Blue Bell Inn

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Posted 2018-10-02 by May ⇒ follow

Hobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, is the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway. Edging the Derwent River and following the shores of the harbour, Hobart is a food lovers delight, with colonial architecture hosting galleries and cafes. Salamanca Markets, held every Saturday, is renowned for handcrafted arts and crafts, as well as chocolates, and bespoke whiskeys and gins. The city's backdrop is Mt Wellington, which when snow-capped ensures that locals and tourists alike don their scarves and gloves, stopping to rest in front of log fires sipping on hot chocolates and Irish whiskeys.

There are over 400 accommodation options in Hobart including hotel apartments, motels, hostels and hotels, catering to the budget conscious to those wanting the very swishest available.

My favourite is the , a bed and breakfast establishment in the outer suburb of Sorell. Its position makes it the gateway to historic Port Arthur, as well as both Bruny and Maria Islands. Historic Richmond with its wineries, and the beautiful East Coast, including Wine Glass Bay, Swansea and Bicheno are also easily assessable.

The , rebuilt after a fire in 1863, is heritage listed and of Georgian design, constructed from sandstone, with Cottage gardens and garden furniture for the enjoyment of same.

More importantly, the proprietors, Sandy and Brian, enthusiastically share their knowledge of both the fascinating history of the inn as well as Sorell's historic past. You can expect to lose twenty minutes and be totally charmed.

There are four large rooms with king size beds and ensuites. Our room looked over the garden and despite chilly winds coming off Mt Wellington, the room heater and bedding made our stay more than comfortable.

Continental Breakfast is included in the accommodation fee, and we enjoyed the fresh fruit and delights from the local bakery. Hot breakfast is available for an additional charge. Breakfast in the dining room overlooking the streetscape swapping tales of adventures with fellow travellers is the point of difference between your four and five star hotels and the .

Upstairs is a well-appointed ballroom where you are welcome to sit and read, (with a supply of preloved books available for purchase or swap from reception) or partake from the communal bar.

The , at 26 Somerville Street, Sorell, is only ten minutes drive from Hobart Airport, and twenty minutes from the city. There is off-street parking, as well as free WiFi. For further information go here.