Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries Series 3 Costume Exhibition at Rippon Lea Estate

It’s the post (some of) you have been waiting for! (Please don’t get freaked out by the word count; it’s largely from the photo captions.)

This one’s for all the people who like looking at my photos from my previous Miss Fisher’s costume exhibition post. (And for any lady looking for gorgeous, fashionable, and sassy costume ideas for a 1920’s party and who doesn’t just want to go as a flapper.)

For the rest of my patient followers, I’m sorry if this one bores you to tears. I hope you’re Miss Fisher fans, too?

I bought our tickets prior to the exhibition opening in May, and have only just gotten around to going! Shame on me. Luckily it turned out to be a lovely day to visit. The driveway up to the Rippon Lea mansion was bursting with colour and looked more attractive than ever!

I love the driveway at Rippon Lea Estate

Good thing we had prepaid tickets – even though there wasn’t (at this point) a queue out the door, the staff were telling other visitor arriving behind us that they had to wait before being admitted if they hadn’t purchased their tickets online. But there was a cafe set up in the old stables around the corner, so I guess waiting there was nicer than standing around out the front.

The ticket booth was out the front of the mansion this year, if you hadn’t prepaid

After we heard the usual “Don’t touch the costumes. No flash photography.” speech, we were let loose to wander and sigh over Marion Boyce’s creations to our hearts content. And there was a lot of ooh-ing and aah-ing going on.

I started in the conservatory, where the tennis outfits from Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder” were displayed.

Phryne’s tennis outfits

Your blogger, hard at work in the conservatory, trying to photograph every detail – photo by @s_powell

Phryne’s Tennis Coat & Tennis Outfit, Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder”

Phryne’s Tennis Coat – 1920’s buttercup silk velvet jacket (courtesy of Adrienne O’Brien), with winter white silk faile tunic and pant.

1920’s Bakelite carved buckle (yellow flower and leaf pattern with black highlighting and jewelled metal clasp)

Phryne’s tennis hats

Phryne’s white fine straw hat with yellow feather trim

Phryne’s fine straw hat with petersham and 1920’s rosette

Phryne’s white silk embossed bias cut dress with white velvet burnout coat with godets

Sleeve of Phryne’s white velvet burnout coat

Phryne’s tennis shoes

Story behind Phryne’s lemon velvet burnout coat

Marion Boyce on choosing tennis outfits

Detective Inspector Jack Robinson’s Tennis Outfit, also from Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder”

Jack’s tennis outfit – silk shirt with wollen vest, grey wool flannel trouser (& blazer?) with grey knit tie (& staw panama?)

Detail of DI Jack Robinson’s wiollen vest and tie

The American tennis player, Angela’s, St Tropez inspired outfit from Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder”

St Tropez inspired leisure wear patterned silk chiffon dress, black silk satin short, black straw hat w matching scarf, 1920’s bakelite sunglasses & ivory bangle & necklace – worn by American tennis player ‘Angela’

Detail of ivory necklace, button and St Tropez inspired dress

Marion Boyce on the St Tropez outfit

Angela’s Tennis Soiree Dress from Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder”

Tennis Soiree Dress worn by ‘Angela’ – red devore dress and cape with mango silk slip, and 1920’s silk velvet handbag with Lucite clasp

Tennis Soiree Dress worn by ‘Angela’

Comments on Angela’s Tennis Soiree Dress

Blue Sequin Teal Sheer Dress, worn by ‘Pearl’ (aka the victim) in episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Blue Sequin Teal Sheer Dress, worn by ‘Pearl’

Detail of pearlescent sequins mounted on silk chiffon

Bloodied pearl headpiece worn by ‘Pearl

Comments on Pearl’s Blue Sequin Teal Sheer Dress

Dr Elizabeth MacMillan’s Tuxedo, worn in Episode 8 “Death do us Part”

Dr Mac’s Tuxedo – waistcoat of embroidered silk crepe, raw silk blouse, wool tuxedo with silk lapels

Detail of Dr Mac’s waistcoat

Comments on Dr Elizabeth MacMillan’s Tuxedo

Phryne’s “Smokey” Dress worn in Episode 4 “Blood and Money”

Phyrne’s “Smokey” dress – silk chiffon with bugle beads and luminescent discs. Crystal beaded straps and smokey mauve silk under slip. 1920’s French diamante necklace – front view

Details of Phyrne’s “Smokey” dress – silk chiffon with bugle beads and luminescent discs. Crystal beaded straps and smokey mauve silk under slip. 1920’s French diamante necklace

Phyrne’s “Smokey” dress – silk chiffon with bugle beads and luminescent discs. Crystal beaded straps and smokey mauve silk under slip. 1920’s French diamante necklace, back view

Comments on Phryne’s dress ‘Smokey’

Phryne’s dress “The Italian” worn in Episode 3 “Murder & Mozzarella”

Phyrne’s dress “The Italian” – black beaded Chantilly lace dress, purple silk under slip, with 1920’s gold and crystal pendant

Detail of Phyrne’s “The Italian” bodice and pendant – black beaded Chantilly lace dress, purple silk under slip, with 1920’s gold and crystal pendant

Comments on Phryne’s dress ‘The Italian’

Phryne’s Liquid Flame Dress from Episode 7, “Game, Set & Murder”

Phryne’s “Liquid Flame Dress” – Cotton net with bugle beads. Black stretch net petticoat, Crimson sequined shawl with black silk chiffon backing. 1920’s diamante drop necklace

Comments on Phryne’s Liquid Flame Dress

Pharynx’s Gold Beaded Dress worn in Episode 8 “Death do us Part”

Phryne’s Gold Beaded Dress – Cotton and metallic with bugle beads, and gold tulle petticoat, metallic net scarf and gold & crystal headpiece – front view

Phryne’s Gold Beaded Dress – Cotton and metallic with bugle beads, and gold tulle petticoat, metallic net scarf and gold & crystal headpiece – side view

Details of Phryne’s gold and crystal headpiece

Comments on Phryne’s Gold Beaded Dress

Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel Dress, worn in Episode 6 “Death at the Grand”

“The Grand Hotel Dress” worn by ‘Aunt Prudence’ – original 1920’s dress converted into a tabard. Black Chantilly lace middle layer slip, silver Lurex pattern

Detail of Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel dress collar

Detail of Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel dress sleeve

Detail of Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel dress sleeve cuff

Detail of Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel dress waist and skirt

Comments on Aunt Prudence’s Grand Hotel Dress

Cec ‘n’ Bert and spoils of war (i.e. props)

Phryne, Cec and Jack

Some of Mr Buttler’s props

Looks like someone’s robbed a bank

Some more props – can’t forget that microphone (or skull)

A jewelled hair clip with a Police Evidence Tag

Carpet travel bag and money, stolen from the Grand Hotel

Half a face and some daggers

Tins of tomato paste

Comments on sourcing materials and props – Robert Perkins, Production Designer

Bert’s Outfit

Bert’s costume – Cotton twill dust-coat, cotton shirt with wool vest, heavy work wear linen pants

Detail of Bert’s shirt, vest and dust-coat

Cec’s Outfit

Cec’s costume – Woollen flatcap, Cotton twill dust-coat, cotton short and vest, original cotton drill work wear pants

Details of Cec’s vest and shirt collars

Detail of Cec’s vest, belt, coat and pants

Detail of Cec’s flat cap

Jack’s Suit

Jack’s Suit – Navy blue woollen three-piece suit with cream silk shirt, maroon and cream knit woollen tie. Taupe with silk shot lining overcoat and brown felt fedora

Detail of Jack’s tie and shirt

Phryne’s Detective Outfit

Phryne’s Detective outfit – Black and white circle print silk blouse with scarf, black faille camisole and trousers, cream linen coat and cream detective hat, cream crotched and leather driving gloves

Detail of Phryne’s cream detective hat

Detail of Phryne’s driving gloves

There were Dot, Phryne and Aunt P’s costumes in the next room, which was set up to look like Phryne’s living room…

Phryne and Dot in the living room

Moving into the living room

Dot’s Peach Theatre Dress, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Dot’s “Peach Theatre Dress” – Peach silk chiffon with tea coloured 1920’s lace pieces remounted. Mango silk slip

Detail of Dot’s Peach Theatre Dress collar

Detail of Dot’s Peach Theatre Dress waist band and skirt

Detail of Dot’s Peach Theatre Dress’ skirt (left side view)

Detail of Dot’s Peach Theatre Dress sleeve and cuff

Phryne’s Italian Blouse, worn in Episode 3 “Murder & Mozzarella”

Phryne’s “Italian Blouse” Silk Chiffon check louse with black faille camisole and trouser. Deep pile felt hate with feathers

Detail of Phryne’s silk chiffon check “Italian Blouse” and black faille camisole

Phryne’s Deep pile felt hat with feathers by Rose Hudson, worn with “Italian Blouse”

Phryne’s Pebble Coat, worn in Episode 6 “Death at the Grand”

Phryne’s “Pebble Coat” – patterned silk chiffon coat with side godets. Mushroom silk faille tunic and pant. Red straw hat with patterned silk chiffon trim by Rose Hudson

Side view of Phryne’s “Pebble Coat” showing side godets

Detail of front of Phryne’s “Pebble Coat”

Detail of Phryne’s cuff on “Pebble Coat”

Detail of Phryne’s red straw hat matched with “Pebble Coat”

Comments on Phryne’s ‘Pebble Coat’

Phryne’s Coral Dream Coat, worn in Episode 2 “Murder & the Maiden”

Phryne’s “Coral Dream-coat” – silk shot velvet coat, grey faille tunic and trousers, 1920’s straw beret with feather embellishment by Rose Hudson

Godet detail in Phryne’s “Coral Dream-coat”

Bead detail on hem of Phryne’s “Coral Dream-coat”

Cuff detail on Phryne’s “Coral Dream-coat”

Detail of Phryne’s 1920’s straw beret with feather embellishment by Rose Hudson, matched with “Coral Dream-coat”

Rear detail of Phryne’s 1920’s straw beret with feather embellishment by Rose Hudson, matched with “Coral Dream Coat”

Side detail of Phryne’s 1920’s straw beret with feather embellishment by Rose Hudson, matched with “Coral Dream Coat”

Phryne’s Maroon Spot Fill Coat, worn in Episode 5 “Death & Hysteria”

Phryne’s “Maroon Spot Frill Coat” with mushroom silk lining, sand silk faille tunic and pant, and 1920’s fine straw hat with feathers and hand-dyed silk organza petals by Mandy Murphy

Front of Phryne’s Maroon Spot Frill Coat

Collar detail of Phryne’s Maroon Spot Frill Coat

Cuff detail on Phryne’s Maroon Spot Frill Coat

Detail of Phryne’s 1920’s fine straw hat with feathers and hand-dyed silk organza petals, matched with Maroon Spot Frill Coat

Phyrne’s Chinoise Coat, worn in Episode 2 “Murder & the Maiden”

Phryne’s Chinoise Coat – Black and midnight blue and purple Chinoise with purple silk trims. Original 1920’s silk embroidered motifs. Navy faille camisole and trousers. Blue silk organza floral brooch (courtesy of Lyn Smith) and Purple felt cloche with 1920’s embroidered motif by Rose Hudson

Detail of Phryne’s Chinoise Coat – purple cuffs and trims

Collar detail of Phryne’s Chinoise Coat

Detail of Phryne’s Chinoise Cost

Detail of Phryne’s purple felt cloche hat with 1920’s embroidered motif by Rose Hudson, matched with Chinoise Coat

Aunt Prudence’s Floral Dress, worn in Episode 5 “Death & Hysteria”

Aunt Prudence’s Floral Dress – patterned textured floral silk chiffon dress Original early 1920’s cream handmade needle late collar. Cream silk slip. Diamante brooch reproduction of a Raj

Bodice detail of Aunt Prudence’s Floral Dress

Lace detail of Aunt Prudence’s Floral Dress and reproduction Raj brooch

Brown felt hat on Aunt Prudence model with brown ribbon and flower on decoration. (No formal descripton provided)

Comments on Aunt P’s Floral Dress

The next room was devoted to Phryne’s costumes worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Cage that Phryne has to escape from in

Phryne’s costumes from Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Imperial Blue Embroidered Kimono, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Imperial Blue Embroidered Kimono – 1920’s embossed and embroidered silk, courtesty of Katrina Pickering

Detail of Phryne’s Imperial Blue Embroidered Kimono – front sash

Detail of Phryne’s Imperial Blue Embroidered Kimono – left side

Phryne’s Mermaid Coat, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Mermaid Coat – Whisper green tinted silk chiffon with turquoise and green embroidery. Sea green and silver net lining. Shot blue silk organza scarf and bind. Fine straw hat with 1920’s pompom organza and feather by Rose Hudson

Detail of Phryne’s Mermaid Coat – embroidery on bodice

Detail of Phryne’s Mermaid Coat – sleeve embroidery and cuff

Detail of Phryne’s Mermaid Coat – embroidery detail and net lining

Phryne’s fine straw hat with 1920’s blue pompom organza and feather, by Rose Hudson, matched with Mermaid Coat

Phryne’s Mermaid Costume, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Mermaid Costume from front – antique luminescent sequins and gold Lurex. Shot sea green metalic thread fabrication with antique gold metalic threat bind tail. Gold turban with green crystal beads

Detail of scales on Phryne’s Mermaid Costume from front

Phryne’s Mermaid Costume from behind – antique luminescent sequins and gold Lurex. Shot sea green metalic thread fabrication with antique gold metalic threat bind tail. Gold turban with green crystal beads

Detail of Phryne’s Mermaid Costume from behind

Detail of Phryne’s gold turban worn with Mermaid Costume

Phryne’s Black and Gold Lace Dress, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Black and Gold Lace Dress – Black net with burnished gold floral embroidered design and edging with burnished gold lace border. Black silk slip. 1920’s clasp gold with floral pearl details. Antique tulle wrap with burnished gold lace border

Detail of Phryne’s Black and Gold Lace Dress – front to waist

Detail of Phryne’s 1920’s gold clasp with floral pearl details on Black and Gold Lace Dress

Detail of wide burnished gold lace border on Phryne’s Black and Gold Lace Dress

Phryne’s Lace Tabard, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Lace Tabard – left side profile – French navy lace and beaded tabard with bias cut midnight blue slip with diamond tabs

Detail of diamond tabs on Phryne’s Lace Tabard

Phryne’s Lace Tabard – extra lace forms a cape attached to a bangle

Phryne’s Lace Tabard – front profile – French navy lace and beaded tabard with bias cut midnight blue slip with diamond tabs

Leaving Episode 1 and moving upstairs…

Phryne’s Twilight Ruffle Dress (one of my favourite ensembles!), worn in Episode 5, “Death & Hysteria”

Phryne’s Twilight Ruffle Dress – 1920’s twilight blue embossed silk bias cut with blue lace capelet. Navy lace handbag. Green fine straw hat with green feather trim, by Gareth Blaha. Hand painted and lacquered parasol

Phryne’s Twlight Ruffle Dress & Blue Lace Capelet & matching handbag from front

Detail of Phryne’s Twilight Ruffle Dress and Capelet

Detail of Phryne’s blue lace capelet, won with Twilight Ruffle Dress

Detail of Phryne’s navy lace handbag – same fabric as capelet of Twilight Ruffle Dress

Detail of Phryne’s Twlight Ruffle Dress – ruffles in the skirt

Detail of Phryne’s Green fine straw hat with green feather trim by Gareth Blaha

Comments on Phryne’s Twilight Ruffle Dress and matching the hat

Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock, worn in Episode 6 “Death at the Grand”

Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock – from front – 1920’s olive embossed silk boas cut silk chiffon inserts. Antique brass buckle with antique gold chain and beads, tabard back and godet sides. Olive feather stole

Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock – left side view – 1920’s embossed silk bias cut silk chiffon inserts. Antique brass buckle with antique gold chain and beads, tabard back and godet sides, olive feather stole

Detail of Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock – tabard join at left hip and beading across pelvis

Detail of neckline on Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock – 1920’s olive embossed silk, antique gold chain

Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock from behind – showing tabard back, antique gold chain and antique brass buckle

Detail of Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock – Antique brass buckle, godet, and antique gold chain

Comments on Phryne’s Antique Olive Dinner Frock

It wasn’t just room after room of costumes… In one of the back corner rooms upstairs, visitors were invited to draw their own costume designs for Phryne…

A chance to design your own costume for Miss Phryne Fisher

…and in the next room we discovered a mock-up of the sewing/designing workroom, and some of the stories behind what goes into making these fabulous creations.

In the sewing room (mock-up)

Shawls and wraps, the one on the ironing board is being worked on

In the costume designers workroom

Feathers and beads – all fascinating!

Test patches for the embroidery on Phryne’s Funeral Coat, marks of the Bottletop Gang, and scales for Mermaid costumes

Sequin ‘scales’ in a goblet, ready to be sewn with gold thread

Phryne’s Chinoise Coat, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Chinoise Coat – Eggshell blue chinoise with silver silk trim, grey silk scarf with embroidery

Detail of Phryne’s Chinoise Coat – buttons and pocket

Detail on Phryne’s Chinoise Coat – embroidery, sleeve cuff and pocket

Pharynx’s House Coat, worn in Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder”

Phryne’s House Coat – 1920’s silk organza with silk embroidered butterflies and remounted cotton and metallic embellishments

Detail of Phryne’s House Coat – collar and fastenings

Detail of Phryne’s House Coat – embroidered butterflies

Detail of Phryne’s House Coat – fastenings and front embroidery

Phryne’s Mint Tabard Dress, worn in Episode 1 “Death Defying Feats”

Phryne’s Mint Tabard Dress – 1920’s green silk net with luminescent sequins and bugle beads

Large green beads being attached to Phryne’s Mint Tabard Dress

Comments on Phryne’s Mint Tabard Dress

Phryne’s Lace Bolero (Not yet worn in series!)

Phryne’s Lace Bolero – Turquoise silk needle lace with vintage silk ribbon (not worn yet)

Phryne’s Funeral Coat, worn in Episode 3 “Murder & Mozzarella”

Phryne’s Funeral Coat – Black silk with black silk velvet ribbon with hand-dyed embroidery

Detail of Phryne’s Funeral Coat embroidery

Comments on Phryne’s Funeral Coat

Phryne’s Morning “Muppet” Set, worn in Episode 7 “Game, Set & Murder” and dressing table

Phryne’s Morning ‘Muppet’ Set – Salmon rose silk pyjama set with Peach pink and tangerine marabou capelet with peach silk tie

Detail of Phryne’s Morning ‘Muppet’ Set – embroidered Salmon rose silk pyjama set with peach pink and tangerine marabou capelet with peach silk tie

Detail of Phryne’s Morning ‘Muppet’ Set – embroidery on pant leg

Comments on Phryne’s Morning ‘Muppet’ Set

Phryne’s dressing table

Phryne’s dragon-backed brush and mirror set

Phryne’s beauty products

Phryne’s Silk Kimono, worn in Episode 7, “Game, Set & Murder” and bathroom items

Phryne’s Silk Kimono – Patterned chiffon bas with Lurex threads, black Russia braid trim with antique gold frogs and 1920’s crystal drops

Detail of Phryne’s Silk Kimono – back crystal drops

Detail of Phryne’s Silk Kimono sleeve cuff

Front detail of Phryne’s Silk Kimono and silver pearl silk camisole

Comments on Phryne’s Silk Kimono

Phryne’s house (bathroom?) slippers

Bathroom essentials in the 1920’s

Medicinal supplies from the 1920’s, on display in the hallway

Phryne’s Day Ensemble, worn in Episode 8 “Death do us Part”

Phryne’s Day Ensemble – pink champagne printed silk blouse with cream silk jersey camisole, and navy faille trousers

Front detail of Phryne’s Day Ensemble

Detail of Phryne’s sleeve – Day Ensemble

Blouse hem detail of Phryne’s Day Ensemble

Constable Hugh Collins Police Uniform, courtesy of the Victorian Police Museum

Constable Hugh Collins – Police Uniform – courtesty of the Victorian Police Museum

Constable Hugh Collins uniform

Button on Hugh’s police jacket

And there, in the final room for the day, was a display of a selection of Phryne’s accessories, from the private collection of Marion Boyce.

Items in the first display case:

A collection of Phryne’s bags, clasps, purses and jewellery

Amethyst necklace

Beaded drawstring and clasp bags, jewelled brooch and necklace

Black and cream embroidered clasp clutch

Black beaded back with floral design and gold snake-chain handle

Black beaded clasp with three flower design, and beaded handle

Black beaded clasp with three flower design, and beaded handle

Black velvet bach with gold chain and jewelled clasp

Blue and gold embroidered clasp clutch bag

Blue beaded clasp handbag

Blue beaded woven handbag

Blue cloth clasp handbags

Blue crocheted clasp handbag

Brooch and bracelet

Chain purse with green velvet ribbon tie

Clasps, necklaces, bangles, brooches, bracelets – beads, gems, bakelite, red velvet

Floral brooches

Gold bracelet (didn’t photograph well) and red bead bangle

Grey pearl, green gem and gold leaf necklace. Amethyst and antique gold or brass necklace

Grey woven clasp handbag

Jade bracelets with gold features

Jade necklaces, blue flower hairclip, green brooch

Jade pendant

Olive green sequin and beaded clasp clutch handbag

Red Chinese brooch, orange bangle, diamonte bracelet, red beaded bracelet, necklace

Rose-silver sequined and gold clasp, black beaded clasp and a red chinese brooch

Items in the second display case:

Brooch (I think)

Bow and leaf design brooches

Diamond bracelet

Diamond bracelet and necklace

Gold arm bangle, brooches, yellow leather bag with fine gold lines and a beaded clasp

Gold beaded handbag with clasp, gold necklace with amber pendant, gold link bracelet, jewelled brooches

Gold fine chain purse with jewelled clasp, brooches

Gold sequined claps handbag and antique gold leaf and flower hair slide

Head piece I think – I’m not sure what this is

Jewelled antique gold hair slide with leaf pattern

Jewelled brooch

Jewelled brooch

Jewelled flower brooch with large gems

Jewelled hair slides

Jewelled hair slides and brooch

Jewelled necklaces and brooch

Jewelled necklaces and brooches

Jewelled star burst brooch with twisted arms

Jewelled starburst brooch

Necklace – string of 7 diamonds

Ornate jewelled hair slide

Pearl brooch and jewelled flower-shaped brooch

Phryne’s gold and pearl-handled revolver, pistol, Smith & Wesson

Sequined collar

Yellow floral brooch, possibly made of bakelite

Somewhat mind-blowing to think this was just a selection of Phryne’s accessories. Imagine how much more there is!

If you are a fan of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries (#MFMM) and have a chance to see the costume exhibition – hopefully they take it on tour, like last time – I think it’s well worth it, and our tickets were not expensive at $20 each. If it doesn’t tour to your part of the world, I hope my post has brought you some satisfaction.

If you haven’t seen my other posts on the previous MFMM costume exhibition or Rippon Lea Estate, why not take a moment to check them out now? I’ve also posted about the (rather smaller) Doctor Blake costume exhibition that was on display in Ballarat last June (2014).

: )

Something To Write Home About

As I wrote in my Drive-by Photography post, taking a good photo from a moving car can be a challenge. It’s a good feeling when you’re reviewing photos and find a few have turned out just as you’d hoped.

This was of those photos, even though at first glance it might seem to be of nothing much:

“The road hugs the Orford River”

Of course, I had no idea that it would end up here:

Spirit of Tasmania ad from The Age newspaper

Let me explain…

I love Tasmania. The island captured my heart on my first trip there.

To express this love, just over a year ago I created a series of pages on my blog that you will find if you look up at the top right of the screen and click on Tasmania – A Treasure Island (or hover over for the drop-down list of related pages). I’d already written what Stephen called ‘Dayna’s Lonely Planet Guide to Tasmania’ for a friend, and I’d subsequently passed it on to a couple more people who wanted tips on where to go and what to see in Tassie – by putting my email online, I was mainly adding photos and making it viewable by everyone.

What about the photo then?

As is our habit, Stephen does the driving while I keep my camera handy and entertain the driver (quizzes, I-spy, etc) as and when required. Although, when we’re driving around Tassie, there’s more opportunity for photography than call for keeping Stephen alert behind the wheel.

You may have noticed that my posts are generally long – yes, I freely admit it. But I like detail. Which is why I included my above photo on my Freycinet & The East Coast page.

Had I not, it wouldn’t have been seen by the Spirit of Tasmania’s media agent, and someone else’s photo would have been used in this ad.

So the moral of the post is – keep posting! You never know who’s looking at your blog.

Oh, and visit Tasmania! Drive there if you can. You may fall in love in love with it, too.

: )

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse – 11-13 March 2014 (Part 2)

Rest day at the Lightstation

Thanks to stretching adequately after the walk last night, climbing down from the top bunk wasn’t painful this morning, although an extra rung at the bottom of the ladder would have been helpful…

Another bottom rung wouldn’t have gone astray. It was a bit of a long step down in the morning.

Sunrise was beautiful. I might have been the only one out taking full advantage of it – I’m not 100% sure as I didn’t turn around to check, but I didn’t hear anyone else up and about.

Dawn’s glow on the clouds behind the Lighthouse

Glowing clouds in the east

The sun’s almost peaking through

Good morning Starshine!

Bright light along the veranda heralds a fabulous day

Yesterday we had arranged a lightstation tour for 10am today with Renata. Our tour started in the museum at the base of the lighthouse and heard how the lightstation used to also be a radar station during WWII. RAAF personnel were stationed on the point also; there are a number of photos from this time and physical remnants left on the point. The museum is open to the public.

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After that we were allowed into the lighthouse! The lighthouse is still owned, operated and maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and public access is available only to groups under the supervision of a Park Ranger. At a height of only 19m (I think that’s to the beacon – the balcony is a couple of metres below) it’s not a big climb. Because the lighthouse sits atop granite cliffs the elevation above sea level is 117m, giving the beacon’s range 18 nautical miles (33km). Given the number of rocks and islands in this part of Bass Strait, the channel is reasonably narrow, and thus the lighthouse remains a very important visual navigation aid to sea-going vessels. There are also a couple of off-shore lights and lighthouses to help ships navigate Bass Strait.

The way is open – entering the lighthouse

The top platform beneath the lantern, which is as far as the public is allowed

Looking up to the light

How blue is the ocean!? I could gaze at it all day!

The top of the lighthouse from the platform

The buildings of Wilsons Promontory Lightstation from the top of the lighthouse

The bay to the west

Stephen & me

AMSA certificate for 150 years of service (lit 15 July 1859) & previous methods of illumination

Going down – the granite here is marvellous

Another perspective

Window in the lighthouse

Four lighthouse keepers and their families lived here, although the only original buildings left from that time are the cottage that we stayed in (Cottage #2) and the lighthouse itself. There was no road to the lightstation, so if anyone had to leave (e.g. for serious medical care) it was a long, hard journey back to civilisation – probably all the way back to Foster or Fish Creek. The township at Tidal River wasn’t constructed until 1946, and even the earlier camp at Darby River wasn’t established until the early 1900’s (when The Prom was given National Park status).

Read more about the details and history of the lighthouse here.

Renata also offered (and we accepted) a look in the other accommodation cottages available, as no one was in them at the time. Here’s a marked-up photo to help set the scene:

Note: the drinking tap I’ve highlighted on the centre path is provided primarily for day visitors. Overnight guests have the same fresh, filtered water from the convenience of taps in the cottages.

Parks Victoria Rangers Cottage (cottage #3) where you check in – if you’re not met at the top of the path like we were, after dragging yourself up the hill!

Parks Victoria Rangers Cottage & site of Victorian State School No 2278 for 6 months in 1880

The newly renovated Couples Cottage (Cottage #4) is amazing! Such a view to the west! And there’s a window facing east in the bedroom. How can they make you leave after just two nights? The additional charge to stay here also includes a queen size bed and linen – that’ll make the pack a bit lighter! Definitely choosing this option next time.

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Cottage no 5 at the end of the row is another multi-share cottage. Colin was busy painting inside when we visited, so we didn’t go through every room. Less spacious than the old lighthouse keepers cottage that we were staying in, but comfortable and probably the coziest in winter.

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Finally, Cottage No 2 – the original Lighthouse Keepers Cottage – our home away from home for the two nights we were lucky to be there.

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And separately, the kitchen! Let there be no more surprises here – there is a refrigerator, microwave, microwavable containers in the cupboards, gas oven and stovetop, plenty of pots, pans, dishes, plates, utensils, chopping boards, glasses, mugs – and a spare food draw!

Kitchen cupboards, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, etc – and Stephen doing the dishes

Gas oven & stovetop

Pots, pans & baking trays

Kitchen draws – cutlery & utensils

Kitchen draws – Knives (not the sharpest), peelers & more utensils

Soon the first day visitors had arrived. Without packs, not wearing what I’d call hiking gear, and carrying only disposable (thin plastic) drink bottles. We were somewhat surprised by their attire. It’s as though they weren’t miles from anywhere, but at a local park.

Renata said they average 30-40 day visitors per day (a significant flaw in an otherwise perfect location – the presence of other people). Sure, the lighthouse may only be an interesting side trip for most people walking between Waterloo Bay and Roaring Meg camp sites, but surely that only explains the lack of backpacks?

Day visitors to the lighthouse – people hike like this?

If one of these young blokes (or girls, but the majority were young blokes) dropped their plastic water bottle and it broke, he’d better hope he could reply on a friend to share water with him until the next stop. They mightn’t be walking 25km in one go like we were, but if it was a hot day like yesterday, being one bottle down (assuming they had more than one) was a serious blow all the same. The owners of Black Cockatoo Cottages told us they hadn’t had rain this year, and the park at the end of summer was definitely looking dry. We were carrying water purification tablets, but I doubt these kids were, or had anything similar, and it’s not safe to drink the water straight from the creeks.

Don’t get me started on their shoes!

When the lightstation was first built back in the 1850’s, equipment and supplies were brought in by boat every six months. A flying fox was set up from a site just below the hill known as the ‘eastern landing’ to the top of the point, because even just lugging yourself up the hill in those days must have been much more of a challenge – there wasn’t a nice concrete path back then! There was a western landing used at one time too, but the eastern side proved better (probably more sheltered from the prevailing winds). Offloading cargo from either side was tricky business at the best of times.

After lunch we decided to brave the steep path once again to see the eastern landing.

There used to be a flying fox to haul supplies up the hill from the dock at east landing

The remnants of the flying fox and the east bay where the supplies were brought in

Walking down the hill is easier than walking up was yesterday (hmmm, no surprise there), but I was very glad that we weren’t wearing back packs today.

The path down the hill from the lightstation. It is every bit as steep as it looks and possibly more.

We continue straight on to the East Landing, instead of turning off to the path on the left we came in on

There’s no beach or convenient looking place for a swim – something that used to torment the early lighthouse keepers during hot summer days. I think Renata said seals are sometimes seen on the rocks. The deep, clear water and healthy kelp attached to the rocks looks like great seal habitat.

Nice big hazard warning signs, but you couldn’t wish for better conditions than what we enjoyed

Eastern Landing!

These granite slabs are huge and beautiful

It’s so similar to northern and eastern Tasmania – we are so close here, so it’s not that surprising

I did’t even see the steps until after… to busy having fun climbing around the rocks!

The blue, blue sea. I wasn’t thinking of a swim… more along the lines of seals and sharks?

A deep circular pool full of life that scuttled into the depths when I approached

There were quite a few crabs in crevices. “Don’t look!” one might be saying to the other

Some of the marine life in the circular rock pool

A silver gull

Looking back up the hill at the lightstation

The platform where the crane to help unload the boats would have been bolted

A blue-tongue lizard sunning itself on the path

The oranged rocks are so reminiscent of the north and eastern coast of Tasmania – which is not very far away, so it’s hardly a surprise.

We discovered that walking up the hill isn’t half as bad when you’re refreshed and not carrying a heavy pack. Still very steep though.

The rest of the afternoon was passed lounging around drinking wine (trying to finish it so we didn’t have to carry it out), eating cheese (trying to finish it so we didn’t have to carry it out), then taking a stroll around the place to walk off the wine and cheese before dinner.

Enjoying wine and cheese on the veranda

Information on the Bureau of Meterology’s weather station at the lightstation

White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor)

The swamp wallabies and wombats do well at keeping down the grass

Swampies camouflage very well

I saw a juvenile White-bellied Sea-eagle too, but without significantly more zoom than what currently I’ve got I can’t show you a decent photo, so you’re just going to have to take my word for it. I was pretty chuffed when I realised what I had seen.

Other hikers planning to stay had arrived and that night not only was our cottage full (sleeping 10 in 4 rooms) but people had arrived to stay at the couple’s cottage next to the rangers cottage. I bet they wished they had come for more than one night! (Neal and Elle reported that you can’t book accommodation at the lightstation for a Thursday night).

Sunset was in a gorgeous purple theme…

Dusk at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

Sunset colours the clouds at Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

It’s too beautiful an evening to be inside

Wilsons Prom Lighthouse and Rodondo Island

Sunset from the corner garden

Purple hued sunset

Unlike the previous night when it (actually!) rained, tonight was clear and had the bonus of a more-than-half-full waxing moon. After dinner we grabbed torches and cameras and went out.

The wombat and baby had already been spotted earlier (in the back garden) but heading to the top of the path we again disturbed the pair of swamp wallabies as we took photos of the moonlight on the eastern bay.

The moon shines brightly on a calm ocean

Torches not required with a moon this bright

Approaching it’s 155th anniversary, the lighthouse shines on

The lightstation at night

You can just make out the mother wombat & young near the light in the garden

A glowing beacon in the velvety night

The lighthouse and cottages at Wilsons Promontory National Park Lightstation

Stephen noticed he didn’t really need his torch to find wombats – he could hear them chewing as he was positioning his camera to photograph something else! They’re noisy enough when they’re only about a metre away. I guess you should carry a torch to make sure you don’t trip over one?!

Wombat munching away

I was watching two in the garden outside the rangers cottage when something startled one. There was a rustle, then in a split second they were both gone! It’s amazing how fast they can move! They must have both been not much further than a metre or two from a burrow entrance.

Previously:

Preparing for Wilsons Promontory Lightstation hike (hiking food, tips on what you will/won’t need to pack)
Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse Part 1 (walking to the lightstation from Tidal River via Oberon Bay Walking Track and Telegraph Track 

Next

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse Part 3 (Return to Tidal River via South East Walking Track / Waterloo Bay)

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