Author: Saph&Somm

We are Sapphire, a Tasmanian sapphire engagement ring made by a local jeweller (with a person attached, mostly) and Sommelier, an amateur wine tragic and part time chauffeur. We are madly in love with Tasmania (and each other), and would love to share our travels, impressions, advice and mistakes with you, so that you can fall in love with Tasmania (and maybe us) too.
Mt Amos, a rocky outcrop, juts sharply out from scrubby bushes. White streaks are formed naturally by water running down the rocks over time.

Mt Amos, Freycinet National Park

Saph&Somm

There isn't much to specifically describe the track by other than 'steep rock scramble', it is marked with some permanent light reflective yellow arrows, and some faded spray painted arrows. Occasionally the arrows suggest that some sections have separate paths for people travelling up, and for people travelling down. It is, otherwise, a fairly lawless place, at least as far as navigation is concerned. There are 3 distinctly difficult sections that will have you questioning every decision you made that brought you to the moment you find yourself in now. These feelings will pass (at least until you have to attempt those same sections in reverse).

Myrtle Gully Falls (Just Sapphire and the smalls)

Saph&Somm

Where we went: Myrtle Gully Falls When we went: Late Autumn 2022 Estimated time to complete walk: 1 hour (factoring in tiny little toddler legs) Time spent on walk: a little over an hour (they just have such tiny legs!) The Falls, pumping thanks to all the rain. We haven't posted in a long while… Continue reading Myrtle Gully Falls (Just Sapphire and the smalls)

Greengage and Orange Blossom Fruit Leather

Saph&Somm

Tip: when starting out in your fanciful fruit flavour combinations look to the country of origin of the fruit in question and use that for inspiration. Fun greengage fact -- they originated in Iran. Ingredients 1kg greengages 4 Tbsp orange blossom extract (the better the quality the better the outcome, but I find orange blossom… Continue reading Greengage and Orange Blossom Fruit Leather

Spiced Plum Fruit Leather

Saph&Somm

Summer means stone fruits and stone fruits have no chill. If you've found yourself in a fruit glut situation then do not panic. Make fruit leather and carry on. A friend gave me both green and purple gages, but the recipe works with any rich flavoured stone fruit Ingredients 1kg plums (or greengages) 2-3 Tbsp… Continue reading Spiced Plum Fruit Leather

Sapphire looks out at the Cradle Mountain summit from the lookout

Cradle Mountain (summit)

Saph&Somm

Where we went: Cradle Mountain Summit, returned via Horse Track When we went: Spring 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 5-8 hours Time spent on walk: 7 hours Grade of walk: 4 Cradle Mountain National Park is one of the most famous and spectacular national parks in Tasmania. There are a range of hikes to… Continue reading Cradle Mountain (summit)

Sapphire stands on a flat, protruding rock overlooking the ocean. Her back is turned to the camera. She is wearing a pale pink shirt.

Fluted Cape (Bruny Island)

Saph&Somm

Where we went: Fluted Cape (nuenonne/Bruny Island) When we went: Spring 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 2.5 hours Time spent on walk: 3 (plus a 1 hour lunch break) Grade of hike: 3 Sommelier and I often struggle to reconcile our love for food with our love of hiking. While such activities are not… Continue reading Fluted Cape (Bruny Island)

South Cape Bay (Southwest National Park)

Saph&Somm

Where we went: South Cape Bay (Cockle Creek). Originally the land of the lylue-quonny tribe. When we went: Early spring, 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 4-5 hours Time spent on walk: 5.5 hours (long lunch break) Grade of walk: Grade 3 Sapphire near the cliffs. South Cape Bay, in the far South of Southwest… Continue reading South Cape Bay (Southwest National Park)

Sentinel ranges

Sentinel Range

Saph&Somm

The path hugs the pink quartzite cliff-face for the entire ascent. We were walking in the wetter season and found that there was an almost constant freshwater drip over the cliff and onto our heads. As we were very hot this was a welcome relief, although it did add a certain slip-factor to some of the stones underfoot and we both found ourselves grateful for our hiking poles.

The sign which marks the start of the walk. It reads "highest point on road. 651m annual rain fall. 190cm" The rocky spires that make up the needles are foreboding in the background, cast in shadow.

The Needles (Mt Mueller); Southwest National Park

Saph&Somm

The Needles is an unsigned, wild walking trail best suited to those with experience. The track is only marked with cairns and plastic ribbon which adds to the sense of wilderness. It is the perfect way to dip your toe in the Southwest National Park and learn what some of the bigger walks might have in store.