Overlooking Wynyard is Table Cape and its beautiful lighthouse. Table Cape was named by Matthew Flinders and George Bass in 1798. Farming commenced on the flat fertile land of the promontory in the 1820s and continues today. A tulip farm is prominent.
It was a dangerous and rocky coastline: the need for the warning of ships, servicing the burgeoning timber industry and farms, led to the commissioning of the lighthouse which opened in 1888. Sadly the opening was marred by the tragic death of the lighthouse keeper's infant son.
Soon a small community surrounded the lighthouse perched on the cliffs high above the sea even boasting a school. Unfortunately one of students playing a game of rolling rocks to the edge of the cliff slipped and fell to his death. He was 8 years old.
The site also held a semaphore station for signalling ships, several cottages, outbuildings, gardens and a lake.
Today, over 130 years later, it is still operational, although now automated flashing its warning to shipping. Only the now gleaming, white lighthouse remains - the other buildings deemed unsafe and removed in the 1920s. Tours of 10 people at a time on weekends reflect the number of people invited inside in 1888.
I didn't linger very long - the wind was blowing a gale and a sea mist obscured what is usually a panoramic view.
An excellent example of engineering from the 1880s, built from bricks bought from Victoria as ballast and transported to the site from Wynyard by Bullock dray. A remarkable feature on several levels!
On to Stanley for three nights. I am staying at the old Stanley Hotel - it's quirky, old and full of steep staircases. I couldn't carry my suitcase upstairs - so I had to put my stuff in my backpack! Talk about living out of the boot! Sometimes my enthusiasm for history overcomes my practicality!
It was built in 1847 by a man originally sent to Van Diemen's land at 15 years of age for poaching rabbits. He settled in Stanley where he married ( his descendants still live in the area), became a successful businessman, host and fine citizen. His establishment was described by a traveller in 1853 as "a good and comfortable hotel...with many good and well-furnished rooms... and attentive to guests". The current owners strive to provide the same service.
My room is at the front, overlooking the main street- hopefully quiet despite the town being full of tourists!
I am hopeful tomorrow will be fine!
you could certainly start your first book you write a very descriptive historical story. I hope some sunshine comes your way soon its very overcast here and the odd drizzle. Keep safe and dry.
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