Doors of WordPress V153

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showing a few electrical boxes that I spotted in Launceston, Tasmania. As you are maybe aware, I have posted many of these before as I truly love how people take the time and effort to paint and decorate these, plus they need to have a door so technically they fit in this challenge. As always, please do let me know if there is one particular one that stand out for you.

Ps. Can you name the animal on photo number two?

Wineglass Bay

Wineglass Bay is one of Tasmania’s most photographed places, and for good reason. The white sand forms a perfect curve, the water is incredibly clear, and the views from the lookout are hard to beat.

The walk up to the lookout is short but steep, so you definitely feel it in your legs, especially on the way back down. However, once you reach the top, it is totally worth the effort. On a clear day you can see the full sweep of the bay and just how untouched it still feels.

If you have the time (and the energy), heading down to the beach itself is even better. It’s quieter, less crowded, and a great spot to sit, swim, or just take it all in before the walk back out.

The name Wineglass Bay is believed to come from the bay’s shape, which looks like the base of a wine glass when viewed from above. Another story links the name to the whaling days of the 1800s, when whale oil and blood from processing whales in the bay supposedly tinted the water red, giving it the appearance of a glass filled with wine. Thankfully those days are long gone, and today the bay is protected as part of Freycinet National Park.

We were very fortunate to have friends take us here and act as our tour guides. Such an unbelievably stunning location and one that was on our bucket list for visiting Tasmania. Also if you have a chance, it’s worth taking a walk up to the lighthouse, where you can see Wineglass Bay from another view point.

FOTD – Penny Mac

Happy Friday everyone. Today’s flower of the day is called the Penny Mac Hydrangea, spotted in the conservatory at City Park, Launceston. I have recently learned that it is named after a real person, Penny McHenry, a well-known hydrangea enthusiast from Atlanta, Georgia. She founded the American Hydrangea Society and was influential in popularising hydrangeas in American gardens. How cool is that?!

John Hart Conservatory

Doors of WordPress V51

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to another week of wonderful doors. This week I am showcasing a few doors from a place called Campbell Town, a beautiful quaint town that we stopped in when travelling from Launceston to Coles Bay in Tasmania. Please let me know if you have a stand out door this week.

I do love the weathered look of number five but I think it actually might be too weathered haha. I will pick number one as my favourite as it’s quite rustic yet stylish an I love the colour with the green foliage.

Ticking off an Entire Continent

There’s something deeply satisfying about finally achieving a goal you’ve quietly carried for years. Somewhere between coastal drives, city stays, dusty inland roads and spontaneous getaways, I can now say that I have visited every state and territory in Australia. It was always something I was keen to do, and while I can now proudly say I’ve ticked them all off, I know I’ve only scratched the surface.

Each state and territory holds far more than a single visit could ever reveal, endless landscapes, hidden pockets, local stories and moments still waiting to be discovered. Completing the list feels less like an ending and more like an invitation to keep exploring.

If you’re not familiar with how Australia is set up, the country is made up of six states and two main territories. States operate with their own governments, while territories are governed a little differently under federal oversight.

From a travel point of view though, those technical differences fade away and what stands out is how wildly different each place feels, from climate and scenery to food, lifestyle and pace of life. I don’t think I ever appreciated how big Australia actually is until I started living and travelling here.

Below I have showcased a few favourite photos of mine from each state and territory to give you a glimpse of how they appear in a snapshot. However, you cannot possibly see every point of view from a single photo or even a single trip, as even within a state or territory, there can be vast differences. How you been to any of these states or territories? If so, did you have a favourite?

NEW SOUTH WALES

VICTORIA

QUEENSLAND

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TASMANIA

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT)

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Launceston, Tasmania

As many of you may know, I was in Launceston last week for my best friend’s wedding. It was a truly magical couple of days and we had an absolute ball, with the opportunity to also see around Launceston and taste our first bite of Tasmania, a place we had always wanted to visit.

Launceston is one of those cities that surprises you. It blends history, nature, culture and great food into a relaxed and very walkable experience. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or taking your time to explore, I have no doubt you will fall in love with this place. It is the perfect place for walking, exploring, shopping and dining.

I have compiled my top eight things to see and do in this beautiful Tasmanian city, in case you ever decide to visit and wonder what to do.

1. City Park

Right in the heart of the city, City Park is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the surrounding nature. With its manicured gardens, historic features and open green spaces, it’s ideal for a morning stroll or a quiet coffee break. It feels like a peaceful pocket tucked into the rhythm of city life and is a lovely way to start exploring Launceston. One of the park’s most charming quirks is its Japanese macaques (monkeys) enclosure, which has been a favourite with visitors for decades. A highlight for me was the John Hart Conservatory, a heritage-listed glasshouse with a display of stunning annual flowers.

2. Cataract Gorge

Cataract Gorge is easily one of Launceston’s most breathtaking natural attractions and lucky for us was just a 5 minute walk from our hotel. Walking tracks hug the cliffs, suspension bridges stretch over the water, and the views are stunning at every turn. One of the highlights of Cataract Gorge is the Gorge Scenic Chairlift, which offers a gentle scenic ride high above the gorge. Its central span of around 308 m is thought to be the longest single‑span chairlift in the world, giving you spectacular panoramic views of the gorge, river and surrounding bushland from above. We had to experience this and I have to say, it was very enjoyable and not too scary. During our visit we spotted MANY peacocks roaming the gorge, with their striking feathers adding a splash of colour to the cliffs and walking trails, we even had one put on quite a show, displaying his fancy feathers for us. I think this was the first time I had ever heard the calls that they make, quite loud and high pitched when they communicate to each other.

3. Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG)

For art lovers and curious minds, QVMAG offers a fascinating mix of history, science and contemporary exhibitions. Spread across historic buildings, it showcases Tasmania’s stories alongside creative works that make you pause and reflect. It’s the kind of place you can casually wander and still leave feeling inspired, and it’s free! One of the standout exhibits at QVMAG was the Sam Jinks’ Mortal Reflections exhibition, a series of incredibly lifelike sculptures that explore the fragility and beauty of the human form. The attention to detail is astonishing where each piece feels almost alive, inviting quiet reflection and a deeper appreciation of art’s power to evoke emotion. The curator had warned us not to touch the sculptures, even though we would really want to, and she was absolutely right. It was easy to see the temptation, but we managed to restrain ourselves.

4. Prince’s Square and Heritage Streets

Launceston’s heritage architecture gives the city much of its charm. Prince’s Square and the surrounding streets are lined with beautiful old buildings that hint at the city’s colonial past and it’s consequently, a great area for photography, wandering, and soaking up the atmosphere of a city that respects its history. As you can probably imagine, I was in architecture and door heaven!

5. Kings Bridge Bar & Restaurant

If you’re looking for a place to unwind with great food and a drink, Kings Bridge is a standout. Set beside the Tamar River, it offers a relaxed vibe with lovely views and a menu that feels both fresh and satisfying. It’s perfect for a long lunch, sunset drinks, or a laid-back dinner after a day of exploring. I loved the English feel of this cosy pub and we had one of my favourite student dishes here, cheesy chips smothered in gravy!!! The Guinness was pretty decent too.

6. Alchemy Bar & Restaurant

Alchemy is a favourite for cocktails, atmosphere and modern dining. Stylish without feeling pretentious, it is a great spot to enjoy creative drinks and well-crafted dishes. Whether you’re catching up with friends or treating yourself to a relaxed evening out, Alchemy adds a little sparkle to the Launceston experience. I have no photos in here sadly as we were having too much fun with our friends but we frequented here on two occasions and thoroughly enjoyed the food, drinks and service.

7. Tamar Valley Wine Region

Just outside the city lies the Tamar Valley, one of Tasmania’s best-known wine regions. Rolling vineyards, cellar doors and stunning river views make it ideal for a day trip. Even if wine isn’t your main interest, the scenery alone makes the journey worthwhile. We were really fortunate to have tried four different wineries whilst staying in Launceston and each one brought its own unique and fabulous charm, we absolutely loved them all.

8. Harvest Market (Saturday Mornings)

If you are in Launceston on a Saturday, the Harvest Market, apparently, is not to be missed. Local growers, bakers and producers fill the market with fresh produce, artisan treats and friendly energy. It’s a wonderful way to taste Tasmania and connect with the local community, however, sadly we had to leave on the Friday so missed this opportunity but I’m sure it would be great to check out.

There you have it, my top eight picks for Launceston. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit here and would highly recommend to anyone wishing to visit Tasmania to make this one of your top priorities. If you are interested, we stayed in the Art Hotel on York, just a short five minute walk into town and also the Cataract Gorge in the other direction. This hotel was probably one of the cheapest to be honest, great location, extremely friendly staff, quirky decor that we loved and rooms serviced daily which we really appreciated as this isn’t always the case. We would absolutely stay here again and we look forward to returning to Tasmania in the not so distant future.

FOTD – Madonna Lily

Today’s flower of the day is the Madonna Lily.


The Madonna lily – gained its name due to its long-standing association with the Virgin Mary (Madonna) in Christian art and symbolism – that’s something new that I learned today. I just thought these were very striking flowers, spotted in the conservatory at City Park, Tasmania. I trust that you’re all having a lovely Friday!

Doors of WordPress V150

Happy Thursday everyone and welcome to my 150th doors post!!! This week I am delighted to feature some doors from my recent trip to Tasmania, with the focus on Launceston and I look forward to creating a blog post of our trip in the coming days. I was absolutely gobsmacked with the beautiful buildings in Launceston and the stunning doors to match. As always, please let me know if you have a favourite this week. Many thanks!

My favourite this week is number 5, who doesn’t love a yellow door? It’s so welcoming and happy looking and I love the view to the outside world.

Sunday Sunset – Coles Bay

It occurred to me that I haven’t posted a Sunday sunset since 2023. I thought today would be appropriate as we spotted this lovely sunset whilst staying with friends at Coles Bay in Tasmania. Today is our last day as we head back to Sydney and reality! I look forward to sharing some of our experiences with you all over the coming days.

FOTD – Orange Lily

Orange Lily – Spotted on the street in Launceston, Tasmania. Having the best few days here celebrating a special wedding. Now we head off for a couple of days to visit some friends and see somewhere new. I hope you’re all having a good start to 2026

Tasmanian Devil

What was the last thing you searched for online? Why were you looking for it?

This is a funny question that I’m glad was asked. We were watching a documentary last night about the Tasmanian devil, an animal that only lives in Tasmania, Australia. You may know of it from the famous Warner Bros Looney Tunes series.

This animal used to live across mainland Australia thousands of years ago, but disappeared there around 3,000 years ago. Scientists believe this was due to competition with dingoes (which never made it to Tasmania), along with climate changes and human activity.

So now, the Tasmanian devil is endemic to Tasmania, meaning it is native there and nowhere else in the wild.

I was searching online to see what these creatures eat. I was thinking / hoping maybe they lived on berries etc but I know they have sharp teeth and claws. Here is what I discovered –

Tasmanian devils are carnivorous scavengers and hunters.

Their diet mainly consists of:

Carrion (dead animals): They’ll eat roadkill, livestock carcasses, or any remains they come across. Native animals: Wallabies, wombats, possums, birds, reptiles, and insects. Farm animals (if available): Chickens, sheep, or cattle carrion.

They are famous for eating almost the entire animal, i.e. flesh, fur, bones, and organs, thanks to their incredibly strong jaws and teeth. This makes them very efficient at cleaning up the environment. That’s a plus!

They are mostly scavengers, but they can hunt live prey if it’s small or weak. There you go. Have you ever heard of these animals? I have only seen them at the zoo here in Australia and on tv. They may appear cute but they can be aggressive, so beware the mighty Tasmanian Devil!

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