THE DROP BEAR DIARIES - CHAPTER 4 "THRILLS, BUT NO SPILLS, ON THE BRUNY ISLAND ECOTOUR"

Kitted out and ready to go!

In typical Tasmanian style the weather was undecided as to what kind of day it would be.

At the Bruny Island Ferry dock inky clouds came and went, bolts of sunshine pierced the sky and the wind howled. White caps on the water, we appreciated the skill of the local boaters, there were a lot.

The Mirambeena pulled away from the Kettering dock and made the 12 minute crossing to Roberts Point on Bruny Island. Barely time to get out of the car and we had arrived.

Bruny Island is actually two small land masses joined by a narrow, sandy isthmus.  The population is only 600 and the topography is made up of grazing land and large tracts of eucalyptus forest.

Soaked in blowhole spray

Sea caves in the 
dolerite rockface

We were off to explore the rugged seaward side of the island and its stark, vertical cliffs of Dolerite, courtesy of Bruny Island Cruises.  

Billed as an eco adventure, the cruise boat was open, fast and equipped with seat belts.  

The weather continued to be changeable. At times the sea was rough but we bounced our way through the waves, securely strapped into our seats.  

"Praying Madonna" and "King
on a Llama" - The Monument

We followed the coastline alongside stunning natural cliff formations, among the tallest in the world.  

Motoring up close to deep sea caves, the “breathing rock” and impressive blowholes we passed through a narrow gap between land and “The Monument” eventually leaving the Tasman Sea for the Great Southern Ocean.  

Albatross, gannet, shearwater, cormorants and petrel birds flew overhead while seals played in the waves.

Encounter with a Blue Ringed Octopus - Roger
and Julie looking quite unsympathetic

We did get soaked and returning to the Operator’s base camp ashore were grateful for the delicious home made pumpkin soup which thawed us out nicely.   

Today had been a close shave - a Drop Bear was ready to pounce on Myra as we waited for the Bruny Island ferry.  Luckily she got into the car just in time and the Drop Bear landed on the roof crashing into Roger’s artisan designer coffee and sending it down the windshield.  

It remains a mystery why the coffee was on the car roof in the first place.