Yarra Valley, Vineyards

Over two days we visited the Yarra Valley, three vineyards (ranging from one with 2 helicopters and a McLaren, to one with extensive kids, playground for when the adults are “relaxing”, and Chandon vineyard where Eu Ming tried to look the part… We then went on a nature trail, seeing Kookaburras (with kamikaze like approach …

Port Arthur

A longish drive down to Port Arthur completed our loop around Tasmania. The Port was originally a Penal Institute for Criminals from the UK and then for recalcitrant local criminals, and “featured” a version of Jeremy Bentams “panopticon” style of isolation prison, beyond the main labour camp prison. Boys down to 8-9yrs old were also …

Launceston

Apparently pronounced Launc-ces-ton?!? At Launceston we expanded our culinary repertoire (I think 9 nationalities altogether!) with a good Mexican Meal, in honour of Lulu’s concurrent holiday, and followed with an Ice cream and brownie:-) Tasmania Devils sculptures in the main shopping area, not the most endearing of emblems! The next day we drove up Cradle …

Arrival in Tasmania, Hobart

Hobart is near the southernmost part of Tasmania, the southernmost part of Australia, and the temperature on the first night reflected it. We loved the Battery Point and Salamanca Area of Hobart, with a hipster village feel to the area behind the more tourist focussed Salamanca area. coffee shops, bakeries, and inviting eateries (after we …