Tasmania: Styx Valley

Today we got an early start and headed to the southeast part of the state into the World Heritage Area. Our destination was to reach the "Valley of the Giants" where the tallest trees in the southern hemisphere can be found. On our way we passed through numerous fields of hops (Tas is the largest producer of hops in the southern hemisphere). We arrived at the turnoff for the Big Tree Reserve and found it to be bright and sunny as we made the turnoff onto the dirt road. The Reserve is in the midst of one of the larger logging areas in the state and we were confronted by huge logging trucks at break neck speeds on these narrow, windy roads. Best not get in their way.

Once we reached the actual reserve part of the forest a big storm cloud pulled up, it is a rain forest after all. So we put our hoods up on our rain jackets and headed out of the track that had been built to guide people to Big Tree and Bigger Tree, so creatively named. These being the tallest at approx. 320ft, shorter only to the Redwoods and Sequoias of the northern hemisphere, both of which we had the luxury of seeing during our residence in California. These trees are of the swamp gum variety. Magnificent to look at. After our time spent being awed by the forest we headed across the road and took a short hike to the Styx River which runs through the area.

Back in the camper, we headed back the way we came. This time we stopped at Mount Field National Park. Easily accessible from Hobart, this is a busy park. With that in mind we selected one of the longer hikes in hopes of keeping off the beaten track. Our trail was filled with swamp gums, myrtle and sassafras trees, as well as Matt's favorite, the tree fern. The trail also covered a number of waterfalls along the way including Russell Falls, the signature of the park. Once we had returned, we were feeling a bit peckish and decided to hit the riverside tea room on our way out for a Devonshire tea. Delicious!

We made it back to Hobart just in time for the visitor's center to be closed, so we went off a recommendation from a fellow traveler for accommodation for the night. All we really wanted was a nice hot shower and a comfy bed anyways. We were able to achieve that, but not much else in the place we stayed. Fortunately, we were walking distance from the Harbour, so once we had showered and changed we headed out to find a nice meal for the evening. Being Sunday, most things were closed. We ended up at a place right on the wharf where you picked your fish and they grilled it right there. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was some of the best tasting fish we've had. A good way to start our time in Hobart.