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English World War 1 engineer Norman Sykes bought 15 hectares of land near Railton to get away from people and because he felt nature was good for the soul. While he was an eccentric hermit, he was famous in Railton as he was often seen riding his bicycle to town for supplies.
Suddenly, in 1977, he loaded all his belongings into a pram, bequeathed his land to the Kentish Council to keep in trust for all the people of Railton and visitors to enjoy, then moved to Melbourne, never to be seen by Railton residents again.
Mr Sykes left his property for nature conservation and so people could enjoy the peace, tranquillity and serenity. On the site, his son, Ian, constructed two fascinating monuments with mathematical equations said to explain the origins of the universe and spirituality, using ancient theories from Pythagoras, Confucius, the Sumerian Oannes, the Indian Kapila, the Egyptian Imhotep, the Chinese Fu Shi, and spiritual leader Buddha.
Today Sykes Sanctuary is a spiritual and intriguing site where visitors can quietly sit and listen to birdsong, see wildlife in their natural environs and reflect on life, the Universe and everything.
Tasmania’s third largest city, Devonport is a thriving riverside city gateway to the North West and beyond. With a bounty of fresh produce on its doorstep, amazing local cafes, restaurants and bars there is loads to explore in the city and beyond. Devonport is close to some of Tasmania’s world famous natural icons, including pristine Cradle Mountain, making Devonport your perfect unique getaway.
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