The Franklin - Gordon Wild Rivers National Park 17th - 20th January

The Franklin from Donagheys hill

Left early for the West Coast, despite the rain we were looking forward to the Wild West!!  The Wild Rivers National Park is a region of dramatic mountain peaks, beautiful rainforest, deep river valleys and spectacular gorges. The area contains many Aboriginal sites extending back over 36 thousand years and has been the scene of a rich European heritage of convicts, piners and miners.

Lush rainforest surrounds the river

The park is famous for the wild and pristine rivers that twist their way through the wilderness and the Gordon and Franklin Rivers were the subject of one of Australia's largest conservation battles - the battle to save the Gordon River from being dammed for a hydro-electric scheme.

The Franklin

We enjoyed a nice walk along the banks of the Fanklin and the tranquility of the rainforest - the misty rain seemed quite appropriate. 

We had planned to base ourselves at Queenstown, to explore the area - having spent most of the day

Queenstown

exploring the Franklin, however we got a bit of a shock when we approached the town the surrounding hills resembled a moonscape and were totally bare as a result of copper smelting operations (also tin, silver and nickel).  A very stark contrast to our day thus far and quite depressing.  The town also gave the impression of being chronically depressed, every second business for sale or closed and many in need of major repair.  The only good points were (1) cheap groceries and (2) Rob scored on excellent hat for $2.

Wilderness Railway

 Effort has been made with the Wilderness Railway  which is on the edge of the town centre, the West Coast Wilderness Railway crosses the wild King River and climbs through sheer sided rainforested gorges.

We decided to move on to Strahan rescuing a pygmy possum along route from the clutches of a crow who had taken one eye and seemed pretty intent on a feed.

Strahan Tasmania lies on the edge of the unspoiled beauty of Macquarie Harbour. It is the last outpost of civilisation on the West Coast of Tasmania.  A very pretty town founded in 1877. Strahan was a vital port for the tin mines at Mt Heemskirk.  In the early 1900's timber and mining production were booming - Strahan exported more wealth than either Hobart or Launceston.

Macquarie Harbour

Spent some time exploring the area and took a couple of days out relaxing, a bit of writing and enjoyed the access to facilities.  Lots of tourists coming and going mainly for the Wilderness railway and the Gordon River Cruise.

Hells Gate - Macquarie heads

Enjoyed our time here met a lovely couple who gave us the run down on the area and weather "9 months of winter and 3 months of not much different" - seems accurate so far...  Well worth a visit to Hells Gate at Macquarie heads (NP camp ground there) and ocean beach - if you are lucky enough to get a good day (as we did) it's very beautiful but most of the time treacherous!

Ocean Beach

Sunset - West Strahan Beach