Wed, 11th Mar, 2015 Old Mac’s Farm, Norwood to Northeast Park, Scottsdale

16 degrees, the sun is being reflected in the lake – looks lovely. Danny & Chris stopped by to say bye as they are heading down to Hobart to watch the cricket. They have 3 weeks left so going to check out a few things they missed.

Packed up as dark clouds came over. Went for a walk around the camp area then had a cuppa before heading off to Scottsdale. Chatted with a couple from Townsville. The Alpacas were close to the fence as we drove out so I could get a photo.

Headed off uphill onto the hinterland behind Launceston to 240m through farmland again. Slowly climbing to 400m at Nunamara into timber plantations alternating with sheep pastures, beneath Mt Barrow (1413m) which is hidden in the clouds.

Up 8km of windy narrow road to 440m into the Bass Forests to 630m. Great views through the trees to the valley below as we wind our way along. Headed down again then turned off to Sideling Lookout at 580m. Great view over the North East to Scottsdale and the mountains.

 Zoomed in closer.

 Not quite the vivid green in the photo on the info board.

Down the range into the valley – lovely, green pastures.

Into Scottsdale (220m) and turned off to find Northeast Park. Lovely grassy camping area beside some lakes. Half the vanners are Queenslanders.

Did some washing as the sun is out and warm. Did up Mum’s curried sausages and rice in the Ecopot then cooked date slice. A lady from Mackay called in for a chat so we arranged to have drinks later. Lots of native hens, ducks and ducklings wander through the camp looking for a feed. They liked the apple skins I put out.

Popular spot, we can stay for a week too, water, toilets and dump point. A lot more vans etc have moved in.

We wandered over to check out the park and ponds. Lots of ducks looking for a feed.

Over a bridge to a covered area to read about the couple who created this beautiful park and ponds. They certainly made a wonderful park. It was named after Charles Northeast not the locating in the North East of Tasmania. Created in 1930. Great photos.

Lovely area with other small ponds and walks through the bush and around the little creeks.

A few pretty flowers.

Another lovely pond and information about the frogs which were happily croaking.

Only one pretty flower on the bush.

Walked back to the van and we had visitors. The Mackay couple and another couple from Brisbane area. Had a great afternoon chatting. It only started to get cool about 7pm which was great – we thought we were going to be getting colder but the weather here has been lovely so far.