Historically, Tasmania has a sort of dark convict and indigenous past, but the present and future look very bright for this little island south of Down Under. The wilderness areas are pristine, diverse, unique, and stunning! The locals are friendly, laid back, and welcoming. Buildings are historic and beautiful. And there is great, fresh local food to be had. The only negative about this place is that it's so far away and remote. But that is also why it's so charming, clean, and attractive! I would love to come back here again some day!
Here is a little of what I experienced...
Freycinet National Park (pronounced fray-sin-ay), gateway to white sand beaches, secluded coves, rocky cliffs, and top-notch bush walks. Wineglass Bay has been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. I joined a day tour of this Park and saw some truly beautiful sights.
We left about 7am. It started out overcast, but cleared up nicely as the day progressed. Here I am with our little tour bus.
In front of Great Oyster Bay.
From Wineglass Bay Lookout.
Wineglass Bay.
View from Cape Tourville. Yes, the water really IS that blue! Beautiful!
We saw several whales while at Cape Tourville!
Lighthouse at Cape Tourville.
If you turn left slightly and keep going, you'll reach New Zealand. If you go straight (south), you'll end up in Antarctica!
Sleepy Bay.
Our little group was led by a local guide, Nathan, on the left. Then pictured: fun Danish couple, a loud and crazy (but fun) German, me, and Marcil from Switzerland. Not pictured here, but also a part of our group, were a couple of Asian girls, and two other American girls (from Chicago & L.A.). The mountain range behind us is The Hazards.
Nathan and I spent the day talking politics and religion. It was great fun! With the upcoming election in the States, and the crazy financial markets, politics is on everyone's mind! And, my being from Utah and Mormon, and the fact that he's the son of a minister led us to major religious discussion. We actually had a really great exchange!
We stopped at Kate's Berry Farm on the way home for homemade ice cream! I had blackberry. Yum!
Salamanca Market, on Saturday morning, is a must do! Tourists and locals alike descend upon the tents and wares set up near the picturesque row of four-story sandstone warehouses on Sullivan's Cove. It's a fun and festive market! 
Salamanca Market, on Saturday morning, is a must do! Tourists and locals alike descend upon the tents and wares set up near the picturesque row of four-story sandstone warehouses on Sullivan's Cove. It's a fun and festive market! 
I love these bowls.
For breakfast, I had a crepe!
Bananas and Nutella. So good!
Speaking of chocolate, I also had to buy some of this amazing hand-made Tasmanian chocolate.
Mount Wellington (1271 m / 4170 ft) looms over the city of Hobart (pop. just over 200,000). A climb or drive to the top rewards with amazing views of the city and surrounding area!
View from the top of Mt. Wellington. Central Hobart is in the bottom-middle-right of the picture. Hobart sits along the Derwent River. You can see the bridge that spans the Derwent and East Hobart on the other side.
Observation building on top of the mountain.
A distinctive feature of Mt. Wellington is the cliff of dolerite (volcanic basalt) columns known as the Organ Pipes. No, Mt. Wellington is not a volcanic site. It's believed that these columns formed when the Australian continental shelf tore away from Antarctica, and separated from the southern super-continent, Gondwana, over 40 million years ago.
And some photos of Hobart.
The Hope & Anchor Tavern claims to be the oldest hotel establishment in Australia. It opened in 1807.
Street scene.
Sullivan's Cove on the Derwent River.
The IXL Jam Factory buildings are now trendy restaurants and galleries.
Hobart & Mt. Wellington from Sullivan's Cove.
Tasmanian Louis Bernacchi (1876-1942) was the first Australian to winter in Antarctica in 1898. His vessell, "The Southern Cross" departed from where this tribute now stands.
Another street scene.
Narryna Heritage House. It has a nationally significant collection of 19th century furniture, china, silver, paintings and examples of fine arts. Unfortunately, it was closed when I got there, but the outside was really beautiful.
North Hobart Post Office.
State Theatre in North Hobart.
North Hobart at night.
Main Post Office - CBD.
Tasmanian Parliament.
3 comments:
Beautiful, beautiful! I liked those bowels too. They looked beautiful. Hand Made? You look like you are having such a good time there. Traveling must be so fun. Jessica got a picture on her mission from you aunt, I think? But it was all the Tui Sullivan children together. I thought that was kind of cool kind of random. I love looking at all your pictures and your travels. Hope all is well.
I love that you share so much about all your adventures and travels. I love ready your post. Can't wait to see you.
WOW! Looks awesome!
OK... I'm ready for another trip with you.
:-)
Hurry home and earn some money!! xoxo
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