Now is a great time to spend a day relaxing and unwinding on the Red Boat. It is a wonderful way to spend ‘time out’ from driving if you are touring Tasmania; not to forget the ‘locals’, many of whom live in Hobart and Launceston and venture to the remote north west to get away from it all.
We are cruising every day!
Big day for the red boat today. She is slipped every 2 years for survey. This usually happens in June but this year we ran into a problem with the propeller shaft seal, necessitating an early close to the cruising season. Once the George is on dry land, the repairs and maintenance will ensure she is ship-shape and ready for the next season in September.
Watch this space!
With the recent bush fires in north west Tasmania, there are rumours that roads to Arthur River are closed and that Arthur River Cruises is not operating.
This is not entirely true. The road from Smithton to Arthur River is open, however the road south from Arthur River to complete the Tarkine loop to Smithton is still closed, as is the Western Explorer to Zeehan.
We were unable to cruise on 8/12/16 and 12/2/16 when the prevailing winds brought heavy smoke to Arthur River. The smoke was due to back burning to protect the township. Today we have westerly winds and the cleanest air in Tasmania!
MV ‘George Robinson’ continues to ply the pristine Arthur River daily, enabling intrepid tourists to experience the Tarkine Wilderness in its untouched splendour.
One look back
Arthur was not disappointed when he cruised the Arthur River. He captured the Sea Eagles with his long Canon lens as the birds plucked fish from the bank and river.
Usually a pademelon or two visit the BBQ site at Turk’s Landing, lured by the smell of hamburgers and sausages cooking!
Yesterday this little fellow greeted the passengers and crew and made himself at home, sitting on the table.
Last year a family with 4 young quolls visited the site regularly. We think this quoll may belong to that family.
2 days ago passengers and crew on the MV George Robinson witnessed an event which only happens occasionally. Our regular female white-breasted eagle ventured into the wedge tailed eagles’ territory while swooping for a fish. The wedge-tail immediately went into attack mode and targeted the white-breasted eagle with amazing speed. The collision resulted in raucous squeals and screeches by eagles and passengers alike. The female was the victor, retaliating with her talons while upside down. The wedged-tail eagle, minus a few feathers and only his pride wounded, retreated to his nest.
Watch this space for future eagle anecdotes
Your new hosts on the Arthur River Cruises boat M.V. George Robinson, are Lesley and Greg. They have come down from N.S.W. to seek a better life in Tasmania and have chosen the beautiful Arthur River to make their home.