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Published: December 21st 2006
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Ships in Hobart Harbour
We were treated to the sight of this sailing ship coming into harbour Tasmania
During October, my sister, Linda, and I took Mum on a 8 day trip to Tasmania. It was the first time just the three of us had been on a holiday and we had a lot of fun and plenty of laughs. We flew from Perth to Hobart via Melbourne and hired a Toyota Yaris which we were informed was 'brand new'. We didn't realise just how 'brand new' it was until we got in and discovered that it only had 9 kms on the clock! Our first test drive was to the top of Mount Wellington where we were rewarded with a magnificent view of Hobart. It was VERY windy and even though it was October we were rugged up in our winter woolies.
Stahan was our next destination and we were pleased to reach the picturesque seaside town after driving through the barren lunar-like terrain that surrounds the neighbouring mining town of Queenstown. The only really drizzly day was the day we spent on a cruise in Macquarie Harbour and along the Gordon River but we didn't let that dampen our spirits. It was a great day and we enjoyed seeing Hell's Gates, the entrance to the
Harbour and exploring Sarah Island which was the first penal colony built in 1822. Huddling under umbrellas and rain jackets certainly gave us more of a feel for the convicts who lived there under very harsh conditions. Some of the convicts were so desperate that they committed murder so they could be tried and executed! We enjoyed the Heritage Walk in the rain forest where we saw Huon Pines that were about 2000 years old. In the evening we shivered under blankets in the outdoor theatre area and watched a play ably acted by the crew from the day's trip called 'The Ship That Never Was.'
We had a good laugh on reaching Derwent Bridge the next day. Mum had suggested to us several times that we buy petrol but we always replied, 'She'll be right. We've got plenty!" During the trip Linda and I anxiously watched the bars disappear off the petrol guage and then the warning light started flashing. We had no idea how far we still had to go or how much petrol we had but we never let on until we saw the welcome sight of the petrol station at DB. Mum very graciously refrained
from making a comment!!
The historic town of Richmond which consists of more than 50 nineteenth century buildings was the next stop. We stayed in the most delightful little cottage complete with complimentary filtered coffee, port and chocolates which we consumed around a blazing open fire. I enjoyed an early morning walk around the village, photographing the famous Richmond Bridge, built in 1823, making it the oldest road bridge in Australia. To top it off there was a pair of geese with their goslings who took advantage of the photo shoot.
Hobart's famous Salamanca Markets were the next port of call and we spent several very enjoyable hours wandering around. I even met up with two teachers from my school in Perth! We took in the Tulip Festival in the Botannical Gardens but I must say our own Araluen Gardens are better at tulip time! Battery Point, the oldest suburb of Hobart, was a great place to drive and walk around and reminded me of England with its quaint little houses and gardens and magnificent views of the harbour.
Our last main stop was Port Arthur, which was a very sobering place to visit. We went by
boat past The Isle of The Dead and Point Puer, where boys were incarcerated. Between 1830 and 1877 12,500 convicts served their sentences at Port Arthur. We also saw the Memorial Gardens built after a gunman killed 35 people there one fateful afternoon in 1996.
We decided to make the famous Cadbury Chocolate Factory our last stop in Hobart. I had visions of Johnny Depp and 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory' but it didn't quite live up to our expectations! We were indeed made to feel like children as we had to make sure that we obeyed all the conditions of entry. We were not allowed to take ANYTHING into the factory and had to leave behind our bags, water bottles, coats and take off all our jewellery! If you couldn't get your wedding ring off you had to tape it!! Then we had to wear those ridiculous operating theatre-style hats and if any men had a hint of facial hair that all had to be covered up with another mask strung from ear to ear. We looked a comical sight as we set off and were told to walk in single file up the stairs, holding the rail
View from Mount Wellington
Everyone in Hobart gets a sea view! with our left hand and ONE step at a time. There were even signs saying, 'One step at a time, one behind the other!' At the completion of the tour we were all treated to a small box of Celebrations that we were able to take out of a giant treasure-box! We took it all in good humour!
Off to Europe
Tomorrow (22 December) I leave for three months long service leave in Europe!! Michael (who has just arrived back from a year in India and Thailand) and I will be flying to Vienna in time to have Christmas with Joel who has been studying there all year! Colin flies out on 18 January to join us for 5 weeks and then he and Joel return to Australia and Michael and I have an extra three weeks travelling around before returning to Australia on 22 March!
Previous blog
If this is the first time you have received a link to Travelblog and you would like to read my previous entry, (on my trip to Thailand and swimming with elephants), just scroll to the top/bottom of this entry and click on 'Previous Journal' on the left hand side. I
Wall art
One of the amazing pictures painted in an alley in North Hobart. would also love to hear from you so DO make comments at the end of the blog (such a lot of fun to receive them) or leave a message!
This comes with every good wish and blessings for a wonderful Christmas and New Year. My next blog should be from Vienna!!
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Karen
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Great Tassie Blog!
Just read your Tassie blog and it is fantastic! I really love your photos as well, and even recognised several of the places, even though I went to Tassie way back in 1976...(some places never change....well, much.) Enjoy your LSL! and Happy Christmas in Vienna!!!!