Port Arthur and Merry Christmas from Hobart

Another gorgeous scenic coastal drive from Freycinet to Hobart. It was a sunny day and the peaks of Freycinet peninsular set a stunning background to Great Oyster Bay. Lots of great little beaches and other bays along the way. 

Didn't stop at Maria island this time where I believe they have quarantined some disease free Tasy devils. It will have to wait for another trip. Instead we got into Hobart mid afternoon to let us do some you-know-what shopping!! Bought some lights and other pretties to decorate the camp for Xmas!

Blew a gale all night long. But the next day was fine for a day trip to Port Arthur. 

Saw our first Tasy Devil road signs on the way! Also went thru previously fire torn Dunalley. Good to c some new houses already finished, tho some glaring gaps too.

It was so pretty and warm at Port A, that it made it a little harder to see what the old hardships would have been. On a cold, rainy day tho I am sure it would b more vivid. Girls enjoyed checking out the old cottages and ruins. We enjoyed the tour guides stories tho some were a little grim. St David's church is still operational. Has a great organ that someone was playing when we came for a look. Girls couldn't help but want a pic. 

It was a big day and we still had some wrapping to do after the drive home. Oh, and there was a visit from Santa and the local fire brigade!! Kids thought that was totally awesome. There were lots of lollies too!!

Merry Christmas. Thinking of family and friends....Also spent Xmas day catching up on sleep and washing of all things. The washing tent....

Beautiful sunny day. We had a terrific spot at the caravan park on the water of the harbour at Berridale near Mona and the Cadbury factory (that was closed 4 the xmas week :( ). I am sure I could hear Mt Wellington calling us that day, but we didn't quite get there. Shame, as it was clouded out the rest of our stay. Another to add to the list for next time. Instead we enjoyed prawns and salmon and kids had a good session with some new stuff.

We spent Boxing Day checking out the city centre including the old buildings of the Salamanca markets. Reminded me of the Grassmarkets in Edinburgh very much. We went down to the docks and saw a big old world sailing ship dock for the day. Impressive. And we did a bit of shopping to pick up rain jackets 4 the girls in readiness 4 our jaunt to the west coast. After a full day we were lucky to b able to catch up with some Brissy mates who were down having Xmas with ma/grandma. Greatplace on the harbour with lovely gardens and dinner was fab. So generous. It was great to catch up and see how well their boys were doing. Such lovely boys. Girls were wonderfully entertained, particularly by the youngest!! 

Another highlight from Hobart was our trip to the historic town of Richmond. Boasts the oldest bridge in Australia that is still operational amongst a host of quaint old cottages and shops. Foundation stone dated 1823. Nice bridge too, to have that claim....