18 February 2014
The fishermen had a good catch from their crayfish pots this morning!
A more casual start to our day as we only have a short drive to Bicheno. Breakfast was on the patio of the hotel, overlooking George’s Bay. The seagulls had been up bright and early, and the boats and yachts were reflected in the still water – beautiful way to start the day.
We were keen to drive along the southern side of George’s Bay to explore up to St Helen’s point, on the other side of George’s Bay to The Gardens and Binalong Bay where we had been the previous day.
The water was so blue and clear as we drove to Burns Bay at St Helen’s Point, the entrance to George’s Bay. When we stopped to take some photos we chatted to two fishermen who had been out to collect two good sized crayfish from their pots in the Bay – they were looking forward to a great meal!
We then doubled back to St Helens and on to the road to Bicheno, firstly passing through the seaside town of Scamander, then over the mountains through Elephant Pass (lots of hairpin bends) on to St Mary’s. We stopped here for coffee, and to wander through Madd-Mudd’s Gallery with an eclectic collection of art including jewellery created from silver cutlery, chandeliers also made from cutlery, wind chimes from a variety of silver objects, and some beautiful large stained glass tiles.
Eye-catching stained glass tiles in the eclectic Madd-Mudd’s Gallery at St Marys
When we noticed the turn off to Douglas-Apsley National Park we decided to drive the mostly gravel road into the Park that is generally used by walkers and campers. Pretty scenery, but the road proved to be a challenge and there was no indication as to how far to drive into the Park. We eventually came to a car park area, but it was obviously for day trippers doing some walks through the park.
Back on to the main road and after a short drive we were heading toward the lovely seaside holiday spot of Bicheno. We pulled in to Denison Beach for beautiful views over the white sand to the township of Bicheno, and shortly after we arrived at our destination.
Looking toward Bicheno from Denison Beach
It was too early to check in to our accommodation, so we drove around Waub’s Bay to The Gulch opposite Governor Island Marine Reserve This is a rookery for the noisy Crested Terns who roost on the rocky island. Many of these rocks were also covered in orange lichen. We saw a glass bottomed boat skimming over the surface, its passengers craning over the glass to see the sealife under the boat. We found another road that gave us another view of the beach, it is a truly beautiful seaside village.
Glass-bottomed boat explores near Governor Island (left), noisy Crested Terns in the background
A work colleague of years ago really loved Bicheno, travelled there as often as possible and talked of retiring there. Unfortunately he passed away before this dream could become a reality. Tomorrow I will throw a yellow rose into the water of Bicheno Beach, and remember Bill and his love of this pretty seaside town.
Tonight we booked in to Sea Life Centre, overlooking Waubs Bay. Again another delicious seafood dinner……I’m getting to like this lifestyle!
Tomorow we head further south to Swansea
