Lilydale Falls

After a long and windy drive across the range we finally stopped at Lilydale Falls, just outside Launceston. The trail start from under an abandoned railway bridge and follows the valley up past two pretty little waterfalls.

Lower Falls

Upper Falls

Then it was less than half an hour's drive from the falls to our accommodation in Launceston.

Saint Columbia Falls

St Columbia Falls was the first waterfall we'd seen on this trip. It is accessible via a short walk trail though lush forest down into the valley below. We were a bit disappointed with the lack of water, but it was the middle of summer and Tasmania is experiencing a drought, so it is to be expected.

The walk along the train was worth it for the grove of tree ferns that it meanders through.

 

Binalong Bay

 

We had been so very comfortable in our spacious house with spectacular views and resident wildlife. Reluctantly, we had to move on from Bicheno. Today we would transit to Launceston the long way round starting with Binalong Bay.

As we set off the rain started and became progressively heavier the further north we travelled. Fortunately it let up as we got closer to beautiful Binalong Bay.

Binalong Bay

Binalong Bay is part of the Bay of Fires which is charactorised by the red lichen that grows on the tidal rocks.
 

Binalong Bay also has a spectacular beach. The silky white sand squeaks under your feet. Harry was in his happy place digging holes & launching sand bombs. He and I even went for a body surf in the crystal clear (and cold) water.

Relectantly, we left this magical place as we still had a lot to see. We made a quick stop in Saint Helens for snacks and found a dragon! (below).

From Saint Helens, our route headed inland and into the forests and farm land. It soon bought us to the Pyengana Dairy Company where it was time for cheese tasting & milkshakes. The dairy had an automatic milking station where the cows come in when they feel like it. As a reward they are able to snack on their favourite food while they are being milked & get a scratch from a rotating brush on the way out.