Leaving beautiful Launceston we follow one of the most famous Targa Tasmania special stages over the Sideling Range, pausing at its magnificent lookout before heading down into the green pastures around Scottsdale. We will visit the Forest Eco Centre, a unique, ecologically sustainable building that is the first of its type in the southern Hemisphere. An elegant 'building within a building' that was designed by award-winning Hobart architect Robert Morris-Nunn, the centre is expected to save 80% in energy costs compared to a conventional building of the same size. Time for café latte too!
Travel the hopfields of Tonganah and the old mining town of Derby. Mountain scenery, rainforests and old tin mines surround this classified historic town.
Heading eastward we stop at the Welborough Pass to explore ancient myrtle rainforest, a truly magnificent sight.
The Welborough Hotel was built in the 1890s but was burnt down in the 1920s. The current building dates from 1928 and, because of the warped sense of humour of its landlord, is known as 'the worst pub in Tassie'. His humour extends to the menu which offers visitors such luxuries as 'maggot mornay' and 'leeches and cream'.
We will taste award winning cheeses at Pyengana then take the short walk to see the magnificent St Columba Falls.
The Pub in the Paddock is nestled in one of Tasmania’s most beautiful valleys, offers the hospitality of a bygone era. In the heart of lush dairy farmland we can relax in one of Tasmania’s oldest country pubs for lunch, licensed over 100 years. We might even see the beer drinking pig.
We move onto St Helens, which is the largest town on the east coast and is well known for wonderful beaches, huge sand dunes, good fishing and lovely scenery, both on the coast and inland. The town, a fishing port, is sheltered by Georges Bay. The bay is formed by St Helens Point, a long headland, 1,066 hectares of which is reserved as a recreation area. We will overnight at the Hillcrest Caravan Park another Cosy Cabin site. After settling in take a drive to Binalong Bay and the beautiful Bay of Fires with its turquoise sea, yellow sand and red lichen covered granite boulders, a truly special place.
