Christmas in Tasmania

This beautiful wreath in the Showroom at Sea was just a taste of the Christmas decorations that adorned our “Home at Sea”

The sky’s were ominously overcast over the city of Hobart as we prepared our northward sail toward “The Great Small Cities of the World”. Tasmania’s capital city lies nestled between the brooding of kunani/Mount Wellington and the sparkling estuary of the River Derwent. (Quoted from their travel brochure)

By the time we docked at wharf # 3, the sun was shining brilliantly and the sky’s were clear of clouds.

Today we will be treated to a private tour masterfully booked by one of our cruise critic friends “ifoundabuddy” Ron. Our group of 28 would be picked up by Andrew, his wife Lyndsey and a friend from “Tessie ‘Tailor Made’ Tours” just outside the cruise terminal and for the next nine or so hours we would be treated to quite literally, a “Taste of Tasmania”.

We were driven the 22 miles to the top of Mt Wellington for this terrific view.

Then we motored to a wildlife rescue park, where Barbara enjoyed feeding the kangaroos. Notice the “Joey’s leg protruding from the mother’s pouch.

Stuffed ourselves at this “Bush Tucker Shed” provided by our hosts. A stop before the wildlife center was a a “Bottle Store” where we were afforded the opportunity to purchase the refreshments of our choosing.

Our final stop for the day was at a National Park, where our hosts set up a fabulous picnic of deserts and fresh fruit. That’s Andrew in the foreground.

Before heading back to the ship we gathered for one final photograph of our group.

What great memories of a wonderful day.

Next: Port Arthur, a dark chapter in Tasmania’s History