Experience Tasmania

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Watch the video highlight in high quality here: http://vimeo.com/13632887

Tasmania’s hidden adventures.  The lesser known trails at the end of gravel roads.  Ours to discover for the weekend.

Driving from Hobart through the isolated, icy roads of the Lake Highway,  there is a nice feeling about taking the road less travelled. We cut through Tasmania’s heart of shack culture, the Great Lakes. I haven’t been through here in years, I think to myself.

“Will this place we’re going to have internet?” I queried.  ”I’m not sure” says Sandy, “Probably not”.

That’s ok, I say to myself.  I have my phone, relieved that I can always keep a check on work with my email close by.

An hour later, the sun is setting as we approach the misty Meander Valley, it feels mysterious.  ”I don’t think I’ve ever been to this part of Tassie before, and I’ve driven past it dozens of times!” I chirp, marvelling at the newness of it all. The sun igniting the mountain peaks with a fiery amber tinge.

Pulling up to Forest Walks Lodge, we hesitate to get out of the car. “It looks cold outside”, shivers Sandy. “Well, it looks nice and warm inside!” I said.  The eco friendly design of the place has me intrigued, as I see our hosts waiting for us through large double glazed windows.

Heated sandstone floors kept our room at a mild temperature. I checked my phone. “Hey! There’s no reception” I exclaimed. “Poor Josh, you might actually have to disconnect this weekend” Sandy said jokingly.

After a glass of wine and a fantastic hearty meal made from all organic and local produce, we retire to our room satisfied and ready for sleep. “It’ll be a cold one tonight” Said Sean, our host.

The morning dawn brings with it a blanket of white, laid across the paddocks & fields. “Minus 10 last night” chuckled Sean as he laid a spread of breakfast treats for us. “It sure is pretty this time of year”. We agreed.

Pulling ourselves away from the epic vista ,we pack some lunch, rug up, and head out to explore the valley more. Our mission: Split Rock Falls.

As we venture through the hilly, lush forest terrain, we can’t help but marvel at the seclusion. We see less than a handful of people the whole day and when we do, it still feels like a secret for only a few.

From one water fall to the next, there are discoveries to be made, secrets to be revealed.

The air is crisp and fresh. To breath it in feels good for the soul and the sounds of the valley are soothing.

Not wanting to leave our adventure playground we leave Split Rock Falls to appreciate the stillness of yet another gorgeous sunset over the valley. A couple of horses and a very friendly chicken swing by to entertain us.

“Reception!” Sandy cried, as my phone started to beep with incoming messages. Refreshed from the forced disconnect, I didn’t care. “It can wait until we get home” I said, still chasing the chicken with my camera.