Where we went: Twelvetrees Walk, Southwest National Park.When we went: Spring 2022Time spent on walk: 2 hoursGrade of walk: high 2, low 3As this track passes through Tas Networks property it would be best to do this walk on a weekend or public holiday so as not to disturb any site works. Sapphire, admiring the… Continue reading Twelvetrees Range, Southwest National Park
Where we went: Mt Field East, Mt Field National Park When we went: Spring, 2022 Proposed time to complete walk: 4-5 hours Actual time spent on walk: 5 hours Track rating: Grade 4 (out of 5) – note that this rating seems to be primarily based on navigation needs in this specific instance. Parks passes… Continue reading Mt Field East, Mt Field National Park.
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).
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
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 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.
Sapphire, almost at the top Where we went: Collins Cap (Wellington National Park)When we went: Winter 2020Estimated time for hike: 3.5 hoursTime spent on hike: 4.5 hours (took an unplanned detour and a very long break, also sustained a minor injury)Grade of hike: 3 Collins Cap, located within the Wellington National Park is best accessed… Continue reading Collins Cap: Wellington National Park
Where we went: Disappearing Tarn (Kunanyi/Wellington Park) When we went: Mid-winter 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 6 hours (3 if you only go to the Tarn) Time spent on walk: 6 hours Humans, in general, are obsessed with the weather, and Tasmanians doubly so. It is the great force that connects us all through… Continue reading Wellington Park: Wellington Falls via Disappearing Tarn
Where we went: Cape Hauy (Tasman Peninsula) When we went: Summer 2020 (Before Covid-19 restrictions) Estimated time to complete walk: 4 hrs Time spent on walk: 3.5 hrs Cape Hauy (I have no idea how to pronounce it, even just trying to read it makes my brain uncomfortable, but I have settled on saying “ha-yoy”… Continue reading Cape Hauy Track
Where we went: Mount Maria When we went: late summer 2020 Estimated time to complete walk: 4-5hrs Time spent on walk: 4hrs Are you, like us, carefully planning the rest of the year once we are allowed out again? Are you concerned about the weather in Tasmania given that we are likely to be released… Continue reading Mount Maria.
Sapphire and Sommelier 