East Coast Trekking
For a long time now I have firmly believed that East Coasters (of Tasmania that is) have relied on the natural beauty of the area to attract tourists to this area. Considering just how beautiful this area is I don’t think we can just sit on our backsides and expect newcomers to see the beautiful spots that we know about. Quite often tourists only get to site this area from the roads. They are reluctant to get out and walk because quite frankly we the locals don’t show them where these iconic spots are.
I am very lucky to live in Scamander quite close to Winifred Curtis reserve and a magic beach which practically runs from Falmouth to St. Helens with hardly a soul on it. Sure I am privileged but at the same time I am worried. Why should I be worried? Simply because if we don’t let people know and appreciate our coastal scenery it won’t enjoy the same degree of protection that we would naturally feel if we all used it and enjoyed it. If we don’t make the coastal reserves accessible I am afraid ad hoc development as has occurred in many other places of Australia will continue to be the main process of development.
We are very lucky in the Scamander Area in still having an opportunity to develop a coastal walk. In time I see no reason why this could not be extended to a long distance walk that went from Freycinet Peninsula to Eddystone Lighthouse. We already no how popular the Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Clare walk has become and on a smaller scale the Bay of Fires Walk at Anson’s Bay.
I think we must become real adventurous and create a network of walks in our region. Many of these treks could later be extended into bicycle paths as well. I foresee not only a coastal walk but walks along out East Coast hinterland. A logical mechanism would be to extend the Douglas Appsley walk to go to somewhere like Ringarooma and another walk to go from Scamander along the old cattle trails to Launceston via Roses Tier and Blessington. The mind boggles when you think of all the possibilities for exciting new activities for this area.
I will close with a few photos that Garry Shaw and myself took the other day on the Scamander beach dunes. What a fabulous area.Isn’t it a pity no one can see it?
If you out there are like-minded about this type of project make contact with me or/and let your local councillors know that you want something like this. We just can’t afford to be complacent.