While I wait for the termite man to come and check his dirty work I will share my thoughts and research on Hobart .
The visit was much too short and not nearly long enough to take in all the things Hobart has to offer but I did my best eating an drinking for you Forum Fest enthusiasts!
It will be the same time of year so the weather..... Very cold and very windy but today 20 degrees. For my trip I needed thigh high boots, thick leather gloves, a balaclava and a great coat, none of which I had. Walking fast was practiced.
I stayed in Sullivans Cove Apts Admiral Suite
http://www.sullivanscoveapartments.com.au about 100metres from the wharf where the local ferries depart. Parliament house was an olive pip spit away and just one long block from Salamanca Place to the right and about 3 blocks in the other direction to The Grand Chancellor hotel.
http://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/au/hobart/ My apartment all but shared a wall with The Customs House Hotel.
http://www.customshousehotel.comFirst breakfast at Daci Daci.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/345/1634290/restaurant/Tasmania/Daci-Daci-Bakers-Hobart. Wow!
Then off to MONA by ferry. If in the POSH PIT. It is a two glass and nibble trip. It can also be reached by bus. If going by ferry there are 99 steep steps on arrival. If you do not fancy these I recommend asking in advance for the golf buggy trip up. The ferry then proceeds to a second wharf where you are met for the ride up the steep hill. No problem to them.
This museum of old and new is privately funded and it shows. No government interference to crap it up. No expense spared to make this one of the most unique experiences in the world. Something for everyone even if you are not culturally inclined. It is gobsmacking glorious with incredible spaces filled .....or not.....with an eclectic collection. There is a bar near the entrance . At the exit upstairs by gentle stairs or smooth lift there is a cafe.
Walk outside and up the hill to the Moorilla estate winery and brewery. A free tasting and winery tour is included in you POSH PIT ticket. Eat at the fancy restaurant or walk across the lane to the bistro.
We spent 5 hours there and I figured I saw about 2/3 of the place and was not even vaguely bored. Not a place for children at all even though there were some exhibits which would be of interest to some children perhaps.
Next day breakfast at Salamanca Place. All places packed . The city shops were closed due to Hobart show Day. Pity as the Sea Princess was in port. Next year Hobart show Day is Thursday the 23ed so No problem.
http://www.tasmanianrestaurants.com.au/cafes.htmDidn't go Into the shopping are at all but lots of interest and places open in Salamanca.
http://www.salamanca.com.auOn to a road tour of Coal Valley Winery's and Richmond.
http://www.coalvalley.com.auhttp://www.puretasmania.com.au/default.asp?pID=126This place would be great for lunch. Well organised professionally staffed with wonderful interesting food locally produced. The gallery upstairs with the fascinating floor is sock worthy. I had to take a shoe off to experience the timber. Beautifully crafted.
http://www.frogmorecreek.com.auOn to
http://www.puddleduckvineyard.com.au Small cutesie and pretty with OMG wines including the Bubbleduck I tried just for you MF. Had to buy a few of those.
Something for everyone here in this historic village. See it before it is ruined by people like the local pharmacy with garish windows. Some people should get with the program.
http://www.richmondvillage.com.au/vineyards.htmlA dinner at Henry Jones restaurant. Artsy and wonderful with professional staff. Not as expensive as I thought it would be and worth the money. Wine prices exxy but not overly with the quality wine list. A good Tassie experience.
http://www.thehenryjones.com/dine/henrysrestaurantOther places visited in and around.
Buy a slab of smoked or otherwise salmon for $20 or less a kilo. In Salamanca Square just off the Place
http://www.tassal.com.au/salamanca/index.php/content/salashophttp://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/it8217s-official-there8217s-a-whiskey-revolution/story-fneuz92c-1226700718854Have a tasting here.
http://www.larkdistillery.com.auAnd here
http://nant.com.auOut of town is the Sullivans Cove whiskey distillery where I tasted multi award winning single malt double barrelled whiskey. Nothing and no one will ever make me drink an ordinary whiskey again. I died and went to heaven. Of course I had done the same the Nant tasting the day before and then there was the Lark. But enough of that. Not for everyone I know.
Last night a small, chef owned Chinese restaurant in Sorell where dear friend of hosts prepared a Peking duck meal. You would never know the young chef had a top reputation when he was at the casino in Hobart and I see why people come from all over to this place. I feel though you would have to know of him to order off menu. I saw one table having bowls of chips for an entree. Here you have a world class chef having to serve chips to make a living.
http://www.localstore.com.au/store/164930/hong-wan/sorell/Now I must get on taking the stems from the pink peppercorns stolen from a tree in Sorell. Wish I could have brought back some Lilacs which were beautifully in bloom.
Over to you now for some decision making for the Fest.
All are welcome to contribute, make their own inquiries and do some research. I know some of you have been or are planning on going to Tasmania. For those who have never been you should. I have been there several times and it is one of the most amazing places on earth. CC would have loved it.
That is all folks.
Gertbytassiesea
