Tasmania: Pumphouse Point (Day 2).

Pumphouse Point is a place for everybody. Whether you’re the kind of traveller that loves to lounge around, finally getting around to that pile of books you have to read, or the kind of traveller that loves walking and exploring. I’m more of the latter, although my one regret with my stay here is that I don’t feel like I got quality lounge time in such splendid accommodation. If only we could have stayed an extra day.

Each morning we'd get up early to have breakfast at the Shorehouse, enjoying local Tasmanian produce. Martin and I love sourdough so we couldn't go past asking for a loaf to take back to our room for later. Some of our fellow travellers from the previous evening had left, leaving us with new faces to meet the next day.


I liked cycling to and from the Pumphouse (where we were staying) and the Shorehouse (where meals were)—I hadn't ridden a bike in about 5 years, and it felt like returning to childhood. I may not have been able to turn corners very well, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

Martin hadn't ridden a bike since the operation on his leg (in which they removed his tibia, replacing it with steel, after being diagnosed with an osteogenic sarcoma) over a decade ago. I encouraged him to try it, and despite his reluctance, he did. The look on his face when he realised he could still ride a bike (as he can no longer run) was sheer glee; a priceless and unforgettable moment.

We were hoping to spend our second day canoeing on Lake St. Clair itself, but it was so windy and the water was so choppy that the Pumphouse staff advised we didn't, lest we get blown all the way back to Hobart. So we hiked around Lake St. Clair National Park, completing the 3 hour Shadow Lake circuit. We opted for a shorter circuit so as not to push Martin's leg too hard, as we had already been hiking an incredible degree throughout the trip. You won't see any photos from that walk in this post—I didn't feel like taking many photos, concentrating instead on enjoying the scenery despite the rain.

If you ever get a chance to stay at Pumphouse, do. We were so sad to leave, but we are absolutely certain we'll be back.