Closure on 180 Year-Old Tasmanian Mystery

In this series I set out to follow the 100 km route through Tasmanian South-West Wilderness that Sir John Franklin and his party traversed in 1842.
This expedition was of great historic importance to Tasmania and led to the naming of name streams, mountains and plains. After careful research I realised that while some of these features still remain, some are misplaced, and some have been simply lost to time.
This route was partly covered by a group of 6 from the Hobart Walking Club in 1953, using the Frenchmans Cap Walking Track they began their walk about 30km West of where the Franklins had started.
In this series I cover the whole length over a period of 9 days, starting at Lake St Clair and finishing at the Gordon River.
The episodes will each be 25 minutes long, and I am expecting to have 8 episodes released twice weekly, one every Wednesday and one every Sunday at 7:30PM AEST.
If you enjoy my content please support my channel. These trips cost a lot of money, which have all been paid for out of my own pocket. I am not paid by anyone to research, film, edit or produce these videos and the ad revenue generated from most my videos goes directly to the artists whose music I use to back the video.
-HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT MY CHANNEL:
Hit the SUPER THANKS react button on this video!
BUY MERCH - staywildtas.theprintbar.com​
PayPal (one off payment) - paypal.me/robparsonstas?local...
Instagram: rob_parsons1
Contact: [e-mail]

[@richardfare7633]

As the accidental rediscoverer of Christmas Rock I didnt pay it much heed as I didnt know the story behind it. I took that photo because it looked so unusual. After zooming in on the photo I am pretty convinced that the rock is comprised of quartzite, not limestone. Also limestone doesnt form huge, smooth rounded boulders like that. It is remarkable that Rob happened upon my footsteps at one point as I have no intention of ever trying to cross the scrub of Calders Pass as just that bit of my journey took an insane 2.5 days.

[@Rob.Parsons]

WOW I can’t believe we are already 4 episodes into my series In the Footsteps of the Franklins. I hope no one is fatigued yet as it’s looking like we’ve got three more episodes to get to the finish line! I wanna hear your thoughts drop them below!😀

[@Alberthoward3right9up]

I wonder what would of happened had you followed the birds. 🤔🤔 Another top shelf episode as usual man. Love the way you leave your campsites. Give it a week and no one could even tell you was there.

[@lookingoverhell3448]

id love to follow in your footsteps or even half a dozen of em ,what an epic trip ,.. on your headstone it will say his balls were this big with a picture of 2 watermelons

[@whiteyU92]

Mate, I can't wait for 7.30 on Wednesday and Sunday nights for the video to drop, really enjoy them 🤘

[@officialWWM]

Keep ‘em coming mate, I’m living the bush life vicariously through you 😂

[@davidfrench507]

Definitely not fatigued, just patiently waiting for the next exciting episode. Thank you as always.

[@nathandarwin7160]

This is the best Tasmanian bush walking series I've seen Rob. glad there are 3 more episodes to come.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Hehe this is the only Tasmanian bushwalking series..

[@nathandarwin7160]

The only on you have done maybe, there are plenty on formed tracks people have done in Tasmania. Yours is the best. Scrub bashing is adventure. Looking forward to watching the rest.

[@jdshanahan4215]

I’ve never been a big bird person and don’t know much about them but the sounds those birds made was very beautiful.

[@rastusttee9557]

Showing us places we would never see without your hard work. Thank you.

[@granthudson-artist-painter]

I THINK YOU GUYS ARE WONDERFUL ! I am 74 and live on the west coast of the South Island of NZ. I will never get to Tasmania as I have muscular dystrophy BUT love your experiences into the Wild West of Tasmania . Love the GOLD prospecting and all your adventures. Have a GREAT time ! Grant

[@darrylrowley7547]

My wife and I started watching the Franklin series and got through 4 episodes tonight. Here's a compliment for you Rob. My wife said, " this is much more interesting than an Attenborough video. Woohoo mate, and she's right. Well done.

[@cyphercracker]

Damn I’m so happy I found your channel man. Isolated in north Sweden having severe social fobia and anxiety disorder, fallowing you on your adventures gives me true joy

[@Rob.Parsons]

Awesome mate glad to be of assistance !

[@karenfrench4094]

Wow. Wow. Wow. Speechless!!! Just don’t want this series to end. Breathtaking scenery, an historian taking us back to our past, many lessons learnt, a truly inspirational young man!!

[@dennispinkerton2545]

Rob, had to comment before the end of the series, what a cracking series, and doing it alone is just amazing. Can’t thank you enough 👍 for giving us an insight into real adventure. Bloody awesome Rob, breaking it into a series was a great idea and I certainly am enjoying the history of Tasmania that you are presenting. The camera your using is excellent and the editing is awesome as usual. I hope you have this series shown as a show on TV for the great adventure it is. I look forward to watching your video adventures every time you post. Keep up showing us this awesome State and keep safe, cheers, looking forward to the next instalment.👍👍⛺️⛺️🗻🗻

[@terry8728]

What an awesome episode Rob, you certainly delivered on your promise! That scrub was merciless. I'm pretty sure most of us will never have the opportunity to follow in your footsteps, so I'm incredibly glad to be able to sit here and watch you do it! And good on you for giving credit where it's due to Mr Farefam. I hope you have the chance to go back and visit the rock someday, although you might not want to do battle through the scrub again, and fair enough! Roll on Episode 5!

[@philipstevenson5166]

Feel your pain with the unexpected waterfall. A lot of 10m contour maps seem to be based on 50m data with extra lines added automatically. The garmin inreach maps are sometimes missing quite big landscape features, although their path markings seem accurate. Treat maps like advice from a guy in the pub. A starting point. Loving the series.

[@Rob.Parsons]

hehe too true. generally they're pretty good but this was crazy out of touch. thanks!

[@Michael_Mann]

That view from Lightning was absolutely stunning, thank you so much Rob...Oh to be young again!

[@benjaminmitchell4240]

Each video a truly priceless piece of craftsmanship and art work. You take us along the journey calmly, yet not missing a square inch of the thrill that comes with being in such a raw and rugged reality. I really appreciate these videos and the time and effort that was put into creating them. They inspire me to want to do better personally and im sure that was one of your aims so well done, and Thanks again.

[@Wello26]

What an epic trip this is Rob. Genuine fear at that waterfall I think. Taking this on by yourself is quite amazing.

[@harleetriffett7951]

This one had my heart racing! What an achievement to be able to get through that scrub with all that weight in the bag. Birds are definitely your spirit animal, I hope they keep leading you to more amazing places!! Roll on Sunday!!

[@Acediscoface]

I'm really enjoying this series. A welcome break from the current BS'ery of the day. Many thanks for the amazing cinematography and the adventure. ✌🙏

[@joycegiles4595]

Wonderful scenery once again👧♥️

[@tonyhyde2644]

i'm damned impressed! any young person like yaself, interested in such matters and intent on retracing the footsteps of forebeares with such passion is bloody brilliant. NEVER stop mate, i feel proud as i'm sure many others are....and after this, there are plenty more footseps to retrace all over tassie, like up here on the nw coast!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Tony

[@tomellison6875]

Rob, I can't tell how much I enjoy and appreciate your work. Respect.

[@N0SAjREkLaw]

Holy crap what a mammoth effort Rob , hardcore thoroughly enjoying the series mate, epic adventure.

[@officialtassieboysprospecting]

Those birds were amazing they seem to show up when miracles occur

[@dawnmay5648]

Just found your videos Rob and going through them one by one and absolutely loving them just as I love Tassie.

[@darrenwilliams9001]

So envious mate, think i need to head back to my home state and do some exploring

[@darrenwilliams9001]

Another great episode, pity bout Christmas Rock maybe next time mate. cheers keep up the great work

[@Nimzee3154]

Hi Rob, just loving all your videos.... brilliant work mate, the blend of history, photos, your story telling and videography is purely captivating, really enjoy your energy. The birds that you mention in your video are Crescent Honeyeaters, these were the same species from your previous video at the cemetery in Balfour. If you have any other bird questions or IDs you need Id be happy to help. Cheers...... Nimzee P.S ....you gotta make that hat available on your Merch store, its your signature item, Id love to get my hands on one....!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Hey mate thanks for the epic feedback, and the bird tip! I'll keep you in mind as Its been of some interest of mine to start paying more attention to what kind of birds are about the place. Appreciate it! Also epic idea on the hat I might do a couple up for a giveaway on my Facebook of something. Cheers!

[@mattdrake4023]

Thanks! Amazing story and research.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Glad you enjoy it Matt thank you!

[@jeffholmes1362]

Thanks for sharing this great adventure Rob, really enjoying it, explorers of old would be proud

[@edmac3651]

This is EPIC, mate. I am so enthralled by this journey.

[@garyburgess4464]

Wow! Amazing adventure mate. Then birds chirping moment.....can't imagine what you felt once you realised the significance of it. Sounds like another adventure already in the making, maybe with the other 2 amigos?

[@Rob.Parsons]

For sure, ill have to dust them off!

[@seangardam1779]

Sounds like another trip is necessary to find/confirm Xmas rock!

[@Rob.Parsons]

lol how about I give you the directions and you go check it out for me!

[@eddielmoss10]

👏🥾👏🥾Awe-inspiring. 🙏

[@onnoholling7107]

What an epic trek , Rob. Can’t believe what stub you get through😅 Can’t wait for the next instalment 👍🏼

[@poorfellamycountry]

😳 craaazy man.For two folk this would be a serious undertaking, you've gone a long way in a short time in more ways than one. I will gladly be sharing this saga with as many younger folk as I can. PlayStations be damned. 🌿

[@D_humpa]

Awesome mate!! How good is our island home. Thanks for sharing the unique journey. Also that's a cool hat. Where can iIget one?. Cheers keep up the great content.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks mate its a quicksilver bucket hat I think they have them online. you need to get a "tasmania last wilderness' patch to make it legit though find one at an airport or magazine shop in Tassie cheers.

[@D_humpa]

Cool as dude! I thought it might have been your brand or a crew you support. So i was going to support aswell. Cheers for the inspiration i did a walk today, nothing as crazy as you though.

[@wayneberry8703]

Rob, what an amazing journey. I don’t know where you get your energy from, just incredible mate. This has been such a wonderful experience you have shared with us all, thank you and safe travels my friend.

[@mattpower4961]

One of the highlights of The week when an ep comes out! Fantastic as always Rob

[@peterlyall4448]

Bloody awesome effort Rob after 4 days and still no Christmas rock in site but at least you now know where it is Rob hopefully you'll come back who knows you might employ The Tassie Boys just like last time on the Jane. If you do Rob I wish you all the luck. Can't wait to see the next episode.....Pete from Devonport...🤠✌

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

This just gets better. The anticipation of nasal leach bogies is strong. PS if you’re ever unsure, a small vial of vinegar (weak acid) can be used to test if a rock is limestone (will fizz if carboniferous ) in case you ever were unsure. An old geologists field kit 😉

[@Rob.Parsons]

You’re a legend mate thanks. Will be sure to take some when I head back to confirm. 😃

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

@@Rob.Parsons hydrochloric acid works best, but sometimes you have to improvise. You can buy a cheap geologist field mineral testing kit if you want to go full 🤓 👍

[@paulandkarenwatters9719]

wow. loving it. legendary stuff mate

[@krissylogan6295]

That was brutal to watch and edge of ya seat stuff. The battle scars on your legs! Following that creek was a great plan, until … just hope you named that waterfall something unique! Never get tired of watching, the scenery is one thing, your storytelling is the superglue to your journey. Thanks Rob!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Krissy! I have named the waterfall surprise falls hehe 😉

[@krissylogan6295]

Perfect!

[@aaronmeldrum8456]

Such an amazing journey Rob, you're a crazy man for even attempting it.... but bloody oath I'm glad you did! The video and experience you're sharing with everyone is genuinely breathtaking... thanks mate!

[@jacqueline7118]

Fatigued? Very doubtful! Three more episodes to go, yay! Thanks for sharing. :) :)

[@rosshunter9053]

You are the man. What an epic trek, and we are not finished yet. Each episode is better than the last, can’t wait for the next instalment. Cheers

[@bobclark4994]

Thanx very much for your determination to not only do this trip but to take us with you as well!

[@m.g5818]

This trip is nothing but amazing, will be waiting on the next episode👍⛏️🇦🇺😊🙋

[@VishusB]

An incredible adventure Rob! Just insane how thick it gets, would be so easy to get overwhelmed by it. And then that waterfall! Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@julesnjohn172]

Beautiful bird song, singing their message to you 😍

[@Rob.Parsons]

yep guiding me to the rock and I blew it.

[@chrisgolfer7528]

Great visual story yet again Rob. You certainly bring the video to life with all your descriptions and camera work. Loving the series and can't wait for the next one.

[@ChasingCheetahs]

Rob, you are a machine battling that scrub! Huge effort, especially when you’ll have to go back to check out the real Christmas rock 😉

[@Rob.Parsons]

yeah yeah.. maybe ill send you in there to clean up my mess hehe

[@robertlaundy4176]

Rob...AWESOME series, and you ... my friend deserve a fucking MEDAL, for getting through the thick relentless scrub. Keep up the GREAT WORK 👍 LOVE IT 👍🤗 Cheers Rob

[@Rob.Parsons]

Ah thanks mate yeah I don't think ill be getting any medals anytime soon, thats all good my reward is the journey.

[@gregmottram292]

A great effort Rob. Brutal terrain and vegetation. Thanks for bringing it to us. Love the suitably dramatic sound track too.

[@kyliesutton4884]

Love this show

[@andretaylor1969]

Terrific work as always Rob. I appreciate that you have taken the time to film in tough walking conditions, when it would be easy not to. I also like the scenes without background music, so I can hear the sounds of the bush…. It feels like I am there. Looking forward to the final episodes. Thanks again.

[@trueaussieray9093]

Wow mate Hella effort! You were that deep you nearly could have ran into the wilderpeople.. lol

[@Ben_cowen.tasmania]

loving theses episodes mate 👌👌

[@nathaneiszele6918]

Awesome series! Even my four old boy is a fan

[@richardwalsh5570]

Epic Rob, that tea tree is crazy. Big congratulations and thanks to you for bringing this too us.

[@SmallWonda]

OMG! Well cool that chap found Christmas Rock - sure fit the bill. I think you need MUCH tougher clothing - a project for some outdoor manufactures to design something to foot the bill - you could set them straight - what a trek? I didn't like the look of your leg - bit scary. Erin must have nerves of steel, too. Awesome...

[@margueriteleahy4585]

The waterfall looked pretty though! Tough hiking, can’t wait to see the rest!

[@VishusB]

Thanks

[@Rob.Parsons]

HOLY CRAP Thank you so much! You are far too generous.

[@VishusB]

@@Rob.Parsons no probs Rob, wish it could be more! It’s a pittance really to what you deserve for all the awesome videos you’ve put up.

[@danielsonderhof2920]

Absolutely brilliant Rob.

[@adrianthered9876]

God lol I love this mate dam your such an inspiration brother thank you so much

[@wildcolonialboydetecting8335]

Great videos Rob, if you listened to your intuition with the bird calls you may have found the Rock ?

[@AdamEdington]

What's worse than a mosquito with a telescopic proboscis... A leach with telescopic sights. (Dad) 20 years later this one still cracks me up. There's a certain kind of humour that comes with bush bashing in Tassie jungle that only makes sense to those who've done it.

[@gez7795]

That was a good one!

[@briangill4000]

Awesome. Is this the last episode?? +. I plan to watch it in full on the weekend. Like a feature movie. I know it will be that good.

[@peterw2845]

Hats off to you rob , thanks for the adventure , and letting the spirit of the adventure trump the cold , wet and misery , well done mate 👍

[@Blumack21]

Great stuff Rob. Better luck next time with CHRISTMAS ROCK. Thank you. Andy

[@Rob.Parsons]

thanks blumack so close but so far. at least I can sleep now knowing where it is.

[@rodgeorge7244]

Bloody awesome so far Rob .

[@benpepper4392]

Hard going in that one mate awesome bring on the next one 💪💪

[@allanmaccaul1465]

Loving it mate, I think next time you should swing by and pick me up.. I'd love to join you on a walk...👍

[@allandrennan4916]

Excellent stuff.

[@Upsidedownorangejuice]

So enjoying this series, looking forward to the next!

[@HORTOJM]

What a brutal section, awesome effort so far Rob. BSV, love it!

[@burtonwhitaker6849]

Love the videos man keep it up

[@numptywithacamera]

Awesome stuff, unlucky you didn't get to see the 'rock' with your own eyes. But it's a good excuse to head back out there 🙂

[@maude5160]

Another great episode. Thanks

[@Navrak]

Wow what an awesome epic event, loving this series . Looking forward to seeing the rest .

[@movierazor]

Brilliant adventure!

[@mattb2771]

Awesome series. Really enjoying following your trip. Thanks for sharing!

[@Matt_Chalice]

Keep it up Junior. It's a pleasure to watch

[@terrigough9679]

What a mammoth effort. Am enjoying the series very much.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Many thanks!

[@N1XVAN]

Epic Tasmanian adventure!

[@robinyoung7007]

any thanks Rob for a great video which I have very much enjoyed.

[@Irenabyss]

Well done Rob, this was an episode I was looking forward to as Lightning plains a favourite place. Yep campsite exactly same - felt very familiar looking out your tent door. Thanks for sharing.

[@SeMoArtifactAdventures]

This is an epic journey man. Your doing a great job capturing it in the videos. Not only are you filming your journey but you are also showing what it was like for all the explorers before you. Glad to hear there are several more videos to come. Best of luck to you.

[@vinnie42ful]

I’m loving every minute of your epic journey rob, makes me look forward to my next adventure, actually I’m going tomorrow into the base of the bunya mountains, not far from where I live, thanks for cranking me up for adventure rob 👍

[@richardstephenson4575]

WOW Great Series loving it

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks Richard!

[@johnsamsungs7570]

Wow, doing this on you own. You are a braver Man than me, Gunga din!

[@kristydransfield4204]

That was brilliant. You're much braver than me, hats off to you.

[@iancrump4369]

Awesome stuff mate you should be Givin a medal 😎👌

[@Rob.Parsons]

give me the gold I don't need a damn medal

[@gippy6105]

I’m glad I’m sitting in an armchair watching that would destroy most people you certainly put in the effort great video and a big thanks I will be waiting for the next episode.

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thanks for the view

[@officialWWM]

Amazing adventure! You are made of tough stuff! Have you ever seen any evidence of Thylacenes out there?

[@Rob.Parsons]

Not really but I have never really set out to try and find it.

[@officialWWM]

@@Rob.Parsons that might make a great video adventure!

[@smiddynshit]

good stuff

[@trentclifford6250]

Epic. 👌👌👌

[@JosesGaraje]

In my time most trekking was done in the mountains of Maine and New Hampshire (USA), I also managed Borestone Mountain Sanctuary (1639 acres) for 10 years for Audubon. The high contrast compared to your treks is the usage. Your most beautiful places are protected by almost impenetrable scrub, I think Mother Nature knows what she's doing.

[@tazyt3388]

awesome bro

[@Rob.Parsons]

cheers T

[@tazyt3388]

@@Rob.Parsons seriously rob ya know ya great at exploring filming editing and all that creative awesomeness but you’ve dialed in the story telling aspect tremendously with this one capturing the slog for what it is aint easy but blending the tale with history and escapism truly is a hard button to push your smashing it man 🍺

[@hardyakka6200]

Our Good friend Franklin got a mention during the Queens Platinium celebrations. He was listed with other famous seamen like Drake and Hawkins, Nelson and Cook. You would have been proud.

[@johnmcdougall1330]

Mate - 1845 the birds told you. Great that you recognised this. You are at one with nature. And I'd love to put my geologists opinion forward on the rock - if you think of the glacial boulders yltheyre typically quartzite and boulders so the gr3y rock is likely that. Th3 s0herical nature to me says not limestone. awesome that someone else was there with pack raft - its great to share wild places.

[@Rob.Parsons]

I like your theory mate! I'll head back in this season and check it out for myself. I'll be sure to do a follow up video when I'm done. Cheers!

[@auozjan]

Thanks!

[@Rob.Parsons]

Thank you Jan!