🛡️ Private Family Update
We’ve spent the most wonderful day exploring Eaglehawk Neck, and we honestly didn’t know what to expect when we set off. This part of Tasmania is just full of surprises, and we keep finding ourselves stopping the car every few kilometres because there’s something else incredible to see.
Our first stop was the Tessellated Pavement, and we were both blown away. We stood there on the edge of the coast looking at what looked for all the world like a giant, hand-laid tiled floor leading straight into the ocean. It’s hard to believe that nature, and not a gang of very tidy stonemasons, created those perfect polygonal shapes in the sandstone.
The way the sea spray has worn down the edges over millions of years is just remarkable. Steve spent a good amount of time trying to find the straightest "tile" in the lot, while Lisa was more interested in the way the water pooled in the cracks as the tide moved. It’s easily one of the most unique things we’ve seen on our travels so far.
Just up the road, we pulled into the Fossil Bay Lookout. The height of those cliffs is something else. We stood there looking out over the east coast, watching the white foam of the Southern Ocean battering the base of the dark rock. It makes you feel very small, but in the best kind of way.
Now, kids, you would have absolutely loved the next little spot we found. We rolled into a tiny settlement called Doo Town, and it is exactly as quirky as it sounds. Apparently, back in the 1930s, a local started a tradition by naming their cottage "Doo I," and it just snowballed from there. Every house we passed had a punny name.
We saw everything from "Doo-Me" to "Xanadu." We had a good chuckle reading the signs on the gates; "Wattle-I-Doo" was a particular favourite of ours. We even saw one called "Thistle Do Me" which gave Steve a real laugh. We ended up having lunch at a place called "Doo-Lishus," which lived up to its name!
After lunch, we headed over to Tasman’s Arch. It is a massive natural bridge carved right out of the cliffs. Standing on the edge and looking through that 50-metre span down to the churning turquoise water below is a real thrill. It’s named after Abel Tasman, the explorer, but we were more impressed by the sheer power of the waves that must have spent centuries punching that hole through the rock.
We also took a look at the Blowhole nearby. It’s a bit different from the ones we’re used to back in Western Australia, but still very impressive to watch the swell force its way through the narrow opening.
For a bit of a change of pace, we went down to White Beach to visit the Pear Shed Gallery. Lisa was in her element here, looking at all the local bits and pieces. It’s a lovely, rustic spot that doubles as a gallery and a fruit and veg shop. We had a very relaxing afternoon tea there, just soaking in the quiet atmosphere of the peninsula.
Of course, no day of ours is complete without a little something sweet. We finished the afternoon in Taranna with some chocolate tasting. We couldn't leave without trying the Whiskey Cream ice cream, which was just the right amount of indulgent. Steve said it’s a good thing we’re doing plenty of walking to balance out all these treats!
On our way back through the neck, we spotted the Blue Seal Cafe right on the highway. It’s impossible to miss with the big blue seal hanging off the side of the balcony. It’s such a charming, bright building against the greenery of the hills.
Before we called it a day, we stopped in Dunalley, where Lisa made a very special friend. We came across one of the locals—a sturdy little pony with a very impressive fringe. Lisa spent a good while chatting to him over the fence. He was very gentle and seemed quite happy to have the company.
It’s been a day of real Tasmanian character—from geological wonders that look like paved roads to a town built on puns and a very friendly pony. We’re so glad we have these photos to show you all; it’s a part of the world that feels like nowhere else.
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