All That Taz – The Launceston City Park and the Old Umbrella Shop
Launceston is the third oldest city in Australia after Syndey (1st) and Hobart (2nd). That explains why the city retains a distinctively Victorian vibe. Much of the character of the late 18th, early 19th century is well alive in Launceston today.
Charles Street is the oldest street in Launceston; Brisbane is the main thoroughfare, and Balfour is the steepest street. We walked through all these wonderful streets in full view of Launceston’s preserved antiquity during our stay there. Indeed, Launceston is a very walk-able city.
In the morning we had nice scrambled eggs for breakfast as we looked out the city soaking in generous sunlight and crisp air on a winter morning. We walked two minutes from Batman Fawkner to the City Park. Originally named the People’s Park, the City Park was first developed as gardens by the Launceston Horticultural Society. In its over-a-century of history, the City Park has served as a primary venue for community events. The Festivale is a popular annual food festival held every February and it continues to this day.[1] The stroll along the park was very nice. There were the War Memorial, the John Hart Conservatory, the Rotunda and the Monkey Enclave to welcome us, each landmark came with its own stories. There were no animals during winter time, however.
In the afternoon we took our last look at Launceston. We followed the blue route onto the heart of the town. There were many antique buildings, including the Quadrant Mall on Brisbane.
It took us some time to find the Old Umbrella Shop. It has a fascinating history as one of the last surviving retail stores from the 1900s. Generations of the Shott family made and repaired umbrellas here. Now it sells a large varieties of umbrellas, as well as hand-made crafts of Tasmania.[2] It was really too bad that the Old Umbrella Shop was closed when we visited.
[1] Carol Harberle, Launceston City Park: Fun For All, June 28, 2013.