Bruny Island- a relaxing retreat

Feb 3rd

Hello from Bruny Island- a large island just off the coast south of Hobart. We took the ferry over here this morning and drove around the northern part of the island before heading to Adventure Bay to do a coastal bushwalk. The island is very scenic- rolling hills, bushland and farmland, clear blue water and a large area of wilderness in the south, which is a national park. Our bushwalk took us past steep cliffs and some lovely rocky coastline. Adam was lucky enough to see one of the island’s white wallabies- it hopped onto the path in front of him (I was walking ahead). After the walk the sun came out from behind the clouds and I decided, in the cool 17 degree weather to go in for a swim on Bruny Island! The water was FREEZING but it was fun to jump in and I certainly came out refreshed.

We then drove up to the cottage we had booked for the night. When we arrived there was someone elses belongings inside. We felt quite dismayed as we were tired and had been so looking forward to a break from the caravan and an afternoon to relax in some space and privacy of our own. I rang the accommodation service who could not explain the mix up but nevertheless secured another mountain cottage for us for the night. This one is actually better than the first and the booking service is covering the extra cost for this night. It’s in the wilderness near the south of the island. We are surrounding by hilly bushland, with the ocean in the distance. It’s very peaceful. There is a balcony outside with a large outdoor hot tub. The tub is a design which is actually heated by a fire, so we are waiting for the water to get hot enough so we can jump in. Hopefully some wildlife will be around tonight. There are also lots of small birds, wrens, finches, robins etc.
It is so nice here we have decided to stay an extra night and return to Hobart the following morning to do some city exploring and Cadbury chocolate factory tour (hopefully). The day after (6th) we’ll hit the road again. We just decided that we needed this little retreat, with a proper bed and bathroom and this lovely mountain setting, as we’ve both been feeling pretty tired and fed up with the caravan lately. So an unexpected little highlight in Tassie here on Bruny Island.

Feb 4th

We love this place and real relaxation has begun to seep into our bones. So glad we decided to stay the second night in our wonderful mountain retreat here on Bruny Island. As I type I can see a bright red flame robin on one fence post, with an electric blue fairy wren on another.

Last night we soaked in the wonderful hot tub and watched as huge brushtail possums clambered around on the balcony right next to us eating the apple we had left out hoping to attract some wildlife.
We slept well and slept in this morning, before sitting on the deck and enjoying French toast with locally grown blueberries and raspberries.

Then it was off to explore the south bruny national park. A surfing comp was actually on this weekend at cloudy bay and we had a quick look there- the guys were wearing thick wetsuits and some had on hoods as well. Like I said, the water is very cold.
We then set off on a bushwalk around a peninsula. Saw lots of birds, including some new honeyeaters, endemic to Tassie. We passed a secluded beach with white sand and clear water, on the way back so I of course, decided to go for a swim. I didn’t have my cossie with me, so it was another nude dash into the icy water. It was very refreshing and good fun.
After the walk we visited the historic lighthouse with awesome coastal views over steep headlands.
Then it was back to our mountain retreat, for a soak in the hot tub, time read our books and the paper, and to eat a plate of Tasmanian goodies- local brie, blueberries and raspberries and a pear and hazelnut fruit paste to accompany the cheese. Yep. This is the life. It will be all back to normal soon for us, so we are soaking it up! Produce is cheap here and the food is good.

Tonight we are about to head off and see the resident penguin colony- the birds should be returning from their day’s fishing soon (it’s about 8pm). We hope to see some wallabies on the way- I hope I get to see a white one too!

When we get back I’d say we’ll have a final soak in the hot tub and watch the possums again. Back to the caravan tomorrow. Making the most of this retreat.
Love and hugs,
Emma & Adam xx


Feb 5

Back in Hobart- we arrived back from Bruny at about midday- on the drive back to Hobart we picked up some more local fruit and veg. Then it was off to the Cadbury Factory to do their tour and of course buy lots of cheap factory priced chocolate- YUM. We have just been devouring some choccie almonds and freddo frogs. Luckily we have a hike planned for tomorrow.
This afternoon I went into Hobart to have a better look around and do a bit of a walking tour through the historic Battery Point area. So lovely, old houses with beautiful gardens…like an old English village. I love this city.

We are off tomorrow as sadly time here is limited. We are going to Mt Field National Park for a couple of nights.

Oh- also we saw the penguins come in last night…such cute little things. Then we had a hot tub, looked at the sky and watched the possums devouring the apple we put out again.

More news soon.
xx