We finally made it over St Mary’s Pass, which was a bit of a heart-starter for the afternoon. It’s one of those steep, windy climbs that really makes you appreciate the view once you get to the top. We handled the tight bends with no real issues, though Lisa might have been gripping her seat a little tighter than usual! Coming down into the Fingal Valley, the landscape changed entirely, trading the salty air of the coast for the quiet, grounded feel of the high country.
We were quite surprised when we pulled into the local camp site. There are only two powered sites available in the whole place, and we managed to snag one of them. We felt like we’d won the lottery! It gave us a perfect base to unhook and have a wander around this lovely little pocket of the world.
Fingal is a tiny place, home to only about 400 people, but it feels like it has a massive heart. It’s tucked right on the banks of the Fingal River, surrounded by these towering green hills and the dramatic silhouette of Stacks Bluff watching over us from a distance. The kids would have loved the wide-open spaces here; there’s a real sense of peace that you only get in these old Tasmanian towns.
We spent a good portion of our time just walking the streets to look at the buildings. You can really feel the history here. It started as a mining town back in the mid-1800s, and while the coal mines aren't the main game anymore, the town has kept its character beautifully. We even saw where the old Fingal Valley Railway used to run, which they used to haul the coal out to the coast.
The architecture is just stunning and so well-preserved. We came across this massive, pale green two-storey building with a long, sheltered balcony stretching across the front. It looks like the sort of place where people would have gathered for decades to share the local gossip.
A bit further down the road, we spotted a much bolder choice of colour. This bright yellow and orange building sits right on the corner, with its tall chimneys reaching for the grey clouds. Steve got a real kick out of how cheerful it looked against the moody sky.
Lisa’s absolute favourite, however, was a little further along. We found a gorgeous stone cottage that looked like something straight out of a storybook. The stonework is incredible, but it’s the white woodwork on the gables that really makes it—very intricate and delicate, almost like lace. We stood there for a good few minutes just admiring the craftsmanship.
It isn't all just stone and brick, though. We found a quirky two-storey shopfront painted in shades of purple and blue. It has a lovely little arched balcony on the top floor. It’s these splashes of personality that make Fingal feel so lived-in and loved, rather than just a museum piece.
Before we headed back to settle in for the night, we walked out towards the edge of the town to see the church. It’s a magnificent stone building sitting in the middle of a big, grassy field. With the dark mountains rising up in the background and the huge trees framing the shot, it was easily one of the most peaceful things we’ve seen on this trip.
Fingal really gave us a wonderful glimpse into the soul of the Tasmanian highlands. It’s a charming place where the history is etched into every stone, and we’re so glad we took the time to climb the pass and find it.
