Keep up with Joe

Hiking on Bruny Island we were spoilt with a beautiful day to wander around the Labillardiere Peninsula.

We managed a quick dip back at the campground too although the waters are super chilly.

Our adventure in Tasmania began with a few days in Hobart. It might seem a little silly to drive across the entire island in one day when we had three weeks to explore, but it just happened to be a weekend when three different markets were happening. As I was planning the initial days of our trip, it felt like the perfect place to start. Sometimes, when faced with a blank page, it’s helpful to set some constraints. In this case, having a fixed date to be in Hobart gave me a framework to plan the rest of the trip around.

For our three-night stay, we chose the Alabama Hotel, a charming, retro-styled hostel in the heart of the city. It was an affordable option, with the trade-off being no private bathrooms. However, the friendly staff, lively bar, and sunny balcony to enjoy a drink before heading out made it all worth it.

We were spoiled with an abundance of delicious food from the markets, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. My personal highlights included the congee from Rough Rice at the Hobart Farm Gate Market and the blueberry Danish from Pigeon Whole Bakery.

Meeting (or at least catching a glimpse of) my food idol, Adam from Rough Rice, was a definite highlight. I’m a huge fan. The congee is absolutely superb, and it’s something I’d love to incorporate into our own food repertoire. There were many tasty toppings, including a rich slow-cooked wallaby gravy.

Mountain biking down Mt. Wellington / Kunanyi was definitely not on my 2025 agenda. Neither Tanja nor I have much experience with mountain biking, but I wanted to explore the city in a unique way. Sometimes cities can blur into one another without anything to make the memories stick, and challenging ourselves physically was the perfect way to make it memorable. We both loved it. We took it easy and, thankfully, avoided any crashes. However, the adrenaline definitely kicked in a few times. The Pipeline Track, which we followed, runs alongside an old pipe that likely once supplied Hobart with fresh water, weaving its way up the mountain to Wellington Falls.

We also visited Mona. It’s obligatory I guess when you visit Hobart. A weird and surprising place. We enjoyed the experience, but I’m not sure if I loved the art.

Tanja and I left the south coast, farewelled our summer home and made our first camp on the way to Geelong. Tanja suggested boarding the ferry to Tasmania felt like descending into hell.

One last swim at Tathra. It’s a georgeous beach!

The waters down south will be a lot cooler 🥶

I just finished my final shift at Drift Tathra. On Tuesday we leave the Bega Valley which has been our home since October. New adventures await but there is much sorrow in leaving.

The day before the day before Tanja and I leave the south coast for Tasmania. And here is a new blog to share adventures with friends and family. Last shift tonight at Drift, packing tomorrow, some last goodbyes and then we are off!

This is the first time I’ve edited raw photos. Tanja is teaching me new skills 😊 They’re far from perfect. I was learning as I went with the camera and the software. But I’m really enjoying the process and they make me pretty proud. Taken during a very cute little Sunday night camp at Middle Beach.

Capertee, Wollemi & Abercrombie

No reception for two days so I already failed posting every day this trip. Sorry folks 😶 After three days in the forest we have emerged in Ryleston. Now back into another national park for two more nights.

It’s time to hit the road again, but first, posting this portrait taken by my love Tanja. Daily roadtrip updates until we hit Bega, then you can expect my usual radio silence for months on end 😅