CTC Tasmania Trip 2025
March/April 2025
Canberra Torana Club members (1 couple continuing) have made it home safely after an Epic tour of Tasmania.
After more than a year of planning, an action packed itinerary put together thanks to Glenn and Kylie , 9 couples – 7 Toranas and 2 Daily Drivers set out for a fun adventure.
Some had a pre-tour in the Rutherglen, Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road before time on Tasmania’s West Coast. Others overnighted in Albury and met 2 couples who departed Canberra on Sailing Day.
We met up in Glenrowan for a Pit (aka Pub) Stop, where the 1st of a few co-incidences happened: 2 members were on their outback tour and were driving into town just as we left the pub to get to the boat. Unfortunately, no time to share a beer, but a quick hello and we were on our way to the Spirit of Tasmania.
It was a late sailing, 11pm, which meant we were asleep for the not too rough crossing – some were prepared with Motion Sickness aides, others had Ginger Beer for their ‘Travel Calm’.
Sunday 22nd March, all Tassie Tourers met up at the Davenport Motor Show – see previous post – and then our 1st dinner all together was enjoyed at Molly Malones Irish Pub across from our accommodation.
Big shout out to staff at BWS Davenport who let us lock our precious Torries away overnight in their secure parking, which meant we slept really well.
Next day’s destination – The Pub in the Paddock for lunch: great hospitality, fed Priscilla the Pig a Beer and line up for gorgeous photos. Followed by fun Rally style driving down the hills into St Helens for the night.
The usual end of day car checks, beers in the carpark and laughs as we reflected on the day.
Another perfect weather day and we set out to the Bay of Fires, St Helens lookout and through more pretty countryside for a Pub Stop and Shop in St Mary’s. Bakery lunch and then off to the Bicheno Blow Hole. After some wine/beer tasting at The Farm Shed and Bicheno Brewing it was a rest at accom before a good walk to the Lobster Shack Tasmania for a much-anticipated dinner.
Refreshed after good food, lots of laughs, walks and a good sleep, we headed to Freycinet National Park: Coles Bay and Wineglass Bay.
We certainly worked up a good appetite for a late lunch at Devil’s Corner Cellar Door and tastings helped wash away the dust before heading to Swansea for the night – cars washed, driveway drinks and an early one. Coincidence #2 at the winery – a fellow traveller saw us in CTC Club Merchandise and said did 1 of you lose a Beanie: OMG, Rob D had lost it while on the West Coast and here we were 10days later in the same place, their mate had it and will return once they get back to Canberra!!
Awoke early for drive to Eaglehawk Neck attractions, Doo Town & Famous fish’nchips, Tessellated Pavement and then onto Port Arthur. Harbour cruise and tour of only a small portion of an amazing complex.
Made it to Hobart (3-night stay) where we found ourselves at the Shamrock Inn for a great dinner: steaks, beers and hospitality much appreciated. Early night as we needed to be Race Fit for a big morning at Baskerville Raceway. Thanks again to Don Potter from Motorsports Tasmania for an unforgettable experience – see post already uploaded – the Toranas and their drivers did well on the track and managed to enjoy following the Pace car at ‘road speed’. Photo ops galore. A free afternoon to explore and as it was lovely weather, most made it up Mt Wellington to see beautiful Hobart and surrounds.
First day of cloudy/drizzle meant wet weather gear for the Salamanca Markets, did not dampen the atmosphere with plenty of shopping & tastings. Some R&R before afternoon drinks at the Hope and Anchor Hotel. WOW, what a surprise….an unplanned invitation only tour of the upstairs museum courtesy of Tom the Irish Publican. His stories, the historic rooms and resident ghost made for another amazing experience and one we all had a good giggle over for days. Very lucky to get a booking at the Ball and Chain Grill for 5 star service from Kelly and crew, and a great dinner.
Still cloudy but lucky no rain as we departed Hobart, packed and off to our next 3 night destination.
On way there – drove through more pretty country, bakery at Ross, Richmond bridge another bakery then a 2pm arrival at Symmons Plains Raceway. Tony met us for a briefing before leading some very excited Toranas onto the track for more fun laps, safe racing and photos – as per post- on fb page.
Arrival in Launceston to unload vehicles and walk to the Marina for some dinner after working up an appetite. The Leisure Inn Penny Royal a good base to explore the surrounds for a few days – National Automobile Museum of Tasmania, Cataract Gorge, chairlift and some epic sized Sequoias, Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre and Tamar Valley wineries along the way. Shared dinners, wineries/distilleries/breweries, walks, laughs, carpark drinks and more memories made.
The Toranas were treated like movie stars everywhere we went, with many people coming to say Hi and reminisce about their Torana that ‘got away’. Lots of photos taken, thumbs up, comments and “Oh I saw you in the other town” a common phrase heard over the almost 2 week journey.
We also regularly saw some of the Ford Hardtops (there were 180 +- in Tasmania for an Anniversary Show and Shine at a similar time, with a few drivers then taking the opportunity to Taste Tassie too).
Tasmania is an awesome place to visit and thoroughly recommend going as a car group: Historic/Classic Vehicles welcomed with wide open arms and easy-ish to do as short driving stints (especially if you travel with some mechanic minded friends). Popular and accessible -we even saw fellow Canberrerans on their own Tastes of Tassie Tours. Thankyou to all who were there, we all contributed to make it a fantastic holiday. We certainly blazed a trail and our CTC members would be well received when visiting.
The following pictures tell more of the story of a 1000 words has done.
- Chris and Carol M
- Rob and Amanda D
- Mark and Nic R
- Herbie and Cheryl
- Paul and Kylie E
- Tony and Jenn M
- Mark and Michelle J
- Rob and Dale P
- Paul and Pam H