Marakoopa Cave

 As entertaining as the wildlife sanctuary was, we weren't done exploring. It was nearing lunch time, so we drove a little further down the road to the Marakoopa Cave visitor centre to book our tickets for an afternoon tour. With that taken care of, we had some lunch (with about 100 march flies) and did the short rainforest walk that tracks along Marakoopa Creek.

Marakoopa Cave is nowhere near as spectacular as some of the caves we have been to closer to home in the south west of Western Australia, but that didn't mean we didn't enjoy the cave tour because, like most limestone caves, it had it's own unique character.

 The dominating features of this particular cave system are the many very fine straws hanging from the ceiling and lots of water.

Other types of structures like curtains and terraces also adorn the caverns.

As you exit the cave, you are greeted by a lush green rainforest.

From the cave, we drove north to Devonport, were we would be based for the next couple of days. We had a well kitted out cabin in a caravan park, right on the shore of Bass Strait.

Trowunna Wildlife Santurary

 Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary

There are quite a few wildlife rescue centres around Tasmania. Our research pointed to Trowunna being the best of them. We can't verify the research but the consensus was that it was very good.

There were lots of animals, but the rock stars were the Tasmanian Devils. The devils at the sanctuary are part of an insurance population to guard against the facial tumour disease.

There are devils from all age groups from young joeys and adolescents, to adults. The devils are fed roadkill and it was really interesting to watch them feed. For animals with fierce reputations, they are very well mannered when feeding as a group.

The keepers even let you you pat these fearsome looking creatures. They aren't nearly as fierce as they look and have very soft fur.

Other cute & furies included wombats;

Spotted Tailed Quolls.

Kangaroos & wallabies;

Rescued birds are represented by: Cape Barren Geese, Black Swans and tawny frogmouths.

They also care for injured wedge tailed eagles at the sanctuary. These magnificent creatures often fall foul to vehicles when feeding on roadkill.

The proceeds of entry go toward the primary reason for the sanctuary's existence. Wildlife conservation. I applaud everything they do.

Mole Creek

 

We had a lot of ground to cover to get to out final destination for the day, Devonport. We didn't use the boring direct route. We had, instead, a few interesting activities planned in the Mole Creek area.

Deloraine

We stopped in Deloraine to wander up and down the main street checking out the various shops while taking in the views of the Great Western Tiers of the Central Plateau that dominates the southern horizon.

Deloraine has a most odd bike shop (below).

Melita Honey Farm

A little further down the road, we stopped in at the Melita Honey Farm in Chudliegh. We've been to plenty of honey places before but this something on a completely different level. There were no less than 50 different honey's to try & the range of honey products was astonishing!

Launceston

 

We were on the move again today. This time to Devonport, but not without some activities along the way. Before we left Launceston, we took the time to have a look at some of the heritage buildings that are dotted around the downtown area.

We also visited the well manicured, City Park. The park isn't very big but it feels much bigger as you walk around.

City Park also has a random enclosure for a troop of Japanese Macaques that seems very much out of place.