Australia > The Tasmanian Devils

We set out early. I decide not to have breakfast at the hotel. Partly because there is little time and it costs 18 euros, which is quite expensive. I have a muesli bar and coffee in my room. At seven o’clock, we walk out of the hotel for an excursion to the Tasman Peninsula. It’s a fifteen-minute walk to the harbor. Here I am welcomed by Josh, my guide for today’s boat trip around the cliffs of the peninsula and the visit to the Tasmanian Devil at the zoo. We all go on the boat trip together. After the boat trip, one group goes to see the devils, the other group visits Port Arthur, the former prison for British convicts. The Tasman Peninsula is located some tens of kilometers from Hobart. Josh drives me there by coach. After an hour and a half, I arrive on the peninsula. Coffee and a muffin are ready. There are about a hundred tourists here. It’s a short drive to the harbor. A heavy shower breaks loose. Josh emphasizes that the weather in Tasmania can change every ten minutes. He’s right. When we arrive at the harbor, it’s dry again. Three speedboats are ready. I board one and put on the poncho provided. Water can splash during the trip. Tim and Joan guide us on board. When we leave the harbor, they carefully check if everyone is buckled up. The boat can get strong jolts from the high waves. I immediately feel the fresh wind. This morning I was unsure whether to wear a sweater and a jacket. That doubt is gone. It’s necessary. Just outside the harbor, Tim accelerates. The speedboat shoots across the water. Along the coastline, many spectacular rock formations can be seen. On the southern side of the peninsula are some of the highest cliffs in Australia. Some rocks are over three hundred meters high. The rock formations are stunning.

Australia - Sailing past the highest Australian cliffs

Sometimes Tim steers into an inlet, slowing down so photos can be taken. The water has carved large caves in the rocks. Tim navigates the boat close to these inlets. Further on is Waterfall Bay. The almost dry waterfall is unimpressive, but the surrounding rock formations are magnificent. It’s funny to see the rock layers change from horizontal to vertical. The horizontal layers were pushed up by earth movements. The vertical rocks were formed by solidified lava—both tens of thousands of years ago. Climbers are active at Cape Pillar, a steep rock formation. When we round the tip of the peninsula at Cathedral Pillar, the wind also picks up. A cold wind blows across the boat. I pull the hood of my poncho over my head and hide my hands in my pockets. The tip of the peninsula is the southeasternmost point of Australia. From here, Antarctica is only 2,500 km away. On the three-hundred-meter-high rocks stands a lonely lighthouse. Today, the light of the Tasman Island lighthouse is turned on automatically, but in the past, someone stayed on this island to tend the lighthouse—a lonely job. After the lighthouse, we return to the harbor against the wind.

Australia - A narrow passage in the high cliffs

The helmsman steers the boat as directly as possible into the waves to avoid splashing water. Only just before the coast does he steer away. I bury myself as deep as possible in my sweater and jacket. Still, it’s cold. I’m glad when we sail back into the bay where we boarded this morning. On shore, I try to warm up a bit in the sun. I’m not alone in this. Lunch is served in a restaurant on the peninsula. I already ordered fish and chips earlier. In the afternoon, we drive to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo. The zoo’s philosophy is that, except for the Tasmanian Devil, all animals can roam freely within the park. At the entrance, it is explained that if we hurry, we can attend the devils’ show. Then follows the bird demonstration, and lastly, the feeding of the kangaroos. The park has two Tasmanian Devils, carnivorous marsupials. The ‘devil’ only exists in Tasmania and is threatened with extinction. When I arrive, the animals are sleeping. Only when the zoo guide brings food do the devils become active. They fiercely compete for the piece of meat.

Australia - A Tasmanian Devil in the Unzoo zoo

Their sharp teeth and strong jaws are clearly visible. They look like two aggressive dogs. Impatiently, they jump against the fence and make loud growling sounds. These are not animals you want to meet during a forest walk. During the bird show, birds can be fed. Several parrots and honeyeaters fly over. One parrot eats out of my hand. Just at the end of the show, a Cape Barren goose waddles over. It wants some food too. I walk the Nature Trail. I pass two swing gates. I expect to see animals during the walk, but mostly I see explanations about trees and bushes. The gates are probably meant to keep animals out. I quickly continue to the kangaroos. They are just being fed. I get some food in my hand. One of the kangaroos eats from my hand. The others have eaten enough and lie stretched out in the grass. They ignore the visitors. At half past four, I am back at the bus. Josh is already waiting. Enthusiastically, he asks how my day was.

Australia - Kangaroos in the Unzoo animal park eat from the hand

Australians are friendly and enthusiastic people. He offers to drop our travel group off at the hotel instead of at the harbor. That’s more convenient. For the evening, I decide to take it easy. Near the hotel is a restaurant called The Duke. When we enter, it’s quiet. A band is preparing for the evening. I order a pizza from the wood-fired oven. When the waiter brings the beers, he apologizes. Tonight is a private party. We can stay and eat quietly, but we shouldn’t linger afterwards. That’s fine.