It's actually 1100hrs local time and I'm in the Reception of the Hotel in Hobart having checked out and with 2 hours to kill before my cab to the airport and my first flight back to Melbourne at 1435hrs. A couple of hours to catchup on some posts! Singapore Airlines have just texted to say that my flight from Melbourne to Singapore is delayed by 30 mins to 19.55 due to the late arrival of the incoming flight - more time to wait!!
There are a number of National Parks that make up the Tasmanian Wilderness. Today (20th March) we enter the Mount Field National Park on our way to the Terraleah Hydro-electric Station and the Great Russell Falls.
This website https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/mount-field-national-park describes Mount Field Park as a landscape of "Towering trees, waterfalls and alpine tarns".
Terraleah Hydro-Electric Station
Our first stop was to view the Terraleah Hydro-electric Station that is part of the Upper Derwent Hydro Scheme and is operated by Hydro Tasmania. Hydro power accounts for around 80% of Tasmania's electricity needs. Wind supplies the majority of the remaining 20% with two small natural gas stations providing backup and base stabilising supply. The state has 30 hydropower stations and over 50 major dams. The photo shows the 400m drop to the generators.
Great Russell Falls
Our route now followed the winding road as it ascended through Mount Field National Park and the stunning natural flora transformed, offering a constantly changing view as we climbed to higher altitudes. Known as 'the park for all seasons', the park is home to some of the world's tallest eucalypt forests, as well as a unique array of alpine vegetation. Spectacular glaciated landscapes competed for our attention with cascading waterfalls, including the breathtaking, three-tiered Russell Falls - arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in Tasmania.
We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts on the short walk to Russell Falls. This was the first of many walks we were to enjoy through 'enchanted forests' with towering swamp gums and other cool-temperate rainforest species, huge fallen trees, green moss and lichens everywhere and the gentle sound of running water in the rivulet flowing from the falls.
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