Hobart Driving Experiences Richmond (25 minutes from Hobart)
Approximately 25 minutes drive from HOBART is the historic
town of Richmond, home of Australias oldest bridge and oldest Catholic church.
Old Hobart Town is a carefully constructed model of Hobart as it was in 1820
and a fitting display for a town such as Richmond, with its village atmosphere,
strong connections with its colonial past, antique shops, art and craft
galleries and tea rooms. Close by are the vineyards and wineries of the Coal
River Valley, part of the Southern Tasmanian Wine Regions where you can taste
award-winning cool-climate wines.
On the way to the Tasman Peninsula, which is one-and-a-half-hours drive from Richmond, take a break in Sorell and explore its many historic
buildings. Stop and stretch your legs at the Sorell Fruit Farm, where the range
of fresh berries you can purchase in season is astounding - strawberries,
raspberries, blackcurrants and many more, all waiting for you to pick. In
warmer months an extensive range of other fruit and fresh vegetables is also
available.
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Port Arthur
The Port Arthur site and its surrounds are an incomparable combination of
history, heritage, superb coastal scenery and a broad range of visitor
experiences. Traditionally the convict ruins themselves have been the major
drawcard at the historic site, and the new visitor centre and extensive ongoing
conservation work. It is best to allow yourself at least a full day to explore
Port Arthur Historic Site.
Between 1837 and 1877 an estimated 12,500 convicts, all multiple
offenders, passed through this settlement. Those were times of great social and
political upheaval, and Port Arthur underwent many changes in its 47 years of
operation. One of the harshest reminders of convict life is the Model Prison.
This was built to enforce a form of "silent" punishment introduced when
flogging was discontinued. Each cell contained a solitary prisoner, and the
only talking permitted was between a prisoner and a senior officer. The silent
system was intended to give prisoners plenty of time to reflect upon their
crimes, and it is reckoned to have broken many a stronger man than the lash
ever subdued.
Entry to the Model Prison is nowadays via the Asylum, next door,
where you can view audio-visual presentations and a museum of convict relics.
Inspection of these two buildings is one of the highlights of Port Arthur for
most visitors. A number of other buildings, including the opulent Commandants
Residence, have been fully restored and furnished in period style and are open
daily. Dont miss the Isle of the Dead Cruise, which departs from the historic
site daily except for a short period in mid-winter. This island was Port
Arthurs burial ground during the convict era, and nearly 2,000 bodies are
buried there. Massive slabs of stone, beautifully engraved but with many
spelling mistakes, mark the resting places of free settlers. A small hut was
built on the island to house its succession of sole grave diggers, the most
famous of whom was a wild Irishman with an uncontrollable temper who caused
authorities endless trouble.
No wonder Port Arthur Ghost Tours are so popular. Farther down the
road visit the Coppings Colonial and Convict Exhibition, and its extensive
collection of interesting artefacts. Take another break at Dunalley, where you
can sample local produce, including fresh seafood. Now follow the arrows on the
Convict Trail deep into the past. At Eaglehawk Neck stop at the lookout over
Pirates Bay - a magnificent beach bounded by dramatic coastline. Once down on
the neck itself, walk the dog line near the Officers Quarters and try to
imagine the degree of desperation necessary to drive convicts to attempt escape
through this impossibly thin isthmus, guarded as it was by soldiers and 11
savage dogs. Meet a Tasmanian Devil at the Tasmanian Devil Park at Taranna. The
park now also boasts a new outdoor free-flight bird show, Kings of the Wind.
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Huon Trail (40 minutes South of Hobart)
The road south of Hobart takes us through some of Tasmania's finest
scenic attractions. A good highway takes us 40 kilometres to the orchard
community of Huonville. From here the road continues another 90 odd kilometres
past the timber and fishing townships of Geeveston, Dover and Southport to the
small holiday settlement of Cockle Creek. One of Tasmania's great wilderness
walks commences here. The south coast track follows the coast passing fine
untouched beaches where the rainforests of the South-West National Park meet
the sea. A five day walk. An airstrip at Maleluca allows walkers to fly in or
out. The flight is spectacular. The track continues on to Scott's Peak at Lake
Pedder with side trips to Federation Peak and the Western Arthurs. The Huon
track from near the Tahune Air Walk also joins the track near Scott's Peak.
Many of the islands gourmet food producers are in this
region. Vineyards also abound and in the sparkling waterways Atlantic
salmon farms can be seen. You can walk among the tree tops on the Tahune
Forest AirWalk, take the car ferry across to the spectacular Bruny Island, and
bathe in the thermal pool at Hastings Caves
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Freycinet Peninsula
Jutting out from the sea on Tasmania's mild east coast is the
rugged and beautiful Freycinet Peninsula. Freycinet National Park consists of
knuckles of granite mountains all but surrounded by azure bays and white sand
beaches. The dramatic peaks of the Hazards welcome you as you enter the park.
The Freycinet Peninsula is one of the State's most scenic coastal areas. The
imposing granite peaks of the Hazards and the many white sandy beaches that dot
the peninsula are among the highlights of the park. Combined with a typically
mild, maritime climate, the scenic beauty of the area attracts many visitors
each year.
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Birdwatching
Many species of birds live in or stop over at Freycinet and the
surrounding area. You may be lucky enough to see a white-bellied sea-eagle
gliding overhead or large Australasian gannet diving for food in the ocean. In
the bushy and forested areas you'll often see or hear small nectar-feeding
birds such as eastern spinebill and yellow-throated, crescent or New Holland
honeyeaters. You may also see or hear large yellow-tailed black cockatoos,
which often feed and fly in raucous groups. Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve, just
outside the park on the Coles Bay Road, is a wetland of international
importance and is also worth a visit. Bird lists are available from the park
entry station.
Freycinet National Park offers a wide variety of activities. Take a
walk to the pass overlooking the perfectly shaped Wineglass Bay or try less
strenuous activities like beach strolls, swimming or wildlife spotting.
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