walk the walk : freycinet : cape tourville

	FREYCINET (TAS) Cape Tourville
Circuit : 600 m ; Time : 20 minutes Freycinet National Park lies on a wonderful peninsula on the eastern Tasmanian coast, some 35 km south of Bicheno. The Park is named after Louis de Freycinet, a French navigator, who was one of the first to produce a detailed map of the caostline of Australia. A National Parks pass is required to enter the Park. We drive down to Cole’s Bay, and our attention is immediately drawn to the mountains. This northern range is called ‘The Hazards’. We drive into the Park and take the sealed road to the left to Cape Tourville. There is ample car parking. The walking trail around the light house here is short and very easy. It is claimed to be suitable for wheelchairs, but these might require the services of a strong pusher! We are greeted by an explanatory sign. Progressing up Walkway 1, the Cape Tourville Light is ahead. To our right there is a wonderful panoramic view across to the lower Peninsula. In the centre we see the sweep of Wineglass Bay. To the right of this is an end-view of The Hazards. To the left we see Mount Graham and Mount Freycinet. We soon come to the second walkway. From here there is an even better view of Wineglass Bay – a strong zoom helps! It is curious that Wineglass Bay, which is really an iconic feature of Freycinet, cannot be easily accessed on foot. We are now close to the light-house, which we can access via these rocky steps. Wheelchairs would have to approach up the main road to the light. I love light-houses, but I’d have to say this one is not very impressive! Some history and structural detail is given on this poster. I am unclear as to what the purpose of this large grey fortress wall is for. A water tank? Or to prevent the escape of light-house keepers? We return to the path and continue our circuit. Some rocky islets lie just off shore. Lichen gives the rocks a pleasing and colourful weathered effect. We can now look back at the light-house for a view of its seaward side. We reach the lookout where there are various ocean views. The coastline to the north is very attractive. The teatree is putting on a fine display – just for us! And we saw several little skinks making the most of the sunny afternoon. We follow the well-made path back to the car park This is an enjoyable and easy walk, suitable for families.