Exploring the Untamed Beauty of Tasmania

A Day of Wonders in Tasmania's Wilderness

Today was a day filled with exploration and wonder, as we delved deeper into the heart of Tasmania's wilderness. From the depths of ancient caves to encounters with unique wildlife, and culminating in a culinary journey, it was a day that perfectly captured the essence of this extraordinary island.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Van Bone. The restaurant is located in Bream Creek, which is about an hour's drive from Hobart. The restaurant focuses on creating a seasonal and minimal intervention ethos about food. It was an intimate fine-dining experience that connects with the land, the seasons and the people. Fuelled up, we set off for our first adventure: the Gunns Plains Caves.

Explore the stunning limestone formations and unique wildlife of Gunns Plains Caves, a must-visit natural wonder in Tasmania.

The drive to Gunns Plains was beautiful. The landscape was a patchwork of rolling green hills and dense forests. I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building as we got closer to our destination. I have always been fascinated by caves, and the thought of exploring one in such a remote and pristine environment was incredibly appealing. I remember visiting caves in Bulgaria when I was a child, and being mesmerized by the stalactites and stalagmites. I was eager to share that experience with Hans and Anna.

Gunns Plains Caves is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Ulverstone. The cave was discovered in 1906 by Bill Woodhouse during a hunting trip. It has been used as a show cave for most of the 20th century, and is still being operated today. The cave is renowned for its magnificent formations, including calcite shawls and flowstone, and has a glow worm display.

As we approached the caves, the air grew cooler and the scent of damp earth filled our nostrils. We joined a guided tour, and after descending a steep flight of 54 concrete steps, we entered a different world. The cave was a labyrinth of stunning formations, with sparkling crystals and rich colors illuminated by the soft glow of the lights.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.

Our guide explained how the cave was formed by an underground river that still flows today. He pointed out the freshwater crayfish, fish, and eels that inhabit the river. He also told us that platypuses sleep and nest in the sandy banks along the river. Anna was particularly excited about the possibility of seeing a platypus, as she had read about them in her Australian wildlife book. Though we didn't spot one, the thought of these elusive creatures nearby added to the magic of the experience.

The highlight of the cave was the glow worm display. As the guide turned off the lights, the cave was transformed into a starry wonderland, with thousands of tiny blue lights twinkling on the ceiling. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and we stood in awe, mesmerized by the beauty of nature. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was curious about the science behind the glow worms, and the guide patiently explained that they were the larvae of a small flying insect that emits light to attract prey.

Leaving the cool embrace of the caves, we headed to Wings Wildlife Park.

Experience the beauty of Australian wildlife at Wings Wildlife Park, a family-friendly destination in Tasmania with diverse animal encounters and scenic camping options.
This park is home to well over 150 exhibits. You can view Tasmanian devils, wombats, quolls, birds of prey, koalas, kangaroos, reptiles, aquatic creatures, and bird aviaries. You can even walk around with larger animals like buffalo, American bison, and camels. Wings Wildlife Park is the only park to have imported American bison into Tasmania.

As we entered the park, we were greeted by the sight of kangaroos lounging in the sun. Anna was thrilled, and we spent a good amount of time feeding them and taking photos. We then made our way to the Tasmanian devil enclosure, where we watched these iconic creatures devour their lunch. It was fascinating to see them up close, and I was impressed by the park's efforts to conserve this endangered species. We also saw wombats, quolls, birds of prey, koalas, reptiles, aquatic creatures, and bird aviaries. I even walked around with larger animals like buffalo, American bison, and camels.

One of the highlights of our visit was feeding the trout. The park has a large pond filled with trout, and visitors can purchase pellets to feed them. The trout were huge, some weighing up to 11kg! It was quite a sight to see them leaping out of the water to catch the pellets.

After a full afternoon of wildlife encounters, we were ready for a late lunch. We drove to Launceston, where we had a reservation at Grain of the Silos.

Experience farm-to-table dining at Grain of the Silos in Invermay, Tasmania - where local ingredients meet culinary creativity.
The restaurant is situated onsite at Peppers Silo Hotel. The Grain of the Silos Restaurant delivers on its promise of paddock to plate. The restaurant showcases the best of Tasmania, delivering on its promise of paddock to plate. You will find foods from local farmers delivering world-class produce.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, but we were quickly shown to our table. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Tamar River. We started with a selection of appetizers, including freshly shucked oysters and a charcuterie board featuring local cheeses and artisan breads. For our main courses, Hans ordered the Cape Grim beef, while Anna and I opted for the fresh seafood. The food was exquisite, and we savored every bite. It was clear that the restaurant was committed to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Before heading back to our campsite, we made a quick stop at Smitten Merino.

Discover Smitten Merino, a charming boutique in Battery Point offering exquisite Australian merino wool clothing and accessories.
The store is located just two minutes walk up from Salamanca Place. Smitten Merino offers designer merino wool clothing. I wanted to pick up a warm scarf for myself and a beanie for Anna, as the evenings in the wilderness can get quite chilly. The staff were friendly and helpful, and we found exactly what we were looking for. I even chatted with the owner, Holly, who shared the story of how she started the business with her mother. It was inspiring to hear her passion for Tasmanian wool and her commitment to sustainable practices.

For dinner, we had reservations at Frank Restaurant.

Discover exquisite Australian cuisine at Frank Restaurant in Hobart, featuring fresh local ingredients and stunning waterfront views.
Frank Restaurant & Bar is on Hobart's waterfront. The menu at Frank is contemporary with strong Argentinian leanings. The cuisine may be exotic, with house-made pale ale, and Tasmanian whiskey and wine. The restaurant sets the scene for warming, seasonal comfort food.

The restaurant was buzzing with activity, and the aroma of char-grilled meats filled the air. We started with a selection of small plates, including char-grilled quail and spicy chorizo. For our main courses, Hans ordered the slow-cooked beef, while Anna and I opted for the grilled fish. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. It was the perfect way to end a day of adventure.

As we drove back to our campsite under the starry Tasmanian sky, I reflected on the incredible day we had experienced. From the depths of the Gunns Plains Caves to the heights of the wildlife encounters at Wings Wildlife Park, and culminating in the culinary delights of Launceston and Hobart, it was a day that had something for everyone. I felt grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, and I knew that these were memories that we would cherish for a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we're off to Leven Canyon and Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary. I'm excited to see what other natural wonders Tasmania has in store for us!