The Wine Glass Bay beach extends southward in a perfect arc from the rocky headland at the northern end of the bay. A stunning white strip of sand between the turquoise and aqua sea and the low, green scrub behind, the northern end of the beach is covered with tourists that arrived late morning and will be mostly gone by early afternoon.
Backpackers, a bus load of French travelers, holiday makers from the mainland and probably a sprinkling of local Tasmanians. All are enchanted by the dazzling colours, the expanse of clear blue sky and the crystal clear water that rushes up the beach in a fizz of white foam. And all have got here by foot, trekking from the carpark on the leeward side of the peninsular, across the lower reaches of Mount Amos, enjoying one of the world's great picture postcard views on the way. On this particular day all are blessed with mild temperature, a gentle sea breeze and a cloudless blue sky.
No better way to see this great place. Or is there?
Five yachts rest at anchor at the southern end of the bay with Mount Graham looming in the background. Here a rocky outcrop juts out from the end of the beach forming a shallow area where the sea water increases in temperature a couple of degrees. Perfect for swimming and far enough away from all but the most intrepid of tourists, this is surely the best place to lie back and enjoy the surroundings.
No steep climb back across Mount Amos to get to the waiting car or bus; cold beer and wine at the ready, music gently wafting from below deck and a comfortable bunk ready and waiting to accommodate that afternoon nap. One yacht even has their trusty dog aboard, complete with the necessary pet insurance one assumes. A true home away from home.
At this end of the bay the headland is more prominent than at the northern end, affording good shelter for boats in most conditions, so it's generally somewhere that can be enjoyed for a number of days giving plenty of time to explore the area and relax.
The tourists mingling at the northern end of the beach look at the yachts and wonder what the occupants are doing, where they've come from and where they're going. Perhaps a bit envious of the creature comforts they have and the adventure of being on the sea.
By boat next time perhaps.
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