Time Out at Tulloch's -Hunter Valley

The weather had cooled sufficiently to safely and happily step beyond the air conditioning so we set off for Tulloch's. Family members had not ventured to the tasting rooms so it was somewhat of a novelty. Mid week timing provided exceptional access to the member's tasting lounge. As we were the only people there our hostess was able to give us her full attention. The commentary and explanation for each variety tasted was professional without being intense. Several sips later we'd made a box load of purchases before our 1 o'clock lunch booking at the Muse Cafe.

MONA - Tasmania

Mindful of the recent bushfires we decided that it was prudent to stay in Hobart for the last three days of our holiday. Day one, we made our way, by ferry, to MONA. A thirty minute trip upstream landed visitors at a jetty with ninety plus steps that led to the museum's entrance. Architecture of a robust and almost fortress-like style dominated our approach. Eyes were focused on MONA's steel battlements that topped sloping, rust glazed, walls. Walls that rose high above the surrounding river demanded everyone's attention. Upon entry, visitors were briefed, re the technology provided and its navigation. Technology provided access to print and or audio descriptions of exhibits and displays. Once inside the individual galleries, at the press of a button the headset technology provided detailed summaries of artworks. MONA had been sited deep into the sandstone and its walls within were unmistakably pyramid-like in stature. Corridors and hanging walkways further supported this notion. Galleries were calm and serene as visitors sought to understand their surrounds. In some places chambers unfolded as they do in the Louvre. The central glass lift, round in shape, delivered tourists quickly and efficiently between chambers. The enormity of MONA, its overwhelming architecture and its vast range of artworks should be afforded a day or more if one is to sample all of its features. I am pleased that we had pre-booked and purchased tickets prior to our arrival as it expedited our entry with pleasing efficiency. In a carpark I noted the sense of humour of our host and reflected on his contributions to art. 

You Call This A Park!

From the river cruise it was but a short distance to the City Park. What a park! The Launceston City Park must surely be able to boast a point of interest for every tourist. A cafe, a conservatory, wide open grassed areas, a larger than life outside, chess arena, a monkey enclosure, water features, rotundas, statues, extensive pathways, permanent gardens, blooms and flower beds. One could literally spend several hours taking in all of the sights that City Park offered. Having visited the park we understood why, earlier in the day, that we had seen so many people in the surrounding streets carrying picnic hampers and associated paraphernalia. I played with my app on my Ipad to reshape the beautiful tree my the pond. The tree with its outstretched limbs welcomed every visitor.

Loved Launceston

Launceston, just in time for lunch. Checked in early, thank you, Grande Chancellor. Lunched in the restaurant where we were briefly interrupted by a fire alarm and the arrival of the local fire fighters who responded to the ringing of bells and the sounding of sirens within the hotel. Gave my room number and name to the wait person as we retreated to the hotel's forecourt to await the 'all clear.' Glad Lynsey was not there. She has some sensible views about holidaying with the Ferguson's. I was beginning to think that we were going to had more holiday adventures just like when we travelled to Europe. Thus far in true downunder fashion we had plane delays, detours, our rental car reassigned and now a fire alarm; all in a twenty four hour period. Lucky; I say. After that exciting start to the holiday we decided that a tranquil river cruise was needed to acquaint us with the city. From the boat we cruised the Esk River listening to Callum's informative commentary. His research and local knowledge was impressive. Callum's words created a picture of Launceston as it was when first settled and as it presents today. I learnt that Launceston is the third oldest city in Australia. Good decision to take the cruise after a day on the road.

Family Visits

How do you treat family to something special when they come to visit? Suggestion. Impromptu lunch at Lillino's, Talga Road. When everyone just wants to catch up it is good to ask someone else to do the cooking. This was a particularly long lunch as it had been months since some of our party had seen each other. 

Heritage Trail Revelations

Two hours from Hobart by road but so many intriguing places to visit along the way. The heritage trail running between the two cities held great appeal so GPS punched with destination we headed off. Fascinating, distraction was the GPS that came with our Thrifty rental. It was to provide a source of both amusement and entertainment as we travelled the Ápple Isle.' The technology had not been updated so the sweet voice of the GPS was regularly advising us that she was recalculating. The word recalculating was persistently mispronounced as were most of the street names that she, the GPS, endeavoured to identify. However, despite our GPS's idiosyncrasy's we settled to the rhythm of the highway and found the village of Oatlands. Its historical features most apparent even from a distance. The old mill towered above all of the dwellings of the village inviting travellers to leave the highway and reveal its setting. Indeed we did. Several original buildings remain standing. Worth the break in the journey.

Alfresco Family Dining

The notion of family is celebrated in typical Australian fashion at our home, under the pergola. Such a rare opportunity for us all to gather at the same table so we made an occasion of the night. Simple salads, roasted meat, bread, wine and bubbles too; all by candlelight.

Delays and Detours

Doing it in style with a Limousine ride to Newcastle Airport. As usual, Jetstar a little late departing but somehow managing to arrive only ten minutes beyond scheduled arrival. Love Melbourne airport's shopping choices; so much better than Charles de Gaul. Lunch, then browsing the concourse, where we made a small purchase from the Sweet Dr vendor before making our way to the gate's lounge area. Seated and waiting we heard an announcement re a slight delay for our flight to Hobart. Next, we hear our names being called to invite us to go to the ground staff station. Interesting, we had completed self check in and baggage drop earlier, with no glitches. What did ground staff want with us? They wanted to reallocate our seats to allow us to be seated together. We had not noticed the original print outs had assigned us separate rows. Easily fixed. A while later another dulcet toned voice advised us that due to operational requirements we were being diverted to Launceston and thence, to Hobart, following a short stop over. Initially, the stop over was not given a time frame. Having left home at 12:30 it was 8:45 pm that we made our way into Hobart's terminal to collect our luggage. Car hire was close by so off we set. Thrifty service desk advised us that our car had been reassigned due to our late arrival. The clerk advised us that she had attempted to contact us via telephone and that we had not answered her call. Funny that, we were airborne and later sitting in a plane on the Tarmac at Launceston while the crew completed per fight checks yet again. How tardy of us not to have taken her call? 

Long day got longer at that bit of trivia. However, the stay at the Hobart Airport Hotel was a true gem. Great location, room features were impressive and breakfast most competitive with those back home.