While we did use power at one site (Milton Showground… there wasn’t an unpowered option) the remainder of our 7 weeks was “off grid”. LPG gas was used for the BBQ and once for water heating (all other times, the water was heated using the inverter/batteries). Inside cooking was either done on the induction “cooker” or microwave. Having the ability to charge when on the move was a particular advantage when there were successive cloudy days. The batteries lowest SOC was 48% and this only happened when returning home through Victoria. Day temps were mid 30’s and so on arriving at our overnight site the aircon was run for over 4 hrs.

Water availability and quality throughout Tasmania was very good. We were never caught short; used the washing machine when required.

Starlink came through with flying colours. “Dishy” is secured on top of a mast which has 2 wall suction pads. Even in all day/ all night strong gusting winds the mast remained securely fastened. Communication speeds and quality were very good even when at times we should have been affected by trees (to our south). The ability to make calls anywhere, anytime (wifi calling etc) was reassuring and helpful eg call to Tasmania’s fire service to discuss bush fire(s) risk at Bradys Lake. Being able to do travel research, check travel routes and road conditions, stream video/tv, upload videos and more make Starlink a very useful albeit a little expensive travel resource . Power consumption per hour was about 6-7 amps (inverter overhead + Starlink operation)

Distance traveled – Caravan: 4,700km; Car: 6,400km

Spirit of Tasmania Cost: $2,500 approx. (2 people, overnight cabin, car + caravan, return)

Site costs: Ranged from $0-$35 per night . Typical/average cost around $15.

Car/Caravan issues: Blown fuse in car (for powering van bcdc-fuse was not wired correctly and was sub standard quality); Creaking floor (warranty)

A month was way too short a time. There is so much to see and do. If we had our time again we would not hesitate spending at least 2 months. The boarding was delayed. And if possible, an even more challenging drive into the ship… extension rear view mirrors had to be brought in, little room for error!!

Our departure time was 9.30pm so we had plenty of time to travel from Stanley. Along the way we stopped for morning tea and lunch.

On the very far west coast and almost as far north as you are allowed to drive was yet another spectacular day trip experience. I struck this region on what would have been one of it’s best weather days… relatively warm, sunny periods, no rain. It was typically very windy. Arthur river is renowned for “The Edge of the World”, just 1km south and over the Arthur river bridge. It’s claim… greatest ocean distance between two countries.

Definitely one of the Tasmanian highlights… driving through the Tarkine, walks and lookouts. Beautiful, remote, rugged wilderness in the north west of the State.

Julius River Rainforest & Lake Chisholm Walk

Best known for the landscape feature “The Nut”. Beautiful small town with lots of history.

Such a big variety of camp sites available in Tasmania. One of the more progressive golf clubs offer overnight stays (but you must be self contained) for only $10 per night

Chose this location to be relatively close to pick Jennifer up from Launceston airport and to do some more “exploring”.

Using the “Tasting Trail” guide I visited and sampled food within a 20km radius

Following the Fire service recommendation, I 1st travelled on an”A” road and then a “B” road to depart from Bradys Lake. This B road was pretty rough & corrugated, but the scenery was best described at rugged beauty.

Open space again… and a free camp!

… and then I noticed a bush fire

Late afternoon I saw smoke on the other side of the lake. I’m so pleased to have solid internet/phone comms now (Starlink). This location is particularly remote ie no phone coverage. After coming up to speed with information from the rather good Tasmanian fire/flood/disaster website, I ended up calling their fire service info line to confirm my understanding of the situation and risk. This included what direction should I take if matters worsened. Fortunately even though the winds were strong & gusting, the direction was not towards me. The bush fire area grew. At about 5pm there were ground crews and 3 helicopters with buckets trying to contain the fire. I decided to stay but packed up so could move with short notice. The night was uneventful but instead of staying another day I departed first thing in the morning to a farm stay 30kms west of Launceston. Just as well as this fire’s severity (I was surrounded by 3 fires) had been upgraded.