Reasons to love the Heartlands
HERITAG ETOWNS. Strolling through the Heartlands’ colonial towns is like stepping onto the live set of a period drama. Colonial-era gems include Ross, Evandale and Oatlands, which has Australia’s largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings.
VAST VIEWS. The Central Highlands landscape is carved by hundreds of lakes and waterfalls. Head for the heights of Quamby Bluff for panoramic views across northern Tasmania. Or set aside a day for the 10-kilometre return walk to Meander Falls.
CONVICT STORIES. Much of the colonial architecture of the Heartlands was built using convict labour. Learn about pioneer farming at Woolmers and Brickendon heritage-listed convict sites. Stop to admire the intricate carvings of Ross Bridge and hear the stories of Ross Female Factory.
UNDERGROUND SCENES. Explore the intricate network of limestone caves around Mole Creek. Take a tour with a park ranger at Marakoopa Cave or gear up for a spelunking trip with Wild Cave Tours.
INDUSTRIAL AND FARMING HISTORY.
The Tasmanian Wool Centre in Ross traces the history of the wool industry across the Midlands. Follow the Highlands Power Trail to trace the history of Tasmania’s hydroelectric scheme.
FLY FISHING. One of the world’s great trout fisheries, the rivers and lakes of the Central Highlands are home to arguably the purest strain of wild brown trout on Earth. Try your hand catching them, with fly fishing guides from companies including RiverFly 1864, Red Tag Trout Tours, Driftwater or Rainbow Lodge. WHISKY. Stop by the charming roadside stall at Shene Distillery for some gin and whisky and stay for tastings and a tour of the convict-built estate. And nearby, step into the grandeur of the transformed coaching inn at Old Kempton Distillery. Other malt marvels can be found at Adams Distillery in Perth and Launceston Distillery.
TREASUREHUNTING. Antique stores dot the heritage streetscapes of towns including Oatlands, Campbell Town and Evandale. Don’t miss the Book Cellar, located beneath a former coaching inn in Campbell Town.