Sunday Selections - Tassie Ice

My third blog for Frogpondsrock 's Sunday Selections! Go and Check out hers and all the others linked there!

Most people associate Tasmania with being cold. Indeed it can be quite cool at times. This morning it was a very refreshing 7 c when I felt brave enough to get out from under the doonah. I thought a few photos that reflect the cool Tasmania might be appropriate for my Sunday Selection.

Frost - In most areas of Tasmania it is not unusual to wake up to a thick layer of frost, formed when the moisture on the ground freezes. This shot is of frost on some pine bark in my backyard.

And this shot was taken on the aptly named Ice House Track on Hobart's Mt Wellington

Ice - Taking frost one step further. While not common in the urban areas, there is certainly pelty of icy conditions to be found in the rural and highland regions. This first photo is again from the ice house track, and shows ice that had covered the walking track.

The next two show a large frozen pond beside Dove Lake near Cradle Mountain.

Snow - The type of cold that most people love to see. It certainly can look great!

This photo taken on the Mt Wellington plateau.

This also from Mt Wellington looking down over Hobart and the Derwent River.

And now some more classic views of Tasmania - Snow on Cradle Mountain

Snapshots: 60 Great Short Walks

My Second blog for Frogpondsrock 's Sunday Selections! Go and Check out hers and all the others linked there!


Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania have a collection of walks around the state billed as offering the best of Tasmania's walking opportunities. Details of the 60 Great Short walks can be found here. 

While I have not made it to all 60 walks, I have managed a few over the last few years. The walks range from 30 minute gentle strolls to full day walks requiring some level of equipment and experience. Below are some snapshots for the walks I have completed. The walks are all signed clearly and have good directions.


Walk 1: Organ Pipes Mt Wellington

This track starts at the Springs, half way up Pinnacle Road. It offers great views of Hobart, the Organ Pipes and surrounds. Takes about 3 hours and does have some steep uphill walking. A shorter alternative is to walk to Sphinx rock and back, about 45 mins.




Walk 5: Cape Hauy


This is a fairly demanding 4 hour walk and is not for children due to exposed cliffs. Having said that, you do get some great views of the sea cliffs around the Tasman Peninsula. 

Walk 9: South Cape Bay

Drive as far south as you can (Cockle Creek) then walk for another 2 hrs and you will have reached South Cape Bay. It is impossible for one photo to do this place justice. The walk is mosty flat, so go do it and see for yourself!

Walk 11: Lake Esperance &

Walk 12: Hartz Peak

Lake Esperance is a 45 min walk along the Hartz Peak track and is an ideal short option/picnic location.

Hartz Peak can take up to 5hrs return and is slightly more challenging, but rewards you with stunning 360 degree views.

Walk 13: Tahune Airwalk

The Tahune Airwalk is very much a tourist destination. If you live in Tasmania and have not been..get yourself there. Easy walk, if somewhat high in places.

Walk 14: Lady Baron Falls Circuit ,

Walk 15: Russell Falls &

Walk 16: Tall Trees Walk

All situated at Mt Field National Park, these three walks can be walked as a loop starting with the Russell Falls Track. Don't miss Horseshoe Falls shown here, it can be spectacular if there has been rain.

Walk 29: Dove Lake Walk,
Walk 30: Enchanted Walk,
Walk 31: Crater Lake Circuit


All at the Stunning Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair national Park.

 This shot of Cradle Mountain taken around 5pm over a still Dove Lake!

One of the locals having a feed beside the Enchanted Walk track!

At the lower end of the Crater Lake Circuit!






Walk 55: Wineglass Bay Lookout

The wineglass bay lookout walk has been redeveloped and is quite suitable for all walkers. Don't just go to Freycinet National Park for this walk though. Spend a few days there, its a stunning place.


Walk 59: Painted Cliffs &
Walk 60: Fossil Cliffs

I had not been to Maria Island off Tamania's east cost pror to the visit I took the shots, which is a great shame.  A short ferry trip from Triabunna and you arrive at this incredible island which has no vehicles apart from the local ranger. I could fill a blog with photos from Maria Island, and probably will one day. For now, one of the Painted (sandstone) Cliffs and one of Fossil Cliffs.


To see more photos visit my Flickr collection here

Continuing on with the Nature theme: Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain & Dove Lake

(click on the photos to see full view)

The area around Crater Lake is stunning too

This is a macro of a small plant growing by the lake. Just beautiful. No idea what plant it is though!

In April the area around Crater Lake comes alive with the colours of Fagus, Tasmania's only winter deciduous tree.