It would be hard to find a more delightful spot for a picnic than Barnes Bay, on Tasmania’s Bruny Island. And who better to experience such a picnic with than day tripping hoteliers; members of the Licensed Victuallers’ Association? The event I’m writing about was held on April 13 1905, an era when such events were carried out with great style.
About 150 men, women and children piled on board the river steamer Reliance at Hobart’s Brook Street Pier for the trip across to the Island.
BROOK STREET PIER
The party arrives…..
THE RELIANCE AT BARNES BAY
Local resident Mr W. Lindsay had generously provided a ‘sports ground’ and the picnic committee put on a varied sports programme, including running, skipping, hopping. and three-legged races. ‘A greasy pig contest was the source of much amusement, although the capture was not witnessed by the onlookers, as the little animal, no doubt realizing his peculiar situation, made off for the bush and thus passed out of sight, much to the disappointment of the amused spectators.’ (Mercury April 14 1905)
I must say the ‘Boots and Jackets’ race sounded a lot of fun. Competitors had to line up, run fifty yards, remove their coats and footwear and race back to the start, Then they would sprint down to their clothes put them back on and make a final dash home. Just to make things more entertaining and challenging all the jackets and boots had been deliberately mixed up. The man who ‘won’ was promptly disqualified for having a wrong boot on. The same thing happened to the second and third placed entrants who crossed the line. So the fourth placed person was announced as the official winner and received the prize.
By this time everyone had worked up an appetite worthy of a fine luncheon, which was served on tables set up along the jetty. The catering was done by the master of the Reliance, although perhaps the hotel keepers brought their own liquor. It was then back to games and competitions for the rest of the afternoon.
NATURALLY THERE WAS NO LACK OF CHAMPAGNE!
The picnic outing ended at about 5.30pm, and everyone piled onto the Reliance for the return home. Afternoon tea was served along the way. With a piano on board there were songs and musical items from talented members of the party to entertain the tired revellers. At 7.15 the steamer tied up in Hobart. I think we could safely say that a very good time was had by all…well except for that hotly pursued greasy pig. 🐷🐖
Excellent, thanks again Pauline.
Bruny Island residents love their history Simon.
What a charming glimpse into a bygone era! The picnic at Barnes Bay on Tasmania’s Bruny Island in 1905 sounds like a delightful affair filled with camaraderie and merriment. It’s fascinating to imagine the excitement of boarding the river steamer Reliance at Hobart’s Brook Street Pier, embarking on a journey to this picturesque spot for a day of festivities.
The scene at Barnes Bay, with Mr. W. Lindsay’s generous provision of a ‘sports ground’, paints a picture of wholesome fun and spirited competition. From running and skipping to the hilarity of the ‘greasy pig contest’, it’s clear that there was no shortage of entertainment for the participants and onlookers alike.
The ‘Boots and Jackets’ race sounds like a riotous affair, with its mix of athleticism and humor. The antics of the competitors, scrambling to don their coats and footwear in a mad dash to the finish line, must have been a sight to behold. And the clever twist of deliberately mixing up the jackets and boots adds an extra layer of amusement to the proceedings.
After working up an appetite with all the excitement, it’s no wonder that everyone eagerly anticipated the fine luncheon served along the jetty. It’s heartwarming to imagine the camaraderie shared over shared meals and spirited games, creating memories that surely lasted a lifetime.
Thank you for sharing this charming snippet of history! It’s a reminder of the simple joys of community gatherings and the enduring spirit of celebration.”
What a charming glimpse into the past! The picnic at Barnes Bay on Tasmania’s Bruny Island in 1905 sounds like a delightful affair filled with joy and camaraderie. Imagining the hustle and bustle of about 150 men, women, and children boarding the river steamer Reliance at Hobart’s Brook Street Pier for the journey across to the island brings to mind scenes straight out of a storybook.
The event’s setting at Barnes Bay, with Mr. W. Lindsay’s generous provision of a ‘sports ground’, paints a picture of wholesome fun and spirited competition. From running and skipping to the hilarity of the ‘greasy pig contest’, it’s clear that there was no shortage of entertainment for the participants and onlookers alike.
The description of the ‘Boots and Jackets’ race is particularly amusing, with competitors scrambling to don their coats and footwear in a mad dash to the finish line. The clever twist of deliberately mixing up the jackets and boots adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
And after all the excitement and laughter, the fine luncheon served along the jetty must have been a welcome respite. It’s heartwarming to imagine the community coming together over shared meals and spirited games, creating memories that surely lasted a lifetime.
Thank you for sharing this delightful snippet of history! It’s a reminder of the simple joys of community gatherings and the enduring spirit of celebration.”
Thanks for much for taking the trouble to leave such a delightful message. Yes, I loved the Bruny Island picnic….especially that Boots & Jacket race. It reminded me of the Sunday School picnics we went to back in the 1950s.