Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Arrowtown and Winery

Today was an easier pace and very much needed. We had a short drive to Arrowtown which is a small old gold mining settlement. Gold was discovered in the 1860's and the area saw a huge influx of people. The peak population was about 7,000 but mostly became a ghost town after the gold was gone with only 200 people. Today there has been a revival in showcasing the history of the town and the population is now back up to 2,500. They have restored some of the buildings and opened  a first class museum. So now the gold they mine is tourist dollars.

St. Patrick's Church - built in 1874. There is an impressive Star of David - shaped rose window. St. Mary of the Cross (aka Mary McKillo - Australia's only Catholic saint) opened a convent in the tiny miners cottage next door in 1870.








We also visited the jail (gaol).





We then had some time to wander around the town before lunch.




Walked down to the river to see where part of the "Lord of the Rings" movie was filmed. Looks a lot different in the movie with the computer enhanced editing.

The afternoon was spent visiting a winery. Wine is becoming a major industry for the area. It was started by an Irishman that moved here in the 1980's and didn't want to raise sheep.


We got to go into the cave (which was man made to store the barrels of wine at a constant temperature and humidity level) for a wine and chocolate tasting. They showed how to match different types of chocolates with different wines for an enhanced experience. I have to say I normally don't drink wine but this was exceptional.





On the way back to town we were given the opportunity to go bungee jumping off the bridge where it all started. There was only 1 brave person in the group (no it wasn't me) so we stopped and cheered him on. 


Bob getting his gear on ready to jump.




The group cheering for him.








There were some more spots in this area where "Lord of the Rings" was filmed. Beautiful scenery!







We had a couple of hours before dinner so had a get together on the hotel balcony with some more wine, cheese, crackers, chips and music. Great way to wind down and get ready for our early departure in the morning.



A little dancing by some of the group.

To finish off the day I had a small burger for dinner!




No comments:

Post a Comment