Why Tasmania? At first, I was simply intrigued by the name and reminisced about the cartoon of the Tasmanian Devil from my childhood. However, the more I delved into Tasmania on the internet, the more compelled I felt to visit. Firstly, it boasts a cooler climate compared to the rest of Australia and offers a stunning landscape with a unique cultural charm. I thought it would be an ideal place to unwind after the hustle and bustle of two larger and hot cities. The quaint harbor city of Hobart provided the perfect setting to recharge, cool off, take a dip in the hotel pool, indulge in a couple of massages, and savor leisurely sips of coffee, wine, or locally crafted gin. Additionally, I couldn't resist sampling the local mussels, scallops, and salmon. Naturally, I embarked on a few local tours, including a visit to the renowned Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). A pleasant surprise was stumbling upon a Friday night concert in the park and engaging in spontaneous conversations with both locals and fellow vacationers. Hobart exudes a vibrant atmosphere, offering plenty of temptations to venture beyond relaxation and instead dive into exploration.
The Tasmanian Devil. While not as wild or as numerous as they once were, with 80% having been wiped out in the last 30 years due to a type of cancer causing facial tumors, these creatures remain a fascinating sight. Areas have been fenced off to protect those that are cancer-free. These devils, known for their ferocity and tendency to bite, are strictly off-limits in sanctuaries or refuges. Supposedly possessing incredible strength, they are primarily scavengers in the wild, effortlessly cleaning carcasses down to the bone.
One tour led me on a hike in Mount Field National Park and the breathtaking Russell Falls. Stepping out of the van, I was immediately struck by the invigorating scent of eucalyptus trees, and I couldn't help but marvel at the pristine, refreshing air. The hike itself was a feast for the eyes, with majestic trees, ferns, and occasional sightings of pademelons. We proceeded to explore Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Richmond, and the windy heights of Mount Wellington, offering spectacular coastal vistas. The sanctuary proved to be a delightful highlight, showcasing their bold efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating animals unable to fend for themselves in the wild. Personally, I developed a soft spot for the endearing wombats, although I learned that their charm wears off once they reach adolescence and become prone to biting, prompting their release into the wild. However, concerns lingered about their safety in the wild, given Tasmania's unfortunate reputation as the roadkill capital of the world, with almost 300,000 animals falling victim to road accidents annually.
The following day, I headed out on a tour to the historic island of Port Arthur, formerly a notorious prison colony. Established in 1830, it utilized convict labor for various purposes, including saw milling. Most convicts were from England, with some as young as nine, often sentenced for minor offenses such as theft of food or a beaver hat. At its peak, Port Arthur housed 2000 convicts. Our guide revealed the harsh conditions endured by the convicts, with only a small fraction deemed "rat-bags." - the guides description. Despite its tumultuous history, Port Arthur suffered further tragedy in 1996, when a mass shooting claimed the lives of 35 individuals, leading to swift legal action to restrict access to assault weapons. This horrific event left a lasting scar on the small town and its surroundings.
The bustling Salamanca Market, a weekly Saturday affair, teased the senses with a myriad of culinary delights, fresh produce, local crafts, and live music, including a lively performance by a Scottish bagpipe band—a delightful surprise.
A visit to MONA proved to be an unforgettable experience. Initially unaware of its existence until a chance encounter with locals in a Melbourne elevator, I found myself pleasantly surprised. A ferry ride transported me to this subterranean wonder, nestled within cliffs on a peninsula. Founded by David Walsh, a "rain man" kind of genius with numbers, who made his fortune through illegal gambling, MONA boasts a diverse collection of modern art and architecture. He built the museum to avoid huge tax liabilities, because art is not taxed. Descending a spiral stairwell, I entered a realm of intrigue and teh bizzare. David Walsh describes the museum as a "subversive adult Disneyland". OK. It may be too wild for some, but it was a marvel to me. They even had live music events.
Exploring the countryside and local sites on a couple of day tours revealed Tasmania's scenic splendor, encompassing small mountains, lush forests, wildlife, cherry orchards, vineyards, and picturesque beaches. Each journey through the countryside offered a captivating glimpse into the island's natural beauty.
Next stop: Cairns in the North, for the Great Barrier Reef and another visit with intense heat.
Wombat and the last one is a Pademelon
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