Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

(6/29-30/11) When Adam and Galen's home-town friend, Luca, arrived for a visit, we headed to Tasmania for a backpacking circuit through Freycinet National Park.  Although it was winter, the days were warm and sunny. But when the sun descended, you had to reach quickly for a parka.

Adam, Luca and Galen above Wineglass Bay, ranked one of the world's ten most beautiful  beaches by National Geographic.  

After savoring the beach, we passed an inland lagoon our way across the peninsula. On the next day, we would return by traversing Mt Graham, the 2000' peak just left of center.

Besides stunningly grand vistas, the park had many smaller treats. 

Even the raucous croaking of the crows sounded more exotic in Tasmania.  

The boys seemed very happy to be reunited and the miles of walking went quickly. 

Our campsite was at the far end of this isolated beach. It was an incredible treat to have this stunning place all to ourselves!

Signs of wildlife were everywhere.

On the side of the trail I spotted where a Wallaby had scratched the earth before leaving this scat. 

At dusk a troop of Bennet's Wallabies grazed in a field nearby our tents. When ambling, they use their tail as a third leg to prop themselves forwards, but they are cutest when quickly hopping.

Back from the beach lay another secret freshwater lagoon, guarded by reeds. High on the left side of this tree rests a Sea Eagle. 

Our campsite afforded a wonderful view of The Hazards, two granite peaks, which we had crossed at the beginning of our hike. 

Sheoaks formed an airy canopy by our campsite and sheltered us from the breeze. 

Sunset over The Hazards. 

During the day we saw Possum tracks on the beach...

...and that night several Brushtailed Possums came by to try and sneak some of our food. While the camera's flash sent them waddling away or up trees, looking rather miffed, they kept coming back.

The next morning we started our return journey, this time climbing through thick eucalyptus forest rich with parrots and then up into a stunted, alpine zone. The view back showed an incredible and rugged coastline.

When we reached the summit of Mt. Graham, we could again see the stunning Hazards which we'd soon have to cross. 

A long but scenic descent led back to Wineglass Bay and I explored reflections where a stream crossed the beach.

Crossing back over The Hazards, we savored our last view of Wineglass Bay and Mt. Graham. Just stunningly gorgeous.

This picture is out of order, but I wanted to end with a panoramic view from the top of Mt. Graham.