We’re up nice and early, packed and ready to go, but we’re not getting in the car just yet. We’re just a block from Salamanca Markets. There’s a whole street blocked off and full of market stalls to explore. After an hour and a half of browsing and buying, we’re only three quarters of the way through. We need to check out by 10am though and it’s 9:45 already. We walk back, jump in the car and we’ve dropped the keys back at the other end of the docks before 10am.
East Coast Plan
There’s a fairly direct route right up the middle of Tasmania from Hobart to Launceston. We’d be there in less than 2 and a half hours, and there’s no need for a charge on the way, but we don’t take that route. We want to see a bit of the East Coast on our Tackling Tasmania road trip.
Plugging Swansea into ABRP only adds about an hour to the trip and we’ve got wind of a couple of things we’d like to see on the way.
The first thing we spot is Maria Island in the distance. This was yet another convict prison, and is now a National Park. It’s hard to believe that this penal settlement was once infamous for the number of escapes across the water, given the apprent distance. Another thing to put on our list for our next trip.
Swansea – Berry Farms and Wineries
Further up the coast we call in at Kate’s Berry Farm, just to the south of Swansea, where we taste some excellent jams, dried berries and chocolate covered fruits. We leave with a bag full of stuff, including a Cointreau infused raspberry jam. The view from the loo is quite spectacular, although I can’t recommend leaving the door open as it faces the car park. The photo doesn’t really give it justice.
We’ve got wind of a group of wineries up in the hills and decide to make a further detour up into the heights to visit Freycinet Wines. We could have made it to Launceston without a charge, but decide to stop at Swansea for a quick top up to be sure. We need a few supplies and call in to the shops while we charge. Thankfully this charger is adjacent to everythiing we need, and we’re on our way 15 minutes later with plenty of charge.
Freycinet is quite a small winery, but apparently one of the older ones in the area. We taste half a dozen varieties and buy a couple of bottles. It’s very pleasant sitting on the deck in the sun. On the way out, we spot a few bigger wineries in the area. Some include lunch options, but all seem quite busy on this Saturday afternoon.
On to Launceston
We’re keen to get into Launceston, but stop for a snack and a charge at Campbell Town. Once again we drive straight up to the charger and plug right in. There’s a subway, a kebab shop, cafes and playground here. It’s one of the best serviced stops we’ve made anywhere. Not even 15 minutes into the charge, I’m surprised we’re already up over 80% and I’m still waiting for my kebab. I need to hurry back. Bonus! At 89% we’ve got enough in the battery to get to Devonport tomorrow. without charging tonight.
My observations about this charger: despite being very fast, it did get busy being on the main north-south route from Launceston to Hobart. We got right in, but a Tesla came in, looked at the charger then parked nearby. A second Tesla was waiting for us when we returned, so I pulled in to the bay next door to allow him on to the charger while I waited for the family to get back. As electric cars become more common, I expect this charging station will need expanding.
Once again, the charger beat us. We’d overcharged beyond what we needed before we were ready to go. The car was getting the full 225kW the EV6 is capable of when the charge started at 45%. The volvo that was there before us was still there, so I wonder if it was almost completely flat, charges slowly, or the owner just didn’t care that others were waiting.
As we got in to Launceston it was getting cold. We checked in to the hotel. As the car was already well charged, we decided to rest up with a meal in the hotel, rather than venturing out. Sometimes it pays to get a charge in not too far from your destination. Especially if you know there’s no destination charger at your accomodation. We won’t need another charge in Tasmania now. There’s a reason I’ve underlined need, but you’ll need to check back tomorrow to find out why.
