Oct 28 - Hobart

 Oct 28 - Hobart, Tasmania

 

 

     Walking through an old growth forest in Mt. Field National Park

Our excursion today, arranged by one of our Cruise Critic friends, was with an excellent local guide, Benjamin.  Ben told us we are the first cruise ship to arrive this season!

We went to  Mt Field National Park and the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.  I’ve included quite a few links (click on the blue print) to more information about some of the things we experienced.  

As we headed to Coal River Valley Ben provided a commentary, both historical  and current, about Tasmania, or ‘Tassie’  as he often referred to the state.  Of the 560,000 population of Tasmania, about 270,000 live in or around Hobart.  from 1804 to 1853 it was a convict state with prisoners shipped there mainly from the UK, but also from other parts of the world.  As they realized they would be housing these prisoners, many for life, rather than keeping them incarcerated they had the idea to use prisoners to work and build Hobart town.  So as the prisoners worked and became successful at various trades, they were released and began building lives for themselves.  To this day surnames help  to identify areas/ ‘clans’/ professions from this times - plumbers, fencers, masons etc.  People’s surnames give stories to their origins.

It was a beautiful drive through the countryside!

He gave us so much interesting information that it is hard to remember much of it!!  What I gleaned from his narration was how resourceful the people of Tasmania have been and still are today and how they have turned adversity into new products and jobs!!

One example is at one time Tasmania supplied Great Britain with apples. Then in 1975 England joined the EU, and they began to buy apples from European countries as shipping was easier, product was cheaper etc.  This was a huge problem for Tasmania!  What did they do?  They looked for new crops and now cherry orchards replace that income!

We passed several berry plantations growing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries. Proof of the quality of the berries was in my lunch!  - a mixed berry crepe!!!

Covid has spawned new careers!  He told us of one man who came from Queensland with the idea of growing avocados!  Everyone told him he was crazy - the climate in Tasmania was not suitable etc.  But he persisted and now Tasmania grows some of the most delicious avocados!

Grape growing is expanding rapidly. Tasmania is now becoming known for its wineries with award winning wines such as Pinot Noir and a Riesling.  Farmers have started growing barley which they use to produce an award winning single malt whiskey!  

Unfortunately young people are leaving farms.  Many were bought up by Chinese investors to start wineries.  The government realized what was happening and, after Covid govt changed excise laws and when the Chinese found the new laws didn’t suit their business model they sold the farms back to Tasmanians.      

As we drove along we saw hawthorn bushes planted along the hedgerows.  Farmers realized their animals were getting through / or over the fences so they added hawthorn with its very long, sharp thorns  to keep animals in!

We finally reached Mt Field National Park.  It was awesome to take the Tall Trees Walk through an old growth forest where Eucalyptus trees and fern trees made a canopy over the walkway where we spent the rest of the morning.   The walk took us to Russell Falls, a huge waterfall in the middle of the forest!

Along the way we saw a Pademelon, a marsupial related to Kangaroos and Wallabies that lives among the trees.  The photo is like a ‘Where’s Waldo’ picture!! LOL 

We stopped at Salmon Ponds a salmon hatchery with a little eatery that served wonderful crepes - savoury and sweet! before heading to Bonorong.

We spent a couple of hours at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.  Mary and I had been here in 2019 so we didn’t complete the whole circuit, but we did get some photos and fed the kangaroos! The Sanctuary is adding a Veterinary clinic as it expands and builds its reputation as one of the best facilities in Australia. 

There were many birds such as Lorikeets and this Cockatoo.

On the way back to the ship we drove through Richmond, known for its sandstone buildings.  We stopped at the Richmond Bridge, the oldest sandstone bridge in Australia.  Blocks were made by prisoners!  

We returned to the ship a wee bit late for dinner after an excellent day in the area around Hobart.  We were exhausted from all the information and walking so we skipped the show!  

We’re looking forward to a day to recover on Tuesday’s sea day!!

Until next time…..

M & D