Thinking of holidaying in Hobart with the family? Take them on an adventure to MONA to see some of the quirky art at the controversial (but wonderful) art gallery.
It is about a 13km ride to MONA, which gave us a good chance to work off the tonne of food we had eaten the day before in the market, and well worth the aching legs. The children loved it, we all did. The freedom of being able to hop on a bike is fab. The views, the wind in your hair, it was one of the most wonderful days we have had together. We were able to use a bike track all the way to the museum so it was perfectly safe, and we could stop whenever we needed to. I would definitely recommend hiring bikes when you’re on holidays, we will be doing it again for certain! It’s a great way to see the city.
MONA
The Museum of Old and New Art stands proudly on the waterfront in Hobart, surrounded by vines feeding the Moorilla Winery. We parked our bikes, gasping for a glass of wine, (and a soft drink for the kids) and made our way to the bar. The kids spotted the enormous trampoline, with bells on.. (literally)… and bolted! “Maybe later,” Tim reassured me with a rub on the shoulder.
When we told people we were heading to MONA with the kids, we had a few funny “really??” looks. Yup, it’s an art museum, and yeah our two are VERY temperamental! Yep, they have some pretty risqué stuff to see like the wall of lady parts, but there is also a gazillion (1900 to be exact) other collection pieces that they found just as fascinating as the lady bits. Monty particularly liked the fat car, although missed the point entirely. Poppy adored the bit.fall which was a waterfall that spells out words on the descent. She also missed the point, who cares? I didn’t go into it, as it would have resulted in an iPod/technology discussion that I was in no fit state to begin having not been allowed a glass of wine. She was just fascinated by the mechanics of the piece.
As with most activities kids take part in, they went in with completely open minds and came out with heads full of interesting talking points. Like the one about the museum’s digestive system that actually poops on time every day, the models made out of videotape (they’d never even seen a video), and the giant head with all sorts of craziness and flashing lights inside! They were taken aback by room after room of incredible “things”. The fact that they had complete control over the device around their necks known as ‘The O’ made it all the more thrilling for them. They got to click on the + or the x to say whether or not they liked the art that was nearest them, they could listen to music and words. Poppy could be heard bellowing “click on the “ArtWank’ button guys” (a cock and balls icon) encouraging us to read all the arty details. What do you think Monty’s favourite word that day was!?? I’m so sorry MONA team, I’m pretty sure the “O” data would have been interesting, to say the least after our visit!
The Wilson’s had a fantabulous time, we ambled through everything, we bought a magnet, covered the cafe in croissant crumbs (so sorry) and sipped on ginger beer like we were the Famous Five! It was bloody brilliant. Don’t be shy folks, take your kids to MONA, just be prepared to answer a LOT of curly questions.
The way back
Like with most journey’s the trip back seemed to go a lot faster than the one going in. After the fun 13km bike ride back to Hobart, we sadly returned our bikes, and I gleefully skipped to the nearest wine bar! Yay for me! Pearl and Co was the perfect place to sit back, sip wine and soak up some Hobart waterfront views whilst gorging on hot chips.
We ended day 1 with dinner at the Drunken Admiral Seafarers Restaurant. Walking in we were surrounded by pirate and seafaring memorabilia, it was like a museum. You could barely move for ships wheels, fishing nets, old tin cans and skeletons. It’s a wonderful atmosphere. The menu was fantastic. When our meal was placed in front of us we were delighted. It was one of the best seafood platters we have had and the children’s fish was proper fish, not that reconstituted stuff! My Creme Brûlée was insanely good! Great recommendation from the waiter!
I am so glad we booked ahead as the restaurant was full to bursting. It’s obviously got a great reputation, and the stories we were told about how haunted it is, only goes to make this place even more exciting. Well worth a visit, a great evening made even better by the wonderful staff!
Ah time for bed, a cheeky bar of chocolate under the sheets after the kids have dropped off, and a whole heap of excitement about day two in Tassie….. Although I do feel a little sick after so much gobbling! When will I learn?
