“Open House” is an annual event in Hobart, where the public have free access to buildings that we don’t usually get to see.

Last weekend, we joined a tour of Tasmanian Ports Control Tower. It is 36 metres tall and has a unique 360 degree view of Hobart city, waterfront , Tasman Bridge and the Derwent River.

It was designed to oversee the entire port and manage the arrival and departure of all ships. It is still used as the main observation point for all under-bridge crossings and is the office/staff room for the sea pilots.

From the tower, we could appreciate the scale of local timber awaiting export.