Before we had two little humans we had fur children. And our dalmatian LOVED our annual family visit to the Art Farm Birchs Bay sculpture trail.

Sadly he’s no longer with us as he got old and sick and died 4.5 years ago, just after Hudson was born.

The last time we visited the sculpture trail was when I was only a few months pregnant with Hudson – our trusty hound happily sniffing up a storm as we casually admired the art.

Fast forward to the present day and we finally returned – and the boys absolutely loved it.

This scenic trail, which attracts 5000 people annually, winds through pear orchards and a veggie garden, along winding bush trails and across open fields offering sweeping views of Bruny Island and the D’Entrecasteaux Channel – the perfect setting for an alfresco gallery of large-scale contemporary art works.

Organisers say to allow about one hour for the 1.5km walk on Five Bob Farm, which is 40 minutes south of Hobart. With two little people in tow – who happily walked the entire way – it took us longer but the boys loved wandering through the bush and checking out the sculptures.

The first half is uphill but once you get to the top (where my little dinosaurs happily played with pebbles for ages) you can enjoy a downhill stroll all the way to the finish line.

The constant stream of new sculptures dotted along the trail (plus a few snacks) meant the boys hardly noticed how far they’d actually walked.

The sculpture trail traditionally runs each year from Good Friday until the end of July. But following COVID new dates through Spring/Summer were trialled. Regardless of the official dates, the property is open to visitors year-round, with new acquisitions purchased every year to add to the trail.

At only $5 for a family it’s a cheap outing and a great way to enjoy the fresh air during the cooler months.

Dogs on leads are welcome too – maybe one day we’ll return with a pooch in tow…