of the soil, the endless rolling countryside meeting the beautiful vista of the rocky shores of the ocean at the Bass Strait. All the houses look like they have been entered into a tidy towns competition (and won). The weather is bright but cool, perfect touring temperatures. Night time gets down to 5 degs and daytime reaches the mid teens. It is sometimes easy to forget that we are still in Australia.
Our first caravan site in East Devonport is only 5 minutes away from the ferry terminal but it is in a perfect position where the Mersey river meets the ocean. We are lucky to be allocated an en-suite site with our own bathroom facilities. After setting up camp we head west along the Bass Highway for a short trip to get to know the area.
Our first stop is the small coastal village of Penguin, about 30 kms west of Devonport. Penguin is named after the small penguins who live along the spectacular coastline close to the village. The village also makes the most of its name using penguin images everywhere, including one that is 3 metres tall.
BOB AND SIOBHÁN'S CARAVAN ADVENTURES 