Date: 4-5th February 2022
Travelled: 60 kms from Devonport to Lake Gairdner, Tasmania.
Visited: Devonport, Sheffield and Lake Gairdner
Stayed: Lake Gairdner Campsite, free. S41.48343, E146.05925ย
Budget: 8 days @ $0 per day.
Our day passage on the Spirit of Tasmania is uneventful and very restful. As we had booked a cabin we had our own space for the day and made the most of it. The ship was full and the cabin is as close to being Covid safe as we could be. We took an esky with sandwiches and drinks so we basically dug in.
We did a couple of walks around the ship for a leg stretch and managed some sleep as well. The Spirit docks in Devonport about 30 minutes late and we roll off in the Jayco at 7pm. There is a free camp at Horsehead Creek just over a km from the port.
Devonport, Tasmania, Australia
The Horsehead RV stop is closed off due to some Hazmat emergency. We stop out the front on the verge and we are soon joined by a couple of other campers. We all have a chat and decide the verge will do for the night.
So we enjoy a quiet evening on the verge and a good sleep. Whist weโre having a coffee next morning a lady from the council pulls up and apologises for the stop being closed and says thereโs no problem if we want to stay another night. Coffee done we unload the bikes and head off to explore Devonport.
Devonport has some stately homes 
The cenotaph 
Not sure who this was supposed to be, but he looked like Aquaman.
The Old Town Hall 
The Old Court House 
Good money in haircuts obviously.
Devonport has an excellent cycle path along the river through town and onto the lighthouse and beach. There are some very stately homes overlooking the river, many would sit nicely in Sydneyโs Woollahra. We make our way back through the main street, finding a couple of classic old buildings.
Back at the Jayco we make ready for the road, do the usual services and head south into Tasmaniaโs Kentish County. Frankly itโs a scenic drive, green farmlands and beautiful mountains in the distance.
25 kms later we arrive in Sheffield, park outside the council chambers (itโs Saturday) have a coffee before heading off to explore the village of murals.
Sheffield, Tasmania, Australia
The gallery above provides some examples of the murals we find wandering Sheffield, there are many more. Click into any to open the gallery. From Sheffield we continue south into the high country.
Mount Ronald in the distance. 
The road narrows, the climb and curves start. 
As the Discovery Park Campsite at Cradle Mountain is asking for $84 a night for a powered site, we opt for a free camp at Lake Gairdner about 20 kms short of the National Park. What a beautiful place, we have some friendly neighbours and some wonderful views.
Lake Gairdner camp 
Didnโt see a platypus but tiny wallabies were plentiful. 
Must be passed 5, BBQ prawns and salad tonight.
Michael + Pam
2 thoughts on “Lake Gairdner, Tasmania ๐ฆ๐บ 2022”
Hi guys, glad the trip across Bass Strait was uneventful & to be tagging along with you again via your blog ๐ Did the bbq always face that way?? Cheers
D+R
Sorry for not responding earlier. As you know keeping an eye on Pam keeps me busy.
Pam was a little apprehensive about the crossing but other than an hour leaving the heads of Port Phillip bay it was good. No ones moved the BBQ !
M+P