The picturesque town of Bicheno from Whalers Lookout. Source: Supplied
IT WAS an unusually hot spell in Tasmania when we arrived; locals were buzzing around Hobart making the most of the sunny weather and enjoying the many incredible things to do in this beautiful waterfront city.
For us, after a quick trip to the Salamanca Markets to stock up, it was all about hitching the Jayco to the Subaru Forester, and getting on the road to explore the state's East Coast.
Nothing in Tasmania is very far away. To get to the seaside village of Bicheno, it's a two-and-a-half hour drive from Hobart that is every bit as exciting as the destination.
Through beautiful forests, farmland and hills, dotted with historical farm buildings made from distinct convict stonework, the road eventually meets the coast and you are rewarded with some of the most spectacular coastline scenery to be found - pristine beaches with stark white sand, sparsely dotted with small seaside villages.
And best of all, you feel like you almost have the whole place to yourself. It really is nature's paradise.
The drive whets your appetite for the adventures ahead and arriving in Bicheno, one of the bigger seaside towns, is no disappointment. Our home for the next few days, Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park, is steps away from the small hub of shops, cafes, and village supermarket, making everything easily accessible without a car.
After a relaxing drive, it was only right that we continued the evening in this vein and we spent our first night relaxing around the Jayco van with Tassie wines and cheeses, enjoying the balmy sea breeze.
One of the best ways to get acquainted with this town and region is to climb up to Whalers Lookout in the middle of town. Here, you'll find panoramic town and sea views, revealing aquamarine waters, iconic red boulders and a quaint fishing village perfect for a relaxing holiday.
One of the iconic sights in Bicheno is the blowhole, and it was certainly putting on a show for us when we made it down there. Blowing up water with great power through the red lichen-covered boulders, this is a sight to behold.
Just don't get too close with camera equipment or you might regret it.
Bicheno is famous for commercial and recreational fishing and for many people, life here revolves around the sea. One of the best ways to explore the underwater world without having to brave the chilly Tasmanian waters, is with Bicheno Glass-Bottomed Boat owner Maitreya. This is Tassie's only glass-bottomed boat and it reveals an unbelievable underwater landscape with a unique eco-system due to its cool temperate waters.
Even without venturing more than a few metres from the shore, we already had views of vast and rarely seen kelp forests in which many species of fish and other sea life exist.
Within minutes, we were visited by schools of mullet, a small shark and even a seahorse. The colours were amazing - brilliant lime greens and oranges - and a few more metres out, sea lions were basking in the sun on top of island boulders.
Our young daughter Charli was squealing with delight and capturing the entire thing on camera. And our cameraman, Gary, braved the 10C temperatures in a steamer wetsuit to get underwater footage.
Back on dry land, we thought we would meet a few more locals. These were of the hairy variety, as no visit to Tasmania is complete without an encounter with the Tassie devil.
East Coast Natureworld, about 6km out of Bicheno, is a wildlife park that has a state-of-the-art program and facilities for rescuing and rehabilitating the devils.
The devil's only home is in Tasmania and all efforts are being made to preserve and enhance their population, with their main adversaries being man and an endemic facial tumour disease. Natureworld keeper Suzy is passionate about her role and the devil's plight, and didn't seem fazed at all by two devils, Danger and Monster, latching on to her leg with their ferocious but harmless grunts. But they can be pacified in seconds and are happy to lie in her arms peacefully.
However, bring out the food, and war between even mum and daughter breaks out, a real spectacle to behold.
They say that the state's cleanest air, purest water and richest soils are responsible for the incredible quality of its famous produce. Just 20 minutes south of Bicheno, we pay a visit to Spring Vale Wines, known for its pinot noir. We meet head winemaker David, who is happy to share the history of the property, which dates back to 1826 with his wife's family, the Lynes.
The family still own the property, and planted their first grapes here in 1986. It is now a well-known name in the wine industry, and as we head into the old stables, built by convicts and now the cellar door, we cap off our experience here perfectly with a taste of this renowned drop.
Watch this story and more, on Places We Go at 4pm on Channel 10 today.
Go2 - TASMANIA
Getting there: Access Tasmania's East Coast with regular flights to Hobart and Launceston with Virgin Australia at Webjet
More: Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park; Discover Tasmania; East Coast Natureworld; Spring Vale Wines
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