| Just
14km north of Bicheno on the Tasman
Highway there’s a turn-off left to Douglas Apsley National Park.
Proclaimed in 1990, its unique feature is that it’s the location of the
state’s only remaining large dry sclerophyll forest. Because of the
temperate weather of the east coast, the park’s two-day walk, the Leeaberra
Track – undertaken north to south – is a good one at any time of
the year. This is a low-maintenance, untouristy park and facilities are
minimal, meaning that you’ll have to rely on basic bushcamping. You can
buy the Douglas Apsley map and Notes ($9) from the Land
Information Bureau, 134 Macquarie St, Hobart. Tasmanian Wilderness Travel
can arrange bushwalkers’ transfers to the park.
Chain of Lagoons, 27km north of Bicheno
near the northern end of the park, has a great roadside stall selling
fresh seafood, plus waterfront camping on a farmer’s property at nearby
Piccaninny Point. A few kilometres north of Chain of Lagoons the coastal
Tasman Highway continues north to St Helens; turn off to the left for a
spectacular climb with views of the surrounding coastline on a detour
inland to St Marys, 17km away. Dramatic Elephant Pass shouldn’t
be missed, not least for the laid-back Mount Elephant Pancake Barn,
run by a relaxed American–Australian couple, where the coffee, food,
views and atmosphere are magical (daily 8am–6pm, until 8pm Fri). |