From Bushrangers to Seahorses, Our Last Day in Tasmania

We woke for our final full day at the Country Club Launceston and boarded the coach for a scenic drive through the north of the island. First stop was Brady’s Lookout, offering sweeping views across the Tamar Valley. It once served as the lookout point for bushranger Mathew Brady, who used the height to watch for approaching authorities. These days it’s all calm vineyards and river bends, but it still feels like a place that once kept secrets.

From there we passed through Beaconsfield, best known for the dramatic 2006 mine rescue when two men were trapped underground for two weeks and the whole country held its breath. It was strange to see such an ordinary-looking town tied to such a powerful national memory. The mine was closed after the rescue. Read more about it.

Seahorse world

Next came the great wildlife divide. Seahorse World or Platypus House. We chose Seahorse World, an operation focused on education and conservation. Apart from learning far more than expected about these odd little creatures, the standout fact was their family arrangements. In the seahorse world, it’s the male who carries and gives birth to the babies. Someone in that species really got the better end of the deal. I got to actually hold a seahorse in my hand. Yay me.

We paused briefly at Batman Bridge to admire the structure arching over the Tamar, then pushed on to Hillwood Berries Farmgate Café for lunch. Truly terrible. Let’s just say I doubt Fun Over Fifty will be adding that stop to future itineraries.

Legerwood

The mood lifted again at Legerwood, where the carved memorial trees stand as living sculptures honouring fallen soldiers. Trees planted in honour of fallen soldiers were no longer safe and had to be cut down. In 2004, it was decided that each of the stumps would be carved into the likeness of each soldier. A chainsaw carver, Eddie Freeman of Ross, was asked by the Legerwood Hall and Reserves Committee to sculpt the masterpieces. Various scenes depicting world War One were also carved.It’s a quiet place, reflective and unexpectedly moving, especially after a day of coach travel and chatter.

Back at the hotel we enjoyed a wonderful final dinner and then turned in early. Our alarm was set for 4am to get us ready for the trip home. Somewhere around midnight we heard fireworks crack the sky. Welcome to 2026. 🎆

If you’d like to follow the whole trip, go here.