Touring Tasmania - Family History?

Hobart — Friday 17th Nov.  Another day spent at break-neck pace trying to make sure that we saw as much as possible.  We headed over to Bruny Island today – the site of Captain Cook’s landing on January 26, 1777. After a short drive out of Hobart to Kettering (around 40km) you need to catch a ferry for a 30-minute crossing.

The highlight of the ferry trip was the sighting of a pair of dolphins following along side the ferry out in the channel.  Unfortunately, the camera was in the car and by the time we retrieved it, the dolphins were no longer following.  Nobody was too fussed about missing the photo—it was a thrill just to see them swim past.

Bruny Island was a gorgeous spot.  There are great views out to the ocean and unspoilt beaches following the coastline.  The isthmus, connecting the North and South of Bruny has a lookout with spectacular views to both the east and west.  Unfortunately, it was a little early in the day to see the penguins, who apparently arrive at shore here on dusk.

While we were at Adventure Bay, I managed to twist everyone’s arm into going for a walk out to Grass Point.  It ended up being a 1.5hr walk there and back.  After spending nearly a week in the car, it was great to stretch the legs and get the blood pumping a bit harder.  It also gives you a greater feeling of connectedness with the surroundings, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere.

We had to cut short our visit of Bruny because we’d arranged to have dinner with an old friend of the family who owns and runs a restaurant and pizza shop in Huonville.  It was great to catch-up with them, although they were really busy and couldn’t spend much time with us.  If you’re down this way, pop into Tower Pizza and tell Michael and Jenny I sent you.  They make a great pizza (unbiased opinion)!

When we arrived back at the house, we decided to take a short walk down to the beach.  It’s such a clear and bright night, and we lost all sense of the time.  The kids played in the sand, chased the waves back and forth and collected shells.  It was after 9pm when we left to head for a warm fire and cup of tea, warn out from another long day.

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