Custom House, Launceston

Today we participated in a tour of the Josef Chromy vineyard. It was educational regarding several aspects of wine making and a part of this was tasting, which was generous and varied. Before we had a chance to feel even slightly bored we were treated to a wonderful two course meal with matched wines, on the verandah of the restaurant overlooking the vineyard (first extra). The gardens around the restaurant and the old residence were beautiful with many features, including a fountain with cherub (second extra). Once back at the hotel we needed a lie-down.

Once awake we followed a map of a walking tour of Launceston. Our first stop was City Park, a gorgeous garden including a rotunda, a gazebo and a green house. The gazebo (third extra) is a gift from the children of Launceston to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee in 1897 (60 years). 

Then, a clap of thunder and a rain shower drove us into the green house. It houses a great collection of plants, all beautifully laid out, and even a fountain which I hope will pass the censor (fourth extra).

On we continued, right around the docklands of the Tamar River, back towards the hotel, past beautiful Custom House, where I spotted the couple in the doorway. Worth a snap, as coincidentally it is now the headquarters of the Josef Chromy enterprises which include property management and investment. At 92, you could say he's done well for someone who arrived in Australia as a penniless Czech migrant.

Back to Hobart tomorrow for the last two days of our holiday.