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6 May 2018
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It was now almost sunset and after leaving the park we went in 10 km on the dirt to the Friendly Beach camp area, but as this is Good Friday it was packed. We went back to the main road and then up the coast road to a free camp favorite of Deb’s near 4 mile creek. Here you can pull off the road and camp right next to the beach.
 Tassy-97 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We even had some fresh oysters on the half shell.
 Tassy-101 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_2437 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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After a cozy night we headed north again and stopped at Deb’s batch in St Helen’s.
Her neighbors had saved us a camp spot on the beach at "Cosy" Corner south and so after stocking up we made for the beach.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-05 at 09.57.29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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Tonight we cooked up a rabbit (a gift caught by Deb's friend) Paella (complete with squid caught today by Wolfgang) cooked over an open fire for our Easter dinner. The only tragedy was that the possums cat burgled the tent and stole some of the kids Easter candy!
 Tassy-107 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Tassy-108 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-111 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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The weather is still holding out and we want to make it to the north east tip of the Island.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-05 at 09.59.29 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
From the camp we stopped at Deb’s to do a quick load of laundry. Heading north on the C843 we stopped at the very good pub in Weldborough.
 Tassy-120 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-121 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We arrived to Cape Portland beach and wind farm just before 4. The Petal point Camp near by was wind swept at the beach, and crowded with long termers in the sheltered area. You can stay here 40 days and then move one spot over and stay another 40.
 Tassy-123 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-122 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Since it was still early we back tracked on the dirt road to the Mussle Bay also dirt road and to the very nice camp spot here. The road thru the park is very Savannah like and there are dozens of Forrester Kangaroos. The camp site is sheltered in the trees, but with direct beach access. The place is also full of tame and friendly wallaby! There is another amazing moon tonight.
 Tassy-124 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-133 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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Contributing Member
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The plan today is to get within striking distance of Cradle Mountain. It is always rainy weather there, but it is forecast for cloud, but no rain for tomorrow. We hedged our bets though and booked a hotel for the night.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-06 at 11.47.36 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
The accommodation on the mountains fully booked and so we chose a small motel in Sheffield (City of Murals). We set out order cloudy skies westward. The first stop was at the Iron Pot Vineyard, where after a tasting and lunch we found they have amazing food, but not very good wine.
We continued north west to Narawntapu National Park. Here we hiked the Archer’s knob summit track and then walked back along the desolate and isolated beach. This park is also a reserve for the Forrester Kangaroo.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-06 at 11.56.28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-137 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-138 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-141 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-142 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We stayed on the single lane back roads thru Railton to Sheffield. We were still stuffed from our massive lunch and after checking into the hotel we had nice hot showers and snuggled under our electric blankets!
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6 May 2018
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Today it is cloudy, but as advertised not raining.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-06 at 11.58.40 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We drove up to the Cradle Mountain ranger station. From here you have to take a shuttle the 8 km to the Dove Lake trail head our to road works on the very narrow access road. We packed our luck and set out on the Dove Lake Circuit.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-06 at 12.01.08 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-147 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-148 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-149 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It was in fact sunny much of the time, but despite that the summit of Cradle Mountain was in the clouds. On the shuttle ride back we saw 2 huge Wombats! Leaving the park we were again going north to the coast road and made for Stanley and a hike to the Nut. We had to make a few stops for foraging!!! and photos.
 Tassy-151 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-156 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It was now an hour from sunset and we had about the same distance to cover to get to the free camp at Marrawah. We did arrive here just before dark and in time to set up the tents. It was a bit drizzle and luckily there is a nice shelter here that even has flush toilets and BBq’s.
 Tassy-2 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-4 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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We have a big day ahead of us as we are in the far north west and want to make it back to Hobart in the far south east tonight. It was raining on and off all night and we could a least hang the tents in the shelter for a while.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-06 at 12.06.25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We will do this by going on the remote west coast road thru Corinna, where there is a punt cable ferry that saves a 100 km on the way to Zeehan. The road is paved 49 km from Marrawah on the C214 to where it meets the C249 where you turn onto a narrow and sometimes rough dirt road that continues until Zeehan.
The road wanders up and down rolling hills and curves along on its way south. There is very little traffic here and this is why it make a great location to release the Tasmanian Devil’s from the breading program. This will lessen their change of becoming road kill, which is what has decimated their numbers.
 Tassy-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
In Corinna there is a lodge with expensive coffee and an office to but the 25$ ticket for the 5 min cable ferry ride, but it saves over 100 km if you have to go around.
 Tassy-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We made a pit stop for mushroom foraging and a short interpretive walk in the forest.
We decided in Zeehan to make the side trip to Strahan to check out the wild west coast surf. The beach here is covered with wiggling sea foam.
 Tassy-19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-9 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-10 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
It is getting late in the day and we have 301 km and only 3 hours of day light left. Instead of another night of free camping we all felt it would be better to just keep going and make for Hobart tonight. We did stop briefly in Hamilton to finish off what food we had in the car and take a break from the road. We finally got to the city just after dark, showered, and all hit the sack.
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6 May 2018
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For our last day here we walked into the city and along the harbor for lunch.
 Tassy-20 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We caught the MONA ferry for the 30 minute cruise to the museum. This is a very unique experience of modern and instillation/experiential art. In the videos the people all are lip syncing to Madonna songs and it was so addictive to watch.
 Tassy-21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
This guy just sat here all day with the tattooed back.
 Tassy-22 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
This machine is fed all day and makes one poop everyday at 2 pm (displayed until 4).
 Tassy-23 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Tassy-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We dragged ourselves out of bed at 630 to get to the airport for our 8 am 1 hour flight to Melbourne and then the 3 hour wait for the 1230 and 3 hour train trip to Wodonga. Marg was there to pick us up and bring us home for the night and an amazing dinner of lamb shanks! It was so nice to be welcomed into their home again.
 IMG_2475 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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We have some serious miles to make in the next 3 weeks.
 Screen Shot 2018-05-06 at 20.36.15 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Today we will backtrack on our route from last week from Wodonga to Corryong on the B400.
The town was packed with people in cowboy hats driving rigs with snorkels and winches! It is the “Man from Snowy River” festival up here in the Snowy Mountains. Just after leaving the town you approach the Victoria-New South-Wales boundary and we saw several police in the road and they signaled us to pull over (WTF we were not speeding). Nope they were doing mandatory alcohol blow tests at 11 am on a Saturday!
 FILE3832 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE3834 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE3836 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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We then turned south on the Alpine way thru the Murray River Valley towards Tom Groggin. From here the road is winding and very narrow. The locals like to drive in the center of the road as well.
 FILE3853 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
There are steep rises and switch backs towards the ski fields at Thredbo. You then drop down for 10 km to the reservoir at Jindabyne. Between there and Cooma you are on a flat open plain until you rise again into the mountains towards Bega.
 FILE3876 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE3902 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Here we wanted to get to the coast so we found a dirt road crossing on the Doctor George Mountain road between Bega and Tathra.
 FILE3918 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE3924 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We then rode another 35 km north to the sea side village of Bermagui pretty tired after 505 km. We managed to get a room in the bunk house at the pub and walked over to the harbor for dinner.
 FILE3935 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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Today we are headed to Sydney in 403 km.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-09 at 21.54.21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE3940 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
This is on the A1 that winds along the coast, but not on it most of the time and so we made a side trip into Durras North to see the beaches.
 Queensland-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We were headed to Mona Vale north of the city to stay with Chris, but we made a pit stop in the city first. We rode over the iconic harbor bridge to North Sydney and under the bridge to get some photos.
 Sydney-3 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-8 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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6 May 2018
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Contributing Member
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We have just sorted out this week that we have an issue with Indonesia. Canadians do not need a Visa for Indonesia and can get 30 days Visa free or can get 90 day Visa on arrival, but only at airports, some seaports, and at the one land border between Malaysia and Indonesia on Borneo. They do not do this at the border between Timor Leste and Indonesia that we will have to cross. This means we will need to get to the Consulate in Sydney today to discuss the issue. This is a 43 km ride across to the other side of Sydney and we left Mona Vale at 9 to avoid traffic. It only took us 45 minutes.
 Sydney-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE4038 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
There was a bit of a line up, but they have an efficient number system. The man who helped us was very nice. He was so apologetic that we as Canadians would need and Visa and that he would have to charge us the fee. We were so happy to get the visa arranged. He even pushed the 4 plus days for processing and said we could come and pick them up in the morning.
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6 May 2018
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Contributing Member
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Now back to Mona Vale to meet Chris and then we drove out to the North head at Manly .
 IMG_2486 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-5 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Chris is a captain on one of the harbor ferries and was able to get us on the famous Manly ferry. This leaves from Manly beach and crosses to the city at the docks between the Opera house and the harbor bridge.
 Sydney-6 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-7 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We rode over and back up in the bridge with the crew. The timing could not have been better as we pulled up alongside the opera house just as the sun was setting behind the harbor bridge. The new addition to the boats in the last few weeks is they sell  and so we had a brew on the return trip.
 Sydney-12 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Then it was again back to Mona Vale for a traditional Aussie BBQ. At breakfast in the back yard we had a constant stream of feathered visitors including huge white cockatoo, multicoloured lorikeets, and Galah (red breasted cockatoo or as Sara likes to call them “the pink headed parrots”) at the bird bath.
 Sydney-14 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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9 May 2018
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This morning we headed back the 43 km to the embassy and picked up the visas!
 Screen Shot 2018-04-10 at 18.18.13 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE4047 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE4049 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 IMG_2662 (2) by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We are going to stay in the city tonight so was can do a walking tour. Dan found a deal at the Star casino and when we arrived there at 1030 am they said “of course you can check in and we will upgrade you to the best room no charge! This turned out to be a 2 story suite with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms. The upstairs ensuite is bigger than most hotel rooms. The entire front wall is 2 stories of windows overlooking Darling Harbour and the Harbour bridge. WOW!
We set out to walk to the opera house and back and by the time we got back at 5 pm , after 10 plus km , we were exhausted and tucked in to watch James Bond on the big screen!
 Screen Shot 2018-04-11 at 18.48.19 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-16 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-17 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-25 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-24 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-27 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 Sydney-28 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 16 May 2018 at 14:45.
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9 May 2018
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We have opted not to go north on the “coast highway” as it is rarely on the coast and we will head inland to the hills.
 Screen Shot 2018-04-11 at 18.05.21 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
We did have to first book it 129 km north on the M1 freeway (this after 30 minutes just getting to it from the city). We took the exit here onto the B68 and rode 38 km to Maitland. The road surface is paved, but it is actually mostly patched pot holes. Then we turned off onto onto The Bucketts Way north to Gloucester.
 FILE4059 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
This is a curvy road thru the hills and farmlands. There is almost no other vehicles. We stopped in Gloucester for a late lunch. This was the largest of the towns we went thru, but they are all quite well kept and look prosperous.
After lunch at 2 pm we had 214 km to go to Armidale (the highest city in Oz). The road surface here is smooth and we saw about 4 other vehicles all the way there. We had a long day at it was after 5 so we opted for a small motel just at the edge of town. This place has lots of motels and unlike most places we have been there are very few no vacancy signs. This worked in our favor as we bargained and got a large discount. The rooms have a kitchenette and so we walked the 5 km round trip to the Coles supermarket to get dinner fixings. It must be James Bond week and the next in the series and the last Bond was on tonight (no better than the terrible one last night).
 FILE4062 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
 FILE4091 by Sara & Daniel Pedersen, on Flickr
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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