North West

Stalagtites in Marakoopa Cave

Mole Creek was our next stop for a few days, an area surrounded by high ranges known as the Western Tiers as the mountains are flat topped but step up steeply to a new level then gently sloping down only to step up steeply again before the next gentle down-slope. The area has over 450 caves and caverns with stalagmites and other amazing formations. Two of the more accessible caves are open for tours and we visited them both on different days getting maximum enjoyment from the experience. The area is famous for honey production so we stocked up on Leatherwood honey and ate honey ice-cream.

Sculpture of a Fishermans Tale

Deloraine was next where we stayed by the Meander River and had to avoid the ducks every time we stepped out the door. The main street has small sculptures with local themes at regular intervals on both sides of the street. They are all about 18 inches tall and are mounted at waist height on top of used oxy-cylinders.

Up to the north coast again and heading west we stopped at many of the coastal towns, free camping in most spots. At Burnie we parked at Cooee Point, a popular but exposed stopover for caravans & motorhomes and for two days it blew a gale, first from the north-east, then from the south-west. The bus rocked and rolled all night in the wind and we heard later it got to 90kph, and even stronger further west. At Devonport the Spirit of Tasmania was unable to dock for over an hour due to the rough seas and driving rain.

Model A Ford

Because of our interest in old cars etc. we spent some time at the information centre at Wynyard where a local vintage car restorer has a collection of very early Fords and other cars on public display. Most of the Fords are pre-Model T, the oldest being a 1903 Model A, the 31^st Ford vehicle produced. It was found in the U.S. only a short distance from the workshop where it was built and still has most of its original parts – including the muffler!