French Inspired Tassie Mini Break - January 2024 - Hostess Round Up

We took a short flight across Bass Strait to the beautiful city of Hobart, where we were met by our tour-guide Carmel. We drove up to the historical town of Richmond where Australia’s oldest sandstone arched bridge was built in 1825 by convict labour. The sisters went on their merry way discovering the main street of Richmond visiting the quaint buildings, gift and old-fashioned lolly shop and the Old Hobart Town Model Village, where you find model buildings laid out as Hobart was in the 1820s. The sun was shining and the perfect day for a drive up the narrow windy road to the summit of Mt Wellington. The views were spectacular overlooking Hobart and surrounds, even though the sun was shining the wind was roaring and the air was crisp. We continued to our French-inspired accommodation called Villa Howden for an afternoon swim, dinner and overnight.

Saturday is the day that locals and tourists flock to the Salamanca market to buy local handicrafts, gifts and to sample Tasmanian produce. We had a couple of hours to stroll among the market stalls, chat to the locals and listen to the buskers. There was also time to visit the many galleries and shops in the converted warehouses along Salamanca. After the market we drove down to Kettering to catch the ferry across to Bruny Island; pristine beaches and gorgeous landscapes with plenty of places to eat along the way all offering fresh local produce. While on Bruny Island we were fortunate to see 3 white wallabies grazing as well as echidnas and plenty of birdlife.

Sunday started with a visit to the Hobart Farm Gate Market, this inner-city street turns into a bustling farmers' market offering plenty of fresh local produce. The girls stocked up with preserves, liquors, and baked goods. Our last stop was to Mona, the world-class Museum of Old and New Art, founded by Tasmanian millionaire David Walsh to showcase his private art collection of interesting, confronting, and wacky exhibits. The weekend was full of laughter, fun-filled chatter and new friendships formed.