In an attempt to scratch the travel itch which began with the sale of our Moho, I booked spur of the moment flights to Tasmania. In winter I hear you ask? Yes, in winter.
We were therefore delighted when Hobart greeted us with blue skies and sunshine. A quick Uber into town and we checked into Salamanca Apartments with a glimpse of the Derwent from the balcony and a short stroll to historic Salamanca Place.
Russell, Tasmanian by birth, is currently studying Family History at the University of Tasmania and had booked time in the State Archives the following day to hopefully uncover some family secrets. My intention was just to wander, as long as we could walk the Hobart Rivulet and look for playtpus later in the day.
Unfortunately the dates of our visit did not coincide with either the Salamanca Market or the opening days of Mona so they will have to wait until later. It was still an interesting walk along Salamanca Place with many artisans showing their beautiful creations.
The public gardens, including historic St. David’s Park (originally Hobart’s premier burial ground) were wearing their winter clothes – stunning magnolias were everywhere along with hellebores, daphne, daffodils and other winter bloomers. Overhead the trees were still bare, stark and dramatic against the blue sky.
Hobart, being Australia’s second oldest city is of course steeped in history. Russell was able to find some of his ancestors mentioned on the memorial in St.David’s Park and I was fascinated by the statue erected to honour the navigator of the ill fated North West passage expedition, Sir John Franklin, who had been a former governor of Tasmania.
We came back along the wharf, quiet in the winter and then layered up for what would be a cool afternoon walk searching for the elusive platypus along the Hobart Rivulet walk.
We had almost given up when we got to the Cascade Garden pool and found a few other enthusiasts peering over the fence and there they were!
Day One mission accomplished and we treated ourselves to dinner at the historic Cascades Brewery.
Day Two, we walked to Sandy Bay and back, good exercise punctuated by a great bakery en route…. but when one finds oneself within 300 metres of the newly crowned (two days ago) Gourmet Traveller Chef of the Year it would be negligent not to book dinner at Restaurant Maria on Brooke Street Pier, so we did!
Chef Christian Ryan did not fail to deliver and our waiter Riley was also the real deal.
We had a beautiful five course Chef’s menu accompanied by a wine that Russell chose from the Clare Valley, a Greek Assyrtiko, somewhat akin to a nice Chablis. Well worth the walk 🙂
Tomorrow, we pick up the car and head to Bruny Island 🙂