Back home in Dublin I was very fortunate to live right beside the seaside, my home town of Portmarnock has a gorgeous sandy beach that goes on and on for what seems like an eternity. After living in the landlocked Czech Republic for the past two years, it has been a pleasure to live beside (or at least within walking distance to be more precise) the sea once more. If you drive about 40 mins out of the city you’ll come to an area that really is a little slice of heaven. Located on a hook-like peninsula on the opposite side of the Derwent estuary to Hobart, South Arm and its beaches have been the closest I’ve come to feeling like I’m at home on the Velvet Strand in a long while.
It’s Winter down here now so all the romantic notions of frolicking on a golden sandy beach were a little hard to conjure up but that didn’t stop surfers gathering offshore for a bit of a paddle and short surf in the moderate waves. Two of Robert Pennicott’s boats were also enjoying the scenery as we arrived at the South facing beach on South Arm neck. They continued on their way back into Hobart as the sun went down and we carried on towards Opossum Bay and it’s idyllic seaside holiday village atmosphere. I can’t wait to return to this place in the summertime when I’m sure the beaches will be full to the brim with surfers, swimmers and families soaking up the sun and playing in the powdery sand just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hobart. There’s not too many cities in the World who can boast of having so many beaches just a stone’s throw away and Hobart is definitely one of those lucky ones.
Czeching Out Tasmania 
Some of the grasses you have portrayed may need a little attention in the height of summer – as in, you need to pay attention if walking through them. Two words … tiger snakes.
And especially down there at both South Arm and O Bay.
Yikes will certainly bear that in mind and tread very carefully on well worn trails come the Summer time.