Blogs from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, Oceania - page 19

Hobart is Tasmania’s harbour capital, located in the south-east of the state at the foot of majestic Mount Wellington. Hobart is Australia’s smallest and most historic capital in close proximity to beautiful natural surrounds and a provocative mix of history, contemporary art and culture. In Salamanca Place you will find 19th-century waterfront warehouses dating back to the 1830s whaling days. Today, they house cafes, restaurants, galleries and art studios, the ideal place to wander or enjoy alfresco dining. Every Saturday, the Salamanca Market is open to the public and boasts creative artisans and busker's on every corner. With over 400 stalls it is by far one of the best markets in Australia. The Huon Valley winds to the South of Hobart, where fruitful orchards and rich soil, of riverside settlements and towns on the forest fringe, ... read more

CATCH. That was the first thing that happened. I was caught, hook line and sinker. Perhaps it was because I went to Tazzie with no real expections, other than to escape the tropical QLD summer heat and humidity, that I was caught so off guard. I was indunated by the raw natural history of the island. I was overwhelmed by something as simple as trees. Not just the variety of species but the size of some of these amazing sentinents. So much green and more green and then every other color of green thrown in as well. Using the Lonely Planet Tasmania 2008 book as a base guide the first thing I wanted to experience was the Hobart Salamanca Market held wharf side every Saturday. High level artists and craftspeople converge with really diverse 2nd hand ... read more

Hobart photos... read more

Greetings Eastman fans from Eastman’s down under. Today Sat 13th March, day 2 and the first full day of Hobart capital city of Van Demians land now called Tasmania and further called “Tazzy”. A lovely stroll in shorts round the Saturday market. A bit hippyish with a multitude of goodies for sale. Prices very similar to UK prices and a bottle of Bombay sapphire a whopping $50 for a 70cl bottle. Lots of different cultures evident, Chinese food, lovely pastries but we settled for a healthy bratwurst with onions for breakfast. Eventually found the main town which had eluded us last night. Wendy was delighted to buy a vivid green top for $50 and to my delight it was %75 off today. A real bargain that perked her up. Having spent a lot of time together ... read more

Camping and Servas Travelling We've made it to Hobart, capital of Tasmania in one piece with most of what came with us. It's a lovely country with a much smaller sense of scale to it than the mainland. It reminds us much more of Europe or England than the rest of the Australia we have seen. We have stayed with a few Servas hosts who have welcomed us with open arms even though they have been busy with other things. Michael was taken out on Monday evening to join an outing with the Hash Harriers involving a special boat trip across the river Derwent, a bus trip to a nearby settlement (hardly a town or a village with just one shop) and then a six kilometre run or walk; we walked. It was great fun ... read more