Hobart

We flew into Hobart and spent a night in the city at the Crown Plaza before picking up our car the next day, heading off on another Tasmanian road trip.

We’ve stayed in Hobart many times however this was our first stay at the Crown Plaza. We highly recommend the Crown Plaza now that we’ve stayed there for its location and luxury vibe.

We love road trips, the same as we love any kind of travel whether it’s by road or air, except buses – I simply can’t do bus journeys.

There’s something about having the freedom to take your time on the road in a car, to stop, see sights, wander at leisure through interesting towns and take in the unfolding landscapes as you go. It allows you to follow your curiosity.

Richmond

Heading slightly north-west out of Hobart, our first stop for morning tea was an easy half hour to the historic town of Richmond, home to the oldest bridge in Australia. Built in 1825 by convict labour, the sandstone Richmond Bridge still arches gracefully over the Coal River, looking much the same as it did nearly two centuries ago. It’s one of those places where history doesn’t feel tucked away in a museum – it’s right there under your feet.

The town itself is small, charming, and wonderfully well preserved. Quaint cottages, heritage pubs, little bakeries and cafes and antique shops make Richmond an easy place to linger longer than we planned. It’s calm, pretty, and full of quiet stories. We couldn’t pass up an old fashioned tea and scones – oh, so good!

Lake St Clair

From Richmond, it was an easy two and a half hour drive through landscape that slowly changed as we continued inland towards Lake St Clair. This is Tasmania at its most expansive with long roads, open skies, forests thickening as you go. As we gained elevation and closer to our destination, the outside temperature plummeted to around 4 degrees with flurries of snow. It was cold.

Lake St Clair sits at the southern end of the Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park and is Australia’s deepest freshwater lake, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. The water is dark, still, and almost mirror-like, surrounded by ancient forests and mountain peaks.

We had pre-booked a cabin for a one-night stopover at Lake St Clair Lodge, tucked neatly into the wilderness at the edge of the lake, before heading to Strahan on the West Coast – our first longer stay destination.

This is also the final destination after those doing the Overland Track. I’m sure the Lodge is a very welcoming site after six days in the wilderness.

The Resort is only one of two resorts built in heritage listed areas in the world It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow right down with log fires in the main reception/restaurant building, eco-friendly cabins nestled amongst the native landscape and walking tracks starting at your doorstep. It feels remote but homely. No rush, no noise. Just nature doing what it does best. Only one challenge – Wifi is limited, but that adds to the ambience. I packed my laptop away and had nothing to do but relax.

Our cabin was warm (they had the heating turned on before arrival, thank you!) very comfortable, and only a short walk to the main restaurant centre where we enjoyed the cosey bar and restaurant for dinner, and breakfast the next morning.

Dinner was relaxing and delicious with plenty to choose from. We enjoyed an asian style chicken dish and duck.

Lake St Clair was a perfect introduction to the road ahead.

Next stop – Strahan, Tasmania.

Catherine & Jeff