Stories from the Suitcase...The Mercury Cider Fans

Once again folks, we have a Story from the Suitcase.  Drop us a line if you'd like to feature in this column.  We want to know the good, the bad and the ugly.

This week we have Nicola (one of the lovely gals at Luxury Oz Stays) revisiting her trip to Hobart.

1. Destination?

Hobart, in Tasmania.  Tasmania is that little apple shaped island at the bottom of Australia.

It started out as a penal colony but what was hell for English convicts is now a heavenly place to visit.  

2.  What time of year did you travel?

We visited Hobart in May.  It was starting to get a little chilly, so it was lucky that we brought jackets!

Icy winds coming off the Southern Ocean quickly remind you that southward, the next stop is Antarctica!  

Lucky for us though, we had several beautifully sunny and clear days to explore the city aswell.  We had an awesome time strolling through the Salamanca Markets.  These markets are brilliant and sell nearly everything.  Lots of yummy food too!

3.  Who did you travel with?

My boyfriend Chris and my friend Leesa.

4.  How did you get around?

Hobart has plenty to do within walking distance.  We also used the bus and hired a car for longer trips.

5.  Food?

My favourite was a place called Axum Ethiopian Restaurant at 112 Liverpool St, Hobart.  One of the cheapest and most delicious meals I've ever eaten.

6.  Trip Highlights?

Leesa and I are MAD Mercury Cider fans and over a few 100 ciders one night, decided to visit the place that makes this wonderful beverage!  The brewery is set on a large property with immaculate gardens and restaurant.  The tour itself was headed by a young guy with a great sense of humour making the tour really enjoyable.

We also hired a car for the day and drove down to Port Arthur.  We stopped along the way and saw some beautiful beaches and really quaint towns.  

The actual Port Arthur Historical Site and Visitors Centre was interesting but not worth the expensive entrance fee.

We drove up Mt Wellington which was a hair raising experience for us.  The road is narrow and winding, making it scary when you have a large coach passing you from the other direction.  Once we got to the top, the cloud cover was so dense we couldn't see 10 metres in front of us!  We laughed about it afterwards.

7.  Trip low point?

There weren't many...but I'd have to say the public transport in Hobart isn't the best.

8.  What would you like others to know about your destination?

At first we struggled to get used to the slower pace of Hobart, however after a while we noticed that we too had succumbed to the slower pace that is beautiful Hobart.  I would advise other travellers to spend at least 4 - 5 days there.  This place will capture you, and slow you right down without even realising it.