World Travel with Bob: Hobart, Tasmania

Today we docked in Hobart, Tasmania. Some of the day activities typically available at Hobart have been pared down as the sites or access roads are inaccessible due to recent wild fires. About 150 houses have been destroyed according to our tour guide. Australia is currently experiencing a substantial heat wave with record temperatures over 110. Most of the grass we saw around the city is yellow and dry – extremely combustible. Though today, Hobart is in the mid-60s with some morning drizzle.

As for a little background, Hobart’s population is about 130,000 and this port city was established in 1803. The port of Hobart is a common starting point for ships leaving to Antarctica. The annual Sydney to Hobart yacht race took place about a week ago and the winner took a little over 18 hours to complete the race.

Our morning destination in Hobart was Bonorong Wildlife Park. Here we observed rescued kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Emu, birds and small Australian rodent-like animals. The Tasmanian Devils looked somewhat cute until they displayed their sharp teeth – fingers were kept out of the enclosures.

Afterwards, we stopped in Richmond, a picturesque village founded in the early 1800s. After lunch on board the ship, we walked around the historical downtown Hobart area, near Battery Park and Princess Park.

Tomorrow we have an “at sea” day with a stop in Melbourne on Tuesday.