Robin Cartledge's Tasmanian Travel Guide

Bass and Flinders prove Tasmania is an island    The Replica of the Norfolk in George Town   The 25 ton Colonial sloop Norfolk was built on Norfolk Island in 1798 and was constructed from Norfolk Island Pine. Flinders had been doing some exploring on his own and believed that he could prove that Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) was an island. Bass and Flinders convinced Governor Hunter that another expedition should be set up with a bigger boat and more men. The Circumnavigation Governor Hunter quickly put the Norfolk under the command of Matthew Flinders to be used as a survey vessel. From the Bass and Flinders Centre In 1798, Bass and Flinders sailed the Norfolk through Bass Strait and round Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania), proving that it was an island.   They sailed with a crew of 8  right into the Tamar River and anchored off what is now George Town. This was to be their last voyage together as Bass disappeared mysteriously in the Pacif...

Australia Day 2013 at the Low Head Pilot Station  An impressive day in a most impressive location Low Head Pilot Station is the oldest existing group of Pilot Station buildings in Australia with its ongoing Pilot Service dating from 1805. What better venue, then, in which to celebrate Australia Day? The weather was balmy, the music wonderful, the food plentiful and the crowd, when not taking part in the many events, were in a relaxed and happy mood. . This large, functional and historic precinct was the venue for this year's Australia Day celebrations and for a municipality of around 6,500 people the turnout was excellent. I write and produce a website for our Community Radio Station and went along to the event to grab some photos for its Photo Album section. Just a short drive, or a longish walk, from the Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage, the precinct boasts, along with its ongoing Pilot Service which guides ships through the dangerous entry and journey down the Tama...