Cataract Gorge in Launceston (pronounced Lon-cess-ton) and Wineglass Bay.

Two nights in a cabin at the Cradle Mountain National Park, arriving on Sarah’s birthday and leaving on Australia Day. Two big walks (yes, Tim included). Stunning scenery. Lots of wildlife, although sadly we saw more road-kill wombats on the route out of the park than we’d seen alive in the park.

Note to David (and Orla) – no rocks or cuddly toys in the rucksack…

Everything about the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a surprise. A quirky museum 12km from Hobart established by local (mathematician gambler) millionaire David Walsh. From the ferry ride up the Derwent, by “camouflage” boat on which your seat is a sheep and a cow accompanies you, to the ticket for Food and Art, known as a “FART” ticket, you are left wondering what is next. The location is stunning, with the restaurant jutting out over the water, and the food delicious. As an unexpected mid-course experience you are taken into two rooms for 15 minutes each – the first being a show of bright lights (in the large white sphere below) and the second being a totally dark room (in which we could not even find the second chair we were told to expect).

Hobart is the second least populated state capital in Australia – small but pretty and feels like it has not changed since the 70s (or before), although a Deloitte office was spotted en route from post office to chemist.

Out last couple of days in Sydney included catching up with Jo for supper in Bondi and delicious seafood overlooking Double Bay with Catherine and Mal. It wasn’t the first time that Catherine and Sarah had met in Double Bay !

Taking a break and sharing the beetroot tree with the kookaburras.

On a trip to Manly Tim contemplates coming out of retirement to be a lifeguard, surf instructor……..or food critic.

Its 29 degrees (C not F), its sunny and its Sydney.

A few departure pictures along with one from 1973 when the Shillingford family moved to Australia for three years.