by Aaron Spence | Feb 18, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.5MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.5MB ] We started Hobart on Mt Wellington, and here is another virtual tour, this time from the peak. It allows you to see a lot more of the region around Hobart. The mountain peak is 1270m (4166ft) high, while the communications tower (the big white one) is 130m high. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 17, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.3MB ] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.3MB ] Here on the corner of Collins and Murray St we’re in the heart of the city cbd. Hobart is a quiet and peaceful city, it’s certainly safe to walk around anytime. With heaps of parks, waterfront & a lot of history, Hobart is a wonderful city to visit. (Or live) See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 16, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.5MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.5MB] While I’m sure there is a prettier round-a-bout somewhere in the world, this one is ‘pretty’ special. Oh and it’s not really a roundabout. When driving, it looks like one, sounds like one, tastes like one, but it has traffic lights so beware. I almost got into trouble a couple of times going around the ’roundabout’ only to slam on the breaks when I realised I had a red light. [Update] It was pointed out to me that some might think the fountain is the middle of a tiny roundabout. But in this Virtual Tour everything you can see is in the middle of a big roundabout. Have a look at the map below. The monument in this place is to the Mayors of Hobart from memory, again I can’t find any info about it. The water surges through the fountains up the pole for a while, then comes bucketing down the centre opening. You can also see the glass panels in the bottom of the dish, which allow you to see…. the water Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 15, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.5MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.5MB] Please forgive the rather lame title, but this beautiful street is the ‘Bus Mall’. With it’s ornate buildings & paved street it’s the prettiest bus mall I’ve ever seen. The mall is on Elizabeth St, just a couple of blocks from the Pier which we featured 4 days ago. The most impressive building in the street is the Post Office which features the Clock Tower. Built in 1905 at a the time when there was strong expenditure constraints imposed by the new Commonwealth Government, the clock and tower of the GPO were funded by the people of Hobart See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 14, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB] Constitution Dock is surrounded by some of the biggest tourist attractions in Hobart and is home to the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht race, the nearby area is noted for its tantalising cafes and restaurants. Also in this area is Sullivan’s cove which features specialty shops, restaurants and a whisky distillery. The area is on the water and walking along the water front taking in all the historical surroundings, makes for a very pleasant day. I’m also looking for information about the interesting sculptures in the foreground of this pano ’cause I didn’t have time to stop and smell the (proverbial) roses on this shoot. When I find the info, I’ll update this post. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 13, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.7MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.7MB] The Hobart War Memorial (Cenotaph) was unveiled in 1925 and initially commemorated those Tasmanians who served in the Great War. The site of the Cenotaph was selected for its prominence both to the city and the River Derwent. It is axially aligned with Macquarie Street, the city’s major civic thoroughfare. From the Cenotaph there are commanding views of the city, Mount Wellington and the Derwent Estuary. In this pano we can see the Derwent River & the Tasman Bridge, across Hobart City surrounding suburbs. Unfortunately our view of Mt Wellington (where we started the Hobart Destination) is obscured by a rather large tree. Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 12, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.9MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.9MB] Salamanca Markets began in 1972 with just 10 stalls. Today it is almost a state institution, and a must visit for anyone visiting Tasmania. The Markets operate every Saturday from 8.30am to 3pm, rain, hail or shine. Salamanca Place itself consists of rows of sandstone buildings, formerly warehouses for the port of Hobart Town that have since been converted into restaurants, galleries, craft shops and offices. It was named after the victory in 1812 of the Duke of Wellington in the Battle of Salamanca in the Spanish province of Salamanca. This panorama was shot late in the day, just before closing time, so all the stalls are looking a bit empty. Earlier in the day this place is really packed and buzzing, but getting good Virtual Tours at that time would be almost impossible. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 11, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.4MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.4MB] Tasmania’s Parliament House was designed in 1830 as the Customs House. It was completed in 1840 and soon became home to the Tasmanian Parliament. The House looks over Parliament Square park, and across the road to the water. The House is bordered by Salamanca Place where the famous ‘Salamanca Markets’ run each Saturday. Being a foreigner (not from Tasmania) I didn’t realise this was the most important government building in Tassie, so was walking around taking pictures on the property before being asked by security to move on. I was told I could shoot from the park as it is public property. This was a fortunate incident, as I wouldn’t have this beautiful virtual tour otherwise. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 10, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.3MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.3MB] Elizabeth is one of the main streets in Hobart. Running from NewTown in the north, as the street travels south, it encompasses the Elizabeth St Mall, Hobart Bus Mall, Elizabeth College and terminates here at the Pier. Elizabeth Street Pier was first constructed in 1866 to provide steamship accommodation. Between 1931 and 1934, the original pier was demolished and the new pier was built with the addition of a rail connection. The latest redevelopment project, completed in the late ’90s, was to maintain the presence of the existing shed form and maintain maritime usage and full public access around the perimeter, while converting the building to a new use, which included the housing of serviced apartments and restaurants. Some years ago I shot virtual tours of the serviced apartments (then called Oakford) here on the Pier. I won’t show them here though, as they were done with old technology & not available in FullScreen resolution. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 9, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB] Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, a gorgeous island state 350 km (220 miles) off the south east coast of Australia. Compared to most Australian States Tasmania is tiny. Sydney to Broken Hill which I did for the previous destination takes about 14hrs to drive, and yet both cities are in the same state (New South Wales – NSW). In the same time I think I could have driven through every major town in Tasmania while circumnavigating the state. Of course size is relative, Tasmania won’t be so small to Europeans seeing that it’s about twice the size of Holland. Even though it’s a ‘relatively’ small island, there is so much diversity, so much to see, and we’ll be seeing some of it, over the coming months. Where possible, I like to show an overview of a place on the first day, so here is Hobart from the top of Mt Wellington. In this pano we’re at a height of 1261m (4136ft) and as you can see not far from Hobart City. If you’re interested in other places in Tasmania we’ll be covering Stanley, Smithon, Burnie, Arthur River, Devonport, Deloraine, Sheffield, Cradle Mountain, Strahan, Queenstown, Ross, Launceston, Bridport, Scottsdate, Bicheno, St Marys, Swansea & Port Arthur over the coming months. See Full Size Google Map with all Hobart Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Hobart Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 8, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.6MB] As the sun sets on mining in Broken Hill and tourism takes it’s place as the towns life blood, I thought it fitting to show where it all began & where it’s going in this one pano. This is the site of the first mine at Broken Hill, started back in 1885, it’s now a major tourist attraction with Mine Tours. In the background the beautiful town of Broken Hill stretches out in this desolate place and we move on to another town. If you ever have the opportunity to visit here, I encourage you to take it, you won’t be...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 7, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.9MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.9MB] This is Junction Mine, first pegged in 1884, it sits on the northern end of the original broken hill. The jagged black outcrop we’re standing on is the weathered surface expression or ‘gossan’ of the Broken Hill orebody. At the time of discovery, the gossan cropped out over a length of 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and formed the capping of the broken hill, which gave no hint of the fabulous wealth below. The gossan contained a small amount of metal ore, but when the miners got to 30m (90ft) below the surface, rich silver deposits were found. In fact the worlds largest silver-lead-zinc deposit ever found, and billions of dollars worth of ore have since been extracted. (In todays $) This spot is basically all that’s left of the original broken hill. See Full Size Google Map with all Broken Hill Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 6, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.1MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.1MB] Since Mad Max 2 was filmed around Silverton it is fitting the Silverton Hotel has a replica Ford Interceptor (Like Mel drives in the movie) sitting out front. The hotel began life in 1885 as the towns post office, and today contains a photographic collection bearing witness to the films shot in the region. See Full Size Google Map with all Silverton Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill/Silverton Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 5, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.8MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.8MB] There are a number of Art Galleries in Silverton these days. The one shown here belongs to Peter Browne. In this pano you can also see the old Church, and the buildings in the distance which are on the main road through Silverton. On that road you’ll also find the Horizon...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 4, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.9MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.9MB] Silverton is a relative ghost town about 20mins drive north east of Broken Hill. After starting the resource boom of the region in 1883, and growing to a peak population of 3000 the town was virtually abandoned by 1899 with the discovery and population build up nearby Broken Hill. In fact much of the town was deconstructed and transported to Broken Hill because of severe shortage of building materials at the time. This is the reason so few buildings remain. Today Silverton is a tourist town, with a popluation of 60 and about 20 surviving structures. It is also the scene of many movies including Mad Max II (Road warrior) & Dirty Deeds. We’ll hang around here for a day or two, before ending up back in Broken...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 3, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.5MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.5MB] The Pro Hart gallery resides in the northern part of Broken Hill, in a quiet residential neighbourhood. You should view the FullScreen pano of the gallery (if you have broadband) as there are many sculptures & artifacts to see outside the gallery. Unfortunately I can’t show you 3 storey interior, as pictures are not allowed. [As is the custom with most galleries] There are also 3-4 Rolls Royce cars on the property, 1 of them painted from top to bottom in Pro’s outback scenes, and many other artists work in the gallery. In the map below, if you look across the road and to the left about 3 properties, you’ll see what appears to be an empty lot. This is part of Pro’s gallery also containing numerous large sculptures. See Full Size Google Map with all Broken Hill Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 2, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.2MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.2MB] The Palace Hotel made famous in the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert sits on the opposite corner for this virtual tour. With it’s 3 storeys, lengthy verandahs and elaborate cast-iron balustrades it is the most impressive hotel in town. Back on this side of the street is the War Memorial, followed by the Courthouse built in 1889 & the Federation style Technical College / Museum built in 1900. See Full Size Google Map with all Broken Hill Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Feb 1, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [1.9MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [1.9MB] Directly across the road from the visitors centre is a park with some interesting history on display. Firstly back in 1984, the town spent a ton of time (and no doubt money) moving the decommissioned Kintore Headframe from the Central Mine to the park. Before and after photos can be viewed by looking at the information boards in the fullscreen virtual tour. I won’t go into the details here, as you can read it all in the big virtual tour, just zoom in on the boards. There are also other mining artifacts spread around the park. This park also contains a couple of very large Pro Hart sculptures. For those not in the know, Pro Hart was an Australian artist famous for his depictions of the outback and life in it. He was born, bred, lived and died in Broken Hill. We’ll be visiting his gallery (outside only) soon. See Full Size Google Map with all Broken Hill Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Jan 31, 2007 | Panoramas
See this Virtual Tour in FullScreen High Definition mode. QuickTime [2.6MB] Opens In New Window DevalVR [2.6MB] In todays post you really need to view the FullScreen virtual tour [Link Above] to appreciate the included historical images. This pano is shot from a hill in the middle of the town, looking south east to the huge hill of dirt we’ve been on for the past couple of days. On the ‘Broken Earth’, you can see the Restaurant & the Miners Memorial, and also appreciate how it towers over the town. The historical photo boards in the park depict the view from here. The main panorama was shot in 1907, and shows that the original ‘Broken Hill’ was basically gone by then, while the town had become quite large. The smaller image below the panorama & right in front of us was shot in 1888 almost 20 years earlier & shows the jagged outline of the original hill. See Full Size Google Map with all Broken Hill Virtual Tours – Click Here.INSERT_MAP Broken Hill Reviews, Links, Websites – Click...
by Aaron Spence | Jan 30, 2007 | Panoramas
The Miners Memorial sits atop the ‘line of load’ (the big hill of dirt where THE broken hill used to be) along side the Broken Earth Cafe Restaurant. It’s a memorial to the 700+ miners who have died here since the 1800’s when the mines began. The name and cause of death for every fatality is listed in the memorial. The 2 structures were funded by a ‘Centenery of Federation’ grant, & were completed in 2000. And as mentioned in previous posts, you get a great view of northern Broken Hill from up...
