Kings Around Oz: Beaconsfield to St. Helens

Well back on the road again and our first stop was Beaconsfield. If the name of this town rings a bell it is because it is where the 2 miners were trapped underground for 2 weeks while rescue crews dug them out. Needless to say while in Beaconsfield we went to the Museum and Heritage Centre that showed a by gone era through to the Mine Rescue. The kids liked climbing into the tunnel where you could see the cramped space the 2 miners were trapped in. They also liked making phone calls on the old phone exchange phones and the big water wheel that powered the old crusher at the mine. It was a great hands on and interactive museum. That night we camped on the banks of the Tamar River under the Batman Bridge. We then made our way to George Town and explored more of the early history of the Settlement of Australia. We even got to go on board the replica of the Norfolk that Bass and Flinders sailed around Tasmania to prove it was an Island. The kids loved climbing under the decks and exploring all the ropes and riggings. Bridport was the next stop but here it rained so we were unable to explore much but we did have a look at Mermaid Pool and went for a little Foreshore Walk when the rain eased enough. It continued to rain so we just pulled up at a camp at Scottsdale near a nice little river. Here we passed the day playing with puzzles, blocks and colouring in. The next day we looked at the sculpture of Simpson and his donkey that was carved from a tree. It was then a big day as we drove to St Helens. Our first stop was at Ledgerwood where we saw the Anzac sculptures that were carved out of trees. These trees were planted in 1918 in memory of local soldiers that died in WWI. In 2001 the trees were deemed no longer safe and had to be removed but the community fundraised and the trees were turned into sculptures to depict a likeness of each of the soldiers. This was an amazing tribute to see and as you looked at each tree you could read a story about each of the soldiers. We then continued on to St. Columba Falls, it was flowing well due to the recent rains. After that walk we felt we need to stop off at the Pub in the Paddock for a 'drink'. This pub literally sits in a paddock and is heritage listed as it first opened in 1908. It was a farm homestead where a farmer, his wife and 15 children all lived. As the 6 sons got older the mother realised that they were more interested in drinking than farming so she got a liquor licence and opened her house as a pub and served the local community (and her sons). At the pub there is also 2 pigs that you can have a beer with. Haydan loved feeding the pig a beer. Apparently Priscilla the pig's best effort is 70 something beers in one session!!!!!! From pigs to cows we then went to the Pyengana Cheese Farm and sampled some nice cheese. After all that we found ourselves a great beach side campsite at St. Helens on Swimcart Beach. This campsite was right on the beach and had one of the best views ever. Here we passed the days flying a kite, playing on the beach and having a few rounds of golf on Glen's 1 Hole Par 2 Golf course. We went for a drive to Ansons Bay it was a rough bush track that the kids loved. After a few day at the beach we moved into to town for a good hot shower and a bit of R and R. We will continue on down the East Coast as we head to Hobart.