Bruny Island (or Islands – they are joined by a narrow causeway) is nearly 100kms long – with a changing climate from sheltered sandy beaches to tall forests and open bays, to wild coastlines in the south. The Bruny Island Ferry leaves from Kettering, an easy 30 min drive south of Hobart. “Down the channel” as the locals call it. It is another 30 mins in the car ferry – everyone seems to take there, there does not seem to be any other way of getting around. It is just $35A return which seems great value. Read more
A note about “The Weather”: layer up and take a raincoat everywhere. I know people talk about four seasons in one day, but Hobart in October seems to exemplify this. One night and morning we were particularly cold – only to look up at Mt Wellington to see it dusted in snow. Later that day as the sun came out we stripped to our t-shirts. And later again we drove through a hail shower. Bring layers and carry them with you!
A few more highlights of our Hobart Trip worth mentioning for other Travellers Read more
We are on a short visit to Hobart,
but we get to Salmanca three times over the week …
- First time we buy some funky jewellery from The Art of Silver – Contemporary Jeweller’s Co-operative. We talk to one artist, but in fact unknowingly buy a piece each from the same artist – Megan Dickens. We are delighted.
Our second visit is for our progressive eating and drinking evening we finish up at The Blue Eye Seafood Restaurant, where we eat an exquisite seafood meal. Read more
Our trip to Tasmania is going to be focused around Hobart, and I must admit I like the idea of exploring quietly rather than madly chasing photo opportunities. The number one place on our list is MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art
Hobart has just been named by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 cities in the world to visit – calling it a “funky cultural hub”, in part because of the inspiration of gambling millionaire and visionary David Walsh, who has used his millions to build MONA the spectacular $180 million Museum of Old and New Art. Read more
Awaiting my flight to Hobart – thinking of my mother
I’m sitting in the airport awaiting my flight to Hobart, Tasmania. My mother Lorna Neave (nee Grant) went to “Tassie” when she was 22 years old, and it made a huge impression on her. As I grew up the story of her trip to Tasmania was recounted, along with her desire to go back one day. She did not go back until she was 77 years old, and it lived up to all of her expectations. So my expectations are high too as I await my plane. Read more
Ceridwyn Parr writes: Not trim but skinny * – some cafes in Tasmania
MONA café
This Cafe is part of the astonishing and exhausting Museum of Old and New Art, a picturesque 30 minute drive or boat /bike ride up the Derwent River.
Just arriving at the complex, set deep into the ancient rock, is worth the journey. We spent the first hour in the café, trying to get our artistic bearings by reading the guide book written by the brilliant owner of the museum, David Walsh .
The good coffee, artful food, and water views balanced out the risqué text. Both alarmed and intrigued, we ventured three storeys underground and were captivated by the whole experience. 5 hours was more than enough of visual overload and creative edge pushing. The lucky Tasmanian locals can go as often as they like, as David Walsh offers them free entry. The top place to visit.
Retro Café, Salamanca Square, Hobart
This is a great spot to meet people. It is crowded, noisy but full of energy. Staff work hard providing table service, the coffee was good on a couple of cold winter’s day.
Mushrooms were sublime. Seats outside to watch the crowds at the famously eclectic outdoor craft and food market on a Saturday morning – the second most important thing to do in Hobart.
