Monday April 15

Lake Margaret Power Station

I had intended to go up to Waddamana power station museum if I had stayed at Wayatinah.  As it happens what I wanted to see, the wooden staved penstock pipe, is not at Waddamana.  It is at Lake Margaret.  This hydro power system was built by the Mount Lyell Mining Company to supply power to the mine in Queenstown.  It is only in recent times, mid 80s I think, that it was taken over by Hydro Tasmania.

Remember Noddy, the guy in Queenstown, he use to work at this power station so was able to tell me quite a bit about it.  Unfortunately visitors are not encouraged by Hydro Tas.  There are signs everywhere warning of danger and that you enter at your  own risk.  The turn off into the station and the remains of township is about 9ks out of Queenstown heading toward Zeehan and is on the right hand side of the highway.  It is a gravel road well-made and winds its way up then down to the power station.  Not suitable for towing plus there is insufficient room at the end of the road for turning if you are towing.

 

I really didn’t need to go all the way to the power station as the best access to the wooden staved penstock is along the road as I discovered on the way out.  Still, it was an interesting drive and if the Hydro weren’t so paranoid and some money was spent to upgrade facilities at the power station it would be a great tourist attraction.

 

Tuesday April 16

Gordon River Cruise

The cruise boat leaves at 8.30am from Strahan and returns at 2.30pm.  6 hours of stunning scenery, terrific buffet lunch and a very entertaining guided tour of Sarah Island.  All I can say is well, just do it!  It is worth every dollar.

 

 

 

 

“Keep this treasure and hand it on to posterity so that those who come after will learn about beauty, about awe, about wonder, because it is in the southwest of Tasmania that you will have a chance to solve the mystery at the heart of things.”  Professor Manning Clark, Hobart, June 1980.

 

Our entertaining guide on Sarah Island.

 

Wednesday April 17

 Queenstown to Zeehan

Once the fog lifted and the sun came out it was quite a mild day.  Packed up and on the road to Zeehan by about 10.30am.  Arrived at the Zeehan caravan park around 11.30 and was set up in time for a snack lunch and cuppa.  The caravan park is quite good, showers are hot and the shower head is above your head.  $18 per night for a powered site.

Went down the town and did some shopping and checked out the West Coast Heritage Centre.  A terrific museum with a vast array of exhibits.  These west coasters certainly know how to present their history in innovative ways.

When I got back I found I had neighbours, Dennis and Jennifer from Lakes Entrance in Victoria.  Interesting to talk to them about that area of Gippsland as it is the way I will go once I get to the big island(at this stage).  Also Jimmy from Queensland and his partner travelling the state in a 1969 fibreglass classic caravan.  Interesting guy to talk to.  He was quite taken with my setup.