During our Blogging break we headed up the East coast, again, but this time decided to get to the top of South Sister. If I'm honest its less of a walk and more of a drive, as despite it looking very tall, there is vehicular access to all but the last section of South Sister. It can be accessed from the main road in St Mary's and is signposted from there.
The road is mostly unsealed and winds up through the gum forests. Eventually there is a narrow access off this road, which is signposted although the sign itself is a little off the road so the turn is easy to miss, like we did. With a quick u turn and this time taking the exit, you climb fairly quickly up a mostly dry rocky, track, in places it has been eroded and a 4x4 is advisable, although I think a normal car with enough clearance would do fine. Fallen rocks and trees litter the edges of the path and in places have been cut away to allow access up the track.
Continuing up the track eventually leads to a radio tower and parking spaces for a few vehicles. Get out here, you'll need decent shoes as from here it is a boulder scramble up to the top.
The walking part of this trip takes 10-15 minutes each way. There are hand rails in all the right places although the ground itself can be a little unstable. Boulder to the top and there appears to be a route to the right and one to the left. The one too the left, on the level, goes around to a lower point than the one we took. We took the route to the right that climbs up maybe ten wooden steps towards a large radio mast. N.b. you can go right up to the mast/control building, there is a sturdy panoramic lookout wrapped around it and the sights in all directions are excellent. From here you can see the coast and the valleys below, across to Ben Lomond and beyond. It is a very high point and on a clear day the views are incredible. If its the right season, there will be many, many Skinks along the way, bathing on the hot rocks up the track and at the top.
Nice and easy, you can get the views without a 6 hour hike!
The Red Bridge Cafe in Campbell Town, can be found on the main road (Midlands Highway). It is one of the first of the shops/cafes that you come to as you enter Campbell Town on your way from Hobart. There is parking right outside, but at busier times, you may need to turn in to the car park behind. FYI if you park behind, you have to do a quick lap around the block in order to re-join the main road as it is a one way access from the main road.
Whilst looking rather unassuming on the outside, the Red Bridge Cafe and Providore is much more than it seems. When you enter you have a huge coffee bar to your left, and an extensive providore to your right. Straight ahead, looking over the pies, cakes and the counter, you will see a large area where you can site to eat or drink.
This place has character, lots of it and signs and pictures that adorn the walls of the seating area make it clear that this place has been used in lots of guises. An information board details the history of the building and its uses, some of which include being a brewery (several times), a scout hut, a boxing club, a masonic hall and war office. There is lots of charm to take in from the old building and I for one take delight in having a wander around while I'm sipping on my coffee. The building's history is very interesting.
The coffee tastes excellent and by the size of the bar and the equipment behind it, it should (although I like mine a little hotter). There is quite a selection of Tasmanian red and white wine available from here and advice can be sought on this if you are inclined to ask.
The provedore essentially stocks mainly 'sweet treats', yogurt coated this and that, dried fruits and nuts, chips etc. There are a range of cheeses, crackers, small savories such as pickles, oils and marinades too. Overall the selection is good but a lot of it is the sort of thing that I'd feel guilty about buying as it might have too many calories for a casual purchase. Then again, being in Campbell Town, for most people means a trip to somewhere, therefore these might just be the 'holiday' type of treats you are looking for.
If you are heading through Campbell Town, its definitely worth a quick coffee/tea refuel as well as grabbing some delicious snacks to take with you. It's probably the best coffee in Campbell Town, although Zeps is good too.
After a brief break from Blogging, I'm back online! In the weeks that follow I will update the blog with some of the places we've been since I've been away.
Thanks again for reading!
