Tasmanian Adventure, November 2014

Exploring endless coastlines and islands around Van Diemen’s land with the boys from Curtis Aviation
The Tasmanian Adventure was a rarity because, as most VFR pilots know, most VFR trips to Tasmania are postponed, delayed or cancelled due to weather. This one did happen and the weather conditions couldn’t have been better for the entire week! Two C-182s and one C-172 with 11 people and 11 life jackets navigated some of the most beautiful coastline in NSW and Victoria, completed two Bass Strait crossings, overflew countless remote lighthouses and amazing islands and capped the trip off with a visit to the Catalina Museum at Lake Boga on the way home.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Camden – Merimbula (fuel and morning tea) – Bairnsdale – Flinders Island
Day 2: Flinders Island – Devonport – Cradle Mountain – St Helens
Day 3: St Helens – Hobart – South East Cape – South West Cape – Bathurst Harbour – Strahan
Day 4: Strahan – Frenchman’s Cap – Cradle Mountain – Wynyard – King Island – Swan Hill
Day 5: Swan Hill – Narrandera – Camden

Trip Highlights

  • The most stunning coastlines every day!
  • Beautiful food, views and hospitality on Flinders Island (Mountain Seas Resort)
  • Crystal clear water on the beaches at Trouser Point, Flinders Island
  • Crossing Bass Strait: island hopping to Flinders Is. and the long overwater leg to King Is.
  • Cradle Mountain National Park from the air in NIL SIG weather!
  • Oysters and seafood at St Helens
  • Rugged South East and South West Capes of Tasmania studded with remote island and coastal lighthouses
  • Flying up the Franklin River into Macquarie Harbour
  • Sunset drinks on the deck followed by Lucy’s 21st birthday at the fish café in Strahan
  • Not travelling the Great Ocean Road but still seeing the Twelve Apostles!
  • Catalina Museum at Lake Boga