We rolled out of Sydney on Saturday night, but the further south we went on Sunday, the flatter the sea became … so much for the terrors of Bass Strait!

Perfect morning on deck …

… and a perfect sunset over Flinders Island (or thereabouts)

And how about this for a crystal clear autumn Monday morning in Hobart?

Jan reckoned it was a little on the chilly side … but 7 degrees on top of Mount Wellington (with no wind!) at 9am wasn’t really that bad, and certainly worth every little shiver …

It has to be one of the best sights in Australia, any time of day or year …

Then back to our trusty Avis rental and down to the Cascades (convict) Female Factory and then to the Cascade Brewery for a tour and lunch … free beer with our beef and stout pie … Yum!

Everyone said we should go to MONA. So we did. Hmmm …

It’s set in gorgeous surroundings and grounds, the modern buildings and facilities are great. The main museum building, virtually carved out of the sandstone cliff is quite extraordinary. Some of the outdoor exhibits were interesting, but the exhibits inside …? We’re sure there are others who get it … maybe we’re just too philistine … or maybe the “king’s new clothes” might be relevant? There were certainly lots of arty farty (and pretentious) types about, who appeared to appreciate the art … or was it the wine?

So off we went for a drive around Battery Point and Salamanca, then a walk back to the ship past Constitution Dock.

Now for a smooth ride across the Tasman Sea?