New Zealand to Australia – Hobart, Tasmania

View of Hobart from Mt. Wellington

Our crossing of the Tasman Sea was one of the roughest we have experienced.  Fortunately our record of not getting sea sick holds!  After missing the port of Dunedin and the scenic cruising of Milford Sound, the Captain steered a course to avoid the worst of the storm.  This meant backtracking to the north – past Wellington and between the north and south islands of New Zealand.  This added distance and time to our crossing to Tasmania.  The ship steered a northerly course directly toward the mainland of Australia – for a while we thought we were skipping Tasmania too but then the ship turned quickly south and after three sea days we arrived in Hobart at the south end of the island.

Our arrival in Hobart was greeted by very sunny skies – but cool and crisp.  Putting our feet on land was odd – I kept having the feeling that everything was still moving!  We were able to get off early to go through Australian immigration and customs so we could pick up our rental car as soon as possible.  Our day in the Hobart region was outstanding!  The woman at the car rental agency suggested we drive to Mount Wellington first since the weather was so good.  The mountain looms over Hobart – the views from the top are spectacular.  The long winding road of about 20km goes through various stages of mixed forest of eucalyptus, pines, ferns, and other semi-tropical plants before emerging into a more barren landscape of scrub.  Toward the top there are interesting rock formations that look somewhat like Devil’s Post Pile in California.  At the top, there are walkways and lookout points.  The most spectacular of these includes platforms that hang out over the edge.  Hobart below appears like an unreal city in miniature.  Other valleys and inlets are visible; some were shrouded in fog. 

After returning to Hobart, we headed north to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – a rehabilitation center for native wildlife.  What a fascinating visit!  Docents were available in each area to give explanations.  The first was a woman holding a baby wombat in a large “sock” to mimic the mother’s pouch.  The Tasmanian Devils were in various exhibits….what strange animals.  Many of those at the Sanctuary were orphaned and hand raised.  There is also a large area for “retired” Devils who can live out their lives in peace and quiet. There was a large area with kangaroos roaming in fields that allowed visitors to walk amongst them.  Free food for the kangaroos was available for us to hand feed them.  We also saw a mother with a baby in the pouch - only a foot was sticking out! 

Baby Wombat kept in a giant sock to simulate his mom's pouch

After Bonorong, we headed for the village of Richmond – a very quaint spot with Georgian architecture and a famous stone bridge built in 1826.  We had an excellent lunch in a café on the main street.  After our day’s adventures we headed back to Hobart through vineyards and farms.  After returning the car, we walked back to the ship through downtown Hobart – a very charming place.

Tasmania is beautiful.  We want to go back! 

Richmond, Tasmania

Today was a “sea day” on our way to Melbourne – where we arrive in the morning.  We will overnight and have a second day in the City.  More later….