Sometimes it’s the far away places that speak to us most. Lands beyond the everyday live on in our stories, photo albums and moments of reflection. Friend of Passenger Tom Young looks back on his own journey to the furthest reaches of the globe. With friendships made and life changing perspectives gained, here’s some escapism to the edge of the world.
Words & Photos by Tom Young
So far south. The daily grind ceases to exist down here. The ‘real’ world was left behind in the car park. We trekked through the night and awoke to glassy caverns with not another soul in sight. A session made so much sweet by the clean air and crystal clear water.
“This little island holds a huge place in my heart. It evokes a lust for adventure and I’ve shared plenty of good times here with like-minded friends.”
In so many ways, Tasmania is home from home. The community, the picturesque coastal villages, and the abundance of waves, bear striking similarities to what I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by my whole life on the south coast of Cornwall.
Top: Wineglass Bay - A name that needs no explanation. A classic postcard view, that entices the keen explorer. Left: An eerie patch of reef that’s also home to some interesting wildlife. Back in 1982, a 6 metre Great White was caught in the same area.
Roughly ten years ago I met my first Tasmanian, Tom, while on a trip to Lakey Peak, Sumbawa. We were both staying at The Mona Lisa Hotel, and bonded over tales from our respective homelands, and exchanged an open invitation if we were ever in the area. Fast forward a few years, and I’m living in Australia - Wollongong to be precise: a coastal city just south of Sydney. Itching to explore more of the country, I touched base with Tom, and within the hour I was booking flights to Tasmania, affectionately known as The Apple Isle.
Left: The guy who introduced me to Tasmania and its people, Tom. Here’s a rare shot of him not clowning around in front of the camera Right: Shapes are thrown as the swell surges over a shallow reef. This place breaks in all sizes, and isn’t for the faint-hearted. Often confused with Shipsterns Bluff, the right on this patch of slab can pack a real punch and is one of the most exciting waves around.
Flying into Hobart for the first time unleashed mixed emotions. The sheer beauty of the place, so vast and tropical, got me so excited to explore, but the thought of documenting new waves is always a little unnerving.
Luckily for me, Tom’s parents kindly lent us their camper. An old school Toyota, perfectly fit for adventure. Bags packed and kit loaded, we hit the road for two weeks of bush walks, camp outs, incredible waves and a whole bunch of stories that would last a lifetime.
Top: Out on the open road again, searching for forgotten coves and jaw-dropping vistas. These are the days we truly feel alive and free. No plan as such, just a pursuit of happiness.
Late last year, a decade on, I made my way back to this beautiful island. I didn’t expect, or hope, for anything to have changed, I was just eager to see the special people and places that never stray far from my mind.
Those familiar feelings came rushing back as the plane neared Hobart. Instantly, I felt so at home, despite any lapsed time, which is so often the case with cherished places and old friends. Needless to say, this trip was quite different to the first. Friendships already cemented, I was there to witness two of the very best tie the knot. Luckily I still managed to squeeze in some waves and a few bush walks in such a short space of time.
That’s the beauty of Tassy I guess, everyone is always down for a mission and keeping the stoke alive.