Anyway I do like Christmas a lot actually - some people I know do grumble and groan about it being commercial but of course it's really all about family and FOOD and catching up. And who said commercial is wrong - there ain't nothing wrong with Xmas presents in my books!

I'm a bit of a sucker for doing the whole bit with the Christmas tree decorations and the lights (love Christmas lights, in fact if you are in South Australia (you probably aren't) you have to check out the Lobethal Christmas Lights. Very speccy.) I do prefer to get a natural pine tree though. Partly the twofold environmental reasons (they are basically a weed here so diggin up a roadside young tree isn't causing any problems) and obviously there's less resources consumed in manufacturing and transporting the tree. But also there's something about the smell of the tree that is just so Christmas for me. Probably a childhood thing. Anyway that's my thoughts on this fine December night - back soon with more!

I've been twice in the last few years. Once, I went on my own and spent 2 weeks driving around just taking photos - it is a photographers dream. Here's one of my shots from the trip:

The second time, I went back with my girlfriend and this time we hired a van and did more of the touristy thing. I managed to drag her around some of the hiking tracks and she had me buying tea towels and postcards - it was win-win.

One of the highlights was Fitzpatricks Inn in Westbury - a lovely old English manor style inn with a great restaurant and great service. Cheap at $110 per night. We often talk about grabbing some cheap flights from this site and heading over, even just for a weekend! Maybe combining it with a trip to the snow, if it's the right season.

In no particular order, here are some other things you shouldn't miss:

The overland track (5 days of hiking but spectacular)

D'Anvers chocolate factory

The cheese

The Hobart markets

Wineglass bay & the hazards

Lake St-Claire national park

The wall in the west - giant wooden sculpture