Port Arthur Historic Site

Maria Island

MODULE 2: HERITAGE AND WILDERNESS

TASMANIA’S HERITAGEThere are few nations, let alone a small island, that can boast such an impressive collection of fascinating heritage experiences as Tasmania. Your clients will be enriched and inspired by the past as they discover stories and places that played such an important role in Australia’s early history.

Explore one or all of Tasmania’s five UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict sites, including well preserved Port Arthur Historic Site. As UNESCO itself states, these five sites present “the best surviving examples of large-scale convict transportation and the colonial expansion of European powers through the presence and labour of convicts”. These intriguing locations and many others, such as Sarah Island in the middle of Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast and the historic town of Richmond near Hobart are all steeped in history and can be easily accessed by your clients in Tasmania.

WORLD HERITAGE-LISTED CONVICT SITESCascades Female FactoryEnjoy a guided tour and tea with the matron or a dramatic interpretation of what life was like for the female convicts incarcerated in Hobart.

Maria IslandTake the ferry from Triabunna on Tasmania’s East Coast to Maria Island. The island was once a penal colony and now the site of the convict ruins of the Darlington Probation Station, consisting of over a dozen well preserved buildings to explore. Note there are no services (food, transport, etc) on Maria Island. Allow a full day with visiting when visiting Maria Island.

Woolmers Estate and BrickendonTwo picturesque, pioneering farming properties located at Longford (near Launceston) where convicts were assigned to private masters to undertake agricultural work. Woolmers Estate is home to the National Rose Garden and convict-built settlers’ cottages dating back to 1840 (now accommodation). Nearby Brickendon is a fascinating historical farming village with accommodation available on site as well.

Port Arthur Historic Site and Coal Mines Historic SiteFamous ghost tours, harbour cruises and various guided and self-guided tours in a beautiful location. Restaurant and cafes are on site. Allow a full day (or at least half a day) when visiting Port Arthur.

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Salamanca Place

West Coast Pioneer Museum

Evandale

Stanley

HISTORIC PLACESSalamanca Place and Battery PointStroll the streets of these historic areas of Hobart and dine or have a drink in one of the sandstone warehouses, now home to trendy cafes and restaurants.

StanleyStanley was once the territory of sealers, and the centre of large-scale merino wool production. The sheltered port that facilitated the landing of livestock, labourers and convicts is now a bustling fishing port. The heritage-classified town has been beautifully preserved through its cottages, accommodation houses and Highfield Historic Site, an elegant Regency-style house and outbuildings boasting significant early colonial history.

RichmondA picture-perfect village near Hobart and home to Australia’s oldest bridge and oldest gaol as well as more than fifty 19th-century Georgian buildings. The town now hosts a number of B&Bs, cafes, boutiques and galleries.

Oatlands and RossOatlands is approximately halfway between Launceston and Hobart and is said to have the most intact collection of Georgian sandstone buildings (138) in Australia. Nearby, the town of Ross is another good example of a village from the early colonial era.

EvandaleEvandale is a picturesque town, home to world-famous events such as the Glover Prize and the National Penny Farthing Championship. Just down the road is Clarendon House – arguably one of Australia’s greatest Georgian houses still standing today.

West Coast Pioneers MuseumThe once thriving mining towns of Queenstown, Zeehan, Rosebery and Tullah provide fascinating insight into the region’s history and the extreme difficulties experienced in unlocking Tasmania’s wild and rugged Western Wilderness.

West Coast Wilderness Railway

Henry Jones Art Hotel

Cascade Brewery

Islington Hotel

ACCOMMODATIONIslington HotelAn award winning historic Regency-style house built in 1847 and decorated with fine art and antiques. It is now perhaps Hobart’s most luxurious accommodation.

Henry Jones HotelThe remodelling of waterfront Georgian warehouses which notably once served as a former IXL jam factory, has seen news of this Hobart hotel spread worldwide.

Brockley EstateBuilt in 1841, Brockley Estate is a spacious stone Colonial homestead situated on 10,000 private acres. The 170-year-old sandstone and convict brick homestead boasts generous verandahs, ancient English trees and hawthorn hedges.

Red Feather InnLocated just outside Launceston, this handsome sandstone Georgian coach house built by convict labour in 1842 has been transformed into elegant accommodation. There’s also a secluded garden and cooking school on site.

Quamby EstateDesigned in the 1830s in an unusual Anglo-Indian style recalling the era of the Raj, this gracious and carefully-restored main homestead features boutique-hotel style rooms just outside Launceston.

SOMETHING DIFFERENTCascade BreweryTake a guided tour of this famous historic brewery at the foot of Mount Wellington in Hobart. There’s also a restaurant and cafe on site.

Sail the Derwent RiverTake a harbour tour of the Derwent River or a longer cruise in the D’Entrecasteax Channel on an elegant, grand old sailing ship departing from Hobart’s docks.

Sarah IslandLocated in the middle of vast Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania’s oldest convict settlement is a stop on the Gordon River Cruise which leaves from the historic harbour side town of Strahan.

West Coast Wilderness RailwayTravel in a restored heritage steam train and traverse the rugged rainforest between the quaint, historic port of Strahan and the classic old mining town of Queenstown.

Nant DistilleryHoused in a restored convict-built sandstone flour mill at historic Bothwell, just an hour from Hobart. Take a tour and sample some of the finest single malt whisky made using traditional methods.

Bothwell is also home to the oldest golf course in the southern hemisphere and the Australasian Golf Museum.

Coal Mines Historic Site

Port Arthur Historic Site Cascades Female Factory

Nant Distillery

TOP LOCATIONSPort ArthurWorld Heritage-Listed Port Arthur Historic Site sits at the centrepiece of Tasmania’s harsh yet enthralling convict heritage. These spectacular, haunting sandstone remnants of the 19th century prison are just a few hours south of Hobart and were once home to a total of 12,000 of the ‘worst of the worst’ convicts.

Just a brief 20-kilometres drive from Port Arthur are yet more significant convict era remains; the Coal Mines Historic Sites. The site is home to Tasmania’s first operational mines and was a place of punishment for convicts.

Aside from its fascinating penal legacy, the Tasman Peninsula area surrounding Port Arthur is also a haven for surfing, sea-kayaking, diving and bush-walking.

Maria IslandTake the ferry from Triabunna to beautiful Maria Island located on Tasmania’s East Coast. This island served as a penal colony between the 1820s and 1850s, and today is the site of the convict ruins of World Heritage-listed Darlington Probation Station.

For a taste of the penal life you can even stay in the original convict quarters (dating to 1825) at the budget Penitentiary Accommodation Units. The island is also notably home to the acclaimed Maria Island Walk. It’s an easy-going, four-day guided walk accompanied by two local expert guides.

HobartWorld Heritage-listed Cascades Female Factory is located in South Hobart. It operated between 1828 and 1856 at the base of Mount Wellington as a means of accommodating the increasing number of female convicts. The historic Cascade Brewery is located just nearby as well.

Hobart’s scenic waterfront is a step back in time itself. Salamanca Place and Battery Point are heritage-rich and full of restaurants, cafes and bars where you can soak up living history while pondering the past.

Hobart is the oldest Australian city after Sydney. Georgian-era architecture (much of it convict-built) is a feature of this Tasmanian city, along with easy access to world-class galleries and museums, wilderness and

Callington Mill

Callington Mill

Richmond Bridge

Woolmers Estate

gourmet experiences and a vibrant artistic and cultural scene.

The best way to look into Hobart’s fascinating history, colonial buildings, stories, villains and entrepreneurs is to book a Hobart Historic Walking Tour.

Historic Port Arthur and Richmond are within easy driving distance from Hobart as are other attractions including the beautiful Derwent Valley, Mount Field National Park and Bruny Island.

Heritage HighwayA short drive from Hobart is the quaint village of Richmond; a perfect place to discover Tasmania’s rich colonial heritage. The town is home to Australia’s oldest bridge and oldest gaol as well as more than 50 19th-century Georgian.

At Longford is World Heritage-listed Woolmers Estate. It’s not only home to the National Rose Garden, but also convict-built settlers’ cottages dating back to 1840 that now serve as accommodation. Also at Longford, is World Heritage-listed Brickendon; a fascinating historical farming village that has been owned by the same family for more than 170 years.

Approximately halfway between Launceston and Hobart, the town of Oatlands oozes with colonial history. Its unique landmark is the historic Callington Flour Mill and it’s said that Oatlands has the most intact collection of Georgian sandstone buildings (138) in Australia.

LauncestonLaunceston’s Georgian and Victorian era architecture (much of it convict-built) is a feature of this Tasmanian city along with easy access to locally crafted wines and beer, local produce, wilderness experiences and world class golf courses.

Colonial villages like Longford and Evandale are all within easy driving distance from Launceston.

Launceston is home to some of Australia’s great mansions and rare examples of early colonial buildings. The city’s National Trust Tasmania properties include Clarendon Homestead at nearby Evandale, Franklin House and the Old Umbrella Shop. Entally Estate is also located 15 minutes from Launceston. Tour the magnificent historic property with its various heritage buildings and gardens, sample wine from the vineyard and enjoy Devonshire tea.

The Tarkine coast Trowunna, The Tarkine Drive

Gordon River

Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake

TASMANIA’S WILDERNESSTasmania’s wilderness and coastal tracks and trails are world-renowned. If you’re a bushwalker or adventure seeker, there’s no better place to be. Tasmania has four of the eight Great Walks of Australia; the Maria Island Walk; Bay of Fires Lodge Walk; Freycinet Experience Walk; and Cradle Mountain Huts Walk.

North Western TasmaniaCradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National ParkThe North West is the magnificent gateway to Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness. There’s various walks available, but the Dove Lake Circuit Walk is a must do. This area is also home to the world-famous Overland Track; perhaps Australia’s most outstanding multiple day wilderness walk, which is listed as one of The Great Walks of Australia. Shoot down natural waterslides, plunge into rivers, launch yourself off waterfalls and abseil down cliff faces with Cradle Mountain Canyons.

The TarkineThe Tarkine is the largest temperate rainforest in Australia and home to more than 50 species of threatened birds and animals. It’s a very special place and there are many walking options available including various self-guided walks or multi-day guided tours.

The Tarkine Drive covers 90 kilometres of sealed tourist road which unlocks this vast wilderness allowing for day trippers.

StrahanCruise the majestic Gordon River to venture deep into World Heritage Wilderness and take the steam railway journey of a lifetime between Queenstown and Strahan along the West Coast Wilderness Railway.

King IslandWith its long sandy beaches and nature reserves teeming with wildlife, bushwalking here is an easy and rewarding experience. Don’t forget to take your golf clubs and try your swing at Cape Wickam Golf Course and Ocean Dunes Coastal Links.

Russell Falls, Mount Field

Bay of Fires

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park

East CoastWineglass Bay and Freycinet National ParkConsistently rated among the top 10 beaches in the world and one of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. Unless you arrive by boat with Wineglass Bay Cruises day tour or Wineglass Bay Sail Walk multi day trip, the only access to Wineglass Bay is on foot, via a steep (though rewarding) 40 minute hike that leads you to The Hazards Lookout; the view here will take your breath away. The round-trip walk including the descent to the beach, returning via Hazards Beach, takes approximately five hours. There’s also many other great walks within Freycinet National Park.

Bay of FiresBay of Fires is a world-class coastal destination preserved as a conservation area. Here, the sea is aqua and deserted shell-strewn beaches stretch for kilometres of silica sand. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of this area is on a four day guided hike.

Flinders IslandJoin a fishing or dive charter, take a guided 4WD tour to discover the island’s secret spots or enjoy a self-guided bush walk.

Home to Three of Australia’s Best WalksBay of Fires Lodge Walk, The Maria Island Walk and Freycinet Experience Walk.

National ParksThere are five beautiful national parks to explore in this region; Maria Island, Douglas Apsley, Freycinet, Mount William and Strzelecki.

Hobart and Southern TasmaniaMount WellingtonTowering above Hobart and the location of a series of walking tracks from easy to adventurous atop its slopes.

Tahune AirwalkTake a stroll through the riverside forest canopy, looking out to the mountains of the World Heritage Area at Geeveston.

Mount Field National ParkOne of the island’s most popular parks offering a dreamworld of waterfalls and mountain scenery, including the spectacular Russell Falls.

South Bruny National ParkBoasts a striking beach which runs to an elevated cape presided over by a scene-stealing lighthouse.

Tasman PeninsulaSee Tasman National Park coastal formations with a Tasman Island Cruise to see 300m high sea cliffs, dolphins, seals and migrating whales. Get whisker-to-whisker with wild seas on a world-first ocean platform with Wild Ocean Tasmania. Three Capes Track is an independent multi-day coastal walk, where walkers retreat to environmentally-sensitive cabins each night. Learn of Tasmania’s convict past at Port Arthur Historic Site.

The Maria Island Walk

Ben LomondCataract Gorge

South Coast Track

Launceston and Northern TasmaniaCataract Gorge ReserveA natural phenomenon and a peaceful oasis at the heart of Launceston. There’s lots of different walking tracks to explore here along with rugged dolerite cliffs, native vegetation and resident peacocks.

Narawntapu National ParkA great place to observe Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, pademelons and wombats at dusk.

Ben Lomond National ParkThere’s a range of activities on offer here including rock climbing, alpine walking, cross country and downhill skiing (winter only).

Across the StateThe 60 Great Short Walks offer the best of Tasmania’s walking opportunities, ranging from a few minutes to all day. Whether you want a gentle stroll or a physical challenge, a seaside ramble or a mountain vista, a day trip or a short wander, there’s plenty to choose from.

The Great Walks of Tasmania offers seven sensational guided walks over multiple days. The walks include;

• Bay of Fires Walk

• The Freycinet Experience Walk

• The Tarkine Rainforest Track

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• The Walls of Jerusalem Experience

• Cradle Mountain Huts

• South Coast Track

• The Maria Island Walk

Each of these acclaimed, fully-guided walks are accompanied by welcome creature comforts for those with a sense of adventure but who’d prefer not to rough it too much.

Tasmania is home to 19 national parks generously spread around the island (only 17 are accessible). All clients will need a National Parks Pass, available from wholesalers.