Tamar Islands Wetlands is a unique estuarine wetland ecosystem of mudflats, lagoons and islands.

Just down the path from the entrance were these Black swans and cygnets.

Boardwalk to the Bird Hide

Bird Hide at the Tamar Wetlands. “Listen, lad. I built this bird hide up from nothing. When I started here, all there was was swamp. Other kings said I was daft to build a bird hide on a swamp, but I built it all the same, just to show ’em. It sank into the swamp. So, I built a second one. That sank into the swamp. So, I built a third one. That burned down, fell over, then sank into the swamp, but the fourth one… stayed up! And that’s what you’re gonna get, lad: the strongest bird hide in these islands.” Adapted from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Swamphen

Australasian shelduck

The gusty winds caused many birds to seek shelter including the Chestnut teal below.

Black swans foraging in the water herbs.

Spring is in the air….

…and so are the swans.

The masked lapwings remained in control, spurs at the ready.

Another bridge linking Tamar Island.

Bellis perennis (English daisy) is a common weed both on Tamar Island and in suburban yards around Launceston.

Another English addition on Tamar Island are huge oak trees. We forgot the yellow ribbon.

Respite from the gusty winds.

Launceston Botanic Gardens Orchid House

Cymbidium orchid

Every gust of wind had petals falling – Hanami in Launceston!

We were surprised to see Japanese macaque monkeys in Launceston – the macaques were just as surprised to see us.

Grooming session in progress.

James Boags Brewery was established in 1881 using water from the local Esk River.

The Big Boags Beer Can – 11000 litres. This quantity would cure any alemants. There is a big north-south divide in Tasmania regarding parochialism for beer. I found this advice regarding Tasmanian beers. I’ve read that you don’t ask for Boags beer once you drive south past Oatlands nor Cascade beer (made in Hobart) north of Oatlands. You may be sneered at.

Boags have a museum including Eric Oldthwaite’s favourite exhibit – old malt shovels.

Historic beer labels – beer that is invalid or for invalids?

Launceston Post Office and Town Clock tower

Launceston Town Hall

Cataract Gorge – a ravine that starts near the city centre with sheer dolerite walls in places.

The lower gorge – notice the rock stabilisation.

Suspension bridge at The Basin

Many paths traverse the reserve

They seem to have a peacock problem. The colourful boy appears to be lacking in love from the peahens…..

…but he doesn’t stop trying. Despite the show, the girls seem uninterested.

Brush-tailed possum looking for an early dinner from us. Time for us to dine too – this time at Toong Thong Thai – pretty good!