Arty and surprising
Glenorchy is just a few kilometres upriver from Hobart, and is becoming increasingly known for its busy arts scene. Could this be due to its rather well-known neighbour MONA or fortuitous timing that the area is celebrating its creative side?
The Glenorchy Art and Sculpture Park (GASP!), is a community project that’s brought colour and vibrancy to the waterfront. The linear 9 hectare public space features public pavilions, outdoor art, barbecue areas, open parkland and wetlands, events, and if you time it well, even a roaming food truck. Hop on a bike and ride approximately three kilometres from Montrose Bay to Wilkinson’s Point or pedal your way out to MONA. GASP! is well suited to those on two wheels or on foot.
There’s plenty to explore in and around Glenorchy. Those with a penchant for chocolate will be pleased to know the Cadbury Chocolate factory can be found here and visitors who enjoy mountain biking will be impressed with the Glenorchy Mountain Bike Park, designed by Glen Jacobs, designer of the Sydney Olympics course. At the foothills of Mount Wellington, Glenorchy is prime mountain biking territory and also ideal for walks in Tolosa Park and beyond.
In its early days, Glenorchy was once home to Tasmanian Aboriginals, with land grants later issued in 1804 during the time of early European settlement. Becoming a municipality in 1864, it’s believed the name Glenorchy means ‘glen of tumbling waters’, named by Governor Lachlan Macquarie after his wife’s Scottish hometown.
