PENGUINS IN THE FRONT GARDEN

Image: Cod Rock Point (supplied)

​It’s called the Look Out. And of course you can take the role of being on watch. But the beauty of staying at Cod Rock Point isn’t just the stunning views from the bed overlooking Red Bill Beach and Cod Rock Point. There’s little eyes in the front garden.
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It doesn’t take long upon arrival to realise that Cod Rock Point accommodation is about 20 paces from the sea. Arrive come evening and you'll have company. Sweet Little Penguins call the front garden home.
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Image: Little Penguin at Cod Rock Point

Image: Cod Rock Point (supplied)

Take a red glowing torch (courtesy of nail polish of the owner’s wife) and you can mingle with the locals. They’re not at all territorial or crabby you’ve arrived on their turf, in fact they’re as curious as you are. Give them space. After all, they were here long before you. Their little inquisitive eyes and gorgeous nature will encourage you to pay them respect. They’ve come in from the sea to give their young a good feed – don’t interrupt. They’ve got work to do!
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Sitting on the rocks with a wine watching these mates come in from sea isn’t all that’s on offer at Cod Rock Point. You can keep an eye on the tide, then wander across to Diamond Island off to the left for an explore. Time it correctly, and the island is all yours.
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Image: Diamond Island from Cod Rock Point accommodation

​Then there’s Douglas Apsley National Park. A quick one hour climb through dry Eucalypt forest and you don’t just have the waterhole at the base, where many take a dip, but a gorge with multitudes of secret dipping holes. Take the first, the third or gather for a picnic around your own private number five water hole. Sink into the pure mountain waters on a warm day in complete privacy, wrapped by the steep gorge walls.
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Image: Douglas Apsley National Park

Image: Douglas Apsley National Park

​Back at the Look Out there’s fish and chips to be had. Head to The Gulch and the menu is a changing feast of the latest catch. Trevalla, Flat Head, Boar Fish or awfully tender Calamari is cooked up in ten minutes of ordering. Served with crunchy chips, your best bet is to head along to the Blow Hole and watch nature at work. There’s a picnic table on the rocks where you can grab front row seats to 'the show'.

​Come morning, rise early. Don’t shut the curtains. Let the Tasman Sea be your alarm. As the sun gently rises, the bird life get a touch excited. It's quite the chorus. As I write this, it’s 5.48am. The birds are thrilled that dawn is breaking. The swell is gentle. Cod Rock sits silently, as it’s always done. Clouds rest on the horizon. A warm pink glow hangs above. The day is coming, Bicheno style. Could it get any better?
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Image: Waubs Bay

P.S. Need coffee in town? Don't we all. Best place to go is The Farm Shed. If you behave, you'll come out with coffee rather than a bottle of Splendid gin, a new designer light and a basket made from seaweed.

Image: The Barn

For more visit Cod Rock Point and The Farm Shed. There's also penguin tours!
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TASSIE WINTER SPECIAL: Min 2 nights stay at The Lookout, $170/night for Tasmanians only. Available Sunday through Thursday, June 1 - Aug 31, 2018. Bookings direct through David, [email protected]. Ask about winter rates for all accommodation options.

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Happy summer adventuring,
Alice :)

Words & images: Alice Hansen (unless otherwise stated)