Located just outside Launceston, Longford is not far from the Midlands Highway which makes it an excellent stopping point between Hobart and Devonport or Launceston, or even your first place of call after driving off the Spirit of Tasmania. Longford has some big attractions and is worth some of your time.

Founded in 1807, Longford is unique as being one of the few towns not established by convicts after farmers moved from Norfolk Island to Tasmania. What’s great is that it’s really easy to learn about this history and what life was like back then thanks to the two huge attractions in Longford, UNESCO listed Woolmers Estate and Brickendon (more about them below).

Towards the bakehouse cottage in Woolmers Estate

Longford is also a great place to stop and stay longer with many attractions and great places to visit in the surrounding areas.

Make sure you keep reading this guide because below you will find lots of information about Longford Tasmania including a Longford map, Longford Tas weather, Longford accommodation and the top Longford Tasmania attractions while you are here!

An Introduction To Longford Tas

Longford park

Full of colonial charm and with an impressive park at the centre of town, Longford is classified as a historic country town. Overflowing with convict-built buildings, grand estates and fine houses, mostly dating back to the early 1800s, here you’ll find some of Tasmania’s best bed-and-breakfasts in quaint old homes and preserved colonial buildings. 

Settlers started to arrive in 1807, as farmers were moved from Norfolk Island to Van Diemen’s Land (the original name used by Europeans for Tasmania). Renowned for a strong agricultural tradition, this is best showcased today at the World Heritage listed sites of Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Colonial Farm Village, or the equally stunning Panshanger Estate. Sprawling Australian properties and grounds, that hark back to pioneering days – days when English aristocracy settled as farmers and used free convict labour to create grand reminders of their homeland, with architecture mimicking the castles of old England.

Longford Christ Church

The town is also noted for its beautifully historic Longford Christ Church along with the adjacent spooky settlers-cemetery. And a unique slant to the town comes in the form of its strong motor racing history. Back in the 50s and 60s a temporary motor racing course was laid out on public roads and hosted many races, including two Australian Grand Prix. For 15 years, races pulled in massive crowds and they were the biggest events on the island.  

Longford is also home to many horse studs and training facilities with the Longford races held annually on New Year’s Day. The annual Longford Show, first held in 1858, is one of the longest running rural shows in Australia. Held in October it attracts around 8000 people, with equestrian events, poultry and dog shows, chopping and tree felling, sheep and fleeces, rides and games.

The Longford Tasmania population of around 4,000 puts on quite a tourist welcome… snug pubs, hearty food, romantic accommodation, an immaculate and well-preserved town, and terrific antique shops. You’ll feel transported back to the early 1800s!

Longford Weather

Longford has a temperate climate and the weather averages around 10-25 degrees in summer and 2-12 degrees in winter. 

If you are looking for the Longford weather forecast, click here. This is for Evandale which is close by as Longford isn’t covered by the Bureau of Meteorology site. The weather in Longford Tasmania is very similar.

Longford Postcode

The Longford Tasmania postcode is 7301.

Longford Tasmania Accommodation

Longford is a small town so there isn’t a huge amount of accommodation Longford Tasmania options. However there are some solid choices and we very much enjoyed our time staying in our accommodation in Longford Tasmania.

Longford Riverside Caravan Park Review

If you are looking for the best Longford accommodation Tasmania then surprisingly we recommend trying out this caravan park! With the Macquarie River running alongside, it’s a relaxing and peaceful location for spending a few nights at.

The caravans come in a couple of categories, such as a budget option with no bathroom, newer options with ensuites, and even a caravan with two bedroom areas, suitable for up to 4 people.

These are modern times with the caravans reflecting this. Coming with a small covered outdoor area – with wooden decking, table and chairs – and an interior with dining/lounge/kitchen area, an electric blanket for the chilly nights, fridge, stove, grill, microwave and equipped kitchen… many comforts have been considered. Heating and air-conditioning are also provided, and the bathroom comes with shower. And there’s an all important 100MB of WiFi included with your rental.

Click here for more information.

Just in case you have your own caravan, Longford Riverside Caravan Park also has 78 powered sites with sullage and water, and 50 unpowered that are in a lovely location right on the riverbank.

On site, there’s a small shower block and toilets for communal use. Washing machines, dryers and irons are also available. Within the park are a couple of BBQ areas and picnic tables, and the site is centrally located within walking distance to the shops and restaurants of Longford.

Click here for the latest prices.

Racecourse Inn Longford Review

One of the standout Longford accommodation northern Tasmania options, the Racecourse Inn is a heritage listed Georgian former coaching inn that dates back to 1860. Today, the building is a luxury bed and breakfast that exudes historic ambience.  

Climbing roses cover the convict-made bricks of this two-storey country-house, with five spacious en-suite guest rooms that feature double glazing. Three rooms upstairs come with reverse-cycle air conditioning (including a Queen Suite), and all have sloped ceilings and large windows. Downstairs you’ll find a Standard Queen and Deluxe Spa room (with open fireplace and 2-person spa bath), both featuring 12-foot ceilings.  Free WiFi is provided throughout.

Click here for more information.

Your stay comes with a cooked Tasmanian gourmet breakfast – where you can enjoy dining on produce such as fresh vegetables and fruit from the Inn’s orchard and kitchen gardens, and artisan wood-fired bread.   

Fully licensed, enjoy a glass of wine over dinner in their cosy dining room that features a wood fire and one of only two barrel-vaulted ceilings in Tasmania.

Just a five minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Woolmers Estate and Brickendon Farm, the Inn has a relaxing atmosphere and is known for exceptional hospitality from the hosts.

Click here for the latest prices.

Aggie’s Bed And Breakfast Review

Aggie’s B&B Longford Tasmania offers two beautiful rooms, both complete with ensuite bathroom and laundry facilities. Along with off-street parking, free wifi and a private courtyard to relax at, Aggie’s is a top bed and breakfast Tasmania choice.

Guests enjoy a delicious breakfast – cooked to order – with fresh eggs, homemade conserves and stewed fruits. Dine in the privacy of the pretty courtyard or cook up your own dinner at the BBQ area.

Click here for more information.

The rooms come as a Studio – with a Queen bed and single roll-away – and the Garden room also with a Queen bed and a large ensuite room. Both are fitted with an equipped kitchenette with a microwave, seating area, flat-screen TV, washing machine and fridge.

In a quiet neighbourhood – yet walkable distance to restaurants and shops – and decorated in country-style decor, the cottage is a pleasing location from which to explore Longford and the surrounding towns.

Click here for the latest prices.

Things To Do In Longford Tasmania

You can find the following Longford things to do around town. Launceston is also close by and you may want to read our list of things to do there here.

The Path Of History Walking Tour

The Georgian village of Longford is ripe for exploring on foot. With an almost insurmountable number of heritage buildings to discover, a useful guide has thankfully been published that will help you find your way around or easily select your favourite locations to visit. Download your copy here.

Thirty-four locations have been noted as places of interest, including our personal favourites The Library, the Iron Horse Trough and Lamp Standard, the Uniting Church, Druid’s Hall and the elegant Heritage Corner at the centre of town. St Augustine’s Church is another small historic building worth a view, dating back to 1864.

Commencing at the Village Green, follow the brochure’s route, digesting the detail and history of each building, before viewing for yourself the splendid architecture.

Woolmers Estate

Woolmers House

Eleven places make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listings, that together tell a story of exile from one side of the world to the other – how a nation was formed from hardship, inequality and adversity.  Woolmers Estate is one of the eleven; a homestead with a history.

Established in 1817, on the banks of the Macquarie River, this picturesque estate is today a museum and one of the best examples of a 19th century rural homestead in Australia.

Until 1994, six generations of the Archer family had called the estate home and their personal collections and possessions still fill the house. Guided tours are offered through the rooms and gardens, or visitors can explore the grounds under their own steam.

With many buildings to explore – workers’ cottages, stables, bakehouse, blacksmith’s shop, former chapel, pump house and more – visitors gain an understanding of the history and social structure of the Estate which was sometimes home to around 100 people.

Upon arrival at the Estate, purchase your ticket and self-guided tour book from the new building, the Nigel Peck Centre. Also home to two galleries, gift shop and cafe, take your time to explore before moving on to the first attraction…

The magnificent Woolmers Estate Rose Garden awaits, and is simply gorgeous!  Inspired by French formal gardens of the 1600s it’s beautiful and serene.

Moving on to the historic part of the estate, buildings are grouped into three areas – Domestic, Service and Farm Precincts. These include the main house – Woolmers House – associated buildings, kitchen, coach house and stables. A chapel, apple-packing shed, store, golf-club house, pump house, windmill and bakehouse cottage are more of the sites you can also explore.

We recommend joining the tour of the House, as the Archer family’s collections are well worth viewing.

And just in case you want to stay overnight, there’s a quaint collection of six cottages where you can check-in. Historic buildings, renovated with modern amenities, these 1840s cottages look out over the Macquarie River. There are also four free-settlers cottages that have upstairs loft-style bedrooms, located in groups of two semi-attached cottages, that are ideal for larger groups.

Open 10am-3.30pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry at 2.30pm, the guided tour duration is approx 50 minutes.

If combining a visit to both Woolmers and Brickendon, consider taking the 2.8 km (45 mins) Convict Trail Walk between the two.

Address: 658 Woolmers Ln, Longford TAS 7301

Click here to read our full review.

Brickendon Estate Longford

Similar to Woolmers, Brickendon Colonial Farm Village – dating back to 1824 – was originally owned by the Archer family and was named after William Archer’s birthplace in Hertfordshire, England.  Established as a mixed enterprise, raising sheep and cattle for both wool and meat, and with crops grown along the Macquarie River, 180 years later the estate has remained under William Archer’s direct descendents. Currently three generations are involved with the property, living in the beautiful Georgian homestead.

Visitors can explore more than 20 heritage buildings – including the Brickendon Farm Village with a Blacksmith’s shop that is untouched since the 1930s, and the cookhouse where it’s easy to imagine the skilled convicts sitting around the blazing fire, sharing fresh bread!

The hub of Brickendon, the Farm Village is littered with evidence of years gone by, of times when draught horses ploughed the fields and sheep were shorn by hand, and you’ll find more than a few friendly farm animals here. This adds a nice side attraction for families with young children.

One of the most interesting places on site is the Convict Interpretation Centre, that offers visitors a chance to learn about the Assignment convict system – how it impacted the development of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania).

The Estate’s gardens are noted as having one of the most unusual collections of trees in a private garden in all of Australia with many species found nowhere else in Tasmania, apart from the Royal Botanical Gardens. The gardens include many sections, featuring an array of annuals, perennials, flowering shrubs and cool climate speciality plants. Visit November to April, the peak months, for an ongoing show of colour and perfume.

End your visit with a river walk or try your hand at river fishing.

Open 10am-4pm Tuesday to Sunday, with last entry at 3.30pm. Animal feeding starts at 10.15am daily.

Address: 236 Wellington St, Longford TAS 7301

Longford Berries

A quintessential summer thing to do… Longford Berries is a pick-your-own Longford berry farm, located right in the middle of town.

Available to pick throughout Summer, berries are grown free from pesticides, fungicides and harmful chemicals. And what’s on the menu… well, that depends on the season!

Strawberries are ready for picking from November to April. Silvan berries can be enjoyed from late December/January. Jostaberries in December, Mario berries in January and currants late Dec-Jan, including red, white and black!

And there’s more… Boysenberries late December to January, gooseberries are available from early January and there are blackberries, blueberries and raspberries from late January to March!

Planted in pleasant garden-like surroundings, Longford Berries makes for a great half day visit and is a particular highlight for children who enjoy tasting the goods! 

Open every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, there are also frozen berries and fresh jams for sale. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and strong shoes. Get picking!

Address: The Hawthorns, 119 Bulwer St, Longford TAS 7301

Country Club Hotel Longford

Synonymous with Longford’s racing history and its F1 street-racing track, the Country Club Hotel Longford is located along the 7.2 kilometre Longford Circuit and dates back to 1850.

The closest the racing circuit got to the actual town of Longford was the corner known as Pub Corner – a hard right turn – and that being where the Country Club Hotel is.  Being right on the circuit, the pub was a popular drinking venue amongst spectators and has a lively history.

In the 1950s and 60s, the most famous stretch of the track was the Flying Mile where competitors reached astonishing speeds of up to 288km/h!  Brabham, McLaren, Hill, Clark… all the racing greats were here at some point.  And today it’s Australia’s oldest continuously operated motor car race course.

The Country Club is home to the Chequered Flag Bistro Restaurant which displays an enormous amount of memorabilia from back in the day, recreating a feel from the last great race days of 1968. And there’s even a spectacular old-style F1 car!   

An absolute treat for any motor sport enthusiast (learn more here), there’s also some great pub food too!

Address: 19 Wellington St, Longford TAS 7301

Restaurants In Longford Tasmania

You’ll find numerous Longford restaurants, with most housed in historic buildings.  There’s perhaps an unexpected amount of Chinese food in Longford, as well as great hearty pub-style food at the inns and hotels.  Whether you’re looking for romantic or family casual dining, or perhaps just a light snack, Longford has it all.

Here are some of our personal favourite Longford Tasmania restaurants:

• JJ’s Bakery & Old Mill Cafe – a top lunch cafe, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Salads, pastries, pies, cakes, burgers and paninis.
• Sticky Beaks Cafe – another cafe – with retro decor – that’s great for a more filling meal – with yummy lasagna, lamb shank and chicken schnitzel on the menu!
• Blenheim Inn Hotel – reserve your spot for dinner here, with great country service and quality pub-style food (try the Fisherman’s Basket) or book in for their Sunday roast.
• Choi’s Kitchen –  one of the best Chinese Longford restaurants, Tasmania, with delicious cuisine and noted for its super service.

Woolmers Estate: Homage Restaurant –  housed at the picturesque Woolmers Estate, this modern Australian cuisine restaurant is a unique dining experience amongst restaurants Longford, Tasmania. With views across the estate’s Rose Garden and of the Western Tiers, it is open for lunch Thursday-Sunday, midday-2.30pm. Reservations required.

Longford Town Map

The following is a map of Longford Tasmania with everything mentioned in this guide.

Where Is Longford Tasmania?

A town in the northern midlands of Tasmania, Longford is just 20 minutes southwest of Launceston and is an ideal stopover when travelling between there and Hobert or straight up to Devonport.

Take the Midland Highway 24 kilometres south of Launceston, and it will take approximately 2 hours from the capital or an hour from Devonport.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers, and at the convergence of the Macquarie and the South Esk Rivers, the region is mainly agricultural and especially noted for wool, dairy produce and stock breeding.

Launceston To Longford

If you’re staying in Launceston and only visiting Longford for the day, the easiest connection is by bus if you don’t have a car. A little over 20km, the journey takes approximately 30-35 minutes, traffic and route dependent.

The main operator is Tassielink Transit, who operate a regular service throughout the day.  From Launceston, catch any bus heading direct to Longford or showing Cressy, when you should jump off at the Marlborough St/Bulwer Street Longford bus station stop just before Cressy. And remember to check timings of the Longford to Launceston bus for your return trip!

Note that Woolmers Estate and Brickendon are out of town.

We hope you make it to Longford and have a great time just like we did! You can read more about travelling around the Midlands part of Tasmania and things to do in the region here or more about nearby Evandale here.

Sharon Gourlay

Sharon grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

diveintotasmania.com.au

The post Longford, Tasmania: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Dive Into Tasmania.

That’s because Evandale is picturesque and a worthwhile stop for tourists. In fact, the National Trust has listed the entire town thanks to its historic streetscapes.

While there aren’t tons of things to do in Evandale Tas, it is a pretty spot to have a wander, looking in shops or eating at the great pub or bakery. If you visit on a Sunday, look out for the famous Evandale Market. It’s also a great location for a romantic weekend away or to escape city life. It’s worth the effort of visiting here – trust me!

Below, you will find lots of information about Evandale Tasmania including a map, the weather, Evandale accommodation and the top things to do in Evandale while you are here!

An Introduction To Evandale Tas

Sitting on the banks of the South Esk River, Evandale is a historic northern Tasmania town. Famous for its late-Georgian and early-Victorian buildings, along with the rather obscure fact that it hosts the annual World Penny Farthing Bicycle Championships, this quaint village should be on your list of places to visit in Tasmania.

Originally inhabited by Palawa (Tasmanian Aborigines), with archeological remains of campsites and artifacts found near to the current site of Evandale, the area was thought to have been a good hunting ground and a meeting point for local clans.

The modern town of Evandale was originally founded as Honeysuckle Banks by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, in 1811. The first true European settler was a Scottish mariner, Captain Andrew Barclay, who in 1816 was granted land and built a 4-roomed brick cottage that is today the oldest surviving building in the region.

Renamed Evandale in 1836, many of the original buildings are still standing today. The first recorded inn opened in 1832 and is now Blenheim House, the Evandale Post Office still operates from the original 1835 building, another old tavern – The Ingleside – operates as the Ingleside Bakery, and the oldest public house from 1836 still trades as the Prince of Wales Hotel. Make sure you visit St Andrew’s Uniting Church, also dating back to 1840’s, with its classic bell tower and Doric columns.

Altogether, this is one of the best preserved historic towns in all of Australia, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s past.

Time your visit well to catch the ever popular Sunday Markets, with a great selection of stalls selling local products and a myriad of other items. And The Glover Prize – one of Australia’s most significant awards for landscape painting – is awarded and exhibited in Evandale, with around 40 works annually selected for exhibition at the Falls Park Pavilion.

A picturesque heritage town, with a local village atmosphere and friendly locals… Add Evandale to your list of places to visit in Tasmania.

Evandale Accommodation Tasmania

Evandale is a small town so there isn’t a huge range of accommodation Evandale Tasmania. However, what is there is comfortable and atmospheric. Find some more information about your Evandale Tasmania accommodation options below.

Arendon Cottage Review

A charming 2-bedroom Georgian cottage, Arendon is a standout boutique option for accommodation in Evandale, Tasmania. Only recently renovated – focused on returning the cottage to its original 1830’s design – Arendon offers a quiet escape from the hustle-and-bustle of nearby Launceston.

Offering a self-contained living experience, with fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities, one double and one twin-bedroom, the cottage is ideal for a small group or family.

Click here for more information.

A breakfast pack is included within your rate, along with free WiFi, air-conditioning and in-room heater, hair-dryer, ironing board, TV and the bathroom comes with shower.

Walking distance to coffee shops, the bakery, pubs and village stores, you won’t be disappointed with your choice of accommodation!

Click here for the latest prices.

Peg Cottage Review

A highly rated AirBnB, Evandale, Tasmania option, Peg Cottage is a small country house that is quaintly presented and surrounded by pretty garden views.

This 1-bedroom property comes with a living room, flat-screen TV, equipped kitchenette with microwave and fridge, and a bathroom with shower.

Click here for more information.

Ideal for couples looking for a quiet, relaxing place to stay, Peg Cottage has a sweet balcony that’s perfect for enjoying a sundowner whilst admiring views of the nearby spectacular weeping willow tree and flower gardens.

Breakfast supplies are provided – bread, milk, cereals, eggs, bacon, etc – and the house is only a stroll away from the main street of Evandale.

Click here for the latest prices.

Things To Do In Evandale Tasmania

You can find the following Evandale Tasmania attractions around town. Launceston is also close by and you may want to read our list of things to do there here and the attractions in Longford here.

Evandale Market Tasmania

Famed across northern Tasmania, the regular Evandale Sunday Market commences around 8am through until 1.30pm. Located in Falls Park, on Logan Road, you’ll find a terrific variety of stalls.

Said to have items in many price brackets, you’ll discover homemade food and Tassie products that include jams, honey, sauces and relish. Search for collectables, clothes, antiques, secondhand-books, vintage treats, plants, jewellery …truly there’s some form of treasure for everyone!

For families, children are kept entertained too with pony or horse-and-cart rides. There’s also lots of interesting and unusual food – Afghani pancakes and Lebanese cuisine, for example – and plenty of places to sit, both inside and out.

Presented in a relaxed, village atmosphere, with ample street parking at the far end of the market from the town, you’ll have a fun morning browsing for bargains at more than 100 stalls. Remember to take plenty of cash and pick up some nice gifts to take home.

Whether you’re staying in the village or just visiting, Evandale Markets, Launceston are the best in the region!

Evandale Penny Farthing Races – Evandale Village Fair

A unique visual treat, the Evandale Village Fair – held annually in February – features the National Penny Farthing Championship!

Started in 1983, the races now attract enthusiasts from across Australia and from around the world, turning quiet Evandale into a riot of colour and spectators. Penny farthing races continue throughout the day, and this Victorian-styled event pulls in history buffs and classic car fans from all corners of the globe, enamored by the period-themed festival and country fair.

In what has become a time-honoured Tasmanian tradition, visitors cheer on the competitors from the sidelines, enjoy delicious treats at the accompanying Food Festival, and – if daring enough – register for novice or veteran races!

A Grand Parade is the highlight for classic car enthusiasts, featuring a display of vintage cars alongside a brass band, clowns, fairies and of course… penny farthings.

Children have a blast too, with face-painting, pony rides and usually a puppet show to keep them smiling. Music and dancing shows complete the fun, and altogether make this a spectacular extravaganza of an event.

Keep an eye out for the 40th year anniversary event in 2022, bound to be special! Full details here.

Clarendon Estate

Perhaps Australia’s grandest rural colonial estate, Clarendon House Evandale, Tasmania, is set in 7 hectares of parklands on the banks of the South Esk River.

A magnificent three-storey Georgian house, with servants’ quarters, a wonderful walled heritage garden and an avenue of elms, the house was built in 1838. At the time it was an amazing display of wealth by wool grower and merchant James Cox, who went on to play a major role in the abolition of transportation and convict labour in Australia.

This National Trust property is only open on weekends, 10am-4pm, and entry includes the spectacular gardens, the Clarendon Fashion Collection (with gowns from the 1830’s to 1960’s) and the Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre with photo collections and family historical records. The Elm Avenue, parklands and a unique shearing shed that’s housing an exhibit of restored coaches and carriages, the stables and a blacksmith’s shop are also all included.

Another recent addition to the grounds includes the Australian Fly Fishing Museum. Holding a vast collection of fly fishing paraphernalia, the museum is surprisingly novel and well worth a visit.

Guided tours of the house are available, with full details here, and it’s worth phoning ahead to ensure access due to the grounds occasionally being offered for private hire. Children under 2 years have free entry.

Address: 234 Clarendon Station Rd, Nile TAS 7212

Water Tower

If you’re entering town from the north it’s impossible to miss the castle-like red-brick water tower, which dates back to 1896.  One of the standout heritage buildings of this National Trust classified Georgian village, the water tower is noted for its battlements.

The tower encloses a convict-dug tunnel that was designed to supply water to the town, part of a proposed water supply scheme from the South Esk at Evandale – via tunnel, viaduct and aqueduct – to Launceston.  At 40ft high and able to hold up to 40,000 gallons, the scheme never reached fruition as the engineering proved too difficult.  However, as of today there’s still reputedly water inside, maintaining pressure on the walls so they don’t collapse!

Address: 30 High St, Evandale TAS 7212

Map Of Evandale Tasmania

Here is an Evandale Tasmania map showing everything listed in this article.

Where Is Evandale Tasmania?

Evandale is located just 20 kilometres south of Launceston by the Midlands Highway (route 1).

From Launceston, take route 1 and then turn off on the B41 and go past the airport. It takes about 20 minutes.

From Hobart, take the B41 off route 1 before Perth. This is just a 6 minute detour.

Be careful following GPS/Google maps to get into town on C roads or back roads especially if you want to avoid unsealed roads. My last visit, I followed what Google Maps told me which was the C416 to Clarendon House and Evansale. It was partly unsealed and it would have been quicker via the B41.

Worse was when it told me to take the most direct road between Clarendon House and Evandale – this turned out to be one lane and very rocky – just don’t do it!

Evandale Weather

The climate is temperate in Evandale with a lot of rainfall year round. Temperatures range from about 16-23 degrees in summer and 7-11 degrees in winter.

If you are looking for the Evandale weather forecast, look here.

We hope you make it to Evandale and have a great time just like we did! You can read more about travelling around the Midlands part of Tasmania and things to do in the region here or nearby Longford here.

Sharon Gourlay

Sharon grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

diveintotasmania.com.au

The post Evandale, Tasmania: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Dive Into Tasmania.

While the distance Hobart to Launceston is not far and you can drive this route quite quickly, it is fun to stop along the way if you can.

Below, I break up exactly how to travel from Hobart to Launceston so you know the exact answer to how far from Hobart to Launceston as well as how long to drive from Hobart to Launceston. I also show you the journey on a map and give you all the options from driving to hiring a car to a Redline bus Hobart to Launceston as well as discuss flights and trains.

For those of you who can stop along the way, I also have some great information on the best Hobart to Launceston drive stops.

My boys checking out Oatlands along the way

I also describe the reverse journey from Launceston to Hobart. So keep reading! Because you will soon have all your questions answered.

Map: Hobart To Launceston

Distance From Hobart To Launceston

The answer to how far is Hobart from Launceston is about 200 kilometres. The exact Hobart to Launceston distance depends on where you are driving from and arriving to.

This assumes you drive direct and don’t stop at one of the towns along the way.

Driving Time From Hobart To Launceston

The driving time Hobart to Launceston is about two and a quarter hours. Exactly how long will depend on traffic and any road works.

While there are quite a few overtaking lanes on this route, it is also easy to get slowed down by other vehicles. Most of the road has a speed limit of 110km/h.

BEST OPTION: How To Get From Hobart To Launceston

Option 1: Drive from Hobart to Launceston

The best way to transport Hobart to Launceston is definitely by driving. This is an easy drive and it’s hard to go wrong.

Simply drive north on the Brooker Highway in Hobart. This is route 1, and it will take you all the way to Launceston. It’s called the Midlands Highway.

If you don’t have your own car, you can easily get a car hire Hobart to Launceston. This will come in handy for the rest of your Tassie trip too or many rental companies allow you to return the car in Launceston often without even a one way fee.

If you need to travel from Hobart Airport to Launceston, the best option is to drive. This is slightly quicker than from Hobart city and you can drive straight from the airport if you hire a car or have your car already there. The route is slightly different as you are better off driving through Richmond and Campania and joining the Midlands Highway in Jericho.

If you are travelling from Hobart to Launceston Airport, this airport is handily located on the southern side of Launceston close to the Midlands Highway which means the journey is shorter at about two hours.

Hobart To Launceston Road Trip Stops

The drive Hobart to Launceston is much more fun with a few stops! You can easily do these stops by adding just a couple of hours to your travel Hobart to Launceston time or you can take your time and break the journey along the way with an overnight stay.

Here are our top picks along the way…

Oatlands

Oatlands

Oatlands is a small town just off the main highway. It has a population of about 680 people and was first chosen as a site for a new town in 1821.

With the most Georgian buildings of anywhere in Australia (138 with most on the main street), this town is worth at least a drive through. It’s bypassed by the main highway but it only takes minutes to drive into town.

When we last visited (September 2020 during the pandemic), it did have a locked up and empty feel but there is still a couple of attractions to visit.

First up is the Callington Mill. This was built in 1837 and ground flour until nearly the end of the century. It then fell into disrepair and neglect until it was recently restored and is now once again producing high-grade, organic flour. While you can’t go inside, you can take a look around the outside of this only working Lincolnshire-style windmill in Australia.

Watch out for the Callington Mill Distillery Visitor Centre to be completed which they are currently building next door to the mill. It’s sure to be great!

There is also the History Room, a small museum located close to the mill. Here you can find photos and historical relics that help tell the history of the area.

Across the road are the Cows in the Lake sculptures in Lake Dulverton. These fun sculptures are literally in the lake and worth a look.

The area of the town around the mill and History Room is the nicest in my opinion, so get out of the car and go for a stroll.

Ross

Ross bridge

Ross is by far my favourite place to stop on this route with the bonus of being close to the halfway point (albeit closer to Launceston). It’s very attractive with elm-lined streets and well looked after colonial buildings.

This town was established in 1812 as an important point between Hobart and Launceston to help protect travellers from bushrangers. It also became the centre of Tasmania’s wool industry.

There are a few attractions worth checking out on your way through but the main reason I love it is that it’s just so prettty! It’s quite picturesque and so well looked after. The main road itself is tree lined with picnic tables and chairs dotted along the sides. There’s also more bins that I’ve ever seen in such a small area which seems to pay off – the streets are immaculate.

This makes it a great place to stop for a picnic. The nicer spots to picnic are by the bridge or between that and the town hall where there is also a small playground. There are some of the cleanest public toilets I’ve ever seen behind the town hall.

If you don’t have any food, don’t worry. The scallop pies at Bakery 31, 31 Church Street, are legendary.

As for attractions, start with the Ross Bridge. It’s the third oldest in Australia built in 1836. It was built by two convict stonemasons who did such a great job that they were given pardons. There are 186 intricate carvings on the bridge which are worth checking out.

Next up is the Four Corners of Ross. Each corner is meant to symbolise a direction your soul can take. Either salvation (the church), temptation (the Ross Hotel), re-creation (the Town Hall) or damnation (the jail). You get to chose what you will pick

There is also the Wool Centre close to this corner where you’ll find a small museum about sheep, wool and convict times, the town visitor centre and a craft shop.

Walk another 5 minutes down a path and come to the Ross Female Factory. One of only five prisons for female convicts in Tasmania, this once housed many female convicts and some of their children.

There is just one cottage left today which is a small museum full of information about life here. There are also excavations on the grounds with information panels to help shed some further light on what took place here. This site is free and worth a visit. Across the road is an old cemetery.

You can easily visit all of these places in 1-2 hours although Ross is a lovely place for an overnight stop if you are taking your time.

Campbell Town

Campbell Town is the place to stop if you are short on time and need food, toilets, fuel or other supplies. It’s the one main town that hasn’t been bypassed by the Midlands Highway so you can stop without wasting any time to get whatever you need.

There are big toilets that are easy to spot in the centre of town. Randomly, there’s also the only drive thru Subway I’ve ever come across

There’s a nice park area by a river at the Red Bridge Campbell Town (pictured above). There are sculptures, a nice pedestrian bridge, playground equipment, plenty of grass and an undercover picnic table. It’s the perfect place to stop for a picnic or to run around.

Woolmers Estate

Woolmers House

Woolmers Estate is part of the list of UNESCO World Heritage listed convict sites. It’s a homestead with a history.

Located on the Macquarie River a quick drive off the main Midlands Highway, this is an easy stop to add not far from Launceston. It was established in 1817 by Thomas Archer. It then remained in his family for six generations until 1994 at which time it became a museum. You can visit by guided and self-guided tour and get some great insights into the life on these pastoral estates during the 1800s.

Click here to read our full guide to visiting Woolmers Estate.

Option 2: Bus From Hobart To Launceston

Launceston Transit Centre

While there are Hobart Launceston bus options, there are not many. At the time of publishing this, there was simply 1-3 Redline Hobart to Launceston services a day. The bus to Hobart from Launceston is similar.

The bus Hobart Launceston takes about 2.5-2.75 hours and the Hobart to Launceston bus fare is about $44 per person. If you have more than one person, it’s likely to be cheaper to hire a car.

The only bus service at the time of researching is on Redline and the bus timetable Hobart to Launceston was with departures at 10:15am and 3pm most days but this does vary.

Click here for more information and the Redline bus timetable Hobart to Launceston.

Option 3: Hobart To Launceston Flights Or Hobart To Launceston Train?

There are currently no flights from Hobart to Launceston. When flights do run, they tend to be in small aircraft and take about 30 minutes. On a nice day, there can be great views.

There is also no passenger train from Hobart to Launceston.

Launceston To Hobart

Travelling from Launceston to Hobart is much the same as the other way around. The Launceston to Hobart distance is around 200 kilometres and the Redline bus Launceston to Hobart takes 2.5 – 2.75 hours.

The Launceston to Hobart bus departs usually twice a day but some days are less or more. There is usually a bus from Launceston to Hobart departing around 10 or 11am and another around 1 or 2pm with sometimes one in the evening.

It’s important to check the latest Redline bus timetable Launceston to Hobart for the date you want to travel here.

Final Words

It’s straightforward to get between Hobart and Launceston if you have your own car. It’s a relatively quick journey and there are some great stops along the way if you have the time. I especially recommend Ross.

It’s also possible to take a Launceston Hobart bus but these don’t run regularly and can be more expensive than hiring a car.

I hope you found this guide to how to travel from Hobart to Launceston (and vice versa) useful. You can find our complete travel guide to Hobart here and Launceston here. You can also find our guides to the stops along the way here.

Sharon Gourlay

Sharon grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

diveintotasmania.com.au

The post How To Get From Hobart To Launceston (Bus, Plane And Road Trip Stops!) appeared first on Dive Into Tasmania.

Located on the Macquarie River, the picturesque Woolmers Estate was established in 1817 by Thomas Archer and remained in this family until 1994 when Thomas VI died without heirs. Today, this pastoral estate is a museum and you can visit via guided tours through the rooms and gardens or take a self guided tour around the grounds.

Woolmers House

The house itself is furnished with the personal collections and possessions of six generations of the Archer family. Nothing else has been brought in. You can only see this via a guided tour.

Below, I give you a brief history lesson of Woolmers Estate before describing exactly what you can expect from a visit here.

Woolmers Estate’s History

As mentioned above, Woolmers Estate was occupied by the Archer family for most of its existence and is seen as one of the best examples of a 19th century rural homestead in Australia.

The many buildings on this property which include the main family houses, workers’ cottages, stables, bakehouse, blacksmith’s shop, former chapel, pump house and more help show the history and social structure of how things used to run in a colonial pastoral estate where up to 100 people might be living and working.

This was part of the Assignment System where convicts could be assigned to free settlers who were able to use them as free labour as long as they housed, feed, clothed and gave them religious instruction. This system worked quite well at Woolmers Estate where the convicts often chose to stay after their sentence was finished.

Many of the buildings at Woolmers Estate are where these convicts lived and worked. In fact, you can even see some of their “graffiti” in the Wool Shed.

In addition to the buildings, there is a huge collection of items the family acquired which gives insights into the Archer family over six generations.

Woolmers Estate Review

Before Coronavirus, entry to Woolmers Estate was by organised tour only. At the time I visited in November 2020, only self-guided tours ran which means you don’t get to go inside the main home. While I do feel like this is a shame, there is still a lot to explore and learn.

Currently at the time of publishing in December 2020, it’s possible to visit by either guided or self-guided tour (but you can’t go inside the main house if self-guided).

A visit starts at the Nigel Peck Centre. It’s a new building with two galleries, a café, meeting rooms and gift shop. This is where you buy your tickets, get a self-guided tour book and enter the site.

The first attraction is the Rose Garden – it’s magnificent, and it gets it own section below.

Then it’s on to the historic part of the estate. This has been added to over the generations, but the main core of the property is the same. The buildings are grouped into three areas – the Domestic, Service and Farm Precincts.

The first part of the visit is at the Domestic Precinct with the main house, Woolmers House, associated buildings and stables.

Woolmers House was built in 1820 and added to in the early 1840s. It’s a spectacular building from the outside, but if you can go in, the contents are meant to be amazing. The original Thomas Archer stated in his will that much of his household belongings were to be considered heirlooms and they are still in the house today.

Next up is the kitchen wing and courtyard built in 1847. This is quite an area with a kitchen, two larders, a scullery, a laundry and bedrooms for the servants. Since then, a garage and workshop was added which was later converted to a cafe.

By the house is the walled garden for the Archer family and their guests. Built in the mid 1840s, it was to cater to the feeling at the time that the different classes in society needed to be kept separate. This garden feels quite distinct from the working areas of the estate.

The coach house and stables that exist on the estate today were created around 1840. It has two wings of six stall stables but today, it is home to a couple of old cars owned by the Archer family.

The next part of the estate is the Service Precinct. This area supported the Domestic Precinct and the rest of the estate. While it is next to the main house, it was separated by a high brick wall.

In this area, is the chapel and apple packing shed, store, golf-club house, pump house, windmill, bakehouse cottage and Mountgarrett’s Cottage, most probably used to house domestic servants.

Next to the Service Precinct is the Farm Precinct which was separated by tall hedges.The buildings left here include the blacksmith shop, free settlers’ cottages, cart shed and farm stables, the wool shed and apple shed.

Even on a self-guided tour you can enter many of the buildings in the Service and Farm Precinct. The Wool Shed is particularly fun to explore. It’s not just the oldest still standing in Australia but there is some old convict graffiti upstairs.

The estate is extenstive and fun to wander and explore. Signage is limited so I can see why a guided tour would be useful. There is a self-guided tour book which has about half a page of information on each building.

Everything is beautiful making it the perfect location for one of the Woolmers Estate weddings which it’s possible to book.

There is also a Woolmers Estate restaurant on site serving lunch Thursdays to Sundays when we visited.

If you are visiting Brickendon and Woolmers Estates, there is a 2.8 kilometre Convict Trail Walk between the two.

Woolmers Estate Rose Garden

The Woolmers Estate national rose garden is just gorgeous. This garden is a modern addition opened in 2001 which is inspired by French formal gardens of the 1600s.

We were lucky enough to visit in November which is generally the best time to see it all in bloom. It is very pretty.

They also hold an annual Woolmers Estate rose festival, “Festival of the Roses”, in November.

Woolmers Estate Accommodation

If you want more than just a quick visit, there is a collection of six cottages on site where you can stay at Woolmers Estate. All the cottages are in historic buildings which have been renovated wirth modern amenities while keeping the 1840s convict era feel. These self contained cottages look over the Macquarie River to add to their appeal.

There is a choice of three cottage types. The coachman’s cottage has three upstairs bedrooms and sleeps six. It’s great for a family with washing facilities and has a private hedge lined garden.

The Gardeners cottage has one bedroom and sleeps two people. It is all on one level and has views towards Longford. It’s very charming and is recommended for honeymooners.

Then there are four free settlers cottages which are called Blacksmiths, Coopers, Orchardists and Shepherds. These are perfect for groups or friends. They have upstairs loft-style bedrooms which are located in groups of two semi-attached cottages.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

For a cheaper alternative, the Longford Riverside Caravan Park in Longford is close by. Read our full review here.

Woolmers Estate Tasmania Location

Woolmers Estate Longford is located at 658 Woolmers Lane. It’s only about 5 minutes drive off the main A1 highway that runs between Hobart and Launceston near Perth about 25 minutes from Launceston so it’s easy to make a detour here.

Woolmers Estate Longford Admission Fee

At the time of publishing, the entry fee is $16 for adults, $5 for kids and $35 for a family.

Final Words

Woolmers Estate is a fascinating piece of history that I really enjoyed discovering. Despite growing up in Tasmania and thinking I knew much of the history since British colonisation, I had no idea that places like this existed with their different way of living far removed from the past I learned at Port Arthur and Richmond.

When you add in its convenient location just off the main highway between Launceston and Hobart, there’s really no reason not to pay Woolmers Estate a visit.

I visited here with my four year old. While he did get bored after awhile, Woolmers does work quite well with kids thanks to so much of it being outdoors. He liked the places we could go inside the buildings, the Wool Shed, the old cars and, especially, the Rose Garden.

You can find more information about visiting Woolmers Estate on their site here. Find more fun things to do in Longford here and in the surrounding region here.

Sharon Gourlay

Sharon grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

diveintotasmania.com.au

The post Woolmers Estate: EVERYTHING You Need To Know appeared first on Dive Into Tasmania.

While staying in caravans in caravan parks was a normal part of life in my childhood, finding caravans in caravan parks to stay now is quite difficult (assuming you aren’t towing your own anyway). I had to do a fair bit of research to find one for him.

Thankfully, my research lead me to Longford Riverside Caravan Park.

At the time of booking, I didn’t know much about Longford at all, apart from the fact we could stay in a caravan. After some quick searching, it seemed like a great place to base ourselves with many great attractions nearby. We booked a caravan and looked forward to our trip.

So was it any good?

If you are looking for the best Longford accommodation or simply somewhere to stay in a caravan like us, you will love what we have for you here. Below, you will find our full Longford Riverside Caravan Park review including what the caravans are like, what other accommodation options exist, what facilities are available and where you can find this Longford Tasmania Caravan Park.

Click here to find the latest prices.

Longford Riverside Caravan Park Review

The first thing we noticed on arrival at the park is the Macquarie River that runs alongside. The name of the Longford caravan park is not wrong – it is riverside. It’s a relaxing location for sure.

I stayed at the Longford Caravan Park with my four year old.

Accommodation Options

This is a peaceful and low key Longford accommodation option and the name “caravan park” is apt as there is basically only caravans and sites on offer. The only exception is two studio rooms that come with a bunk or queen bed, toilet, basin and TV. You can use the shared kitchens and showers on site. These are great for people looking for a cheap weekly rate.

There are a few different caravans to choose from. One is a budget option with no bathroom within the van. The rest are newer with their own ensuites. These are definitely not the musty old caravans I remember from my childhood. One caravan has two bedroom areas suitable for up to 4 people. The others are doubles,

There are also 78 powered sites with sullage and water and 50 unpowered with some right on the riverbank.

After checking in, I learned why they have caravans here when they seem so rare these days. Since the park is located on a flood plain, they aren’t allowed to have cabins. If a flood is forecast, however, they can easily move the caravans until it’s no longer a problem.

Caravan – Carrera

Our caravan – Carrera

Our caravan was awesome – things have come a long way since I last stayed in a caravan when I was a kid.

The first thing I noticed was the small, undercover area next to the van where there was a table and four chairs. This has great views to the river. Inside the van, there were two bedroom areas and a dining/lounge/kitchen area in the middle.

A queen bed with electric blanket is at one end with cupboard space and a TV on an arm so you can it from basically everywhere in the van. There were river views from the window here.

The lounge/dining/kitchen area had a comfy couch with a table that moved around. The kitchen area had everything we could need – a decent size fridge, stove, grill, microwave, toaster, kettle and was fully equipped although if you had a family of four here, you may struggle with enough crockery.

Tea, coffee, sugar and milk are provided on arrival.

There is a heater/air conditioner on the ceiling and an extra moveable heater under the table.

The second bedroom had three bunks down one side with a ladder, mirrored cupboards and drawers.

On the other wall were two small rooms – one a toilet and basin, the other a shower.

Being in a caravan means there is limited hot water – only a five minute shower before it will run out and then take about 15 minutes to recover. You also shouldn’t use many electrical appliances at once.

Linen for the main bed and two towels are included. It’s $10 extra per linen park for a bunk bed.

Obviously, the space is quite small but it is very well utilised and with two of us, it felt very spacious.  With four people, and the belongings of four people, I imagine it would be a bit squeezier.

If I had to complain about something, it would be that the bedside lights didn’t work and there was nowhere to hang my dresses.

Overall though, I was very happy with our van and Mr 4 thought it was amazing! A huge hit all around.

Longford Caravan Park Facilities

The Longford Riverside Caravan Park is more about relaxation and exploring the surrounds than many facilities. There is an amenities block with showers and toilets. At the time we visited, showers cost 20 cents for 3.5 minutes.

Washing machines, dryers and irons are also available.

100MB of wifi is included and it’s cheap to purchase extra. I got 5 GB for only $4.

There are some great grassy areas in the park by the river and I’ve heard you may be able to catch some trout (which will require a fishing license). While there is no playground, there is a skate park next door to the caravan park and a playground a few minutes walk away that you’ll drive past on the way in.

There are a couple of BBQ areas and some picnic tables throughout the park.

Everything at the park is well looked after and presents well. It’s a pretty spot.

Dining

There are no dining options on site but you can prepare your own meals or use the BBQs.

The caravan park is a short walk to a few dining options like the Country Club Hotel, Queen’s Arms Hotel and JJ’s Bakery Cafe.

Longford Caravan Park Tasmania Location

Longford Riverside Caravan Park, Longford, Tas is just off the main A1 highway between Hobart and Launceston so it is very easy to get to. It is only about a 20 minute drive from Launceston or 10 minutes to Launceston airport so it’s also an alternative to staying in Launceston to explore this region.

It’s walking distance to shops, restaurants and facilities in Longford.

Final Words

If you’re looking for a central spot to stay and would love the novelty of staying in a caravan then Longford Riverside Caravan Park is the perfect choice. It’s a pretty, relaxing spot with modern caravans, and we enjoyed our stay here.

Want more information and the latest prices? Click here to find them.

Looking for more information for your stay? Find our full guide to Longford here or Launceston here and more guides to the surrounding region here. You can also find our guide to visiting nearby Woolmers Estate here.

Sharon Gourlay

Sharon grew up in Tasmania, moved away and then came back with her family twenty years later. She loves re-discovering her home state and sharing it with you here.

diveintotasmania.com.au

The post Longford Riverside Caravan Park Review: Relaxing Times At Longford Caravan Park appeared first on Dive Into Tasmania.