Underbelly

Before we head off for the "Big Island" to the north of Tasmania, we were lucky enough to be treated to a tour of Hobart's Underbelly - namely, the Hobart Rivulet! This fascinating look at Hobart's history took us underground to follow the course of the Hobart Rivulet as it wound its way under the CBD. With the temperature at a chilly 9-10 degrees at street level, it was definitely a time to rug up, as well as being kitted out with hard hats and torches.

We entered the Rivulet beside the Hobart Private Hospital and proceeded underground from that there to a point underneath Harrington Street, being able to take in the street art (graffiti) which completely covers the heritage sandstone and bricks. Evidently, the Hobart Council are quite happy for this to happen underground, rather than on the surface buildings of the city.

The Rivulet, which was once Hobart's main water supply (yuck!!!), then an open sewer, is now a major storm water drain. We were even lucky enough to be able to walk (or waddle like penguins, rather) up a drain under Elizabeth Street and view convict-made bricks with their broad arrow markings. Someone, who can't be named to protect his identity, did lose his hard hat into the drain water when he didn't spot the low overhead pipe!

Apart from hearing some local wildlife (of the two legged variety) further up the pitch black dark tunnel, we didn't see any signs of life, apart from spider webs. The amazing thing was the stalegtites forming under the roadways as water seeped through the concrete!