Hobart - a short walk (in pictures)

One our last morning in Hobart, the kids wanted to sleep in until check out so I took off for two hours to explore what I could early morning. 

A short walk to the University Rose garden, you see the stunningly restored 1850's Domain House. 

Hitting the Queens Domain, it was hard to believe I was still in the city. There were colourful birds and some quokkas that I chased for photos unsuccessfully. 

Walking aimlessly, I stumbled across the Gunpowder Magazine, part of the Queens Battery, built in 1841, that had not been noted in my guide book or on my map. If you head up the jogging track, away from the harbour, you will see it. 

An easy walk down hill and I made my way down to Beaumaris Zoo, the ruins of where the last thylacine died in 1936. The zoo closed in 1937 but the gates have some history boards on display.

The memorial gates tell stories of animal escapes and the zoo history. There's a sad feeling, as you see the black & white photos of it's heyday viewed through the modern lens.

Next up was a stroll through the very lovely Botanic Gardens, which include a Sub Antarctic Plant House, as well as beautiful Chinese, Japanese and European feature gardens.

The gardens are charming and really deserved more time, so you could easily visit and spend a few hours there pottering about. There are food venues too if you want a takeaway picnic or dine.

Water features and lots of bridges will keep the kids entertained.

Heading towards the harbour, you en twist back to the city. But the delights don't end here.

Lastly, I strolled past Government House, where cattle grazed on the paddock out the front of the manicured garden. It was a delightful scene, and hard to believe you were so close to the city centre.

Returning via different streets, I discovered the Bahai centre, but it wasn't open at that early hour. 

I returned to the hotel  after a two hour easy round trip, taking my time for photos.

The Cenotaph

It was a wonderful exploration to see the other side of the city, the nature and fauna, and of course the public spaces that are used for recreation.

Sometimes the best way to experience a city is to wander, as surprise is the best part of discovery.

  

The Jogging track

Practicalities:

Queens Domain

Beaumarais Zoo (history)

Gunpowder Magazine (ABC news article)

Gunpowder Magazine (a blog piece)

Government House

Cenotaph

Baha'i Dome (news)

Further Reading:

Cubed Espresso - A brew with a view

Linking with #GardenAffair and #NaturesNotes