As in our last NZ port, there was a huge mountain of wood chips on the wharf. Our guide said that Burnie was changing its image from industrial port to tourist destination. Apparently 10 years ago, the port water was orange with effluence; however, environmental concerns have produced beautiful blue water and sandy beaches which we viewed from a lookout over the harbor.
At the Creative Paper Factory we learned about the fascinating process of making paper from raw materials: bark, hemp, blue jeans and “roo poo” – to the finished sheets. There were even some papier mache sculptures at Australia’s largest hand made paper studio.
Burnie Pioneer Museum in the heritage area featured a typical 1900’s street scene with blacksmith, livery stables, saddler,iron monger and even a boarding house advertisement of “clean accommodations.” Several ladies dressed in period outfits were spinning wool while another bonnet capped lady was making intricate bobbin lace.
Tonight’s dinner was the “Chef’s Extravaganza” where the waiters leapt and pirouetted around, swooshing the napkins onto our laps. Paper chef’s hats were provided tor us to wear to this suptuous meal.
As our ship sailed toward Melbourne I successfully showered while the ship rolled back and forth – a real feat of balance.
