After a pleasant nights stay on the Bay of Fires beach front, post brekkie, we made our way back to St Helens for a coffee and muffin.

We then started the drive inland to the west and the hill road to Derby.

Having been to Derby in the Uk, I can honestly say it looks nothing like its Tassie cousin. This place is in the hills where mountain bike riding is the first and only reason to drop in. With a high street of just less than 200m, it had 4 cycle shops selling all the bikes and technical gear you need if going off road down a sharp and steep hill!

Whilst Andy loves his cycling, he favours roads over tracks so thankfully no purchases were made.

We drove on up the hills to Sidling Lookout which provided great views looking down on to the valley below. They like their roads steep in Tassie and so Andy was pleased when the van reached the top and the gear box was still in one piece.

After a quick stop at Launceston tourist information, we set out on a walk to the Cataract Gorge just outside the city.

On the way we passed the J Boag brewery but as we were tight for time no stopping for a taster.

Our walk took us along the South Elk river past the original customs house. An impressive colonial building, which looked a little out of place now that its near neighbours included Bunnings and Harvey Norman.

Beyond this we past the marina and the Tamar River Cruises pick up and made our way to the entry to the gorge.

We can honestly say we weren’t expecting the gorge to be as impressive as it was. So incredible that this is on the fringe of the city, and obscured from view until you start your walk up the river.

In a matter of moments we came across these magnificent rock faces, with local climbers challenging their skills up the steep rock faces.

Once at the summit of the gorge path, we were both surprised and pleased to see a 2 seater cable car that took you back to the basin.

After navigating our way past the resident wallaby and Peacocks, we took a 10min ride over the river, gorge and swimming pool below.

A fun way to see the gorge and all for just 15 dollars per head.

Next stop was a walk over the suspension bridge, crossing the river a little further up and providing more great views up and down the valley.

After walking back into the city, we picked a local camp ground/ farm for tonight’s stay which is amusing named Old MacDonald.

We intend to get a good feed at the farm restaurant before having an early night, as we have a 2hr drive first thing up to Cradle Mountain in the West. On arrival a 4hr hike awaits to take us to one of the lower summits in the Cradle Mountain National Park.