Day 29 (Apollo Bay to Pt Campbell)

Day - 102km
Total Vic - 345km
Total trip - 1566km
Actual time spent on bike - 5:58

Today was a consistent winding road. It was challenging at times but nothing a bit of persistence couldn't fix. It was good as today I managed to get a bit of rhythm back after a week and a bit off.

I stopped after 50km to have a feed in a local road house. Very expensive but was expected. In hindsight I should've just ate my muesli instead. After this I continued along the great ocean road.

The sight of the twelve apostles was amazing. It felt surreal. It was really a strange feeling, possibly due to fatigue from the ride and also to the beauty of the environment. This was a time I will remember for my whole life. This part of the trip has been on my mind for a while and to finally see it is incredible.

Right now I'm in a local pub. I managed to get a backpackers discount for a cheap feed. In the pub I've noticed a young kid, possibly 8-10 years old. He's very overweight for his age and his family also appear to be. It made me a little annoyed as the kid has had a giant piece of steak, chips, veggies and salad. The steak would at least be 400gms, nearly bigger then the plate. My meal would be a quarter the size, minus chips and I've just done 100km of riding. The reason why it makes me annoyed is because my mind is thinking about thousands of hungry people, probably living off processed bread and other unwholesome foods while this kid is forcing half a cow down his mouth without even requiring the food for his body. The amount of resources put into producing the cow alone would be sufficient enough to set up a fully sustainable garden for a whole family. I can't blame these people, as I would have eaten larger unnecessary portions of meat in my time as well. The only thing I can blame is an uneducated society, ill informed of sustainable and healthy living. The parents do not even mind that the kid has left half of the steak on the plate. I really can't believe that all the meat, all the resources involved will now go into a rubbish bin. In a while to come I know this type of behaviour will be a big no-no, let alone throwing a large portion of meat away without being re-eaten, composted or recycled in some fashion.

On another note a lad from Hong Kong is riding the great ocean road also. We are pretty much following the same tracks, however he is really struggling. I bumped into him yesterday and offered a hand but he persisted by himself. He was really struggling, walking his bike up a hill. About three hours later he pulled into the same place where I was staying, as I had his number I sent him the details. I saved a bit of left over pasta for him, which he gobbled up straight away. He isnt the most polite guy but I certainly have respect for him the way he's keeping at it. He's now just pulled into Pt Campbell and messaged me asking for help with his bike, I reckon he'd be in a world of pain right now.

In my room is a Russian man, what might be his son and his sons wife. Could even be the mans wife, never know with the Russians.. When I went into the dorm it stank of sweat, the type you'd expect from a 50 year old Russian weight lifter that hasn't showered for a week. Unfortunately the window was already opened.. When I put my stuff on the bed he said in a thick Russian accent "welcome neighbour".. I'm in for a good night sleep...

Day 28 (Geelong to Apolo Bay)

Day - 118km
Total Vic - 242.25
Total trip - 1463.8
Hours (actual riding)- 6.22
Flat - 1


Today was a long and winding ride. It was however one of the most picturesque beautiful rides I've ever done. It was the first time, at least that I can remember in my life, that I have ever come down great ocean road past Torquay. No wonder why it's so world renown, it is amazing.

It was made even more enjoyable by the fact I was on the bicycle. An example of the added bonus by riding the bicycle is that I could stop whenever I felt to pick fresh blackberries off the side of the road. I could literally put my hand out and grab them next to the road. Very fresh and it appears that the added heat on mainland has made them ripen quicker then down in Tasmania. I also spotted some nasturtiums, which would have come in handy if I was camping out tonight.

I decided to sleep in a hostel as I was pretty buggered and for an extra 15$ I could cook dinner and lay straight down with out cleaning and putting away the cooker. I also thought that I might as well make the most of extra company before I head up into some desolate areas in S.A.

My bike still had a few errors, which I'm hoping to fix up tomorrow. The main concern I have a metal clip connecting my pannier rack to the frame, as it is clipping my spokes every time the wheel spins. I also need to sus out a new tyre, as today I had another flat from the same section I had one the other day. I sent an angry email to wiggle in the hope the order of tyres that I paid for a few months ago will come through a bit quicker.

I must also mention a feeling of satisfaction I have today, as I have made it into Apolo Bay which is a few hundred km's away from Melbourne. A few people had sent me messages back home insinuating that I would be hanging around longer and potentially not continuing with the trip. To overcome the comfort zone of being at home is a good start to get back into the journey.

Day 27 (Rest Day - Melbourne)

Today I just caught up on a few things, making sure I have everything ready for tomorrow. Would have loved to have worked today, as it is Monday and a public holiday. I will be leaving around 6:30am tomorrow to get the train into city so I can then board the train to Geelong.

Said my goodbyes to a few friends today as well, for perhaps the 10th time this year...

Day 26 (Rest Day- Melbourne)

Today was ok because I managed to get a work shift. The best thing is that today is also a Sunday so I get even better penalty rates. I am so relieved that I could get a ten hour shift on a Sunday.

When I first returned into Melbourne I felt very down about the fact I would be spending money that wasn't expected. I almost considered accepting money from my mother to go towards the trip, as I started having doubts that the money I've saved up wouldn't be enough. To get the shift gave me a big morale booster.

I also heard some good news from Geelong and the bike is now ready, just a shame it's a public holiday tomorrow otherwise I'd leave early tomorrow. Looks like Tuesdays the day!

Day 25 (Rest Day - Melbourne (Australia Day))

Another day off but of less frustration. I enjoyed today as I caught up with a good friend of mine and also brought my German friend along. We enjoyed the afternoon in St Kilda and listened to the tripple j countdown. This was great, it made me think about the last time I was in St Kilda at the same place. This was where I caught up with Will, a bloke I met up with who toured around Australia around 5 years ago. This bloke not only helped me with info about the trip but also gave me my bike shimano bike sandals!! (The ones that look like deep sea diving shoes)

Day 24 (Rest Day - Melbourne)

Another forced rest day. Today was good though as I did a bit of gardening and managed to plant a few fruit trees at my mums place. The gardens becoming quite productive now, looking forward to some fresh passion fruit, sevilla oranges and some mandarins when I return!!

Day 23 (Rest day - Melbourne)

Another rest day by default. Frustrating to say the least. Great news from today was my back checked out ok. Just a jar and some tension in lower spinal area from the impact of the crash. This was a big relief for me as I know I can enjoy my normal lifestyle at the end of the trip. It sometimes make me think how much this trip is worth to me if I end up doing damage of some sort, but then I think about the experience and the challenge and it overpowers any negatives.

I caught up with another traveller I met in Tasmania, a German fellow from Strahan. I introduced him to a friend of mine as we went out for some fresh vegetarian food at lentils. It made me realise how good of person my friend from Melbourne is, as he was very hospitable to the German fellow. He also offered the german fellow his phone number and told him to call him if he was ever in any trouble. It made me think about another group of mates I have, and how very few of them would ever be that welcoming to a stranger.

It is these type of signs that give me reasoning to branch away from certain type of people and surround my self with those that have the mannerisms that I also seek. Definitely not the common scene of excessive alcohol and wasting time in dirty nightclubs saturated with fakeness. More reassessing to do when I return at the end of the trip.

Day 22 (Rest day - Melbourne)

Nothing worse than a rest day by default. Just regular stuff- catch up with a few mates. By chance my Japanese friend was in Melbourne so also caught up with him again. Another positive for today was I got called for a work shift by a friend, as he knew I didn't have equipment and said that he would supply for me. Will hear back tomorrow if I get the shift.

Day 21 (Geelong to Melbourne)

Today was emotionally a very difficult day. I had dropped off the bike first thing in the morning at a bike shop in Geelong. I had been informed that it would take at least a week to repair, as the front forks have been cracked and bent inwards. This means that when riding at fast speeds, particularly downhill, the bike is very susceptible to giving way. For the type of roads and distance I have planned the only option was to get it fixed. The derailer had been playing up and I asked the bike mechanic to fix that up as well. He mentioned that it appeared to be in shape, which was good as I thought he may of fed me some hogwash trying to get some extra $$. I am hoping it can be fixed with a few minor adjustments.

Nonetheless I realised I would be a week out. I still haven't had my back checked today, as I realised I would have a few days to kill so I will chase that up during this week.

This was very hard for me. Many things went through my mind. The cost - going to set me back further on my budget. The time - additional time to a pretty packed trip. The morale - off the bike for a few days and going back to my home town.

I made a few phone calls to people close to me. This helped a lot as it gave me a bit more morale and direction for what I should do. I was worried if I were to get my bike fixed in Geelong, what I would do with all my gear. I wouldn't have been able to carry this on the train that's for sure. I wasn't sure if the bike shop would store it, and after speaking to a good friend he offered to drive into Geelong to pick it up for me. I couldn't believe he offered that, it not only showed me how much support he had for me and the trip but also how genuine he is as a close friend. Luckily the shop had a shipping container out the back and they could keep, but my friends offer was still very much appreciated.

I caught the train back into Melbourne city feeling very deflated, dejected and in general a very down and depressed mood. I thought if I have a week free in Melbourne, I could at least get in a weeks work to pay for my unexpected expenses. I then realised two things. Without my touring bike to carry goods I would be unable to get a shift with rail work. With two dead shoulders and lower back pain any landscape work could potentially worsen my injuries. This made me even more frustrated.

The positive about coming back into my home city is that I can catch up with some of the people who I didn't have a chance to before I left. When I pulled into Melbourne I acted on this quickly and enjoyed some fish and chips with a mate of mine.

Day 20 (Melbourne to Geelong)

Day: 92km
Total: 1395km

Hard day. Pushed me to the limits today, as I had a nasty crash. I was riding down a bike path next to the princess fwy, which you could imagine is a long bare path with not much happening. The condition of the path was appalling to say the least, big cracks and pot holes throughout. As I was in a state of concentration manoeuvring around a poorly managed path, I had a collision with a stumpy waist height steel post. For the life of me I have no idea who would be so stupid and so disconnected from a cycling mentality, to design a bike path with a fat solid steel pole in the middle of the path. This is an Australian council practice, and part of another dreadfully over regulated system in our beautiful yet overly counselled society.

When I crashed I did a full back flip over the bike. I still remember seeing the wheel and then the air as I landed. I landed smack bang in the middle of the lower section on my back. This hurt like crazy. My shoulders, on both arms, went completely dead. I believe I would have sublaxed at least one of them. I am hoping I haven't ruptured any tendons in my shoulder with the history of surgery. I also damaged the surrounding parts of my left knee, which swelled up like a balloon not long after the fall.

After managing to finally pick my self up I looked at the bike with even more frustration. Looking at the long empty path made me think even more about the idiotic person to position this pole. A fellow cyclist came by and asked how I was. After a brief pause he started to vent his frustration for this pole, as he himself has also come off as a result of it. The only explanation we had was that council put it there so cars couldn't drive on it. Which then made me even more angry at council as i thought why would a car drive on a hidden bike path directly next to a freeway. This guy was very helpful and rode with me for a few km after to make sure my bike was rideable.

In this situation I knew I was roughly 35odd km from Melbourne. I knew I had at least 50 to go for me to pull into Geelong. The thought entered to turn around and go back into mums for a good feed, rest, get the bike checked and go see a doctor. I had to quickly dispel this thought as I did not want to enter into a comfort zone back in Melbourne, wait potentially a few weeks to get my bike fixed, listen to my mum say finish the trip and put up with other discouraging remarks from people within my inner circle back home.

I kept pushing to Geelong. To worsen my luck for the day I then copped a flat tire next to the princess fwy. This was very annoying. I had to take off all my gear, after just putting it back on after the crash and then I had to get into my bag for the spare tube and tools to change the tire. I had to use my buggered shoulders, which still had a feeling if numbness, to use my hand pump and get the tire back to a reasonable pressure to keep going. As I was doing this I had hundreds of large trucks drive by causing more irritation as I tried to get the bike fixed.

After finally getting it done I continued riding. This was riding straight into a solid head wind. This made me go into a state of tranquility, surprisingly enough, as it made me realise that if anything were to happen to me I was physically and mentally still capable of controlling the situation. I only had my self to get out of it and I wouldn't of had it any other way. I didn't have to worry about stress or calming the situation for any other person, I just kept going and knew it was up to me to get into town find a place and sort it out tomorrow.

As I eventually got into town I let a few close people know about what happened. These times are great to see who is important in your life and who isn't. This was really one of those moments. After also uploading something on social media you can notice feedback and in a sense it allows you to see immature people or people who are not necessarily supportive and perhaps jealous. Making comments unrelated to your well being and rather comments for self satisfaction. Despite this I was very comforted by the people close to me.

Tomorrow will check the bike out and get into a doctors, really hoping everything turns out ok.

Day 19 (Rest Day - Melbourne)

Another rest day today. This was spent organising things on the computer, as I am now aware I will probably not be using a proper computer for quite some time now.

I went down to the beach with a good mate and spent the afternoon relaxing. Doesn't get much better than that.

Tomorrow I will be heading out early to shoot up to Geelong. Not sure how many km's it is in total but I am assuming over 100km. I'm hoping I can find a good camp ground when I get into town, I just checked camp grounds on the Internet and a few popped up.

Today I've ridden around 20km's running around. Looking forward to a nice rest tonight and then big day tomorrow.

Day 18 (Rest day - Melbourne)

Back to the home land, or mainland as I've been saying lately.. It is strange being back in Melbourne, as I'm now noticing the slight differences that I've been exposed to from Tasmania. It is a good feeling to be back home, however I had such a great time in Tasmania that I will definitely go back at some point.

Today was great, caught up with my good friends and managed to head down to an engagement party of two close friends of mine. In the morning I also had my bike serviced, as part of the first month free service. The guys in the shop couldn't believe the condition of the bike after one month. The claimed that it was equivalent to a years usage. I tried to down play the amount of riding I did, as I still wanted the bike to fit in with the free first month service. Due to the amount of work involved in tightening everything up and getting it back in good nick I still got stung $20. Ah well, hopefully I'm right till Adelaide now anyway.

Perfect rest day, looking forward to another tomorrow and organising the final bits and pieces for the rest of my trip.

Day 17 (Launceston to Devonport)

Day: 117km
Total: 1204 km

This morning was very relaxed. I had a good brekky, it was made even better as it was leftover cereal in the free section of the hostel. I didn't want to buy new cereal or bring to much food with me on the final leg today as I knew I'd be loading back up in Melbourne.

I left the hostel around 9:15am and had to arrive in Devonport before 6:30pm to get on board the Spirit of Tas. This gave me a little bit of pressure as I had the time limit, and I had to cycle roughly 110km. I had completed 110km in previous days in around 7 hours ride time, which included an extra hour or so stoppage time. I felt ok as I knew in a worst case scenario I could push a bit harder knowing I have a few rest days ahead of me.

When I left the hostel I said goodbye to my short lived friends. They were all very supportive of my trip and waved me goodbye. My Japanese friend gave me a pair of chop sticks as a goodby gift. I was stunned, I wasn't expecting a gift. This means a lot to me, especially as I've been to Japan and appreciate the Japanese culture. I'll be sure to hold on to these chop sticks.

I managed to make it to the ferry on time in the end. I got in around 5:30pm which allowed me to get some cheap food from the grocers so I didn't have to spend all my money on the ships food.


The ride back was good. I shared a cabin with 3 strangers, middle age to old men. They were alright, didn't talk to much really. I was absolutely buggered so slept like a baby, very different to my ride over to Tassy.

Day 16 (Rest day - Launceston)

Today was a ripper day. I met some other great people and managed to fill a lot of great things into the whole day.

I went to the Gorge with the Aussie bloke I met yesterday, a Japanese guy I made friends with and an Italian bloke I met in the morning. These were all nice guys and I really had a great time. We jumped off a few big rocks into the river and watched a few crazy locals do some backflips into the water. The Aussie bloke had to be back by 3:30 so he could get a flight back to Melbourne. The other two, plus a guy from Hong Kong in the hostel came along with me to the local James Boags brewery. This was a really fun afternoon. We all got to try the local beers, got up to a bit of mischief and watch the Hong Kong fella pass out after having 1 and a half beers. This was even funnier when the Japanese guy and I left, as we saw the bloke from Hong Kong walking in the wrong direction and nearly get hit by a truck, as he was so drunk he couldn't remember where he was going. We got a hold of him and made sure he was safe.

We walked to a local park and met a few local boys. This was nice, as we kicked a footy around, well an American gridiron ball, and spoke about some of the things happening around Launceston. They were wrapped to meet some people from Japan and Hong Kong, although I think they thought they were from the same country. They were also wrapped to meet someone from Melbourne.

After this we cooked up a big pasta back at the hostel. We all cooked together and mixed whatever food we could scrounge up. This was a really nice way to wrap up a perfect day.

Not long after dinner someone smoked out the kitchen and caused the fire alarms to go off. I was amazed by how fast the fire fighters came and the fact the hostel didn't tell them not to bother coming in as it was only smoke from burnt dinner. It was very obvious to see, and very clear that nothing caught fire. I thought that fire fighter were perhaps required to come in due to government regulation, or insurance reasons. It gets on my nerves when I see things done in a systematically flawed manner, as a result of regulation requirements. Something similar to watching 6 lazy people earn 30$ an hour to watch a construction crew work, as they are "supervising there safety". Although I've earned good money doing something similar to this on the railways I still hold no quarrels in objecting to these regulating requirements. Something has to change with this in our already nanny state controlled society.

Tomorrow will be my last day in Tasmania, as I head up to Devonport to board the ferry around 6:30pm.

Day 15 (Scottsdale to Launceston)

This morning was nice, I had a descent brekky with a few guys at the campaign grounds. A family I was chatting with made me bacon and eggs in toast which was very filling. I haven't had bacon for over a year. It was hard for me to accept this, but the last thing I will ever do is display ingratitude to a free meal. The man approached me, in a very strong Aussie accent, said he already put one on for me cause he thought I'd be starving and it's the Aussie way to help out. Out of respect I accepted and sat with the family while we all had brekky together.

Following brekky I shot off for Launceston. This was a descent ride but made a lot easier by the fact I hit it hard yesterday and reduced my km's for today. I must admit I was absolutely buggered about 15km in, after I got hit with a 13km climb that made me work hard. In total I was on the bike just over 4 and a half hours today.

During the ride I stopped a few times. First was at an Eco-House where they explained local flora and some of the history in the area. Half way to Launceston I stopped at a little kiosk in a camping ground. This was in the middle of nowhere and from what I gathered was the last chance to get a feed. They didn't have much on offer so I bought a whole pack of tim tams and ate it within a few minutes. It was disgusting but really hit the sweet spot.

After this a random guy saw my bike and was having a good look at it. He asked if he could join me for the rest of my ride to Launceston, which was roughly 40km. He was a bit strange so I wasn't to warming to his suggestion. I had no option really and after a little while it turned out he wasn't so bad.

We pulled into Launceston and I had a great feeling of joy. It was a mixture of reasons as to why, but I think mostly that I felt I accomplished another achievement. I gave the random guy a high 5 and headed off to my hostel. Actually I stopped at a museum so this guy didn't know where I was staying, but after this I went over to the hostel.

The hostel has a good vibe, it's the cheapest in town at $21 a night. I'm in a 8 bed dorm, with mostly Chinese and Taiwanese people. It's amazing how many of them are down here looking for farm work, due to the visa requirements.

I met a Melbourne bloke from eastern suburbs in the same area where I'm from. Really nice laid back guy, seems to have similar interests to mine. Made me think about how much our surroundings may have influenced who we are as people.

Tomorrow rest day!! Perfect

Day 14 (Bay of Fires to Scottsdale)

Day: 120km
Total: 1010km
Weather: Sunny high 20's

I woke up a little earlier than normal this morning so I could experience the sunrise of Tassies east coast before I leave. I also had a pretty disrupted sleep which played its part in waking up early. The sunrise was amazing as expected . Following this I packed all my gear up and enjoyed a bowl of oats, water and some lemon juice leftover from yesterday.

After this Briggite woke up and had some brekky too. I wasn't sure what her plans were but I think they're similar to mine - take it as it comes. I would have toured with her for a bit more as she was great company, the only problem is that she has a longer time frame and is moving at a slower pace.

I got out of the camp site around 8:45 and got into the main town of St Helen's just after 9. Here I stocked up some bread and lollies then took off for what I was expecting to be 100km with undulating surface, including a consistent band of steep hills throughout. I stopped after 40 odd km and had a chochlate bar. I decided to take it pretty easy even though I felt strong enough to keep pushing it out. After this short stop the wind hit me a lot harder. It didn't help with a straight 13km climb to get to the other side of the mountain either. This was hard going past this point. It felt like the road kept going, especially when I realised that I was still 60 odd km away from my destination. I persisted and then made it to Derby, a small cosy feel country town. I went to a home made food cafe, which I had a delicious homemade berry muffin. After this I kept going for a further 33km. In total I was on the bike 7hours and 30 minutes exactly.

During this I also passed the 1000km mark on the odometer. This was a great feeling as I realised a big chunk of the trip is completed. It made me realise that Melbourne to Adelaide, in a direct route, is just under a thousand km. If I've done 1000 in undulating terrain here in Tassy, then I can do it on the mainland. The only thing I am slightly worried about is heavy winds on mainland, this is something that concerns me a little.

When I eventually pulled into Scottsdale I found a perfect little free camp site 2 km before main town. Because I arrived at 17:45 I had to move quick, as I know in most of Tassys smaller towns the local IGA closes at 6 or 6:30.

I couldn't believe how fast I set my tent up. This was the quickest I've done it all trip. At the same time I had an old fella close by keep talking to me. I kept saying I was buggered and I would catch up with him later but he kept asking me questions. I had to drop all my gear off and head up to shops.

The ride up to the shops was a killer. only 2km away but the hill up was perhaps the steepest I had to face all day. Thank god I took my gear off at the camp ground. Luckily the shops were open till 7. I managed to get my phone charged for 40 minutes and also load up on some wholesome food.

I came back washed up and had dinner with a French couple who are touring around Aus in a van. I couldn't believe how polite they were. I asked if I could borrow a fork and they invited me to sit with them for dinner. Not what you would call typical French behaviour..

Now I'm off for some sleep as I am absolutely buggered!

Day 13 - Rest Day (Bay of Fires)

This morning was great. The sun came out and made everything a lot easier. I was worried last night that it would continue raining into the morning, but it must have stopped around 6 this morning. It really made a lot of difference. I was able to get all my gear together and keep it dry, whilst sitting my tent in the sun to dry off all the dampness.

After packing up the site Briggite and I made pancakes at the public bbq. These were great, mixed with oats, cinnamon and some pepita seeds. After brekky we shot off in search of proper camp site. We asked a few locals and headed off in the direction of Bay of Fires. After about 10km and a few steep hills we made it to a perfect location.

At our camp site is a French family (on bikes as well) and an Aussie lady, her daughter and her mother. It's great to see the three generations out here on the country together.

I had a good speak with the Aussie family. I'm always pleased to learn more about other Australian people, although most Australians I've met all share a similar nature and persona. It made me realise that many Australians lack many basic world knowledge skills, many that are required in the modern world. This had built further off a discussion with a man from Taiwan the other day in Hobart, when he put it politely "Australian people are innocent, but dumb". At start I wasn't sure how to react to him, but with further thought I can understand his reasoning from a foreigners perspective.

This made me realise that what these Australian people do and say, represents what every Australian does or says. I would like to feel pride in whenever a foreigner visits, or meets an Australian abroad. This means not only basic respect (from what I've observed it is also common for Australians to not even deliver on this when abroad) but also an understanding of foreign culture and perhaps being capable of conversing in a foreign language. In a world privileged country with all the adequate resources and learning capabilities these should really be introduced properly into our system.

In saying this the lady here at the camp site works hard and her sole mission in life is to look after her daughter. This is something to be proud of as well and by her own rights contains all the knowledge she needs to know. My observation on this is from the perspective of a globalising world, and more so for Australia being one of the culturally diverse hubs in the 21st century.

Now after a great feed and a sit around the fire I'm ready for sleep for an early wake up tomorrow and a big ride of around 120km.

Day 12 (Bicheno to Binalong)

Day- 98km
Weather- Mid 20's windy at times

Today was hard both mentally and physically. I woke up good and felt full of energy. I took off good, averaging around 20km per hour (compared to maybe 15km or less that I was doing on the west coast). The distance I needed to cover to get to my destination was roughly 75km and I assumed a little extra for finding tent site ect. It was after around 50km when I started to hit the wall a bit. It wasn't really a wall because I knew I could keep going, and mentally I knew I could keep going for hundreds of km more. It was the fact I was riding into the wind and it felt like I wasn't really going anywhere.

As I came closer to my destination I saw a female cyclist. I saw from a distance she had all her gear on the bike so instantly assumed she was a camper like my self. As I approached her we spoke about each others journeys, and pedalled out the last ten km rather easy. Her name is Briggite (pronounced in an Italian way although she is actually of Dutch origin) and she is travelling around Tassie for a month and a half on the bike. We eventually got into town and had a big feed, then followed it up with a swim in the bay. We were both thinking similar things, as we were both after budget accommodation- free tent sites. We bought some food in the IGA and then headed off in search for camp grounds. As we were in the IGA I refused to pay excessive amount for lemons to season our fish. I figured I'd find one in a garden somewhere..

We investigated in town about where we could go. We ended up riding off towards the bay of fires in the search of camp grounds. We had a dodgy map and didn't have much luck finding any spots. As we were looking for a tent site, one thing that was lucky was that I managed to find that lemon tree after all! After this it started raining lightly. We went back to a public toilet, which also had a free BBQ. As we were there the rain started getting stronger and stronger. It was pouring down. Water everywhere, all on our gear even though it was partially covered by shelter.

We decided to set the tents up there as we didn't have to many other options. After a good feed of fresh fish, capsicum and spinach we've now set the tents up and I'm ready for bed. I can hear the waves of Binalong beach crashing next to me and the heavy rain on my tent. I've left all my gear out in the sheltered area so hoping its all safe there.

Tomorrow I want to investigate the aboriginal history of the area. One thing I've already discovered is that the bay is called "Bay of fires" due to the large amounts of spot fires that the Europeans observed when they first arrived. This should be no surprise really, as many Europeans claimed to see many spot fires around all of Australia when arriving to shore.

Pros- Swam in a crystal clear pure beach
- Ate some fresh seafood.
- Managed to dodge a disaster with the rain and set my tent up ok.

Cons- Very wet (not something I can really call a con though)