Sometimes the best radio adventures happen when you mix a change of scenery, a quiet RF environment, and a bit of flexibility. This weekend in Tasmania’s north-east ticked all those boxes, a short getaway where my wife and I both got to enjoy our own hobbies, while I managed some truly memorable radio listening.
Saturday – Ringarooma River
Saturday was spent at the Ringarooma River, with my wife happily fossicking along the riverbed. While she searched for gems, I set myself up on the river bank with a portable radio setup.
This location turned out to be gold from an RF perspective. The lack of man-made noise, combined with open terrain and distance from major infrastructure, created ideal listening conditions. What followed was one of those rare sessions where the dial just keeps delivering.
The absolute highlight was my first ever logged DX on the 27 MHz CB band from the USA. Hearing American stations roll in on CB, from a quiet Tasmanian riverbank, was something I’d hoped for but never really expected.
Logged Stations – Ringarooma River (Saturday)
| Frequency (MHz) | Callsign / Description |
|---|---|
| 27.005 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.025 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.085 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.205 | 27 MHz CB |
| 28.265 | 10 m Beacon (VK5WI) |
| 118.7 | TOWER-LTON |
| 125.55 | ATC Hobart |
| 126.5 | ATC-North |
| 126.7 | CTAF |
| 130.35 | Velocity |
| 130.3 | ATC Mt Tassie (VIC) |
| 165.45 | TASGRN Mt Horror (Data) |
| 165.725 | TASGRN Welbough Pass (Data) |
| 414.075 | TFS UHF Alarm (Data) |
| 476.575 | UHF CB Ch 7 |
For a casual setup while sitting by the river, this was an exceptional haul, and the USA CB reception alone made the day a personal milestone.
Sunday – Mount Poimena (Blue Tier)
Sunday morning my wife headed off on a gem hunting tour, which gave me a perfect window to head up to Mount Poimena, the highest point on the Blue Tier at 816m ASL.
The drive and walk up are part of the experience, weaving between massive boulders and bushland before a short (about 20 minute) walk to the summit. Along the way I encountered a baby Eastern Brown Snake (often referred to politely as a “danger noodle”). It was given plenty of space and right of way, no radio contact is worth arguing with a Eastern brown snake.
At the top, the reward was full panoramic views across the Blue Tier and out toward the east coast. From a radio perspective, it was outstanding. Elevated, open, and quiet, just about perfect.
Once again, 27 MHz CB DX from the USA was flowing in strongly, and this time across a wide spread of channels. (There’s a video below showing just how strong the signals were.)
Logged Stations – Mount Poimena (Sunday)
| Frequency (MHz) | Callsign / Description |
|---|---|
| 26.965 | 27 MHz CB |
| 26.985 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.005 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.025 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.085 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.135 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.165 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.205 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.215 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.225 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.265 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.285 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.305 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.335 | 27 MHz CB |
| 27.385 | 27 MHz CB |
| 29.6 | 10 m Ham Simplex |
| 123.8 | ATC-LTON Approach |
| 126.5 | ATC-North |
| 127.8 | ATC Flinders Island |
| 146.7 | 2m Ham Hobart (VK7RHT) |
| 147 | VK7RAA 2 m Repeater |
| 150.425 | Forestry Tasmania (Data) |
| 156.8 | Marine VHF 16 |
| 163.875 | TASGRN South Sister (Data) |
| 165.5875 | TASGRN Den Hill (Data) |
| 165.775 | TASGRN Flagstaff Hill (Data) |
| 167.375 | TASGRN Companion Hill (Data) |
| 414.075 | TFS UHF Alarm (Data) |
| 438.05 | VK7RBH 70 cm Repeater |
| 461.575 | TASWater South Sister (Data) |
| 461.625 | TASWater Anson Bay (Data) |
This was one of those sessions where you lose track of time — just scanning, logging, and soaking in the view.
Overall Thoughts
It was a great weekend away. We both got to do things we genuinely enjoy, without pressure or compromise. From a radio perspective, the standout moment was logging my first USA DX on the 27 MHz CB band, something I’ve chased for a long time.
The combination of quiet RF locations, elevation, and good conditions made the north-east of Tasmania shine yet again. I’m already looking forward to a return trip, with hopes of even more DX, more memories, and maybe a little less snake-dodging next time.
