More? How long were we there for? It seems like we covered a lot in our trip to ‘Tassie’. In fact, I can confirm, we really did. Probably why I felt like I needed a holiday when we got home. Anyway, here are a few more quick visits/trips we made (or stayed) around the fabulous island state of Tasmania…

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Richmond Gaol (and town)

Richmond is a small town about 25 km north-east of Hobart, with a population of less than 1000. Its most famous landmark is the Richmond Bridge, built in 1823 to 1825.  It is Australia’s oldest bridge still in use.

Another claim to fame (or should that be infamy) is the Richmond Gaol which is said to be the oldest colonial gaol. So, despite being somewhat “gaoled out” we had to take a look.

Much smaller than most of the gaols we have visited around Australia it was still interesting to see it. Yes. Even though we are now officially “gaoled out” (if that is even a thing) these old places of punishment, pain and suffering draw us – me anyway! – like a moth to a candle flame.

Perhaps its most famous inmate was the man who became the inspiration for Charles Dickens’ character Fagin in his book Oliver Twist. In 1830 Isaac “Ikey” Solomon was tried at the Old Bailey in London. He was found guilty of receiving stolen property – a criminal activity Solomon ran with his wife Ann. By all accounts they had been pretty successful at it, operating their business from a jeweller’s shop. Solomon was sent to Richmond Gaol in 1831 where he became one of the javelin-men – prisoners who were paid to watch over other prisoners.

Overall Richmond is actually quite a pleasant little town (more a village) and would be a nice place to stop for a couple of days.

Tullah and Lake Rosebery

It was ANZAC Day so many places were closed for the day. In the north-west region, while en-route to Cradle Mountain National Park we managed to find a place that was open and serving breakfast. And what a great little spot it was too. Tullah Lakeside Lodge in, well, Tullah.

This area seems full of lakes. Some natural, some man made hydro schemes providing much of the electricity that powers the state. Tullah sits on Lake Rosebery. The scenery in this tranquil location reminded me a lot of upstate New York where I spent some time working in my youth. Beautiful. Especially with Mount Murchison in full view just to the south.

Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay

On the east coast of Tasmania – about half way up (so to speak) lies the protected peninsula of Freycinet National Park. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and you are rightly charged entry to the park. You may hear the park referred to as the jewel in Tasmania’s eastern coastline. And it is easy to see why when you hike up the track close to the top of Mount Amos.

At the northern end of the park the Cape Tourville lighthouse looks east towards New Zealand’s south island.

Tall Trees and Waterfalls in Mount Field National Park

Mount Field National Park is just northwest of Hobart. Well, about an hour and a half drive away to be more exact. Another place you could easily spend a whole holiday but (as usual) we were just passing through…