Bruny Island

After Hobart we headed for wilder adventures south to Bruny Island. Our target was a campsite and hike on the Labillardiere Peninsula. Although I had been worried about the weather in the lead-up to the tassie trip, we were spoilt with a beautiful day to walk around Labillardiere Peninsula circuit.

Although some parts of this walk are remarkable, the views north west towards the Tasmanian mainlane (we walked clockwise) are fantastic. As a shorter walk on a stunning day we opted to take it a bit easy. At the far end of the circuit we stopped for break at Hopwood beach, firing up the hiking stove for a warm lunch in the sun.

We then rounded the corner for the return walk along the coast. This section, with calm clear waters, steep banks, boulders, moss and low brush, reminded us both of Bynäset, a small peninsula near Tanja's family home in Sweden. All that was missing were the pine trees. There are also some more beautiful beaches on the return leg. We saved our swim for the home beach which was just as beautiful.

You can't complete this walk without noticing the salmon farms. These industrial constructions dominate the views east from the Labillardiere Peninsula. Coloured all black with imposing fort-like vessels anchored in the centre, the facilities seem more like the lairs of a Bond villain than a farm. With the environmental and ethical issues that come with fish farming at this scale dominating the news, I think it was on this walk I made the decision not to eat any more farmed salmon.

Also visited but not pictured during our two nights on Bruny Island: Get Shucked, the bread fridge, Bruny Island Cheese and The Honey Pot. The oysters from Get Shucked were freakin' good and so was the bread which had been recently delivered and was still warm.