We were treated to a world-class sunrise in the morning. We took a long walk along the beach as the light started to break. From the green hills to the deep blue of the ocean, the way the sky turned these brilliant shades of orange and violet was breathtaking. It’s a peaceful way to start the day, with just the sound of the waves and the cool Tasmanian air to keep us company.
We made our way into St Helens, which is a classic, bustling fishing town. It felt like half of Tasmania had decided to join us there, as everyone was gearing up for the long weekend. The town was alive with people heading to the Bay of Fires, but we were just happy to wander between the bakeries and cafes, soaking up the atmosphere. Lisa spent a good while browsing the shops while Steve went on a mission to find the best local meat for the barbecue.
The centre of town is quite lovely, with a big green park area that’s dominated by these towering palm trees. We took a moment to sit near the war memorial. There is a striking mural painted on the wall behind it—a massive Australian flag and the silhouettes of soldiers. It really gives the place a sense of pride and history without being too formal.
After we finished the chores like the washing and stocking up the pantry, we couldn't resist a walk down to the water. The bay is filled with all sorts of vessels, from little sailboats to serious fishing rigs. It’s such a calm, beautiful spot to just stand and watch the world go by.
Down at the wharf, we saw the fishing boats tied up after their morning out. One boat had a big sign out for fresh crayfish, and Steve’s eyes lit up immediately. We stood there for a good ten minutes debating it; Lisa was very hesitant because they certainly weren't cheap, but Steve finally won her over. You can’t come all this way and not sample the local specialty!
We walked away with a magnificent southern rock lobster, still fresh as anything. We kept him in a bucket for the afternoon, and the grandkids would have been fascinated (and probably a bit terrified) by how lively he was.
That night, we cooked it up on the BBQ. Lisa had to take back everything she said about the cost—she enjoyed every single bite. It was easily the best meal of the trip so far.
Later that afternoon, we spent some time at Swimcart Beach. The sky was doing something truly spectacular; we just sat on the sand gazing at the clouds as they changed into all sorts of different colours. It was one of those days where you don't need to do anything at all to feel completely satisfied.
