Ramblings: Cornelian Bay to Queens Domain 2020

Monday 7 September 2020

Cornelian Bay to Queens Domain 2020

Today Ron is taking us around and about Cornelian Bay and the Queens Domain in Hobart. He's also taking us onto two bridges we've not done before.

It's a beautiful day as we park at Cornelian Bay and gear up to set off.

Getting ready

I took this because of the white trunks of the gum trees

Cornelian Bay ahead

We're walking along the track leading to the well known boathouses.

The boathouses were built between 1890 and the 1930's and depending on which website you read, there are either 33 or 36 of them. Peter counted 31 on the way back.

One was for sale (it's sold now) and I think the starting price was around $235000. These are for day use only and have water and electricity but no sewage. Most have some sort of wood fire for heating.

There was a building previously described as a pavilion or dance hall built at the western end in 1936, but was seldom used and was moved to Lenah Valley in 1948.

On we go along the shoreline.

Tasman Bridge in the distance

I'm sure there's a good reason Mr. Churchill is standing outside a Cornelian Bay boathouse

Eventually we cross over the old train platform where people used to disembark for the Royal Botanical Gardens and cross the road to pick up our first track on the Domain.

New track on the Domain. Gates to Botanical Garden we'll use later

Government House built between 1855 and 1857

I was going to describe the role of the Governor for our friends in other countries, but it would be easier if you CLICK HERE and get a proper explanation.

I've met the present Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, and a very nice person she is. Plus she's, I believe, a keen walker.

Looking over a hedge and vineyard on the grounds of Government House at Mt. Wellington

We soon come in sight of the first new bridge. It leads from the Domain across the Tasman Highway to Anzac Parade and the war memorial.

First of the new bridges

Haven't a clue what it's called.

About to go over

It's, of course, a foot bridge.

Looking towards Hobart centre

Anzac Parade and The Cenotaph or Hobart War Memorial

Originally built to commemorate Tasmanian dead from WWI, it now commemorates WWII, The Korean War, The Malayan Emergency, The Indonesian Confrontation, The Vietnam War, and Peace-Keeping Operations.

Good thing they increased the height when they built it. Lets hope they don't need any more space.

The Eternal Flame

We make our way back across the bridge, heading for the Railway Roundabout.

I'm sure it's all sustainable timber being shipped overseas for a good purpose

Used to be HMAS Huon for the naval reserve, but I don't know what it's used for now

We pass some galahs who aren't in government

We're heading for the Railway Roundabout which is reached by a tunnel under the streets.

It's a bit of a misnomer as Tasmania hasn't had railways for some time. Indeed the old railway station is now the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission).

Going under the streets into the Railway Roundabout

This is where we have Morning Tea.

Morning Tea

The fountain was restored in 2013 after sitting for 10 years collecting rubbish and a body.

Railway Roundabout

Two interesting facts about the roundabout.

(1) In 2015, the Roundabout Appreciation Society awarded Railway Roundabout their "one-way gyratory accolade.

(2) The Railway Roundabout is the worst accident blackspot in Tasmania.

Just a glimpse of our next new bridge

Morning Tea finished, we exit the roundabout via another tunnel to begin our climb up some steep steps onto our next bridge. There is also a ramp you can ride/walk up if you wish.

Climbing up the steps brings you very close to this building

Across the Brooker to the Queens Domain

This used to be the University of Tasmania

We follow tracks that lead us past the old Powder Magazine


The Gunpowder Magazine. Used from around 1850 to 1970 for explosive storage

On we go, heading for the highest point of the Domain.

There are many new walking/cycling tracks since the last time I was here. All of these are about 5 minutes walk from the centre of Hobart.

I take no responsibility for this sign, I was directed by others to make certain changes

Northern suburbs

Now we look for somewhere for lunch

Lunch

After lunch we make our way down to two large water storage tanks and walk out on top. Because I'm carrying the GPS tracker, I'm directed by our leader to walk around the outside of each tank a couple of times to build the millage up.

All right for some, some of us have work to do

Leaving the tanks, we make our way down to a new walk that will take us down to the entrance of the Royal Botanical Gardens, but first a couple of views.

We take a new track over some swampy ground to make our way down.

It's not long before we enter the Gardens.

Into the Royal Botanical Gardens

Now, today is the first day of Spring and it's not long before I hear cries of "Where's the photographer?". I hurry down to find I'm being requested to take a wedding photograph as a couple of our group have been affected by the day.

Spring has sprung for two of our group!

On we go passing what I can only assume are flowers.

Now, we all know that the older you get the faster time passes and now it's my turn to round up our newly wed couple for their first anniversary photo under the Anniversary Gate.

First anniversary photo of out new couple. I did tell them I expected them to look a bit more care worn

I should say at this point that they aren't really a couple and it was all a bit of fun.

On we go.

Past the Bandstand

We make our way around to one of the buildings that used to house tropical plants I seem to remember.

A couple of us don't bother to go inside as we were concerned about social distancing. After a while we get a phone call wondering where we were. Seems the others left by another door leaving us behind.

We caught up with them in the Japanese Garden which wasn't far away.

While there I photographed Lorna crossing our 5th and last bridge.