Two Days in Hobart, Tasmania

What a fantastic trip, and we’re only at the beginning! Our two days in the Hobart area have been action packed, with far too many wonderful experiences to recount in one post, so I’ll just focus on three highlights.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

During our private tour of the sanctuary, we met a wombat,

gently touched a sleepy koala,

and fed kangaroos and wallabys.

We were warned to steer clear of Tasmanian devils. These little guys LOOK cute and lovable, but their jaws are powerful, and when irritated, can (and do) bite.

Most of the animals were rescued when they were injured or their mothers were killed. After they are healed, those that are able to survive in the wild are released.

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)

I’ve been to a lot of museums all over the world, but nothing even comes close to THIS place!

Admit it, how many museums have YOU visited that have write ups like this?

Although it is possible to drive there, our experience began with a short ferry ride from Hobart’s waterfront. You enter the building on the top floor, a walk up that my fit bit told me was the equivalent of 6 flights of stairs. No wonder the place has a wine bar! You’ve earned a glass before you even get started.

I guess the best way to describe the art is that it was an immersive experience. It was sometimes hard to tell whether you were viewing artwork or another museum visitor. Take a look:

Did YOU figure out the boys in the first photo were art and the second was a visitor experiencing the art?

The entire building was a work of art. Tunnels led off into different directions,some leading into little side rooms.

I was sufficiently impressed with this one to include two photos of it.
The outdoor “art” was equally engaging.

That IS a trampoline and the young woman, although not a performance artist, DID perform a couple of back flips. Had I visited the wine bar before, I might have been tempted to give it a go.

Port Arthur

Although the prison complex was interesting, my favorite part of the trip was the stops along the way. Check out this gorgeous scenery.

We leave Hobart this morning for Cradle Mountain, where it is snowing!