Ross - The heart of Tasmania’s wool growing area

Township of Ross

Ross TAS forecast

Versicherungen

This historic town, in the Midlands, has a population of 423 (2011 Census) and is located 78 km south of Launceston and 117 km north of Hobart, on the Macquarie River.

 

The town is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is noted for its historic bridge, original sandstone buildings and convict history.

 

The main street carries an avenue of English elms, that compliment the numerous convict built Georgian sandstone buildings, offering visitors a picturesque and peaceful village experience.

 

Nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s wool growing area, Ross is of particular importance to the international wool industry.

 

Buyers frequently pay world record prices for the extra superfine Merino wool from this area and the Tasmanian Wool Centre, as well as housing the visitor centre, displays samples, production techniques and finished articles.

 Ross, Tasmania - Aerial Panorama

 

 

Ross Caravan Park

The Ross Caravan Park is situated on the banks of the Macquarie River alongside Tasmania’s iconic Ross Bridge, being the third-oldest bridge in Australia.

Choose from powered sites, non-powered sites, or a 4-star motel. Pets are welcome but must be kept under control at all times, bookings are recommended during December to March.

Esplanade, Ross, Tasmania
0437425832
See the Website

Tourist Information Centre
Tasmanian Wool Centre, Church St, Ross. Ph. (03) 6381 5466.

Emergencies - Police, ambulance and fire dial 000

Toilet - Church Street - Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Doctor/Medical Centre - Campbell Town Surgery, 70 High St Campbell Town,

Ph. (03) 6381 1133

 

In 1812 a garrison of soldiers was stationed at the ford of the Macquarie River to protect the development of the future town, and in 1821 the settlement was proclaimed the town of Ross by Governor Macquarie.

 

Remaining an important part of Ross for many years, the influence of the town's military presence can still be seen today in a number of the early buildings around the town with military origins and several streets named after battles of the Napoleonic wars.

 

The district was opened up for settlement in 1814 and because of the surrounding rich pastures and its position on the north-south highway, the township quickly developed.

 

A low level wooden bridge was built in place of a ford over the Macquarie River in 1821.

This was replaced, in 1836, by the current bridge, the third oldest and one of the finest sandstone bridges in Australia.

 

A description of Ross, c 1852
Drawn from The History of Tasmania - Volume II (of 2) by John West.

Ross [is] a township on the Macquarie, in the parish of Ross and county of Somerset, 73 miles (117.5 km) from Hobart, 47 miles (76 km) from Launceston, and 6 miles (10) from Campbell Town.

It contains an episcopal church and school, a chapel, a police and post station, and two inns.

The police magistrate of Campbell Town holds a court here once in a week.

There is a bridge across the Macquarie at this township. The district is chiefly agricultural.

• Ross Female Factory Site
  Originally the site of a male punishment station, from 1847-1848 the buildings were adapted for use as a probation station for women.
  
  Known as the Ross Female Factory, it housed between sixty and one hundred and twenty women at any one time, as well as accommodating the inmate's babies.
  
  It operated as a hiring depot, nursery, probation and punishment station until 1854-1855.
  The prison was demolished in the 1880s, leaving the foundations intact.
  
  This has enabled many archaeological discoveries over a series of digs at the site.
  
  Today the original overseer's cottage remains, being remodelled in the 1890s to accommodate a Police Station and residence.
  
  It now houses rooms of interpretive text and displays related to the history of the site and is open free to the public from 9am–5pm daily.
  
  Further information can be obtained at the Tasmanian Wool Centre.

• Tasmanian Wool Centre
  Church Street, Ross. Ph. (03) 6381 5466
  This not for profit organisation was formed in 1988 as a bi-centennial project.
  
  It was funded two thirds by private and local interest and one third by the government.
  The centre not only houses a fantastic woollen retail area, and the Ross Visitor Information Centre, but also has two museums.
  
  The History museum showcases early life in Ross, while the feel and touch Wool exhibition shows the importance of the wool industry to this region. Both have audiovisual displays.
  
  The centre also organises guided tours for pre-booked groups.
  Open Daily (except for Christmas Day and Good Friday), Monday–Friday 9.30am - 5.00pm - Saturday & Sunday 10.00am - 4.30pm.
  
  
• The Four Corners of Ross
  Located at the crossroad intersection of Bridge and Church Streets.
  They have been named:
  Temptation (Man O'Ross Hotel)
  Recreation (Town Hall)
  Salvation (Roman Catholic Church)
  Damnation (Original Gaol, now a private residence)
  
  
• The Uniting Church
  The Uniting Church was opened in 1885 and is a very fine example of the architecture of the time, being in a traditional Gothic style, and is open to visitors daily.
  
  The interior boasts hand carved sandstone walls, a ceiling of oregon pine, pews of Tasmanian blackwood, a fine Italian marble font and original gas mantles.
  
  This church replaced the original wooden Methodist church that fell into disrepair.
  
  
• St John's Anglican Church
  Erected using sandstone from the original church built in 1835, the building was completed in 1868 and consecrated the following year by Charles Bromby, the Bishop of Tasmania.
  
  The clock in the tower from Birmingham, England and the church organ are over 100 years old.
  
  The first Anglican Church, built on the hillside overlooking the village, was demolished due to the failure of the foundations.
  
  
• Catholic Church
  The Catholics were, for the most part, convicts and emancipists, too poor to build their own place of worship, and the first services were conducted at the Barracks and the female factory site after it closed as a prison.
  
  In 1920 Father John Graham arranged for the present church to be converted from a store, bakery and residence, raising the roof and walls and adding stained-glass windows and tower complete with a large statue of Mary.
  
  The spire was rebuilt with a cross on top in the early 1980s.
  
  
• Stables Complex
  The old stables on the hill, south of the bridge, were part of the early military establishment and have been fully restored, together with the shingles on the roof.
  
  The stables, cowshed and chicken house are built into the side of the hill, with the natural sandstone providing part of the structure.
  
  The manger in the cowshed is carved out of a solid wall of sandstone and is considered to be an engineering feat of its day.
   
• Memorial Library & Recreation Rooms
  Original headquarters of the Royal Army Ordinance Corps, whose crest is carved above the lintel of the door.
  
  The building dates from 1836 and in the 1840s and it also housed the office of the visiting magistrate dealing with convict misdemeanours.
   
• The Barracks
  The Barracks were built to house the English Redcoats responsible for maintaining law and order during the early settlement of Ross.
  
  In 1831 there was one officer, one sergeant and eighteen men stationed here.
  This building is now a Private Residence.

The Main Cemetery
Located to the south-east of the town centre, is divided into two sections - a Roman Catholic section and a Church of England section which is enclosed by a stone wall

Original Burial Grounds
Located on a windswept hill overlooking Ross and the surrounding countryside, the colonial cemetery contains many gravestones dating back to the 1830s and 1840s.

Some of the head-stones have been attributed to convict stonemason Daniel Herbert, who carved the remarkable icons on the Ross Bridge.

Herbert's own grave is marked by a table-top tombstone he designed for his son, who died in infancy.

 

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Fossicking in Tasmania

Fossicking In Tasmania without Prospectors Licence

There are many localities within Tasmania where interesting lapidary and mineralogical material occur. In recognition of the recreational activity of fossicking, some of the best of these areas have been set aside for the use of fossickers. A prospecting licence is not required to fossick within declared fossicking areas. For more information on prospecting in Tasmania, please click here.

Eleven areas have been declared official fossicking areas under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 (MRDA) and have been listed below.

These areas, which extend from the ground surface to a depth of two (2) metres, have been set aside for non-commercial use by fossickers and gem and mineral collectors.

Under some circumstances, fossicking areas may be included within an Exploration Licence. A valid prospecting licence is not required in order to collect mineral samples within declared fossicking areas.

Conditions apply to the use of fossicking areas. Fossickers should avoid causing undue damage to the land, and should take only a 'fair share' of material.

Don't be greedy! Fossicking areas are set aside strictly for the use of amateur fossickers, and cannot sustain any degree of commercial collecting.

Please be considerate towards others to ensure the continued enjoyment of fossicking areas for all.

Coal Hill fossicking area

This 9 km2 area is about 90 km SSW of Hobart in southern Tasmania. It is reached via Huonville on good sealed roads as far as Hastings or Dover, and then on fair unsealed roads and forestry tracks. The Lune River fossicking area is nearby. Travellers should watch out for log trucks and forestry operations.

Over an area around and to the southeast of Coal Hill, approximately four kilometres northwest of Hastings. Collecting is best in recently clear-felled areas.

The area yields fine specimens of agate and chalcedony. Some agates may contain geodes with crystalline quartz, rarely amethystine.

Full details and map

Colebrook Hill fossicking area

This 0.5 km2 area on the West Coast is about 90 km southwest of Burnie and 200 km northwest of Hobart.

It can be reached via Queenstown or Rosebery on the Murchison Highway, a good sealed road. Access to the site is easiest via the Williamsford Road.

There is a turn-off to the west about 4.3 km from the Murchison Highway junction, from where a four-wheel drive track is driveable for about two kilometres before the track becomes overgrown, with fallen trees and boggy patches.

About 3.5 km along the track is a fork, and fossickers should take the western fork for another 500 metres until the mine dump is reached.

Full details and map

Gladstone Hill fossicking area

This 8 km2 area in northeast Tasmania is about 90 km northeast of Launceston and 250 km NNE of Hobart.

It can be reached on good sealed roads via Scottsdale or St Helens, using the Tasman Highway and Gladstone Road, or via Bridport using Waterhouse Road.
Collecting area

The main collecting area is around the old tin workings from Ah Kaw Creek and Mt Cameron Creek to Alhambra Creek

The area has yielded good specimens of smoky quartz, clear quartz, amethyst, topaz and jasper.

Full details and map

Killiecrankie Bay fossicking area

This 1 km2 area is 30 km north of Whitemark on Flinders Island in Bass Strait, and is reached via air or sea and then on unsealed roads. Because of the coastal location, tidal charts may need to be consulted.

The main collecting area is among granite boulders on the foreshore in the vicinity of Diamond Gully (AMG reference 572 500 mE, 5 591 900 mN).
Material

The area yields topaz crystals and pieces (known colloquially as `Killiecrankie Diamonds'), along with smoky quartz and rare zircon and beryl. The main product from this area is the topaz.

Full details and map

Lord Brassey Mine fossicking area

The Lord Brassey mine is located on Brassey Hill, about 17 km west of Waratah in western Tasmania. Access to the 0.6 km2 fossicking area is via a very rough and steep four-wheel drive track heading north from Waratah Road, about 300 hundred metres west of the Heazlewood River picnic area. The mine is reached after travelling approximately 1.5 km along the 4WD track. Most fossicking is done on the dump adjacent to the mine (adit) entrance, close to the top of the hill.

This small mine operated on a nickel sulphide occurrence in ultrabasic rocks (serpentinite and pyroxenite). The sulphide ores probably formed during deformation of these rock types, and later weathering converted some of the sulphides into carbonates.

Full details and map

Lune River fossicking area

This 5 km2 area is located about 100 km south of Hobart, and is reached via Huonville on a good sealed road as far as Lune River. A collapsed bridge has made the Leprena Road impassable to normal vehicles after 1.5 kilometres.

Over an area east of Lune Sugarloaf, starting 2 km south from the old Ida Bay township, extending east to cover flats bordering the now disused (old) road to Catamaran.

Full details and map

Magnet Mine fossicking area

The old Magnet mine is located six kilometres directly west of Waratah in western Tasmania, although access is by a somewhat circuitous route. The mine is reached by traversing an unsealed road (the Magnet Road) leading off the sealed Waratah Road opposite Whyte Hill (on which a Telstra tower has been erected). This junction is approximately 12 km west of Waratah. The track is steep and badly eroded and is best restricted to 4WD vehicles.

The site is important as it is one of only a few accessible locations for crocoite and yellow cerussite.

Full details and map

Penguin fossicking area

This 0.5 km2 area is located adjacent to Lonah Road between Ulverstone and Penguin in northwest Tasmania. The area is about 100 km northwest of Launceston and 20 km southeast of Burnie, and can be reached via Penguin or Ulverstone on good sealed roads.

Jasper occurs as small water-worn pebbles found near to, and between large, dark-coloured rocks which are Cambrian volcanic rocks. Fossickers may collect the loose jasper pebbles, but must not damage the rock formations.

Full details and map

Weld River fossicking area

This 2 km2 area is adjacent to the Tasman Highway at Moorina in northeast Tasmania, and is about 250 km NNE of Hobart and 70 km northeast of Launceston. The area can be reached by the Tasman Highway, either via Scottsdale or St Helens.

Sapphire is one of the most sought after minerals in the area, and is moderately common as subrounded to well-rounded grains, usually small but rarely up to a few centimetres in size. The colour is usually a dark blue, but is sometimes green or parti-coloured.

Full details and map

Weymouth fossicking area

This 0.5 km2 area, on the shoreline of Bass Strait at Weymouth, is about 200 km north of Hobart and 50 km north of Launceston. It can be reached via Pipers River on sealed roads.

The main collecting area is on a beach west of Weymouth at approximately AMG reference 511 200 mE, 5 460 400 mN.

The area has yielded fine-grained quartz pebbles, petrified wood and some agates and chalcedony, all of which are regarded as important sources of tumbling material for lapidarists.

Full details and map

Tunnel Marsh fossicking area

The area is about 80km NW of Hobart, and is reached on sealed roads via Bothwell or Ouse, and fair unsealed roads thereon.
Collecting Area

Interesting material occurs over most of Tunnel Marsh (AMG reference 462 300 mE, 5 323 300 mN).
Material

Agate, jasper and petrified wood are found over most of Tunnel Marsh and are extracted by shallow digging. The material is generally inferior to that found at Lune River and Penstock.

Full details and map

Prospecting Licence

A prospecting licence allows the holder to conduct fossicking activities for rock and mineral specimens outside the declared fossicking areas.

A prospecting licence is valid for 12 months from date of issue, and the external link below contains all required details and application.

Prospecting Licence

Alluvial Gold in Tasmania
Mineral resources of Tasmania II

If you are considering hunting for a little gold on your Tasmanian trip, you may find this free 31-page publication by the DIVISION OF MINES AND MINERAL RESOURCES (in PDF) of value.

George Town - with Drive Through Video

George Town

george town forecasts

Versicherungen

 George Town (Palawa_kani: kinimathatakinta) is a large town in north-east Tasmania, on the eastern bank of the mouth of the Tamar River, with a population of 6,764 as of 30 June 2016.

It is the regional centre of the George Town Council local government area and is well served with a Regional Hospital, supermarkets, and infrastructure.

The Grove, a Georgian home built in 1829, attracts many visitors, as does the 1805 convict built pilot station at Low Head.

The Bass and Flinders Centre has a collection of historical boats, including a replica of the 1798 sloop Norfolk.

The Watch House in Macquarie street built in 1843 was the town gaol. The building was refurbished and reopened in 2004 as a gallery and local history museum. It features a scale model of the town as it was in the early nineteenth century.

 

RV Overnight Rest Area @ Visitors Centre
92-96 Main Road, George Town
Tasmania, 7253.
Tel: 03 6382 1700.
Email: info@georgetown.net.au

This paid camp ground offers drinking water and a dump point. It is dog friendly. It is accessible to RVs. You can stay here for up to 24 hours. You must be fully self-contained. Furthermore, you must book in advance.   
    
Low Head Tourist Park
136 Low Head Rd, Low Head TAS
(03) 6382 1573
Visit Website
    
East Beach Tourist Park
40 Gunn Pde, Low Head, Tasmania
(03) 6382-1000
infoeastbeachtouristpark@gmail.com
Visit Website

Great Tree Carvings
15-17 Esplanade North, George Town

Bass and Flinders Centre
8 Elizabeth St, George Town, 7253, Tasmania
03 6382 3792
bassandflinders.org.au

Barbecues, Skate Park, kids' playground and Public Toilets
Anne St, George Town

George Town Historic Watch House
86 Macquarie Street, George Town
Small museum with good model of old George Town.

George Town Visitor Information Centre
92-96 Main Road, George Town
Tel: 03 6382 1700.
Email: info@georgetown.net.au
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday : 9.00am to 4.00pm

Toilet Facilities
16 Anne Street, George Town, Open daylight hours
Elizabeth Street, Near waterfront, George Town. Open daylight hours
Watch House Public Toilets - Sorrell Street, George Town, Open daylight hours
Visitor Information Centre Public Toilets Open 9am-3pm

Police Station
80/82 Macquarie St, George Town TAS 7253 - non-emergency ph. 131 444

Doctor/Medical Centre
George Town Medical Centre
49 Anne St, George Town
(03) 6382 4333

George Town District Hospital and Community Health Centre
47 Anne St, George Town TAS 7253
(03) 6702 6020

Laundromat
Cnr Sorell & Macquarie Sts, George Town

Service Tasmania and Library
12 Elizabeth St, George Town

 

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Oatlands - With 87 original sandstone buildings along the main street

Oatlands 

https://www.willyweather.com.au/tas/southern/oatlands.html

embed google maps in wordpress

Oatlands has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in a village setting in Australia, with 87 original sandstone buildings along the town’s main street.

The town sits around 84 km north of Hobart and 115 km south of Launceston, about 1 km off the Midland Highway (you can see the windmill from the highway) and has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in a village setting in Australia, with 87 original sandstone buildings along the town’s main street.

 

Some of the more significant buildings include:

 

The Oatlands gaol (1835), the Commissariat’s store and watch house (1830s) and officers’ quarters (1830s). 

 

The Oatlands Court House, built by convict labour in 1829, is the oldest supreme courthouse in rural Australia and the oldest building in Oatlands and was originally constructed as a combined chapel and police office and was purchased by the National Trust in 1977

 

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Lake Dulverton Camp ground
On the Esplanade in Oatlands, off the main st (High St)

This camp ground is accessible to motorcycles, recreational vehicles, camper trailers, and caravans, and dog-friendly. Camping in tents is allowed. Showers in the red brick structure. See the infoboard by the lake.

There is a tap for refilling with town water, gas barbecues, picnic tables and good, clean amenities.

 

 

Oatlands Historical Society History room
107 High Street, Oatlands
Open: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday ~ 10am to 4pm
Tuesday ~ 10-30am and Friday ~ Open when possible.

 

Doctor/Medical Centre
Oatlands Surgery, 13 Church Street, Oatlands, Ph. (03) 6254 5030

 

Toilet Facilities

Oatlands BP, 52 High Street - Open daylight hours

Council Chambers, Stutzer Street - Open 24 hours

T he foreshore of Lake Dulverton, on the Esplanade.

 

Oatlands Veterinary Clinic
39 High St, Oatlands - ph. (03) 6254 0006

One of Tasmania's oldest settlements, Oatlands was initially a military base for the control and management of convicts, because of its central location between Hobart and Launceston.

The town was named after an English town in the county of Surrey by Governor Macquarie in 1821.

Convicts were assigned to nearby farms and properties and also worked on public buildings, roads and bridges.

 

Hangman Solomon Blay

Much of the Black War (early settlers against local aborigines) took place in the surrounding districts, and Oatlands was also the home of the ex-convict Solomon Blay, Tasmania's most feared hangman.

 

Hangings were carried out at Richmond, Launceston, Hobart and Oatlands and Solomon was forced to walk when his services were required, as no stage coach would pick him up. Apparently, his wages were so low that he could not afford a horse.

 

A description of Oatlands c 1852
drawn from The History of Tasmania - Volume II (of 2) by John West.

Oatlands [is] a considerable town in the parish of Oatlands and county of Monmouth, 51 miles (82 km) from Hobart, and 70 miles from Launceston. 

 

It contains an episcopal (St. Matthew's) and Roman Catholic Church, a Wesleyan chapel, several schools, a gaol, police and post offices, a military station, several inns, and other large buildings. 

 

It has a resident police magistrate, and courts of request and quarter sessions are held in the town. The supreme court sits twice in a year. 

 

The population of the town and police district is 1,873, and the number of houses 279.  

• Callington Mill
  Mill Lane, Oatlands
  The Callington Mill complex consists of a number of buildings, including:
  The windmill: Built c 1837, is 21.4 metres high (including the cap and fantail) and was constructed of local stone with the walls, at its base, almost 1 metre thick.
  The Mill-owner's house: Built c 1837 and extended in around 1848 and 1910, houses the information centre and cafe.
  The Stables were built c 1837 with a loft above and a cart-house at the rear.
  The Miller's Cottage: Built c 1860 and housed the millers.
  The Granary: Until 1846 this building was used for grain storage and subsequently housed a steam-mill, installed to overcome the vagaries of the wind.
  The Mill Well was installed to provide the steam-mill with water.

• 1 High Street
  Now a private residence, this building was originally known as the Waldour Castle inn and during the 1850s it included a ballroom and skittle alley.
   
• The Manse
  12 High Street
  This classic Georgian style Manse, of freestone construction, was built in 1860 by George Wilson for his daughter and her husband, The Reverend Lachlan MacKinnon Campbell.
  Much of the interior woodwork is magnificent cedar.
   
• The Uniting Church
  30 High Street
  Formerly the Campbell Free Church, it was opened in 1856 and had to be rebuilt with the current spire after the original 27.5 metre steeple fell during a storm, destroying much of the church.
   
• Holroyd House
  40 High Street
  Surrounded by an historic garden, Holroyd House was built in the early 1840s for John Whitford, a police magistrate.
  Prior to becoming a private residence again the building was a grammar school, the home and surgery of a doctor and a restaurant.
   
• Commandant's House
  67 High Street
  The residence of the Military Commandant was built in 1832 and its original Georgian style has had later Federation additions made.
   
• The Commissariat's Store
  79 High Street
  Built in 1832, the commissariat's Store was a military food store.
   
• Lake Frederick Inn
  99 - 103 High Street
  Built by a former convict stonemason, George Aitcheson, in 1833, this complex shows the elements of a coaching inn, minus the twelve-stall stable block.
  Number 99 was the inn, with 101 and 103 the cottages for the licensee and yard manager.
   
• Original Railway Station
  34 Wellington Street
  Operating from May 1885 until June 1949, the railway station served the 7km spur line from Oatlands to Parattah, where it joined the north - south main line.
   
• The Gaoler's Residence
  Mason Street
  This two-story, classically Georgian sandstone building housed the gaolor and his family and also contained administrative spaces.

You can access a beautifully produced guide (in PDF) by the Southern Midlands Council HERE.

 

 

Anglican Cemetery
Containing the grave of Thomas Ansley, police magistrate, (1777–1851) and others, this cemetery sits adjacent to St Peters Anglican Church in William Street. 

Old General Cemetery
The oldest cemetery in Oatlands, the Old General Cemetery, is located on the corner of Chatham and Stanley streets and its records date back to 1827.
Along with many convicts, soldiers and early settlers, the cemetery holds the remains of successful businessman and coachman, Samual Page.

 

Wesleyan Cemetery
Opposite the old railway station, in Wellington Street, sits the remains of the old Wesleyan Chapel, demolished in the 1960s and a number of sandstone tombs.

 

Presbyterian Cemetery
Containing graves and family plots dating back to the 1850s, this cemetery is located on Chatham Street along Prattah main road.

 

Catholic Church Cemetery
The Catholic Church Cemetery is set on Lake Dulverton's foreshore, behind the Old General Cemetery in Chatham Street.

 

 Check out the post 'Hiring A Campervan In Tasmania - You’ll find Campervans and 4x4s from providers such as Maui, Cruisin, Tasmania Campers, Jucy, Britz, Apollo and many more.

Who's Zoo in Tasmania ~ Details of Zoos and Wildlife parks

In this post I have a look at some of Tasmania's Zoos, Wildlife Parks and Rescue operations.

Each displays their website so that you can find out more about their operations, times and costs.

Wings Wildlife Park (and camping)

In the wild, only the fit have a chance to survive…..at Wing’s Wildlife Park, everyone has a chance.

You should allow approximately 2 hours for your visit to Wings Wildlife Park.

Most of the animals have been permanently injured (excepting fish, reptiles & babies born in captivity) and now reside at Wing’s Wildlife Park where enclosures  can be adapted to suit their needs.

Among the park's residents are:

Bennett's Wallaby
Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard
  Brushtail Possum
  Eastern Barred Bandicoot
Eastern Quoll
 Echidna
Forester Kangaroo
Koala and
 Long-Nosed Potoroo

As well as Farm Animals,  American Bison,  Black-Tufted Capuchin Monkey, Camel,  Crab-Eating Macaque, Marmoset,  Blotched Blue-Tongue Lizard, birds and Fish.

Camping and Powered Sites

For an experience where family memories are made
Camping on the flats along the banks of the Leven River at Wings Wildlife Park is very popular, with so many things to do in a great location.

There are also powered sites and backpacker units available, so there’s something to suit everyone.

The main camping area is an attractive, large, grassed, riverside area with some shade, suitable for tents and self-sufficient caravans.

Powered sites and a picnic shelter are available near the amenities, and camping is also available here if preferred.

The amenities, including toilets, showers, disabled facilities and laundry block, are situated beyond the reception building.

Swap and go gas bottle exchange is available.

Entry to the Farm Walk is included in all accommodation fees, (This area includes buffalo, bison, camels, alpacas, ponies, ostrich, emus, deer, turkeys and more).

Entry to the main Wildlife Area has an additional charge, but you will only need to pay once during your stay and it will cover you for all the subsequent days you stay at the Park. Just let us know that you’re a camper and we’ll record your name when you pay.

137 Winduss Road, Gunns Plains

Coordinates: -41.264131, 146.045420

Open Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm

Check out the Website

~~~~~~

Tasmania Zoo

 Animal-tastic fun with 900 acres of private native bushland, which is home to the largest collection of native and exotic animals in Tasmania.

Tasmania Zoo is a privately owned, local family-run zoo that is committed to caring for injured and orphaned wildlife.

Some of these animals are unable to be returned to the wild, so as you walk around the zoo, you will meet many of them, who all have their very own unique stories.

They are dedicated to continuous contribution to wildlife conservation and to the education of the community at large, providing world standard facilities to over 100 rare, exotic and native species.

Tasmania Zoo facilities include:

* BBQ and Picnic Areas
* 'Meerkat Munchies’ Cafe
* A Gift Shop that includes Artwork by the zoo animals
* Disabled Access
* Baby Change Facilities

 The zoo is wheelchair friendly and has an electric mobility aid available at the zoo’s front reception area for hire.
No pets or service animals permitted within Tasmania Zoo.

1166 Ecclestone Road,
Riverside

Coordinates: -41.430877, 145.977100

Phone: 03 6396 6100
Opening Hours:9:00am - 4:30pm

Check out the Tasmania Zoo Website for full details

~~~~~~

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Sanctuary map - There's plenty to see at Bonorong and the path is one big loop, so you won't miss a thing.

Explore a sanctuary just for the wildlife of Tasmania, where kids can have some truly special wildlife encounters.

Whether you’ve come across the world or you’re just down the road, you are most welcome at Bonorong, a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people.

A visit to Bonorong is a chance to come closer than ever to something wild and fragile.

You’ll come face to face with animals that went extinct long ago in other parts of Australia — the same animals we’re working hard to protect now.

By walking through our old wooden gate, you’ll become part of something special – everything they do is done with your help.

593 Briggs Road, Brighton

Coordinates: -42.706658, 147.270361
Open daily from 9am to 5pm - including weekends and public holidays. 

Bookings are not required for general admission, or to join our daily tours, which are included in your ticket price.

For full details, check out their WEBSITE

ZooDoo Wildlife Park

safari bus

Zoodoo is well known for its hands-on approach that lets you get closer to more animals than you ever thought possible.

You get close-up and personal with many animals in the walk through Native Park, farmyard, and NEW Walk-through Bird Aviary.

Included in the entry fee is the unique safari bus tours which take visitors to hand-feed large animals including Ostriches, Camels, Zebras and more.

INDOOR PLAYLAND
It is an ideal place for the adults to sit out of the weather with a coffee and catch their breath while the children exhaust themselves further.

This area consists of a merry-go-round, jumping castle and toddlers ball pit and the use of rides in this area is included in the entry fee.

620 Middle Tea Tree Rd, Richmond
Coordinates: -42.710104, 147.373510
Open: 7 days, 9am–5pm

For full details, check out the WEBSITE

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 Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary

 Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary, where native Tasmanian fauna and flora thrive and also has a great range of marsupials, birds and reptiles on site.

The primary goal for Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary is wildlife conservation, education and rehabilitation.

The ecological sustainability of the Tasmanian flora and fauna is of valued importance. Trowunna is an integral part of the larger picture of wildlife in Tasmania. Centrally set among varying environments, Trowunna provides a haven of 65 acres for our native transient Tasmanian wildlife and migratory wildlife looking to travel through what are, sometimes, hostile environments.

Trowunna has daily interactive tours with group and private bookings welcome.

Facilities include the Devil Education and Research Centre, a gift shop, parking, toilets, picnic tables and disabled accessibility.

The Devil Education and Research Centre at Trowunna aims to highlight the unique carnivorous mammals that live in Tasmania.

 1892 Mole Creek Road, Mole Creek
Coordinates: -41.555863, 146.452277
Daily interactive tours: 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Adults $26, Concession $22
Children (3yo-15yo) $16
For more information, check out the WEBSITE

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Tasmanian Devil Unzoo - the world’s first Unzoo

  UNZOO – a place where the public learns about wild animals, plants and ecosystems through interaction with and immersion in natural habitats.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is a four-in-one wildlife nature experience that combines up-close animal encounters, wildlife adventures, a Tasmanian native garden and original art.

The world has many great zoos and wildlife parks. Tasmanian Devil Unzoo represents a reversal of the concept and ethos of these institutions.

Tasmanian Devil Unzoo is the world’s first intentional Unzoo project, developed from a master plan created by visionary zoo designer John Coe and Tasmanian Devil Unzoo owner John Hamilton.

In transforming the site, they have embraced natural habitats for the native animals that replicate or restore natural landscapes.

The Unzoo is much more than the appearance of no cages or barriers. The habitats create an environment in which the animals have more independence, behaviour choices and opportunities for natural behaviours.

At the Unzoo, you’ll have face-to-face encounters with animals found nowhere else on earth, discover rare and beautiful Tasmanian plants in the Tasmanian Native Botanic Garden, see Tasmanian artworks in our galleries and have the chance to help save endangered Tasmanian devils on our Devil Tracker Adventure.

 5990 Arthur Highway,Taranna
Phone:   1800 641 641
Coordinates: -43.060806, 147.864530
OPENING HOURS
9am-5pm
9am-6pm (summer)
For full details see the WEBSITE

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Seahorse World 

The mystical seahorse has always been a source of immense attraction, and this Tasmanian-based experience is dedicated to uncovering the secrets and conserving the delicate environmental balance of these fragile yet beautiful marine animals.

A trip to Seahorse World will lead you on a journey to the unique facility that will provide you with an excellent experience with the aim of balancing both entertainment and education for a great day out.

You'll be given a "behind the scenes" look at the world's first working seahorse farm, as well as hands-on opportunities in the touch pool.

Seahorses aren't the only animals on hand at the park - Seahorse World also has many other interesting creatures in their Wonders of the Southern Ocean Aquarium.

The guided tour runs for a duration of 45 minutes from 9:30am until 4:30pm from September to April and every hour from 10am to 3pm between May and August.

Shed 1A Inspection Head Wharf
200 Flinders Street, Beauty Point
Coordinates: -41.152410, 146.822754

The park is open 7 days a week - except Christmas Day - and offers visitors an ample amount of fun.

 

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