TasWeekend: Bird’s eye view over dramatic coastline

Looking down like an eagle on one of Tasmania’s incredibly scenic coastlines is mesmerising.

Osborne Heli Tours provide an incredible view of the Tasman Peninsula. Picture: Paul Hoelen Photography

WHEN it comes to travelling around the stunning Tasman Peninsula I thought I’d seen it all.

I’d done the touristy things including family trips to the Port Arthur Historic Site, the unique rock formations of the Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch, played hopscotch on the Tessellated Pavement as a child and more recently did an amazing trip on a little yellow boat around the base of the Three Capes Track.

What I hadn’t done, though, was experience it from the air, until I accepted an invitation from Osborne Heli Tours to take one of its scenic flights in the area.

The Port Arthur Historic Site. Picture: Paul Hoelen Photography

We arrived about 10am without a cloud in the sky and with what I thought was not a breath of wind in the air. I’ve flown in my fair share of very small planes as well as a few choppers, so flying holds no great fear for me — or so I thought.

No sooner had we four passengers received the safety briefing than we were ushered to the helicopter, belted into our seats, with life jackets strapped in packets bum-bag style around our waists, and headsets on. As we took off pilot Tom Jackman informed us there was more than a breath of wind around and in fact it had been quite gusty that morning, so we should brace ourselves for turbulence.

My bravado flew out the window. As we ascended rapidly I felt the wind buffeting the chopper and I began to feel slightly anxious and a little sick. I gripped the seat and took a good hold of the safety strap hanging near the door. I was thinking that the doughnut I’d eaten earlier at the Port Arthur General Store wasn’t such a great idea.

Tasman Island and Cape Pillar. Picture: Paul Hoelen

But the higher we climbed, the smoother the ride became and my worries dissipated.

We began the trip circling over dense forest and caught sight of a wedge-tailed eagle wheeling in the sky with a couple of other birds, which were either playing or about to attack each other. Then we headed out over the Port Arthur Historic Site, which, although you can clearly make out the striking main penitentiary building and the church, looks quite small from the air.

We soared over the Isle of the Dead, Point Puer and the Tasman Golf Course and continued south following the towering cliffs of Cape Pillar. Tom told us you could often see adrenalin junkies hanging off its sides taking selfies — definitely not his idea of a good time.

To the left we had a great view of the Three Capes Track and spotted walkers slogging it out with backpacks. The beautiful Tasman Island, with its abandoned homes and exposed, isolated lighthouse (demanned in 1977) came into full view.

It was at this point the trip came into its own and from the air a new perspective opened up.

My butterflies had completely gone and I was mesmerised by the rugged beauty of the dolerite cliffs and wild ocean and breathtaking views. We all kept saying “wow” and “amazing”.

The dramatic coastline of the Tasman Peninsula. Picture: Paul Hoelen Photography

We headed west over Crescent Bay and passed Remarkable Cave before turning southwest towards Cape Raoul and Shipstern Bluff. We didn’t see any brave surfers taking on the infamous Shippies’ break, but on this perfect blue-sky day we could easily spot kunanyi/Mt Wellington in the distance and Bruny Island.

We swung around and headed back for another look at Tasman Island and Cape Hauy and a final glimpse of the Three Capes Track.

Before I knew it the 30-minute trip was over and we were back on solid ground all too soon. What a privilege to spend a morning soaring like a wedge-tail witnessing some of the most spectacular scenery on our island.

The writer was a guest of Osborne Heli Tours.

MAKE A NOTE:

Getting there: Osborne Heli Tours airbase is at the southern end of the Tasman Peninsula at Port Arthur, a 90-minute drive (95km) southeast of Hobart on the Tasman (A3) and Arthur (A9) highways.

Flying high: The Two Capes & Tasman 30-minute flight costs $285 per person*. The 15-minute Sea Cliffs & Convicts flight costs $145 per person. *All flights are subject to a minimum of two passengers, availability, weather and Osborne Heli Tours’ terms and conditions. Bookings, phone [phone] or email [e-mail]

While there: Tour the World Heritage Port Arthur Historic Site and discover the buildings, ruins and stories of a convict past; come face-to-face with Tassie’s unique wildlife at the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo; take a Tasman Island Cruise on one of Rob Pennicott’s yellow boats; and eat at the Doo-lishus food van at the Blow Hole at Eaglehawk Neck, the Port Arthur Lavender Farm or on the way back drop into Dunalley Waterfront Cafe, Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed or the Dunalley Fish Market on the wharf.

Staying there: There’s a variety of accommodation on the peninsula, including Stewarts Bay Lodge, the Lufra Hotel and Apartments, Stewarts Bay Beach House, the Port Arthur Motor Inn and the Port Arthur Holiday Park.