Attractions
Next Entries »The Overlooked Mt King William, Tasmania
Monday, April 13th, 2009
Do you recognise the Tasmanian mountain in this photo? Most would either have no idea which it is, or else confuse it with the more famous Cradle Mountain, which is similar. If you recognised it as Mt King William 1 (without needing to read the text) … congratulations, you’re one of the few.
The first of three main peaks in the King William Range shares much with Cradle Mountain. Both are part of Tasmania’s central highlands, of comparable height, similar geology, and are regularly snowcapped in winter. Most notable is the strikingly similar shape, at least at first glance. However that’s where the similarities end. Cradle Mountain is a Tasmanian icon which every visitor travels far to get a glimpse of, whereas most of those same visitors drive right past Mt King William 1 without even stopping.
This overlooked and under-appreciated mountain is located near the middle of Tasmania - just south of the Lyell Highway which connects Hobart with the west coast. It’s only about 10km west of Derwent Bridge (the turn-off to Lake St Clair), and can be viewed from a small roadside rest area right on the divide between west- and east-flowing rivers. Being near the highway’s highest point (981m), the area can sometimes be in cloud … which could account for some not realising the mountain is there.
The rest area beside Lyell Highway
If Mt King William 1 is visible, I can recommend a rest stop to “smell the roses” and absorb the views. A little cloud can be a good thing, as varying light can quickly change the mood. Some small ponds also provide photo opportunities, and the fresh highland air can be invigorating after sitting in a car.
Virtually every visitor to Tasmania passes along this road. All it takes to enjoy a mountain which most barely notice is the decision to stop (weather permitting) and enjoy more of the journey, instead of pressing on to the destination.
Link:
Google map showing location of Mt King William 1 roadside rest area
Topics: Attractions, Tasmania | Add Your Comment »
Maniototo: A Different New Zealand
Sunday, March 1st, 2009
This post concerns the part of Central Otago shown blue and green (map from Central Otago website)
The Maniototo region is a part of New Zealand’s south island between Dunedin and Queenstown which is bypassed by most foreign visitors. This is a shame, as they are missing out on a beautiful part of the country that’s distinctly different from the rest.
I missed out on it for a long time too, because the main transport routes used by travellers bypass the area. It wasn’t until my last trip, when I made the effort to “fill in the blanks” using a hire car, that I was rewarded with what has become one of my favourite bits of kiwiland.
The area known as Maniototo consists of elevated plains separated by mountain ranges with interesting rock formations and little in the way of development, other than farms. Towns include Middlemarch, Ranfurly, Naseby, St Bathans, Oturehua, Omakau and Ophir, but don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of any of them. Ranfurly is the largest with a population of only 400, and St Bathans has about 7. That’s one of the area’s features: lots of wide open spaces without crowds.
Another feature is the climate. The central Otago region, which includes Maniototo, is further from the sea than elswhere in New Zealand and has the country’s nearest thing to a continental climate. This means low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and New Zealand’s coldest winters and warmest summers. Many ponds and lakes freeze in winter and are used for the sport of curling. Frosts can be spectacular - for those who appreciate their beauty - and the warm, dry summer days draw locals from the cooler coastal areas.
While not boasting mega tourist magnets like other areas, the Maniototo area is not without attractions. The Otago Central Rail Trail is becoming a popular way to explore the area between Middlemarch and Clyde (near Alexandra). Ranfurly has it’s art-deco weekend, Naseby has some of the best mountain biking trails in New Zealand, and in winter curling is played on the area’s ice rinks or lakes. Fishing, horse-trekking and four wheel drive tours are on offer, and the region’s gold-mining history adds some ambience, particularly in the ghost town of St Bathans.
When I visited, I wandered in the forests around Naseby, hiked a section of the rail trail, and visited some historic sites. I particularly enjoyed cruising the almost empty roads and stopping to explore towns and rock features on foot. The only traffic jam I experienced was a flock of sheep blocking a back road, but by then I had relaxed so much it provided not annoyance, but an excuse to stop and gaze at the mountains …. which are never far away.
The beauty of Maniototo is not dramatic and “in your face” like it is in other parts of New Zealand. Instead it has a subtle charm and unique character that grows on you … it certainly grew on me. In future posts I’ll share more of what I found in this special part of New Zealand.
Links:
Maniototo - general introduction by the Maniototo Information Centre
Central Otago - more details from Tourism Central Otago
Otago Central Rail Trail - all about the rail trail and the area’s facilities, with a good downloadable map of the region
Topics: Attractions, New Zealand (south) | Add Your Comment »
Matukituki Valley, New Zealand
Saturday, January 31st, 2009
One of my many favourite parts of New Zealand is the Matukituki Valley, located near Wanaka in the south island. Apart from a gravel road and some sheep farms lower down, there is no development up this spectacular valley which curves towards the Matterhorn-like Mt Aspiring. Just rugged snow capped mountains, a sparkling crystal clear river, and enough serenity to help with appreciating it.
Most visitors to New Zealand get to glimpse the bottom end of the Matukituki Valley, which is visible across the lake from Wanaka. Skiers who leave the main trails at the Treble Cone ski area can get a good view up this valley, which is how I first became aware of it - and tempted by its allure.
When I next returned to the area with a hire car, I set out to discover what I’d admired from afar. After the ski area turn-off the road turns to gravel, but is of a good standard. The only hiccup could be where the road fords a few small creeks - fine most of the year, but high water levels during the spring melt could occasionally be an obstacle. Even if this is the case, travelling as far as the first ford is still a worthwhile excursion.
As I cruised up the valley, sheep paddocks gave way to increasing amounts of beech forest. Changing vistas of untamed river, forest, snow-capped mountains and glaciers made the drive delightfully scenic and memorable.
Some great hikes can be accessed from the road’s end, which mean the road is well travelled by hikers in the warmer months. But if you visit in winter, as I did, you might share the valley with very few others. Hikers are scarce in winter due to the weather and avalanche risk, and it’s the non-fishing season, so solitude and a tangible sense of being in a wilderness can be enjoyed.
That’s what I did … I just chilled out by the river, soaking up the unblemished scenery and sense of wilderness, and pondering which walks I might do on my next visit to the Matukituki Valley.
Links:
NZ Department of Conservation - Matukituki Valley info
Google map of Matukituki Valley location
Topics: Attractions, New Zealand (south) | Add Your Comment »
Elephant Rocks, WA
Monday, January 26th, 2009Having visited Elephant Rocks in New Zealand, I was keen to also check out Elephant Rocks in Western Australia to compare them, and see which ones look most like elephants.
Western Australia’s version are on the south coast at William Bay National Park, just west of the town of Denmark. Eroded from granite, they sit on the beach and in the shallow waters of a quiet sheltered bay. From some angles, some of them do in fact look a bit like elephants as viewed from the rear, minus the legs and other appendages. Whatever they look like, they provide a pleasant and distinctive backdrop to a beautiful swimming area, and are well worth visiting together with nearby Green’s Pool.
The resemblance to elephants is where the similarity with their NZ counterparts ends. The WA version have different geological origins, are coastal rather than inland, and have never formed part of a film set. On a warm summer day the WA rocks can become crowded with sightseers and swimmers, as they were when I visited last week.
As to which Elephant Rocks most resemble elephants, I’d have to give my vote to the WA version, but in both cases the imagination needs to be exercised.
For the record, three other formations named “Elephant Rocks” which I’m aware of, but will probably never visit, are at:
- Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri, USA
- Elephant Rocks Municipal Golf Course, Williams, Arizona, USA
- Elephant Rocks, off Anvers Island, Antarctic Peninsula
The first two are named after rocks which resemble elephants, and the third is a habitat for elephant seals.
Links:
Google map showing Elephant Rocks (WA) location
Elephant Rocks & Elephant Cove - from Rainbow Coast website (great photos)
Topics: Attractions, Western Australia | Add Your Comment »
Elephant Rocks, NZ
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Having once studied geology, interesting rock formations often find their way into my travel itinerary. Elephant Rocks in New Zealand was no exception … plus I wanted to see if they really look like elephants.
Elephant Rocks is a collection of weathered limestone outcrops tucked away on a farm near Duntroon on the south island. From this tiny town - inland from Oamaru, north of Dunedin - it is a short but picturesque drive through farmland, following the discrete signposting. It is easy to miss the parking area, being just a little space at the side of the road to pull over, with only a sign and fence crossing to distinguish it from any other sheep paddock.
A brief stroll across a paddock brings you to the rocks themselves - scattered artistically around a gentle hillside. Taking time to wander among them is the best way to appreciate the unique rounded shapes, some of which do resemble elephants if a little imagination is used.
Some parts may look familiar to viewers of the film “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” - the scenes of Aslan’s camp were filmed here. Unlike other film landscapes in New Zealand, you’ll probably share this one with just a few sheep. Being off the tourist routes seems to keeps the crowds away.
Even if you don’t recognise any elephants, and haven’t seen the film, a visit to Elephant Rocks is still a worthwhile detour for anyone with their own transport - especially if you like rocks.
Links:
More info and photos - Vanished World Centre
Google map showing Elephant Rocks (NZ) location
Topics: Attractions, New Zealand (south) | Add Your Comment »