A tale of two days with Dianne, on Tasmania’s east coast

Earlier this year, Dianne – a seasoned traveller and photo enthusiast from interstate – booked a private two-day photography tour with me. From the moment she booked we both knew we’d be counting down the months, weeks and days with anticipation until her second Shutterbug Walkabouts experience.

The plan was picture-perfect: Meet at the airport, explore the Tasman Peninsula, stay the night at Stewarts Bay Lodge and rise early for a sunrise shoot at Tessellated Pavement. We’d then continue to Triabunna to catch the first ferry to Maria Island for a full day of photography and wombat wanderings, before returning to Hobart airport – via Richmond for dinner – for her evening flight home.

It was a plan that had all the makings of a beautifully balanced photography adventure – until Mother Nature decided she wanted in on the planning committee.

Wind or rain? Pick your challenge

In what has been quite windy and wet spring so far, the weather forecast in the days leading up to Dianne’s arrival looked interesting (as we might politely say). Strong winds one day, heavy rain the next – but not both together, so that was at least something.

A decision was needed. I asked Dianne: “On Maria Island – would you rather face rain or wind?” Having been there in both conditions more than once, I knew there was no easy answer – the island is exposed and offers very little shelter once you wander beyond the Darlington precinct.

After thought and collaboration, Dianne chose to risk rain for Maria Island. We’d simply wear appropriate rain gear – waterproof pants included – and carry windproof gear with us too, just in case.

With that decision made, a shuffling of the schedule was needed. So, a few phone calls and the kind of logistical acrobatics that tour guides quietly excel at, I switched the days of the original itinerary: Maria Island first, Tasman Peninsula second.

Moving Maria to day one meant travelling there straight from the airport. We wouldn’t be arriving in Triabunna in time for the first ferry crossing, so we departed on the second departure for the day. The amount of time we’d have on the island was going to be shorter than originally intended and even shorter again becuase the last ferry back was already booked out, so with Dianne's OK, I booked the second last ferry return while hoping that space would open up on the last ferry after other visitors to the island make changes to their original booking. Alas, just like magic, space did open up, and we enjoyed a little extra time on the island as preferred.

Glorious sunshine when we least expected it

Driving to Triabunna the sky looked doubtful – light drizzle, damp roads – and we could hardly see Maria Island as we travelled along the road; usually visible across the bay, it was shrouded in mist and cloud. But the moment we stepped off the ferry onto Maria Island the clouds dispersed and the sun shone brightly. Quite the contrast to the earlier weather and forecast. At one stage we both became quite warm and peeled off a couple of layers of clothing.

For five glorious hours Mother Nature treated us to sunshine and partly cloudy skies – stunning conditions and scenes for a day out with cameras on Maria Island. Wombats and Cape Barren Geese grazed on the grassland while kangaroos, wallabies and pademelons were noticed hiding in the shadows of the scrub. Grey Fantails and Scarlet Robins flitted close while we enjoyed our picnic lunch, cooperatively posing for a photo or two on the branches near to where we sat.

The rain returned around 3 pm – how lucky were we that it took until then! At the first few spots of rain, it was decided to make our way to shelter – at that stage, about ten minutes’ walk away. We made it there just in time before the downpour arrived. While sheltered, a Brown Bandicoot joined us for a short while, darting about as if to keep us company and entertain us.

Before the rain came to a stop it was time to make our way to the jetty to catch the ferry back to Triabunna – lucky we kept our rain gear on. By the time we arrived at the jetty, the rain had stopped, as if on cue. Dianne even had a chance to photograph Oystercatchers and Hooded Plovers that were scurrying along the beach.

As we took the ferry back to Triabunna we looked back to the island in awe. The sky offered one final gift. A rainbow stretched wide across the sky, its pastel colours standing out against the soft blue-grey clouds that lingered from the passing showers. It felt like a gentle offering from Mother Nature, thanking us for trusting her shifting moods.

A quiet night by the bay

From Triabunna we drove to Port Arthur, arriving a little after dark to check into our cabins. It was a cloudy night, so little to no aurora chasing on this night. After a full day of travel and photography though, Dianne was happy (as was I) to relax and unwind in readiness for another day of exploring the great outdoors and photographing nature’s beauty the next day.

Dinner was simple and self-catered, each of us enjoying the calm in our own way. Dianne’s room overlooked the water, mine faced the forest – both equally peaceful.

The next morning began softly, with pastel pinks and purples tinting the sky... and sunshine! Dianne took her breakfast with her on a quiet photo walk, while I remained at my cabin for a little longer. While nibbling on my breakfast, I reviewed the rain and wind forecast for the day. As they say, preparedness is the key to a successful day.

Finding shelter in the great outdoors

Paying close attention to the wind direction and the time that it might strengthen, I had

a well thought out plan for day two. Leaving our accommodation at 7.00 am, we spent two to three hours at Remarkable Cave and Maingon Bay. Here, Dianne immersed herself in the fabulous scenery that surrounded us – experimenting with compositions, framing, exposure and other camera settings – as usual, with guidance if and as she required. It was such a peaceful morning, with a light breeze and mostly sunny, partly cloudy skies providing a wealth of landscape and nature photography opportunities. The way the light and shadow moved across the landscape evoked so much awe.

Was it windy? Well... we weren't to know if it was... most of our time here was spent in the lee of the wind where it was peaceful and calm.

From there we made our way to the Coal Mines Historic Site via Nubeena, where we dropped into the Lucky Ducks Café to collect a takeaway lunch to picnic on a bit later. A very apt choice of café, because considering the weather forecast and the actual outcome, we sure felt like we were the lucky ducks. 🌦️

A couple of hours was spent wandering the grounds at the Coal Mines Historic Site.Dianne spent this time seeking different perspectives for her photos and exploring the site’s layers of history and textures. Then we drove a little further along the road to Lime Bay State Reserve where we enjoyed our lunch in the sunshine and peaceful surrounds. Continuing our exploration of the Tasman Peninsula, we visited Tasman Arch, Devil’s Kitchen, the Blowhole and Tessellated Pavement gradually making our way back toward Hobart.

While at Tessellated Pavement another rainbow appeared – this one sweeping between the distant points of land, as if connecting the headlands themselves.

A bonus detour before the end

Before leaving the Tasman Peninsula, with plenty of time before Dianne’s evening flight – and the weather still proving delightful – I updated myself on the weather conditions and asked Dianne, “How about one last itinerary reroute?” to which she agreed with curiosity and a smile.

So, we headed for the South Arm Peninsula – a fabulous region with so much coastal appeal. This was a great way to introduce Dianne to an area she hadn’t visited before on previous trips to Tasmania.

We stopped briefly at Clifton Beach, then continued to the peak of Goat Bluff Lookout. The views were breathtaking – sheer drops beneath us into the Tasman Sea, with dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops framing the coastline. From this perfect vantage point, we took in the magnificent scenery of Betsey Island out to the Tasman Sea and to the Iron Pot Lighthouse on its craggy island in the middle of Storm Bay. Dianne had previously seen Iron Pot from the water on a cruise, so this land-based perspective was a special finale.

The scene offered everything a shutterbug could wish for – layers of colour, texture and depth, framed by the elements themselves. It was the perfect way to conclude two remarkable days of exploring, adapting and finding beauty wherever the light and weather led us.

Farewell under a stormy sky

By late afternoon clouds gathered again. As we arrived at the airport the first raindrops fell. By the time we unloaded Dianne’s bags the wind - and rain - had returned in full force – a dramatic send-off from Mother Nature herself. It was as if she’d held her breath and the water valve for two days and finally let it go. 😉

We said our goodbyes quickly (and rather damply) and Dianne quickly made her way inside the airport terminal and I began the drive home through gusty rain. It was an interesting journey back, but I made it safely – grateful, tired and quietly satisfied.

The light that stayed with us - reflecting back on a brilliant couple of days

Despite the shifting plans and unpredictable weather, the two days unfolded beautifully. Dianne embraced every change with good humour, curiosity and enthusiasm – and the willingness of an adventurous shutterbug.

For me it was a reminder of why I love what I do. No two tours are ever the same and sometimes the unexpected turns out to be the highlight. When the weather forecast presents little challenges, nature often surprises us – with light, with calm and sometimes with a perfect moment of sunshine just when we need it most.

A private multi-day photography tour with Shutterbug Walkabouts offers a great level of flexibility to adapt as conditions unfold. Of course, there will always be plans that can’t easily change, but when it’s possible to adjust, we do – always with the quality of your experience front of mind. Because in the end, it’s your experience and how we embrace the special moments and encounters that nature offers along the way.