Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania
Down the Western Explorer highway, through Corinna, Zeehan and Strahan for a day on Macquarie Harbour.
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Just an hour drive from Hobart, and a little more from Launceston, the little town of Oatlands, Tasmania now bypassed by the Midland Highway, is a step back in time.
Once upon a time when you drove the Midland Highway, there were some great examples of topiary beside the road that were produced by one of the road workers (the late Jack Cashion). There were all sorts of shapes, from memory most were animals, and they provided a nice distraction as you drove along.
On my last visit to Oatlands, I spotted a few more examples of this interesting art form right in the town. But you don’t need distractions here – there is plenty to keep your interest. Not the least of which is the restored Callington Mill.
This magnificent structure, fully restored and operating, is now producing quality flours as the winds of the Midlands drive its sails.
Nearby is a blacksmith. And throughout the town are outstanding examples of Georgian buildings dating from the early 1800’s.
On a sunny day, you could buy a nice pie and find a picnic spot on the shores of Lake Dulverton.
UPDATE July, 2022: A recent addition to the Callington mill surrounds is a modern whiskey distillery. You can take a self-guided tour, have a taste, or even mix your own. All the more reason to stop and enjoy the hospitality of Oatlands.
Down the Western Explorer highway, through Corinna, Zeehan and Strahan for a day on Macquarie Harbour.
Once used to take copper ore for the Mt Lyell Mining Company from Queenstown to Strahan in Tasmania, the railway now carries tourists.
Wilpena Pound, also known by its indigenous Adnyamathanha name of Ikara, meaning “meeting place”, is a natural amphitheatre of mountains located 429 kilometres north of Adelaide, South
Tozeur is an oasis town full of interest. The medina buildings have intriguing brick patterns on their walls, there is a great museum, it’s popular with trekies because of its association with the Star Wars film, and there’s a quiet palm grove to wander through.
Ypsilos Monastery sits on the top of an extinct volcano. Originally built in 1101 it has had a few reconstructions since.