South

Well, I've reached the southernmost parts of Tasmania and I must say it's rather nice! Not only appears the density of rednecks and hillbillies slightly smaller than in the north-east, but also the landscape and climate seems more agreeable.

Sadly a visit to the staggering wilderness of the West Coast is out of my price range and time frame, however, I still might get to see my share of the East.

Anyways, here'e a few to keep you going:

The coast line near Sisters Beach, still on the northern shore.

Two Seagulls

A Shy Albatross, with up to one meter in length and up to 2.5 meters in wingspan only a medium sized Albatross.

Also known as the Shy Mollymawk, the species breeds on some small islands of the coast of Australia.
The species is considered as near threatened and used to be hunted for their feathers. Today they're still threatened by recreational and commercial fishing, as they get trapped in nets and on lines.

Went for a little fishing trip, three Sand-Flathead and a Gummy Shark. After having eaten what is supposed to be the nicest shark there is I must say: Flake (shark meat) is really not that good!

Please apologize the awful quality of this picture, but here we see a Fairy Penguin, a.k.a. the Little Blue Penguin. Being the smallest of all penguins, this species is native to the southern shore lines of Australia and New Zealand.

An Oyster, presumably one of the native species. 

Spring is well and truly on the way! I found some very nice wild flowers on a hike the other day, however, I haven't been able to identify them any further.

South East Cape, Tasmania's southernmost point. Photographed from South Cape Bay.

A Species of Turbo Snail, I believe.

Some Seaweed, note how the color changes as it dries.

Dismembered Pincer of some crustacean.

Something that appeared to be an ore-body...

Young Fern

Glowworm silk in Mystery Creek Cave.

The best picture of Glowworms my camera is capable of, not very impressive, I know.

The tiny worms visible here are indeed the fabled animal.

A stalactite, here in curtain formation.

A rather unsuspecting entrance to what is believed to be one the largest cave systems in the southern Hemisphere, possibly world wide! It's full size is not known yet, as only the first few kilometers have been explored at this stage. It does take up a week of climbing, diving, abseiling, etc. to reach it's currently known deepest chamber.

A Swamp Gum, I believe. this specimen is about 3-400 years old. Difficult access saved this one from logging.

Relics of the local mining history.

Evidence of the logging practices of yesteryear. A long and arduous process to fell these giant eucalypts. Not rarely does the diameter reach or exceed four meters. However trees of this size are pretty well extinct by now. 

A Superb Lyrebird, with up to one meter in length, the largest songbird there is. It is renowned for it's elaborate tail and courtship displays. It also displays the most sophisticated voice skills within the animal kingdom, being able to mimic just about any sound it hears, including chainsaws, camera shutters and human voices. Despite it's size it is very elusive and rarely spotted in the wild.