Today was an easy day and maybe the only one of the whole trip with no time pressure. Mt Wellington is impossible to ignore, rising high above Hobart with its alpine cap, fluted columns and lush, rainforest-clad slopes. Originally I had planned to go to Up the mountain for sunrise to see the jaw-dropping view from the summit, with the whole of Hobart and the Derwent River spread out below. However, with the rain, we figured it was not worth it as the view would likely have been shrouded in cloud (and have since discovered that the road is closed with ice and snow so won’t be able to see it before we leave. Disappointing… but that’s travel.

So, we started the day with a walk in the rain to breakfast at Daci & Daci which had been recommended to me… an opulent destination for all- things-sweet, an artisanal patisserie and an absolutely delicious start to the day. Yum!

Then it was off to browse the colourful bustling Salamanca Market. Basically the whole trip had revolved around being in Hobart on Saturday so we could be here. I love a good market and wasn’t disappointed. With over 300 stalls- bargains and buskers, everything from fresh produce to hot food, Tassie wines and spirits, designer clothes and artisan handicrafts… it’s one of the biggest drawcards in Hobart. More than a few purchases were made although mostly delectable food bought direct from the producers to add to a planned dinner platter in a couple of days (no room in our little bags to actually take much home to Brisbane). We couldn’t resist a mouth watering salted crème brûlée pavlova even though we were definitely not hungry. That’s what holidays are for right?

Then walked a few of those calories off with a leisurely wander on the fringes of Hobart’s center, in Battery point… the city’s oldest and one of its prettiest suburbs. Originally the location of Hobart’s defensive garrison and home to hundreds of sailors and soldiers, these days, the defences are long gone, but the gorgeous Victorian and Georgian style houses constructed for the officers still remain. With a palpable sense of colonial history, the narrow streetscape is lined with boutiques, high-end hotels, grand mansions, cute cafés and cuter cottages… weatherboard or sandstone, beautified by house-proud owners with green thumbs. I think Karen wants to sell up and move here… or at least get a home with a bigger garden!

We found the most delightful formal English style walled park in our wanderings. St David’s park was the site of the first cemetery in Tasmania and a memorial wall which is made up of many of the original headstones from the park still remains including many headstones for children from those days when children’s life expectancy was not very high. Huge stately old trees and spectacular blossoms, magnolias, camellias, azaleas (purple ones which we had never seen and teeny tiny deep pink ones also), rhododendrons fill the park… we keep saying that throughout Tassie the blooms really do seem to be in steroids.

Had lunch at The Whaler in the heart of the market in Salamanca Place as I had been hanging out to try a lobster roll since before we left Brisbane. Once again… delicious with a local Tassie chardy (gin for the girls).

We then headed to the New Sydney Hotel… a laid-back watering hole in Hobart’s CBD, with a roaring fire, welcoming atmosphere and an Irish music jam session that had been recommended. We all love Irish music and it’s hard to find in Brisbane. It was soooo good… so many talented musicians enjoying themselves and everyone else in the bar having a wonderful time as well. Apparently irrespective of ability or repertoire every player/singer gets a free drink. I doubt you could have a more fun Irish experience outside of Ireland than this. If I lived locally I think I would be here very regularly.

Walked home through the university rose garden and couldn’t resist more photos. Everyone’s probably sick of our flower photos but the blooms are seriously so amazing. Never seen a blossom tree so big and fully laden.