Tale of Two Cities

Tale of Two Cities: Launceston and Hobart

Friday morning, we took the chairlift ride across the Cataract Gorge over the River Tamar in Launceston. We walked along a track in the Gorge, there were plenty of daffodils to be seen in the gardens as well as camellias and azaleas. At the coffee shop we were surrounded by peacocks displaying their plumage for the ladies! We also saw a pademelon with a joey in her pouch. Later in the day we walked down to the Marina for a fish n chip supper.

Highlight of the day: the chairlift ride over the Gorge.

Saturday, we left Launceston and headed south on the Midland Highway and decided to turn off to go across the Central Plateau. Saw two emus in a paddock. As we climbed up into the hills the temperature dropped and we found ourselves driving in snow. The road was fairly clear but there had been a good fall overnight and was still snowing slightly. Temperature dipped to -1C.

Our hotel in Hobart is a Victorian building, quite grand inside, at Battery Point, the oldest part of Hobart with many tastefully restored buildings. We wandered down to Salamanca Bay and along by the Marinas and Wharfs. Saw Parliament House on the way back.

Highlight of the day: Playing in the snow in September.

Sunday morning, we wandered into the city, through a few shops; then along to the Cenotaph and Queen's Domain.

Later we drove out to a village called Richmond and looked round the old Richmond Gaol which had housed convicts 150 years ago. It was a quaint Victorian style village with antique shops and cafes.

Highlight of the day: Seeing a 4 week old lamb and an alpaca walking down the High Street