Table Cape, a volcanic plug located on the north-western coastline of Tasmania, is a scenic plateau sitting 180m above sea level. ‘The Cape’, as it is referred to by locals, offers spectacular views of the coastline and nearby tulip fields. On a clear day you can see all the way to George Town’s Low Head and a mountain range more than 175km away from the top of the 12 million-year-old volcano. A stroll along the coastline will bring you to Table Cape Lighthouse, the only operating lighthouse in Tasmania that is open seasonally for tours.
However, while this may be a scenic coastal paradise, there is one problem. Travellers with weak bladders beware, for there is no public bathroom at Table Cape.
The lack of sanitation has been brought to the attention of the Waratah Wynyard council time and time again, sparking the idea for what may just become Tasmania’s latest unlikely attraction. A public bathroom that is fully suspended over the ocean.
“Over the years we’ve had plenty of queries saying, ‘Why isn’t there a toilet on Table Cape?’. This idea, I think it would be a great attraction,”mayor Robby Walsh told the ABC. “It’s the ideal spot for it, and the idea behind the loo with a view [is that it] would be the landmark to our area.”
The proposed pooing – I mean viewing – platform would give tourists a view of Badger Head while sitting on the throne, which, according to Mr Walsh, “should give you some relaxation when you’re in there”.
However, there are a few not so little issues with the proposed tourist attraction. For one, it would cost $35,000 to maintain every year. Councillor Andrea Courtney is among the sceptics. “I just think that this area is so valuable,” she said. “From Yolla down to Waratah, it’s almost God’s country. To make us famous for a toilet, I think, undervalues the quality of the area.”
She notes that Table Cape is not alone in needing public bathrooms, and that the heavy maintenance fee could be better spent building public loos in other areas like Yolla. “I can’t see there’s massive value in it when we could do so much better than being famous for a toilet.”
Are you in favour of the loo with a view? Do you think the council should be paying $35,000 each year to maintain a magnificent loo for tourists?
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