Franklin Wharf, Hobart.

The Grand Chancellor Hotel is situated at Franklin Wharf, Hobart. The outlook from our room is over the wharf.

This was the port when Hobart was being established.

As well as numerous restaurants, there are interesting bronze sculptures

“Seals and Penguins is a bronze sculpture by Stephen Walker along Franklin Wharf. It is part of an ensemble called Heading South. These waterfront artworks memorialize Hobart’s role as the launching point for several 19th century Antarctic expeditions. The first maritime explorer was James Clark Ross, a captain of the Royal Navy. His two ships – the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus – set sail from this point to the Antarctic in 1840.”

Another work highlights the number of women and children transported to Australia. Names, ages, crime and sentence imposed are on the base.

Yet another tells of the children who went to the Orphan School in New Town, 1834 - 1853, and lists their names and ages.

The old wharf warehouse buildings are now galleries and restaurants.

Had an early dinner in a chinese restaurant at the wharf and then headed back to the hotel for tonight's concert. Over the last few days, competitions have been held for quartets and choruses. The winners all get to perform at the concert.

It was very entertaining. I really only have one thing to say - “I wish I could sing!”Read more