Entries about cave

For a slower day where you're able to do a variety of things close together, the Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are well worth it. The way the whole area has been set up accentuates all the natural sights really well, creating a totally relaxing atmosphere. Nice walks, interesting information signs, pool, outdoor and undercover picnic areas with big fireplaces, hot showers in the change rooms... They also cater for wheelchairs (excluding cave entry unfortunately). We all totally enjoyed our day exploring this area, and also managed to return in time to get all our accumulated clothes washing done!

Roads

• Clancy enjoyed the C636 road heading to Southport, saying that he'd like to do it on his motorbike.
• We found the dirt road off the C636 that takes you into the caves and thermal springs to be very corrugated and rather slippery, considering all the rain it had recently had, and continued to get while we were there.

Newdegate Cave

• You need to book your ticket at the information centre (this's well signposted) before continuing onto the cave parking area.
• We parked beside an old tree stump with a rather old looking can on top of it at the cave parking area, which rather fascinated me!
• It was then a further five minute walk along a boardwalk and up some steps to the cave entrance, where we had to wait for the tour guide to enter the cave.
• The cave had a lot of interesting formations, and the tour was very informative.
• According to the brochure we'd picked up, there were approximately 245 steps each way inside the cave.
• Sonia enjoyed the steps, but also wanted 'up' for a fair number of times too. It was definitely easier for her to walk up the steps than down.
• Kaden didn't really want to be in the Ergo baby carrier on Clancy's back though!

Thermal Springs

Me feel water dad!

• We enjoyed lunch at the information centre - Felt like forever waiting for the kids to finish so we could go see the thermal springs, but that's kids!
• Exchanged our national parks pass printout for the correct access pass while waiting for the kids to finish lunch. It came with a little passbook that you could stamp at each place you went to as well. Was really great for those places that still had the stamps. Many parks no longer had them unfortunately. Cradle Mountain National Park staff explained to us that their stamps for the passbook had been stolen!
• The thermal pool area was really nice. Could see why the brochure mentioned it being a local picnic spot. - Picnic and moss/grass areas, pool, barbecues, large sheltered area with numerous wood fireplaces, change rooms with nice hot showers, toddlers paddle pool.
• Sonia enjoyed the pools, but they were still too cold for me and Clancy. I'd probably enjoy them more in summer.
• The Platypus walk and Thermal Springs circuit walk were also really good. Going through various different types of bushland, allowing you to see and feel some of the thermal spring water at it's source, and also have a chance to look for platypus. We didn't get to see any.
• Sonia enjoyed running and looking at all the different things along the sides of the track while I carried Kaden. We could've used the pram, but didn't think the walks were really long enough to warrant a trip back out to the car to get it.

After enjoying two nights at the wonderful Port Arthur Holiday Park, it was time to fuel up and continue on around the rest of the Tasman Peninsula before heading back to Hobart.

• Remarkable Cave

At the end of Safety Cove Road (B347) is a great lookout point, and short walk down a fair few steps to Remarkable Cave. A tunnel carved through rocky cliffs by the ocean. We were lucky that it was clear while we were there, and enjoyed the views of the surrounding bays, hills, and even all the way out to Cape Raoul. Clancy had previously seen a photo of the Cape Raoul cliffs and would've loved to be able to see them close up, but unfortunately for us, we didn't have the time to complete the walk (Clancy didn't think he'd survive the walk anyway), and we couldn't afford to pay for another cruise.

So down to the cave we went, where Sonia enjoyed running and jumping down all the steps (once again testing our stress levels!), and I had fun trying to unsuccessfully get photo's of the waves gushing in and out of the tunnel. Depending on the tide, I'm guessing you may be able to walk into the tunnel itself. Lots of fun, but it most likely would not be recommended!

• Coal Mine Historic Site

This was another well set up site with plenty of interesting information signs available. The following is one of the poems that caught my eye.

On arrival to the main carpark near the toilets, Sonia decided she'd throw a massive tantrum and scream session. So off to the toilets, then finding a spot for her to sit, think, and calm down. We'd been pretty lucky this whole trip, that the occurence of these events were few and far between, but when they did occur, it wasn't in too public a place, or with many other people around. We never did end up finding out what brought this one on! However, after that, she thoroughly enjoyed running around and pushing Kaden in the pram.

So a note for those of you out there with young children, take heart in the fact you're not the only ones that have to deal with these scenarios! And for those without young children... we greatly appreciate it, and thank you for the times when you can accept that these things happen and attempt to ignore the attention seeking behaviour, allowing us as parents to try and work through it with the child as best we know how.

• Eaglehawk Neck

As we'd previously seen many of the sights around Eaglehawk Neck on the way into Port Arthur two days previous (described in a previous post 'Triabunna to Port Arthur via Richmond'), we decided we'd stop for lunch on the way out and see two of the sights we hadn't seen previously. We found a lovely spot where we could enjoy the sun and also be out of the wind in the Eaglehawk Neck Community Hall carpark (they hold community markets there every second Saturday of the month) for a beside the van picnic. This was only the second or third time that we'd actually been able to enjoy the use of the camp chairs we'd hired with the van.

Following lunch, we checked out the nearby Dog Line statue, and found it hard to imagine a line of dogs across the small section of land there, and continuing on platforms out into the water. It would have been totally terrifying to see. We then walked over to see the small museum housed in the old Officer's Quarters. It was very interesting, looking through the building, reading the history, and especially listening to the stories of some of the occupants that played out of an old radio. As we were the only ones there at the time, both Sonia and Kaden had fun wandering through all the rooms. Causing our education of the site to be occaisionally interupted by one or the other of the kids testing the boundaries of where they were allowed to roam. I don't think we would've been as relaxed, or enjoyed it as much if there'd been more people around.

• And finally.... back to Hobart

The drive to Hobart was uneventful, and by this stage I think the 'homing bug' had started to settle in. With all the mixed feelings that come with it. We'd pretty much seen everything we'd hoped to see in Tasmania for this trip, so now just wanted to get home. Yet still felt that the time had flown by too fast, and there should be more to see and do (which there definitely is!). I was looking forward to spending some time with my high school friend and her young family in Hobart before we flew back to Perth, while Clancy couldn't wait to get out of the campervan and back into a regular sized house!

Ngilgi Cave

Ngilgi Cave, formally known as Yallingup Cave, is located not far from... you guessed it, Yallingup! After visiting the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (where we'd picked up a cheaper dual ticket for both lighthouse and cave), we continued straight on to see the cave. And lucky for us, timed it just right to get onto the next tour before lunchtime.

Stalectite window	Stalectite

One rather wise thing that the staff recommended to us at the main desk, was to ensure that the kids (and us too if we needed) utilised the toilets before going on the tour. As it'd be about an hour or so before we got back and had access to facilities again. I'm guessing they'd had some misfortunate experiences! So yes, after a prompt visit to the toilets, and a quick play on the playground, it was time to start the tour.

The tour started with the explanation of an Aboriginal legend, a battle between a good spirit (Ngilgi) and an evil spirit (Wolgine), that gives the cave it's current name. This was also portrayed rather well in some eye catching (to kids atleast anyway!) artwork located around the start of the tour waiting area. Then it was on and down in to the cave itself via some rather steep steps.

Ngilgi Cave Formations	Ngilgi Cave Curtain

The guides provided a basic rundown of the cave at the base of the entry/exit steps, then let you wander through at your own pace. Letting you take as long as you wanted, with a guide located partway through to provide extra information and answer questions if required. At that point, they also had quite a few pieces of stalectites etc, that you could hold, and touch, and see what colours they made when light was shone through them, not just on them. Unfortunately for us, my attempts at photography did not turn out anywhere near as good as I'd hoped. These are the better few.

Ngilgi Cave Formations	Amphitheatre Roof

The formations themselves seemed fairly similar to those I'd seen in numerous other caves around Australia and the world, but it was still really interesting. Especially with all the different coloured lights they had set up to highlight the formations. What caught Sonia's attention, was a tunnel that had been made which allowed kids (and kids at heart!), to travel from the base of the entry/exit steps, down to a lower level of the cave. I followed her down, and had to keep reminding her to slow down so she didn't run into the person in front of her! Lots of fun for both of us. After that however, the main attraction for both Sonia and Kaden was trying to climb the hand railings, and once again... running up and down the many steps and walkways!

Ngilgi cave tunnel	Echidna carving

Kaden ended up falling asleep in my arms by the end of our slow cave journey, providing me with an impromptu workout climbing all the paths and steps to get out of the cave. Then while he continued to sleep, the rest of us started on a picnic lunch. To be ended with the promised ice creams and a look at all the interesting artwork in the nearby studio. Some really amazing pieces available if you have enough money.

What to do when the school schedules a pupil free day for the Friday of a long weekend?... Organise a camping trip further afield! Well, in this instance, it was more like suggest the idea to my sister's and their partner's/families, and let them do most of the decision making!

Thank you Jeremy for the location, ideas, and research results you provided. Thank you also to everyone for pitching in and helping out with all the kids! Helped make it a very enjoyable long weekend.

Day 1

Pinnacles

• Kids had seen pictures of the pinnacles in various brochures, and regularly requested to see them. So the plan was to meet Ayla and family there on the way up to Sandy Cape to finally let the kids see and experience the pinnacles.
• Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre - Found this rather interesting and well worth looking through. For both adults and kids.
• Due to earlier toilet stops and some quick lookout explorations (...and hoping to get a decent campsite before they were all taken!), we had to cut our time at the pinnacles short. No extended explorations, or time to wander around and just enjoy the area unfortunately. Will need to plan that better next time!
• So a look through the Discovery Centre, then a walk up the path (pram friendly) to the edge of all the pinnacles was all we managed while Ayla and family had their lunch (they'd gotten there before us and already completed the drive).
• Map of the walk trail, and Pinnacles Drive.

| My turn for the camera	|| Going to see the sunset, Campsite in the background.

Sandy Cape

• We got there about mid afternoon on Friday, and considering it was a long weekend, found the designated campsites (north and south of the main entrance) to be pretty much completely full! Looked like it was set up really well though with new toilets.
• Too squashed and crowded for us. Plus we needed a slightly larger area for three 'families' to set up camp together.
• So we continued north through all the campsites, and followed a track heading into the dunes to find a more accommodating site.
• The track was a mix of sandy and rocky patches (no real 4wding required, but did need to take it slower over the rocks), and generally followed the coastline, with quite a few nice spots for camping.
• Finally found one that wasn't already taken and suited us really well. Located in some bush directly behind some dunes, alongside the beach. And a big plus for Ayla, the kids, and I... hardly any wind!!
• Kids loved it too!! Bush with plenty of 'tunnels' and 'cubby houses', and only needed to climb one dune to get to the beach.
• The only real downside, was the slow drive out in the morning to go exploring, then back in again at the end of the day. Nice having our own little secluded campsite though!
• Fees could be paid at the information board at the main entrance, or to the caretaker who caught up with us one morning on his quad bike doing his rounds.

Day 2

Stockyard Gully

Link 1, Link 2

• A really nice spot to explore, with the gully and cave feeling a bit like an oasis. Creating a rather nice, relaxed sort of atmosphere.
• My sister's and I have visited this area before, and still enjoy returning to it, to see and walk through it again. Especially this time being able to share it with the kids, and share in their enjoyment of it all!
• 4wd access once again, with both sandy and rocky sections.
• Can be accessed from the south off the Coorow-Greenhead Rd, or from the north off the Coolimba-Eneabba Rd.
• There are two parking / picnic areas. One at each end of the cave tunnel.
• The picnic tables were all being used when we got there though, so instead we set up Jordan and Ayla's side awning for some shade, and enjoyed lunch in the carpark.
• The full loop walk is only about 1.3km long, and the kids loved being able to use their head torches through the cave tunnel!
• They also enjoyed finding/seeing quite a few beehives.

Lunch in the carpark	Stockyard Gully - Rocky western entrance

Stockyard Gully - Western entrance	Stockyard Gully - Eastern entrance

Bee hives	Stockyard Gully - Eastern entrance

Sand Dunes

• The remainder of the afternoon was spent playing in some sand dunes... And slowly working our way back to camp along a narrow, rocky, sandy track.

Sand dune fun	Slide... climb... slide... climb... slide...

Fun on the beach	Enjoying the fire!

Day 3

Beach fun and finding some WWII bunkers at North Head

• A nice warm morning on the beach was enjoyed by all. No real swimming though, as we found the water to be rather cold. Instead, the making of some much loved sand sculptures!
• Then time for lunch, help Ayla and family pack up, and finally head off to find the WWII bunkers.
• Had a basic idea that a track heading south beside the Sandy Cape entrance information board would lead to them. So went to have a look, and before heading down the track, confirmed their location by asking one of the vehicles coming out of the track.
• After passing many more campsites along the track, we found them.
• Was rather interesting to explore around and imagine living/working in the area when it was operational as a coast watch station in 1942, and as a radar station in 1943-45. ( ABC News story, Heritage survey report)
• Was also interesting to see a memorial set up for R.M. Bartle who died there in a shark attack in August 1967.
• And finally... Time to say goodbye to Ayla and family, and head back to camp for the last night.

North Head WWII Bunker	North Head WWII Bunkers

R. M. Bartle Memorial	R. M. Bartle Memorial plaque

Day 4

Heading home via a detour to visit family

• Nothing really spectacular about heading home. Packing up camp isn't the most fun thing to do. Especially if you're 18months, 5yrs or 7yrs old!!
• Instead of heading straight home down the coast though, we detoured inland to catch up with family.
• On the way there, we were pleasantly surprised to find a lookout with a familiar name on it! G. E. Lang as we later confirmed, was related to us!!