Georgetown, The "Oldest Town" in Australia, and The Low Head Lighthouse

Today brought a lovely tour of a place called Georgetown, and the gorgeous spot where the Low Head Lighthouse is located.

Though Sydney and Hobart were established before Georgetown they are now cities so Georgetown has claimed to be the oldest town in Australia. Our first stop was a monument commemorating the spot where William Patterson first stepped ashore in 1804 and took possession of "the northern territory of Van Diemen's Land" in the name of King George III.

The view is of the Tamar River, an avenue of much commerce through the centuries.

This is a home located across from the monument which struck me as being a typically Australian dwelling.

There were a few grand old trees scattered about but this one had been designated "Pensioners Row, Inc". Not sure what that meant but it did give my uncle a good chuckle.

We headed into town to have lunch at the "oldest pub in the oldest town". I had the fish of the day which was served with chips and a variety of salads.

We took a quick look about the historic area. This is the police station.

The old Watch House that had become the home of "Penguin Tours".

And yes, they really are driving on the wrong side of the road.

It was a scenic drive to our next stop, the Low Head Lighthouse located where the Bass Strait and Tamar River meet.

It looks a bit like it is leaning in this shot but is very well tended. The small gray building houses a huge foghorn that is blown every Sunday at noon by volunteers. I have to believe the sound is awesome.

It is a windswept spot that lent a feeling of the ruggedness of this place.

These buildings have withstood all sorts of harsh weather.

I really fell in love with spot. If one looks out across the ocean you can imagine the mainland out there somewhere, and all the hardy seafolk who made the crossing by ship through the centuries.

It was a calm day and the water splashed playfully on the shoreline rocks. I can only imagine the might of it during a fierce winter storm.

Everywhere I was met with lovely scenes.

We also stopped at the Pilot's House on the way out but that will have to wait for another day as I've run out of steam. Tomorrow we'll be touring the Beaconsfield Mine Museum, which I understand has many wonderful old buildings as well as all sorts of historical artifacts.

So for now, good night from Down Under.