Live from Australia - Hobart

SATURDAY – MAY 21, 2012
The day started with a site inspection of the Lenna of Hobart. Built in 1874, Lenna is a magnificently restored colonial home, classified by the National Trust and also listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register. Situated right in the heart of historic Sullivan’s Cove, Lenna is adjacent to fashionable Salamanca Place and a pleasant few minutes walk to Hobart’s city centre and waterfront.

I headed down to Salamanca Place where you will find 19th-century waterfront warehouses dating back to the 1830s whaling days. Today, they house cafes, restaurants, galleries and art studios, the ideal place to wander or enjoy alfresco dining. And since it was Saturday, I looked forward to visiting the famous Salamanca Market because over 300 stallholders would be there selling produce and craft items from all over Tasmania.

This was my time to mingle with the locals and try the Tasmanian apple cider and obellion (a Dutch fried pastry filled with fruit). Love the apple cider but the pastry lacked flavor. Aside from vegemite, the other local favorite is sandlewood honey. So had to get some to try with my tea.

After Salamanca Market we headed for Port Arthur, the best preserved convict site in Australia and one of the country’s most visited heritage attractions. Yes I said convict site, so you guessed it, we went to visit a prison. It takes about 1 ½ hours to get there but the drive is quite lovely as you drive past rolling hills and pastures and more sheep farms than I had ever seen.

What you will experience, you may ask? Well the guides at Port Arthur are quite passionate about their work and will share their passion, knowledge and stories of Port Arthur on the guided tours and harbor cruise. You can take your time to explore furnished period homes, including the Commandant’s House, Parsonage, Trentham Cottage and Junior Medical Officer’s quarters as well as the historic buildings and ruins of the Penitentiary, Barracks, Guard Tower and military precinct, Hospital, Paupers’ Depot and Asylum.

You will experience fascinating, interactive exhibits at the Dockyard, Parsonage and Separate Prison, and get to know a real convict when you play the Lottery of Life. And the Historic Ghost Tour invites you into an eerie, after dark experience of Port Arthur. Only for the brave!
Real places, real people, real experiences

I found it odd, that although a prison, Port Arthur is a very beautiful place surrounded by beautiful bushland woven with walks and trails. I found my emotions conflicted at this place.