Australia 24/25 Hobart and the Tasman peninsula

Joanne had an early start for a 6.15am circuit class with Jane, overlooking the bay,  followed by a coffee for a treat before we went home for breakfast.  

Then 4 Grimms and 4 Simpsons all piled into the 8 seater for a trip to see more of Tasmania, including the tesellated pavement and blow hole on the Tasman peninsula. Grimm Tours took in some amazing views and a fabulous cafe stop.

It was windy but mostly warm in the sunshine and the kids enjoyed the rope swing.  

Australia 24/25 16 December to Hobart

4 of us took an internal flight to Hobart,, with a coffee in Melbourne before heading to the airport.  

Peter and Amelia flew to Brisbane instead.  

It was

lovely to be greeted by Jane and Maria on arrival,  and go for an ice cream on the way to their house.  

After a tasty barbecue with Thomas cooking and Toby making the greek salad, Carsten drive us to the top of Mount Wellington to see the views.  

We managed not to be blown away and enjoyed the views over the city. 

Australia 2024/25 15 December. Melbourne.

Woke up to sun warming the apartment (31st floor) and a wall of heat as we opened the balcony door. Peter and Amelia saw hot air balloons early morning.  Something to thank jetlag for!

After breakfast we headed over to Brooklyn by bus to drop off some things at Peter's place and then we headed to Williamstown beach, via the botanic gardens and the cricket pitch,  of course.  Fish and chips and am hour or so in the sun was enough in the 30c heat,  so we travelled by train back into the city. 

Getting off at Flinders station, we enjoyed a coffee and photos of the Christmas decorations in Federation Square before walking along the Yarra to the tennis courts thar are used for the Aissie open.  

Back near the apartment we took the opportunity to visit one of the many curry houses and enjoyed a meal before an early night.  More flying tomorrow!

Australia 2024/25 13 and 14 December. Travel

With Peter in Melbourne playing and coaching cricket for 6 months it would be rude not to visit him for Christmas. 

This time it's a family of 5 plus one, as his girlfriend Amelia joined us. 

After an early start from Manchester on Friday 13th Dec we made it to Melbourne with a quick dash through Abu Dhabi on the way.  

We definitely enjoyed the quiet flight from Abu Dhabi to Melbourne as we all had space to stretch out and get more rest.  

In the evening of our arrival we went down to the Yarra river to watch the Christmas lights, eating takeaway food whilst we watched.