“Hi, I'm Shannon, during the summer of 2011 as a bursary student with Forestry Tasmania, I took the challenge to visit Forestry Tamania's 52 visitor sites.
So if you have been reading my blog (and let’s not joke, I know you all have) you will remember that I mentioned the Esperance Forest Tour. This is a great alternative route to get back to Dover from Duckhole Lake.
In total, it is about a two hour, self-guided tour through the scenic Southern forests of Tasmania. There are signs along the way which tell you a bit of background about the area. On the topic of informative people, there are gates along some roads in this region. I would recommend talking to the Forestry Tasmania Geeveston office; as they can help out in regards to providing keys or information about areas which aren’t accessible to the public.
There are many roads which detour off the main track, and it you are keen to explore, and have time on your hands, why not take some of them. There is a sufficient amount of signage around which will tell you where the roads lead to and what they are. However, as phone reception is non-existent in this area, make sure stay on the roads and don’t wander off into the bush! Hypocritically, and as boring as it sounds, I stayed on the main road which leads to Dover. I didn’t come across any gates, but some of the roads I drove passed were blocked. Duckhole Lake is located about 20 minutes along this drive, though since I had done this before I just spent my time driving and enjoying the lovely scenery before coming out just south of Dover.
After all that driving, and because the road takes you past the Hastings Forest Picnic Area, it would seem an appropriate time to stop for lunch. The picnic area is located on the banks of the Esperance River, and provides a beautiful surrounding to relax for lunch before hitting the road again. There are facilities here, including BBQ’s, and toilets. From here, I headed back through Dover, Geeveston, Franklin, Huonville and then back down the Southern Outlet to Hobart. All in all, a very relaxing, and enjoyable day.
GPS Coordinates :
LAT : 43°24'48.80"S
LON : 146°54'58.80"E
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Always check our road and track closure information before setting off on your journey (click here)
52 Places to Visit
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