Last Days in Tanunda

Today was my day off this week from the potato factory. I used today to have lunch at one of my favorite Tanunda cafes, to run a couple of errands, and to book my trip to Tasmania that I am taking next week.

I was originally looking at making a full circle, but I ended up making the cheaper choice of focusing on the east coast. I booked a 3 day tour with Adventure Tours, which will pick me up and drop me off in Hobart (I loved Hobart last time I was in Tassie). I am flying this time, instead of spending a sleepless night being tossed around the Bass Strait on the Spirit of Tasmania (which will also cut out being hit on my the locals who ride the ship to corner lone travelers, as readers of my 2010 Aussie blog will remember). Here is the itinerary:

March 19th: Fly to Hobart, check in overnight to Central Backpackers

March 20th: Check out of backpackers, pickup from St. Davis Cathedral at 7:30 am
Tour Begins:
Day 1 – Hobart to Bicheno
Our journey begins this morning as we make tracks to the East Coast and the beautiful Bay of Fires. Here we can stretch our legs with some quality time to enjoy this highly recommended coastal region (Lonely Planet's must see for 2009). The beaches are gleaming and the water inviting. Enjoy a swim (conditions permitting) before we embark on Tasmania's most scenic coastal drive from St Helen's to Bicheno, where we stay overnight. This evening you can join a guided viewing of the Little Penguins (optional in season) as they return to their rookeries on the edges of this seaside village.

March 21
Day 2 – Freycinet National Park to Hobart
An early start means we are the first to the lookout, beating the crowds and the heat for that postcard photo of Wineglass Bay. Relax on the secluded beach of or choose the more challenging Mt Amos or Hazzards Beach walk for your mornings Freycinet experience. This afternoon we take a break at the picturesque historical village of Ross. Sample the local Ross Bakery fare or check out the convict built bridge. Come face to face with the iconic Tassie Devil as we make a stop at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary to meet these now endangered native animals, as well as some others unique to Tasmania. A short drive returns us to Hobart where we stay overnight.

March 22

Day 3 – Pt Arthur historic site

Start the day with a quick look at Australia's best preserved colonial village of Richmond before heading south for magnificent views of the Tasman Peninsula and the Tasman National Park. Explore Tasmania's ruthless convict past today at the World Heritage Listed - Port Arthur Historic Site (guided walk and harbour cruise included). Rich in visual history, here we learn of the chilling realities of life as a convict amid the restored sandstone prison buildings and preserved ruins.
Drop off at St. Davis, check back into backpackers

March 23rd: Check out, Fly back to Adelaide


I have booked the tour, flights, and hostel. I hate clicking that mouse and watching the money disappear from my account, but this is the reason I have been sorting potatoes for a month. I will soon book the Perth flights as well. I should have plenty of money not to have to touch my American accounts while I am over here. I am actually starting to miss home. I find myself thinking more and more of the US, which usually means it is almost time to go home.

I am so excited about moving back to Adelaide. I will miss the friends I have made here in Tanunda, but as far as the hostel and the work, there isn't much I will miss. I have bonded with the friends I have made through our mutual suffering- we sing and throw potatoes at each other to boost spirits while sweating through 13 hours shifts in a factory where we know we are not cared about. We have dealt with the minimalist conditions of the hostel with perseverance, going out on long journeys into the civilized world to find fans in order to sleep at night in the abysmally hot rooms. Tanunda is a lovely little town, but the hostel leaves a lot to be desired. I still haven't been paid for picking grapes on February 13th; I doubt I will ever see that money. The woman has disconnected or blocked her number, so I have no way of reaching her. I am going to ask reception for her home address. If they cannot or won't provide it, I am going to leave her a nice little note at reception when I check out, something to read if she ever shows her face at the backpackers again. Sarah is coming to pick me up on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing Adelaide friends again, spending some more time at the beach, and playing volleyball again!