Betten On Bike: DAY 17 - 7 MARCH 2015

Day 17 – 7 March 2015 – Hamilton to Hobart

Cycling Stats: 87 kms

Average Speed: 30kms per hour (until reaching the outskirts of Hobart)

Last day of riding for Walter & Steve and the starting time was 8.15am and today is a relatively short ride.

The terrain for today’s ride is pleasant – gentle undulating farming landscape – it is very dry here and this is evident in the yellowy grasslands.

Later the ride follows pretty bays until reaching the outskirts of Hobart.

Gill & I opted for a leisurely start – The Platypus Walk which starts at the back of the camping ground and follows the creek until it reaches a small weir. Gill said she loved this walk as it reminded her of walks back in England. As you walk you pass through a series of gates walking across various private farming properties. We startled some rams who probably didn’t expect any visitors.

Near the weir we stopped to pick and eat some blackberries picking the ripe sweet berries from the large wild bush growing there. They are everywhere in Tasmania – if you forget to take some snacks for your walk its OK because chances are you will find a blackberry bush.

Afterwards we stopped at the iconic Jackson Emporium, a lovely old stone cottage complete with flowering cottage garden alfresco area. Coffee and cake was welcome and delicious and Sooty was able to join us which she enjoyed.

Then it was time to go and we had an enjoyable drive into Hobart – staying at Hobart Cabin & Caravan Park about 9kms from the city.

Mid afternoon and we drove into Hobart for a walk around the Salamanca and waterfront area – always a hive of activity and we notice the new floating dock which houses lots of tourist outlets such as the ferry terminals for MONA and Peppermint Bay. There were also some lovely up-market Tasmanian craft & local produce outlets.

An early dinner at Fish Frenzy and Walter enjoyed his fish chowder so much that he ordered a second one. The fish was lovely as were the wonderful views over the harbour. A perfect ending to our 17 day Cycling / Touring around Australia experience. Thanks Steve & Gill – we enjoyed your company immensely and hope that maybe sometime in the future we can share another such adventure.