Easter Break in Tasmania!

The past week has been Easter break (I keep wanting to call it spring break, which is clearly incorrect), and for five days I was in Tasmania. The trip was organized by IES, the study abroad program I’m here with. It was an amazing few days! I had no idea what to expect, but Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The air and water are really clean (the Australian Green party was founded in Tasmania, and it’s clear the state is much more environmentally friendly than other parts of Australia), and there was so much natural beauty. It was a good change, getting out of the city and into the wilderness.

Wombat at the zoo!

Tassie Devils feeding

Last Tuesday, the group, thirteen students and two group leaders, left Melbourne bright and early and landed in Launceston. First up was visiting the Tasmanian Zoo. We got to see Tasmanian Devils being fed. Although they’re cute little creatures, they were ripping the meat apart pretty viciously. At the zoo, we also did this four-wheel drive adventure. It was kind of like the Indiana Jones ride except in real life. We were in this completely open vehicle going through bushland, up and down hills and through puddles and streams. It was so muddy! And unfortunately when we were going up one huge hill, our vehicle had some issues. We had to climb down the hill barefoot (because our shoes would have been completely trashed) to meet it and complete the ride. Getting back on the bus after that, I discovered a leech on my foot from the walk down! Yuck! Afterwards, we had very fancy lunch at a winery (even though we were all a little dirty and smelly after the ride). It was beautiful, with the vines on a hill overlooking a lake. Plus the food and wine were delicious (Dad, the winery was called Ninth Island, and I had the pinot with my lunch). We drove two hours and checked into our accommodation for the night, Iluka Cabins. Needless to say, after the first day we were all ready for some sleep.

The winery, with Maddie and Jamie

View of Coles Bay during the hike

Wednesday we left Iluka and drove to Freycinet National Park. We hiked up and over a hill to get to Wineglass Bay, a truly picturesque beach. Although the hike was straight uphill and then downhill both there and back, it was worth it to have lunch on the beach of this remote bay. The only way to get there is by hiking or by boat, so the area is very unspoiled by humans. That afternoon we stopped at Kate’s Berry Farm for scones (Australians pronounce scone like it rhymes with con) and jam, all made fresh on the property. That night we went on the Port Arthur ghost tour. Port Arthur was one of the biggest prison colonies, and was renowned for being a hell on earth. During the tour we heard some pretty spooky stories of supernatural occurrences, though I didn’t experience anything myself.

Wineglass Bay

On the beach

Scones and jam with the group

Dolomite cliffs

Thursday we left bright and early for a boat tour of the Tasmanian coastline. The dolomite cliffs were really impressive, and we got to see tons of seals lounging on rocks! It was a very cool experience. After lunch (fish and chips cones, delicious), we were off to Richmond for the night. Richmond is a beautiful little town, with some of the oldest structures in Australia. That night, we saw the Grannie Rhodes show. The bed and breakfast we were staying at is run by a woman who restored a house from the 1800s and puts on a one-woman historical show about the woman who used to live there. The woman, Miriam, is clearly incredibly passionate about the show and did an amazing amount of research and restoration. The show itself, though, was a little goofy.

 

Seals lounging!

The oldest bridge in Australia (in Richmond)

Our b & b was very cute

Some "art" at MONA

 We left Richmond Friday morning and were off to Hobart. We went jet boating in the morning, which was very fun. Basically we went very fast down the river and over some rapids, which was fun, and our boat driver also did some 360 degree turns. After that we went to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. The museum just opened in January, so it was basically brand new. The art in there was kind of crazy! It was all super-contemporary and provocative. I don’t know if I liked it all, but it was really interesting to go spend some time there. That afternoon, we got to do a beer tasting at Cascade Brewery, a local beer in Tasmania. They paired six beers with little nibbles of food, and it was a lot of fun. The gardens at Cascade were beautiful, too. That night, we watched the royal wedding (of course) in a pub, and then the group participated in some karaoke for the last night together.

Beer tasting, with Justin and Jamie

Justin, Maddie, and Jamie enjoying lunch at Salamanca Markets

 Saturday morning, we were off to Tassie Laser Skirmish. Essentially it was more intense laser tag, with camo uniforms and all outside. I’m still a little sore from crouching behind bushes. When that was finished, we went back into Hobart for some free time to explore. We ate lunch at the Salamanca Market, all set up outside in front of old buildings and next to the harbor. After free time, it was off to the airport to return to Melbourne. It was a little sad to return, but after all we did I was exhausted and ready to slow down a little.

Hobart wharf

Top view of Salamanca Markets

The trip was so much fun. Good food (that I didn’t have to make), fun people, and beautiful surroundings. Going has made me so excited for more travel. Next planned trip: New Zealand on May 28^th!