Come to Tasmania....

Just back from a weekend in Tasmania and I have to say we had a lovely time. The local food, wine & beer (if you see Moo Brew try it) were all excellent, the scenery wonderful and the people friendly & laid-back (even if some of them did look a little strange!). Spent Friday night at a quaint little guest-house in Hobart, then Saturday morning we went for a walk around the 'city' (not exactly the biggest City you'll come across) and found the market at Salamanca (wasn't he a Bond villain?!?). The food on offer was just far too tempting so I was pleased that I hadn't had more than fruit for breakfast...

On Saturday afternoon, after a brief visit to a museum or two & a visit to Jackman & Ross (a lovely cafe) we headed out to Tarraleah. About 90 mins drive from Hobart, this village grew up alongside the hydro-electric industry & at one point had 3,000+ people living there, now that's down to about 30 & until recently the biggest local attraction was 'Madame Lash' (unfortunately she got busted so wasn't there for our visit). We stayed at Tarraleah Lodge, enjoyed a bottle of champagne in the spa bath complete with views overlooking the valley, had a well presented 4-course meal & then headed out on a 'spotlight wildlife tour'. Lucy was immensely pleased to see so many possums & wallabies.

On the Sunday we drove back to Horbart, via Mount Field National Park. Went for a bit of a walk, saw some great wildlife - Tasmanian Devils (cuter than you would think), Wombats, Platypus & fed some Wallabies. Hitting Hobart we went for a fish & chip supper, a quick beer and then, exhausted, headed for the flight back to Sydney. Hopefully to find that we've got tickets for Glastonbury.....

If you get the chance to visit Oz, and have the time, then I would definitely recommend a trip to Tasmania. We could easily have stayed two weeks rather than two days....and I'm sure you'll soon be seeing the advertising as Tourism Tasmania are really starting to push it. It's amazing how few Australian's have ever been to Tassie... in fact, given how many of them have been to Europe, it's amazing how few Australian's have seen little of their own country outside of their own town!

One last thing - went to see Hot Fuzz at the cinema last week. I won't spoil it for you, but it's very much along the lines of 'Shaun of the Dead'... if you liked that you'll love this.... I found it hilarious & laughed out loud at one or two points.