Hobart and New Norfolk

We had a little bit of rain overnight, and some showers this morning. We had already decided to have a quieter day, with less driving, and had planned to go in to Hobart.

We started off near Constitution Dock, where the boats dock after the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Looking across to Macquarie wharf, we could see two Sea Shepherd ships were in port, although they were made to look tiny by the P & O cruise ship beside them!!

We stopped to look at the "Heading South" sculptures, by Stephen Walker. There are two sculptures "The Bernacchi Tribute" and "Seals and Penguings", commemorating the port's role in Antarctic exploration. The "Seals and Penguins" sculpture is on the rocks in the water below the wharf. It shares the rocks with local bird life, which seems entirely appropriate! Also visible in the water were many starfish.

I love the way Hobart has preserved its building heritage. We noticed it on Saturday at Salamanca, and each time we been into Hobart we have been struck by it again. This morning we saw a lovely row of buildings along Hunter Street, beside Macquarie Wharf.

Our next stop was at the pinnacle of Mount Wellington. We expected it to be cold and windy, but were not expecting the ferocity of the wind!! Fortunately, there is a viewing shelter so it was possible to get out of the wind. And what a magnificent view it is. Hobart is a really lovely city. We went out of the shelter to the open air viewing platform, but it was almost impossible to hold the camera still in the strong winds. The photos can't do justice to the view - spectacular.

After a fish and chip lunch on the wharf, we headed out of Hobart again to New Norfolk. This is a nice little town further up the Derwent River. We parked (coincidentally!) beside the public libray. So that has given me another photo for my Public Library set!! There are a number of gift and antique shops in the town, and we wandered up the main street. We spent some time in an antiques and 20th Century collectibles shop. I have never seen so many pianola rolls in one place before: three shelving bays packed with them! But the biggest surprise that this store had to offer was in a little side room. I stumble upon the Tardis in the most unexpected places - the last time was on the Historic Wharf in Portsmouth.

The day's sightseeing finished on the riverfront in New Norfolk, where we came across some very friendly ducks (possibly because they were being fed by a local child and her mother!). It is a very picturesque part of the Derwent - but then, I am yet to see a part that isn't!