travel
Photos: Tourism Tasmania / Adam Gibson / Stu Gibson
T
he sea breeze is blowing wisps of cloud at warp speed as I knock on the front door of King Island’s most distinctive home to have a coffee with two complete strangers. Artists Dianne and Andrew Blake not only own a spectacular house – its exteriors all sharp angles and timber and cement cladding, the airy interiors of Whale Tail House are dominated by CinemaScope windows that invite the outside in. They also have a wonderful back story. The couple moved here in 2011 after 20 years in Arnhem Land working as arts coordinators at a community arts centre. “We both love connecting with the environment and with community – that’s why we loved Arnhem Land and why we love it here,” Dianne tells me. “The two places are at opposite ends of the continent, but both have the most amazing coastlines and landscape diversity, and offer a real sense of community.” We stroll through the house as Dianne and Andrew talk me through the construction process – they worked exclusively with local companies – and show me their art collection, which includes remarkable Indigenous artworks as well as their own pieces. When I thank the Blakes for opening their home to a stranger, Dianne smiles. “King Island is very inclusive of visitors. It’s a sharing place, and we follow suit.” In this spirit, the couple offer private house and art tours by appointment for any curious visitor. During three days on King Island, I cram in plenty of memorable experiences – from standing beside racks of giant kelp strands, listening to their soft staccato rattle as they twist in the briny breeze, to an evening harbourside stroll spying little penguins porpoising their way to a convenient boat ramp, then waddling
CAPE WICKHAM
WHALE TAIL HOUSE
OCEAN DUNES
KING ISLAND
CURRIE
THIS SPREAD
(Clockwise from left) Kittawa Lodge’s owners enjoy an empty beach; Whale Tail House; Cape Wickham golf course.
KITTAWA LODGE
ract.com.au // JOURNEYS
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