Wed, 3rd Dec, 2014 Hellyer Gorge Rest Area to Cooee Point Reserve

Lovely morning as we packed up. I had left the phone in the car on the aerial as we didn’t have any service when we arrived. Now the clouds have cleared it got a few messages. One from my cousin Roald. They had sold their house in Perth and will be moving across the country to Corroibah, Qld. Roald said to drop by the house they lived in while my uncle managed the plywood factory opposite it, in Somerset. He has lovely memories of growing up there as kids.We are heading that way so will check it out.

Jon sent photos via text message of the work he has been doing in the backyard of the house around his spa pool. Looks very nice.

Back up the range. Got a glimpse through the trees of the gorge below. We can see across the timber plantations better with no clouds!!! Brighter look at the plantations as we headed back towards Somerset. 

The fence line is covered in blackberry bushes which are a pest but make the loveliest jam. Saw a dead Tassie Devil on the side of the road.

Passed a lovely little dam just before Henrietta. Back in the open farm country – even a few sheep. 

View from Elliott. There is a blue haze in the air – not sure if it is like the Blue Mtns and the eucalypt haze or it is sea spray as the wind is up. 

Down to the coast to Somerset. Found the house opposite the plywood factory. Took some photos to email to Roald.

Over the Cam River bridge. 

Into the little town of Cooee just east of Burnie where we will camp for 5 days on the point beside the old Abattoir. 

  

Set up beside a couple from Hervey Bay – Craig and Kathryn, and lots of others but it is roomy area. They joined us for a cuppa and big discussions about where to go, how to do it and all about our vans and trucks. Lovely couple.

Headed into town to register for the campsite at the Info Centre and to check what the weather will be like on the west coast as we are changing our plans after everyone we have spoken to on their way back complained about the terrible winds. I also asked about what the poppy fields looked like as we saw a light purple one with “Do Not Enter” signs. These are the poppy ones and the white fields are Pyrethrum which is used in pesticides and they supply 50% of Australia’s Pyrethrum. Also some of the white fields could be potatoes so now I will be confused. There are also lavender fields.

Steve got some new fan belts from Autobarn up the road. Cooee is called the “golden mile” as all the car yards line the main road. He tried the first one and it was wrong!! Little walk back and then he tried another one – success. He will get some spares tomorrow. Took Craig for a drive as he was interested in the intercooler for his car. Certainly noticed the difference.

Headed back to Burnie South to go to Fern Glade to try and find a platypus. Lovely area beside the Emu River. It is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania. 

Found a nice polished rock carving of a platypus. 

A few signs of information but some need a good clean. They say even though there was a mill across the river the platypus always stayed here and it is the most likely place to be able to see one. 

Nice and quiet but no platypus. Interesting reading along the way as Steve had commented about their burrows being under the water in Qld, so now we are looking for ones above the waterline. 

Maybe one lives here. Will try later tomorrow if the weather holds as they are forecasting rain. 

Back to the van for dinner as we are going to see the penguins at 8.30 with Craig & Kathryn. Rang Roald and Joan in Perth to say we had seen the house etc and good luck with their move.

Glad we brought our big coats as it is a bit chilly. Fairy penguins are now known as Little Penguins – how bad is that for political correctness. I forgot my camera but remembered my torch. They gave us red cellophane to cover the lens so we don’t frighten the penguins. There is a boardwalk along the rocky area and over the beach and the penguins nest in burrows and in concrete mounds volunteers put in for them. There were a few babies out of their nests. Some still had lots of fluffy fir and others looked nearly ready to leave the nest. Took a while then the parents started to come in on the waves and climb up the rocks. They spent a long time preening themselves then they waddled up and started calling to their young. They stayed out of their burrows too and fed them which was great to see. Mad that I forgot my camera but we will come back again. Great night.

Egg Laying - Sept to Oct  40 to 70% chance of viewing a penguin

Chick Rearing - Nov to Jan  70 to 100% chance

Moulting  - Feb to Mar  60 to 80% chance

Non Breeding activities  - Apr to Sept 0 to 20% chance

The wind has picked up but Steve has the awning secure so all good.