Day 2 – Off to Mt Wellington & Jet Boating!

Hobart is not just a city with a beautiful waterfront. In just about 10 mins drive out of the city, you feel like you are in the wilderness on the way to the summit of Mount Wellington. The drive is a distance of 21 km from the heart of the city, climbing from temperate rainforest to sub-alpine flora and fauna and passing by the cliff of dolerite columns known as the Organ Pipes. Driving to the summit and lookout takes about 45 mins from the city.

A panorama view of Hobart and its surroundings – Looking down from an altitude of 1270 metres at the summit of Mount Wellington, the view of the picturesque maritime city hugging the Derwent River is simply spectacular.

Scroll left-right to see the whole picture.

The wooden walkways provide easy walking around the summit to enjoy the breathtaking views. There is an enclosed lookout building nearby too.

Mountain weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly. Mount Wellington is often covered with snow, sometimes even in summer. It is so windy at the summit that you feel like you could be blown away! Remember to bring a jacket along even on a sunny day.

Many interesting attractions such as Cadbury Visitors Centre and Bonorong Wildlife Centre are located near Hobart. We shall be visiting these two sights tomorrow.

The famous Barilla Bay Oyster Farm, Tas Live Abalone and Sorell Fruit Farm are all conveniently located near the airport.

Not many public toilets like those at Mount Wellington overlook one of the world’s best sceneries!

Hobart is a great location for exploring southern Tasmania. After about a 30-minute drive south of Hobart city, we are in Huonville, a pretty town on the tranquil Huon River.

A panoramic scenery of Huonville. Scroll left-right to view the whole image.

The freshwater flowing in Huon River has brownish tea colour. Don’t freak out, it isn’t dirty water. The Huon River is just stained with tannin leached from the low growing buttongrass plains. Do you see a mermaid?

Lovely Huonville flowers.

Come jet boating with us! Let’s go on an exhilarating 35-minute ride up the gentle rapids of the Huon River, one of the most scenic rivers in Tasmania!

READY??? Get Set!

Go!!!

We are jetting along the river, passing near thick vegetation along the banks, enjoying the serenity of the surroundings, experiencing the thrills of sudden turns and bends…. and always getting ready for 360 degree SPINs!

Let’s ride across the shallow shingle beds of the Huon River while the boat hull rasps against the rocks! (Note: try not to eat too much before you go for the ride!)

The lovely water reflections on the river seemingly turn the river surface into a big piece of mirror, reflecting everything above it symmetrically.

This is the most stunning scenic ride of my lifetime! The Huon Jet Boat departs every 45-min and each ride takes 35-min. That means, there is only one boat jetting along the river and you get to enjoy the thrill ride all by yourselves!

Departure point: Huon Visitor Centre jetty, Esplanade, Huonville, Tasmania.
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily, except Christmas day.
Fees: Adult A$67, Child A$45, Senior A$60 for the 35 minutes Huon Jet Boat ride.
For more info, visit: http://www.huonjet.com

Remember to bring back an exclusive Tasmanian product – the Bush Dust! It’s a flavoursome mix of macadamia nuts, Tasmania native pepper bush, tomatoes, herbs and spices. You can try before you buy it at the cafe.

Along the way in Huonville, there are many apple orchards lining the roads. Do stop by an apple stand for a variety of fresh and juicy apples. One bag containing more than ten big ORGANIC apples only costs A$3. Just drop the money into the “honesty” box and you get a load of vitamin C for the next few days.

Check out for the next half of our day trip to the Tahune Airwalk!