[Chat] Lyell Highway (was Re: What to see in Tasmania ?)

[Peter Lawler]

One thing I didn't mention, but probably should add, is another word of 
caution about the road. It's the only way in, or out, that the major 
aquaculture company over there uses and thus it's not entirely unheard 
of for cars to get stuck behind very large trucks at slow speed on the 
mountain passes. It's also not entirely unheard of for trucks to break 
down and - due to the location of the breakdown - become impassable for 
the rest of the day.

Not saying it's a common thing at all, just that ever year or so one 
hears a tale about some person who had their 3 hour trip converted into 
9 or 10 (by eventually giving up and going 'the other way', around the 
north west).

Basically, there's only one road from the north west of Tasmania, down 
the west coast and into Hobart. It wasn't built until after WW1, before 
then it was just a bunch of tracks and much remained unsurfaced until 
the 1950's, mostly just a bunch of tubes [a little hydro-electric power 
joke there folks...]. It's a nasty piece of work and even professional 
drivers are advised to not be nonchalant about the difficulties. Even 
though it's called the Lyell Highway, I don't think anyone who's 
travelled on it would agree with the designation.

The other thing is, yes although it's a ~4 hour drive, there are quite a 
few nice spots to stop off and really enjoy the scenery and I'd strongly 
encourage anyone doing the drive to do so.


Regards,


Pete.


On 01/01/17 05:10, Paris wrote:
> I'm a local to Hobart who literally just got back from Strahan after doing everything Peter suggests. It was fabulous. Best mini-holiday in years.
>
> I add: walk to Hogarth falls, and walk to Henty Dunes/along Ocean Beach.
>
> Paris
>
>> On 29 Dec 2016, at 12:12, Peter Lawler via Chat <chat at lists.lca2017.linux.org.au> wrote:
>>
>> If you have the time and ability and the mental fortitude to face the road, go to Queenstown/Strahan and do the whole river tour/wilderness railway[2] thing. I highly recommend ensuring you have accommodation because although the road is only about 300km's (from Hobart) it's a decent 6 hour drive for the inexperienced (including breaks) due to the winding and climbing/descending nature and the mental exhaustion of staying alert at the wheel for so long. Also, it can be rather damp out that way, from memory it rains about 300 days a year...
>>
>> However, having said that...
>>
>> Both activities are about *the* best thing in Tassie and I would suggest a 'not to be missed if at all possible'. For the lover of low frequency sounds, pay the extra cash on the train and get the carriage behind the engine. The standing waves you'll experience are like nothing you've ever felt before...
>>
>> Also, if you make it to Strahan, see the evening performance of The Ship That Never Was[3], personally I think it's the best tale of piracy and freedom that I've ever heard and probably a pretty good contender for the most largest yet unknown Open Hardware... but I digress.
>>
>> Tasmanians often hear about visitors who intend to do the 'west coast experience' in a day. It's one of the best laughs out... the roads genuinely so exhausting.
>>
>> Pete.
>>
>> [1] http://www.gordonrivercruises.com.au/ https://worldheritagecruises.com.au/
>> [2] http://www.wcwr.com.au/
>> [3] http://www.roundearth.com.au/ship.htm
>>
>>> On 27/12/16 19:29, Marc MERLIN via Chat wrote:
>>> Hello,
>>>
>>> This will be my second trip. I have 5 days before I fly out.
>>>
>>> Right now I'm considering a bus tour to Launceston that stops 4h in
>>> wineglass bay for hiking to the beach. Then I'll rent a car.
>>>
>>> Another day, cradle mountain and dove lake.
>>>
>>> 3 days left.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions for the remaining time ?
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>> Marc
>>>
>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
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>>> Chat at lists.lca2017.linux.org.au
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>>>
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