We couldn't come all the way to Hobart without a stroll through the Salamanca Markets. It’s a bit of a sensory overload in the best way possible, with hundreds of stalls stretching out under those massive plane trees. Lisa found herself drawn to the local craft stalls—there’s everything from handmade soaps to intricate woodwork—while Steve was more interested in tracking down the best coffee and watching the buskers. The old sandstone buildings lining the street give the whole place such a solid, historic feel.
Looking up from the colourful market tents, we could see the mountain looming over the city. It’s a constant reminder of how wild the Tasmanian landscape is, even when you’re standing in the middle of a bustling crowd.
When the market crowds got a bit too thick, we slipped away into St David’s Park. It runs right along the top of the market area but feels worlds away in terms of peace and quiet. We spent some time wandering through the greenery, and it was lovely to see how well-kept everything is. We came across a striking stone memorial, an ornate Gothic structure that looks like it belongs in an old English village. Lisa loved the quiet atmosphere of the gardens, while Steve was just happy to find a bit of shade and a place to sit for a minute.
We eventually wandered down toward the waterfront to catch the breeze off the Derwent. The harbour was looking spectacular under the bright blue sky. Right there at the pier sat a magnificent tall ship, its wooden masts and rigging standing out against the modern boats nearby. It really anchors that old-world maritime feel that Hobart does so well. Seeing the "Windeward Bound" poster on the wharf made us realise just how much work goes into keeping those beautiful old vessels on the water.
Since the mountain was standing clear and proud today, we decided it was time for a second attempt at the summit. Our first try earlier in the trip was a complete failure thanks to a thick blanket of cloud, but today was perfect. As we made our way up the winding road, we were stuck behind a cyclist who was working incredibly hard. Steve reckons he’d need a motor on his bike and a new pair of lungs to even contemplate a climb like that, but you have to admire the dedication.
Reaching the top was a completely different experience this time. The air was crisp, and the view across the harbour and out to the Tasman Peninsula was breathtaking. Standing among those massive, weathered dolerite rocks, you really feel like you’re on the edge of the world. We spent ages just pointing out where we’d been and watching the clouds roll across the water far below us.
By the time we headed back toward Sorell, we’d worked up a serious appetite. We couldn't resist a stop at Barilla Bay Oysters to pick up some local treats. We ended up with a dozen Kilpatrick oysters and a jar of honey chilli and garlic pickled octopus. Back at our base, we laid out the spread, and it was absolute heaven. There’s something about fresh Tassie seafood that just can’t be beaten. The grandkids would have turned their noses up at the octopus, but for us, it was the perfect way to toast a successful day in Hobart.
