March 1 – Launceston

March 1, 2016 -Launceston
Our hotel is popular with traveling groups so breakfast this morning was very busy. I think I’ll go later tomorrow. Worst coffee of trip.
The bus was late due to an accident blocking roads. We got started at 9am. We went to Cataract Gorge. This is a beautiful gorge with a large park area, a suspension bridge, cable car, peacocks, wallabies, and many plants. We hiked along one of the trails through the park. The suspension bridge was very bouncy and swayed side to side as we crossed. Where the river meets the estuary you can see the two water sources swirl to combine in interesting patterns.
We then headed out to Beauty Point. We went to Platypus House where we learned about the platypus and then watched them get fed. The next room contained 3 echidnas. They are in the same family as platypus. They are the only mammals who lay eggs. The echidnas look like porcupines or hedgehogs but they are not related. They are very cute looking.
We had lunch at a fish and chips take away store. It was delivered wrapped in butcher paper and was delicious. One person tried the hamburger with “the lot” which was 5 inches high and included pineapple slice, beetroot, and fried egg in addition to the usual vegetables.
We stopped at one last viewpoint on the way back and returned to the hotel at 2pm. Susan and I decided to walk around and saw most of the city before going back at 4:15pm. In the city park we saw the world’s longest park bench. Who knew it would be here?
Dinner tonight is at an Italian restaurant. We all need to pack up again. We have a 10:40am flight to Melbourne tomorrow. We will meet up with the other 5 members of our tour.