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Ratho Farm Golf — Image credit: Tourism Tasmania & Greg Willson

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Ratho Farm Golf

Ratho Farm is Australia's oldest golf course. Set in scenic countryside on the outskirts of Bothwell in the Central Highlands and heart of Tasmania. Ratho Farm Golf provides 18 holes of challenging inland links-style golf. The Ratho Farm Golf Links were first laid out and enjoyed by the pioneering Reid family who emigrated from Leith in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1822 and set up Ratho on the outskirts of Bothwell. Now restored thoughtfully and tastefully, Ratho Farm has become something of a national pilgrimage for Australian golfers to play and learn about the origins of their favourite pastime. This sees the role of the Ratho Links turn full circle. From its original application when golf first brought together the new settlers of Bothwell to enjoy their shared Scottish heritage, to once again being an important contributor to the local community as a major drawcard for the region. Ratho now not only offers a full 18-hole layout but also 20 new ensuite rooms in our former convict accommodation buildings. The Homestead provides a warm and welcoming setting and backdrop, with Atrium, dining and bar facilities as well as a golf pro shop and gift shop.

Bothwell TAS

1.2 km away

Highlands Power Trail — Image credit: Hydro Tasmania

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Highlands Power Trail

Tour the Highlands Power Trail for a unique experience in the rugged Central Highlands of Tasmania. This self-guided driving trail provides an insight into the history of hydropower within Tasmania. Stop at points of interest on the journey to see key sites and learn about the extraordinary challenges faced by the workers. Take the circular trail north from Bothwell, heading towards Waddamana Village. Continue along to Penstock Lagoon and Waddamana Canal before re-joining the Highland Lakes Road for the return journey to Bothwell. To make the most of the journey along the Highlands Power Trail, make sure there is plenty of time to tour through Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site.

Bothwell TAS

15 km away

Curringa Subway — Image credit: Curringa Farm

Agritourism

Curringa Farm - Accommodation and Farm Tours

Agritourism with Excellence. Open daily for pre booked farm tours, meals and accommodation, Curringa Farm, located at Hamilton, central Tasmania. Personalised day tour attractions offer groups and self-drivers a unique view of a Tasmanian farm. See working farm dogs, sheep shearing and friendly farming practices. Curringa Farm is a one-hour drive from Hobart on the highway to the West Coast, close to Mt Field National Park and Russell Falls. Curringa Farm covers 750 acres / 300 hectares. 3000 sheep, poppies, cabbages and cereals. There is an intensive conservation program on the farm. Visitors can learn about native plants, animals and habitat requirements. The licensed centre and cafe caters for up to 100 people for lunches and teas. Open 360 days a year. Enjoy scotch fillet steak cooked on the wood-fired barbecue, hot new potatoes and salads in season, home-made desserts, cakes and real coffee. Tasmanian wines, lanolin cosmetics and woollen products available for purchase. Bookings essential. Minimum four people for morning or afternoon tea tours, six for lunch tours. Guests relax overnight in one of nine fully self-contained bed and breakfast cabins with beautiful views. Your hosts, Tim and Jane Parsons, are sixth generation, Tasmanian farmers. Join for an unforgettable visit to Curringa Farm's excellent agritourism experience.

Hamilton TAS

25 km away

Lake Meadowbank — Image credit: IFS

Natural Attractions

Lake Meadowbank

Lake Meadowbank is between Hamilton and Ouse on the Lyell Highway, a one-hour drive north-west of Hobart. This is the most downstream lake in the Derwent River hydro-scheme. Like all Hydro Tasmania lakes, Lake Meadowbank is stocked with trout. Try your luck fly fishing, spinning or trolling for brown trout - the lake’s most abundant fish - or perhaps a big rainbow trout. Water-skiing, canoeing and swimming are popular here and you can pitch your tent by the shore for a few days and truly get away from it all. Boat launching facilities, toilets, picnic and barbecue areas are available on the lake’s eastern banks and there's easy access from most shores. You need a licence to fish for trout in Tasmania’s lakes. A free brochure - Fishing Code for Anglers - is available from licence-selling agents and the Inland Fisheries Service.

Hamilton TAS

28 km away

Oatlands Gaoler's Residence — Image credit: Southern Midlands Council

Landmarks and Buildings

Oatlands Key

The ‘Oatlands Key’ system allows access to the following Southern Midlands Council-operated heritage buildings in Oatlands: 1829 Supreme Courthouse, Campbell Street Oatlands 1836 Gaoler’s Residence, Mason Street Oatlands 1827 Commissariat (limewashed building at rear of 79 High Street) Visitors can collect the Oatlands fob key from participating High Street businesses (listed below) who display the ‘Oatlands Key’ sign. A deposit is required at the time of obtaining the key, which is fully refundable on return. The fob key allows visitors to unlock each building that has been fitted with an electronic card reader. Aside from offering the opportunity to visit the historic buildings, visitors will also be able to view the archaeological and heritage collection items on display as well as the information panels telling the history of the site. A map is provided enabling visitors to easily navigate the short distance between the buildings. Keys available from: Oatlands Council Chambers, 71 High Street, open 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Friday Keys also available from the following businesses (hours subject to change): Elm Cottage Store, 82 High Street, Oatlands An Artistic Affair Gallery, 67 High Street, Oatlands Oatlands District Historical Society, 107 High Street, Oatlands The Weaver's Cottages Studio, 104a High St, Oatlands Bunch Oatlands, 106 High Street, Oatlands

Oatlands TAS

32 km away

Jardin Room & Provincial Interiors Entrance — Image credit: Jardin Room

Shopping and Markets

The Jardin Room & Provincial Interiors

Situated in the picturesque village of Oatlands you will find the Jardin Room & Provincial Interiors, one of Australia's most unique antique and interior stores. Come visit the stunning store created at the end of the garden path. You will find a shop, barn and landscaped garden filled with homewares, furniture, beautiful unique objects, interior design, garden décor, antiques & architectural reclamation.

Oatlands TAS

32 km away

Heritage artisans like Johnny Mackay making handmade items from natural materials in the gallery. — Image credit: Kat Wittmann

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Weaver's Cottages Studio

The Weaver's Cottages Studio in Oatlands is an open studio and gallery specialising in world-class Tasmanian artists' work. Easy to find along Oatlands' charming historic high street, the cottage studio filled with colour and texture will delight you. You will be enchanted by the variety of art, clothing, homewares and accessories for sale. Each unique piece in the range is handmade using local materials. The work is contemporary, made by artists utilising traditional skills. Whether you are searching for a gift for a friend, a seasonal surprise or treating yourself, you will find a one-of-a-kind item to suit your needs. The Weaver's Cottages Studio specialises in fibre and textile art. They are part of the CollectART art purchasing scheme that provides interest-free loans to Australian residents to buy the work of Tasmanian artists and designers. Resident textile artist Kat Wittmann demonstrates heritage skills in the open studio daily. Exhibitions of new work from Tasmanian artists change monthly. You will be met with a friendly and knowledgeable welcome to the cottage (1838) and parlour (1845). We delight in showing visitors our renovation progress, taking this simple cottage back to its heritage-listed original style is our privilege. They'd like to share that journey with you. You will find them an hour's drive (through the starkly beautiful Tasmanian Midlands) from Hobart, and a little longer from Launceston.

Oatlands TAS

32 km away

Callington Mill Historic Site

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Callington Mill Historic Site

The Callington Mill Windmill is their brand and the Callington Mill Heritage precinct is their home. They have lovingly restored the entire, heritage significant village and have transformed the site into an interactive tourist experience using video and audio presentations to bring the complex to life. Guests are encouraged to explore the site on a self guided tour - a great family friendly activity.

Oatlands TAS

32 km away

Day Dawn cottage in spring

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary

Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 1946 and is one of the oldest private conservation areas in Tasmania. It was inspiration and home to Nan Chauncy - A multi award winning author of children's adventure novels. Nan's writing captured a vivid picture of the Tasmanian landscape, it's people and it's living creatures that were "real" life, not the mechanisation and gadgets of modern society. She wrote to share her love of Tasmania- Her island shaped like a heart. Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary, a 415 hectare reserve linked by a walking track to Flat Rock Reserve (455 ha), is visited by bushwalkers, bird watchers, field naturalist groups, families, groups and school parties. With it's enchanting natural environment, heritage, culture and history, Chauncy Vale has shared a role in creating many meaningful experiences for several generations of Tasmanian schools, families, individuals and community groups. There are a range of walks available which lead to points of interest such as Brown's Cave, Eve's Bath, Guvy's Lagoon and Flat Rock lookout. There are several areas suitable for picnics and gatherings, with toilets, BBQs & picnic facilities, and a meeting room available for booking.

Bagdad TAS

33 km away

Parattah Railway Hotel — Image credit: Kathrine Selmer Johansen

Entertainment Venues

Unexpected Gallery

This exciting gallery is set in the historic Parattah Railway Hotel built between the 1850's to 80's. The Hotel was the main stopping point on the passenger railway between Hobart and Launceston and provides a wonderful historical environment for some interesting artworks. Open by appointment. Artist is residence: Kathrine (Katrina) Selmer Johansen Showing a number of works and taking commissions. KSJ Designs - Australian-designed handbags and accessories. Curios, pre-loved clothing and exhibitions are on offer.

Parattah TAS

33 km away

Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site — Image credit: Hydro Tasmania

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site

The Waddamana Power Station Heritage Site, located almost in the geographical centre of Tasmania, will step you back in time to the beginning of the industrial age of Tasmania. Tour through the turbine hall, with its mighty Pelton wheel turbines and explore exhibits that tell the compelling stories of endeavour and determination that brought a dream of powerful reality to life. Admission is free. High season (1October to 30 April) - Open daily 10am to 4pm Low season (1 May to 30 September) - Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm Closed on Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day Altered hours on ANZAC Day, open from 12.30pm until 4pm Open 7 days a week for the Tasmanian middle of year school holidays (July)

Waddamana TAS

36 km away

St Mark's Church Pontville

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

St Mark's Church Pontville

An unusual Romanesque church built in 1839-41 to a design by convict architect James Blackburn from very finely tooled Brighton sandstone. Few travellers driving through Pontville could fail to notice the striking exterior of St Mark's Church, standing on the top of the hill on the north side of Pontville. Convict Architect James Blackburn had been transported from England in 1833 for forgery. Because of his academic qualifications, he was attached to the public works department and within a few years, he had proved his worth by designing plans for a number of churches and public buildings in Hobart and nearby districts. As far as it is known the foundation stone, which unfortunately can no longer be seen, was laid by the then Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania, Sir John Franklin in 1839 but delays resulting from its convict labourers being diverted to other projects, such as the Pontville Bridge and the Watch House meant that the building was not completed until February 1841. It was dedicated on the 21st February that same year by Archdeacon Williams Hutchins. The current Reverend is Mr Rod Curtain.

Pontville TAS

39 km away

Brighton Army Camp — Image credit: Handbuilt Creative

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Brighton Army Camp

Enjoy a walk around the historic Brighton Army Camp reserve, an amazingly rich site with many layers of history and stories. Located near the historic village of Pontville on the Heritage Highway. Learn about the full history of the site from prior to European settlement up until today. Immerse yourself in an augmented reality experience that brings to life stories from the site and our area, such as Tasmania's first commercial flights, trade between aboriginal bands, training for WWII, the housing of Italian prisoners of war and refugees from Eastern Europe, a temporary home for Tasmanians who lost their homes in the 1967 bush fires and a refuge for Kosovars escaping the Balkans War. To explore the site with Augmented Reality, download the Uist app from the Apple Store.

Brighton TAS

40 km away

Russell Falls - Great Short Walk — Image credit: PWS copyright

Natural Attractions

Russell Falls - Great Short Walk

Russell Falls is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. The 60 Great Short Walks offer the best of Tasmania's day walking opportunities. 25 minutes return, 1.4km return. Grade 1. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. It’s a short and beautiful walk to Tasmania’s favourite waterfall. It was formed when horizontal beds of soft rock eroded back to more resistant rock that had vertical faces. But as you stand in the mossy, deep green forest, and watch the water cascading gently over multiple levels, you don’t need to know its geology. Just breathe deep and enjoy its awesome beauty. When it’s time to leave, return via the same route or take the loop track back on the other side of the fern-filled creek. You may even spy a platypus in the creek. This easy walk will take you through a mixed forest comprising towering swamp gums, the tallest flowering plant on Earth, and species typical of wet forests and cool temperate rainforests, such as dogwood, musk and myrtle. Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

National Park TAS

41 km away

Three Falls Circuit - Great Short Walk — Image credit: Joint copyright - PWS and photographer (Joe Shemesh)

Natural Attractions

Three Falls Circuit - Great Short Walk

Three Falls Circuit is one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. The 60 Great Short Walks offer the best of Tasmania's day walking opportunities. 2-2.5 hr circuit, 6km circuit. Grade 3. The lower parts of Mount Field National Park, famous for Russell Falls, have much more to offer. This 6km circuit takes in not only Russell Falls, but also some of the other natural features of this section of the park. Most do the circuit anticlockwise, starting with the short walk to Russell Falls, then climbing to the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. The track continues through the Tall Trees walk, taking in some magnificent specimens of swamp gums — the world's tallest flowering plant. Next stop on this walk is Lady Barron Falls—a pretty little cascading waterfall which is particularly scenic after rain. Like Russell and Horseshoe falls, Lady Barron Falls is composed of marine Permian siltstone, faced by retreating sandstone layers. All three falls provide a glimpse of the underlying geology in a heavily forested area where the geology is otherwise hidden beneath vegetation and soils. The loop back to the visitor centre finishes with a long flight of wooden steps. Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

Mount Field TAS

41 km away

Mt Field National Park — Image credit: PWS copyright

Natural Attractions

Mount Field National Park

As the winding road ascends through Mount Field National Park the stunning natural flora transforms, offering a constantly changing view as you climb to higher altitudes. Known as ‘the park for all seasons’, Mount Field is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and home to some of the world’s tallest eucalypt forests, as well as a unique array of alpine vegetation. Mount Field National Park is one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks and is also one of its most diverse. Spectacular glaciated landscapes compete for attention with cascading waterfalls, including the breathtaking, three-tiered Russell Falls - arguably one of the most impressive waterfalls in Tasmania. Begin your Mount Field visit with a walk through the towering tree ferns and giant eucalypts on the short walk to Russell Falls, before travelling up the road toward Lake Dobson, where you will find longer day walks and, in winter, the snow-dusted slopes of the Mount Mawson ski field. During autumn, the hillsides of the Tarn Shelf are a riot of colour as the fagus turns gold, orange and red. Please visit the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for further information about this national park including how to get there and things to do. Refer to the ‘know before you go’ webpage for more important information about alerts, safety in parks and entry fees.

National Park TAS

41 km away

Laser Tag Tasmania - Indoors — Image credit: Laser Tag Tasmania

Amusement and Theme Parks

Laser Tag Tasmania

Looking for an exhilarating adventure? As Tasmania's leading outdoor laser tag experience, Laser Tag Tasmania delivers exciting, action packed games that are perfect for events, festivals, youth groups, school programs, corporate functions and private bookings. The sessions encourage teamwork, communication and strategic thinking, making them ideal not only for fun and entertainment, but also for team building with workplaces, sporting clubs and community groups. As a fully mobile business, we bring the action to you, making it easy to add a high energy attraction to almost any location. Using premium equipment and professionally run game formats, they create experiences that are engaging, well organised and suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. From large public events to tailored group sessions, Laser Tag Tasmania offers a memorable activity that keeps participants involved, draws crowds and leaves a lasting impression.

Dromedary TAS

41 km away

Tall Trees — Image credit: Photographer copyright, Chris Crerar

Natural Attractions

Tall Trees

Tall Trees is one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. The 60 Great Short Walks offer the best of Tasmania's day walking opportunities. 30 minute circuit, 1km circuit. Grade 2. This awesome 1km loop walk is all about the tallest flowering plants in the world. You'll feel small among the massive examples of swamp gum (Eucalyptus regnans) along the Tall Trees walk. These trees can live for hundreds of years, and have been known to reach over 100m in height. The largest trees here were growing when Abel Tasman first sighted Tasmania in 1642, and are taller than the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart. If you're curious about the trees here, there's a clinometer to help you calculate their height. As you walk you can also ponder the life and death of these giants, as you witness what becomes of fallen trees in this forest. Please refer to the Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania website (parks.tas.gov.au) for up-to-date information about this walk, alerts, closures, safe walking guidelines, leave no trace principles and National Park entry fees where applicable.

Mount Field TAS

41 km away

Tasmanian devil — Image credit: Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. They're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. Just 30 minutes north of Hobart's CBD, they are home to many animals, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas, birds, quolls and more. They also have free-roaming Forester kangaroos who are always keen for a good scratch on the chest and some gentle hand feeding (roo food included with entry). A visit to Bonorong is not complete without joining one of their daily guided tours. These tours are free with entry and give you the opportunity to meet some of their most popular locals: the wombats, devils and echidnas. You will hear little-known facts and stories of the wildlife in their care. Tour groups, school groups and after-school groups can all be catered for with private tours and more. They have a Food Hut onsite, making it a great stop for lunch with 100% plant-based meals. Bonorong is easily accessible by car, with free parking onsite.

Brighton TAS

42 km away

Trout Fishing — Image credit: Tourism Tasmania

Natural Attractions

Arthurs Lake

This popular angling location, east of Great Lake on the edge of the Central Plateau, has good facilities for boat launching and camping. To reach Arthurs Lake from the south, take the A5 for 50 km beyond Bothwell. From the north, follow the B51 for 60 km south of Cressy. This is a high altitude and exposed location and weather in the highlands can change fast, making boating conditions dangerous. Please carry all required safety equipment and check local weather forecasts before you launch.

Miena TAS

42 km away

The first hole — Image credit: NNGC

Sports and Recreation Facilities

New Norfolk Golf Club

Tasmania's best nine-hole golf club is situated in the township of New Norfolk only 30 minutes from Hobart. The undulating course is well watered and professionally presented with spectacular views up the Derwent Valley towards Mt Field National Park and over to the Wellington Ranges National Park. Affiliated golfers with a golf link handicap from interstate are welcome to play and green fees are only $35

New Norfolk TAS

43 km away

Bridgewater Foreshore Walking Trail

Natural Attractions

Bridgewater Foreshore Walking Trail

From Gunn Street the coastal track follows the Derwent River foreshore to the east around Bridgewater and Green Point to the East Derwent Highway Bridge for 5.2 km. There are picnic areas with picturesque views along the way. Plenty of birdlife can be seen as you walk or ride around the shallow wetlands along the foreshore including black swans, cormorants, pelicans and white faced herons. There are great views up and down the river and towards kunanyi / Mount Wellington. It is possible to continue walking from the East Derwent Highway Bridge along Swan Park Trail.

Hobart TAS

43 km away

Locomotive Y2 at New Norfolk 2020 https://wiki.dvr.org.au/wiki/File:Y2_DVR_200608_-_30_cropped.jpg — Image credit: Derwent Valley Railway

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Derwent Valley Railway

Discover our extensive collection of heritage rolling-stock and locomotives, along with the history of the Derwent Valley Line and its importance in the development of the region. Guided tours of New Norfolk Station and our adjacent workshop facilities are available every Wednesday and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Specialised tours for large groups, bus tours and school excursions are available upon request. Let us know ahead of time and we can organise lunch, morning or afternoon tea catering for you to enjoy during your visit.

New Norfolk TAS

43 km away

U5 Shunter

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Derwent Valley Railway

The Derwent Valley Railway (DVR) is a not-for-profit incorporated association committed to preserving and making active use of the Derwent Valley Line, associated infrastructure and rolling stock. The DVR is located in Station Street at New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley, 35 kilometres north-west of Hobart. The organisation owns a number of steam and diesel locomotives, previously used for mainline running on the Tasmanian rail network. They also own various passenger carriages, with a combined capacity of over 300 passengers, as well as wagons and specialised rail maintenance equipment. Follow one of the friendly volunteer guides as they lead you through the extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Uncover their unique histories and learn about the crucial role of railways in the development and future of the Derwent Valley. From the beginning of 2026, tours will be conducted at 11.00 am and 1.30 pm only.

New Norfolk TAS

44 km away

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