Not a long run or so we hoped. Trip planning by the Bloke suggested just a little over 30nm, but there there was the 'wrong' kind of wind and the tack out to sea.
Our departure was dictated by the tide on the Inglis River. There is no getting into or out of this little port except within 2 hours of high tide. The northern part of Tasmania - basically the Bass Strait coast is extremely tidal and 3m is what to expect. Local advice was that if the top of the concrete support for the leads was no longer visible (i.e. already submerged), there would be sufficient water to leave without 'bogging'. We'd seen a surprising amount of the river bed during our elevator rides up and down with the tide. We didn't need any encouragement at all to stay pat until the time was right.
We left Table Cape and the Inglis River behind us and headed for the Mersey River and the City of Devonport.
The Bluff Point Lighthouse is a beauty with its stripey red and white suit.
This fabulous building facing a sheltered beach appeared beyond the bluff .
This will definitely require a visit!
Notice the hilly hinterland? This is Cradle Country.
Notice the hilly hinterland? This is Cradle Country.
The Spirit of the Sea statue greets mariners at the mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport.
Devonport is a working port.
The Spirit of Tasmania car ferry arrives from Melbourne daily at 06:00.
It's an overnight journey with 'The Spirit' departing again at 18:00 for the return.
The 2 'Spirits' must pass in the night while crossing Bass Strait.
Sitting on the wharf behind 'The Spirit' was our old friend from Gassy Harbour, the' Searoad Mersey'.
Our destination up the Mersey River was the courtesy jetty at the Mersey Yacht Club.
The Bloke brought Zofia in beautifully despite the speed of the incoming tide.
The view down the river.
The Mersey Yacht Club made us very welcome and we had arrived in time for Friday drinks at the bar - timing is everything!
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Mersey Yacht Club - 0407 871 541 or 03 6427 7655
Power and (excellent) local water were available on the jetty. They have ablutions plus laundry facilities. If they decide to keep them, they now also have 2 bicycles too (bring your own helmet).
There's a small supermarket down the road plus bakery and bottle shop in easy reach. Devonport town centre is within walking distance across the bridge and along a landscaped dual use path. It's an attractive if longish walk!
Internet and phone reception with Telstra -5Bars
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