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Published: March 19th 2014
Mt Wellington 1
Ascending the mountainThe city of Hobart is Capitol of Tasmania, and an interesting and busy hub on the east coast.
The city is built around a very beautiful harbour and Derwent River valley. However, the dominant physical feature is Mount Wellington right behind the city. The rise from sea level is 1271 mtrs, or around 4150 feet.
How do you get to the top? The choice is to climb, go by scheduled tour bus, drive yourself, or in our case, go up with Anne and Jim in their Troupie. We had talked to a number of people about the road and depending on their attitude to driving up mountain roads that include many twists and turns, we received both positive and negative advice about driving a motorhome up to the summit.
So at 6.30 pm we set off up the mountain to witness the sun set and look down on the city. We were well prepared so we thought for the cooler temperatures we would experience. The drive from Glenorchy probably took around 45 minutes to get to the summit. We stepped out side and realised that Mt Wellington has a climate of its own. Despite three or four layers
Mt Wellington 2
Looking across the Derwent River and its islands of clothing, beanies etc, the wind and low temperature proved a serious challenge. It was cold!!!!!!!! Apparently that is normal also.
However, the view is magic and well worth the effort. Due to the amount of cloud, the scene was more subdued light wise and this shows in the photos.
The drive down is just as interesting, but because it was now almost dark, the road was shared with black possums, wallabies and other unidentified critters. Fortunately we inflicted no harm on the locals in our descent.
The following morning we were picked up by fellow bloggers Ren and Andrew who live a little outside of Hobart. They had invited us out for breakfast. They had dropped their dogs and kitty off to kennels in preparation for their holiday to Malaysia, flying Malaysian Airlines. The mysterious events of the previous week with the Malaysian Boeing 777 having gone missing was not far from their minds. However, most of the time was spent laughing and chuckling over fun travel times and unusual events.
They dropped us off close to Constitution Dock and from there we went walk about. The city waterfront is intriguing as the old time
Mt Wellington 3
Hitting Rock Top! waterfront warehouses have found new life as restaurants and specialty shops, galleries etc. There was a photo exhibition on in one of the galleries where the photographer presented nature photos from the Tarkine, part of the north western forestry region. We were impressed with the photos and realised that this experienced photographer struggled with presenting the size and scope of the giants of these old forests.
The gallery is interesting in other aspects as well. The floor shows the wear and tear of many years of service as a warehouse, and has retained that old building appeal. A little courtyard within the building as a 5 or 6 table coffee shop, and other businesses on the ground floor.
We nosed through the Kathmandu shop there as well and were amazed at the variety of cold weather clothing available. I guess in Queensland we do not have the need unless planning a southern ski holiday. Some jackets had heat reflective inner linings.
We walked along the waterfront as well and noted the variety of pleasure craft, Mona Ferries, vintage boats and sailing ships berthed in the city. This is a busy waterfront and must be an exciting place
Mt Wellington 5
The viewing platform, closed for renovations at the moment. at the end of each Sydney to Hobart yacht race. The Mona Ferries are unusually painted, almost camouflage patterns but colours that stand out rather than hide, that take passengers to the modern art museum known as Mona.
The city does have some beautiful gardens including their Botanical Gardens. Due to inclement weather we didn't get to see as much as we would have liked.
What we did notice is that traffic which would ideally by pass the central city actually crosses the city centre a block back from the waterfront. We crossed Hobart twice in our journeys without realising that we were right in the middle of the city. It was not until walking around that we recognised the streets we had driven earlier.
Some places like Richmond have done huge amounts of work preserving their old convict buildings. In Hobart, structurally the buildings looked sound, but many looked like they could do with a bath to restore their stone features.
For those who love markets, Hobart is heaven. You may have read our blog about Salamanca Markets, held every Saturday. Well, the feast continues with another market every Sunday at the Hobart Show Grounds
Mt Wellinton 6
An interplanetary cloud looking to secret us away? in Glenorchy. This is more of a flea market where traders sell almost anything but cars and boats. Crowds again, but probably locals rather than tourists who love Salamanca. But we had a look anyway because we were camped at the show grounds, and the market was on site about three minutes walk from the motorhome. We did not succumb to market fever.
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Mum & Dad
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Another great effort
Some great views from Mt Wellington on a clear sunny day it would be much better. Sure looked cool!! Interesting reading too.