Friday, March 15, 2024

Tasmanian Markets - A list

Tasmania holds loads of markets throughout the state that are well worth a visit. 

Tasmanian Travel Guide has discovered a number of these markets, which we have verified, and listed below.

Go meet the locals and, hopefully, find that special little gem.


Organisers of regular markets that are not included here are welcome to submit information for inclusion using the Contact Form at the bottom of the right-hand column.

Midlands
    

Oatlands Farmers Market

Photography, homemade cakes, wooden boxes, hand made cards, goats milk soap, butterflies and glass painting, bric-a-brac, knick-knacks, craft.

Oatlands Community Market, 1st Sunday of every month, 10 am- 2 pm: local makers & growers, sharing rural life, in a warm welcoming venue in the heritage town of Oatlands, Tasmania. Stalls $10, tables provided @ Community centre, 68 High Street. Facebook


Ross Village Market

Join us for our country market in the beautiful town hall in Ross. We are open on the third Sunday of each month at 9:00 a.m. We serve licenced, handcrafted speciality pies, cakes, and preserves.

The market kitchen serves handmade breakfast, lunch, tea, and coffee.

The market is undercover, so you can enjoy a traditional country market in Ross Town Hall regardless of the weather. You can find a variety of things from local artists, makers, and dealers.

Open 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Church St, Ross. Website

 Evandale Market

The markets are located in Falls Park, on Logan Road and open every Sunday, from around 8:00am until around 1:30pm

Over 100 stalls including a wide range of wares and high quality crafts, plants, trees, shrubs and garden ornaments and bric-a-brac for every budget and a wide selection of Tasmanian food products such as jams, sauces, relish and honey.

There are plenty of food stalls and children's amusements. Facebook

 
 Campbell Town Mini Market

Bargain hunter's delight, bric-a-brac, cakes, plants, clothes, and more.

Held last Sunday each month from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in winter and 3 p.m. in summer at Midlands Bowling Club, 156 Bridge St., Campbell Town.


Ross Village Markets

The community of Ross has a country market on the third Sunday of each month at Ross Town Hall, Church Street, Ross, beginning at 9 a.m. 

 Come partake in the fun and excitement of the Ross Village Market. There is a large array of stalls selling local goods and products.


RSL Longford Market

The Longford RSL is holding its monthly markets on Wellington Street in Longford. The Farmers Market will include fruit, gifts, crafts, and a car boot sale for trash and treasure.

Held on the last Saturday of each month, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Wellington Street, Longford. Facebook

 
Ross Market

The historic village of Ross hosts a country market on the third Sunday of each month from 9am in the Ross Town Hall.

The market includes local handicrafts, produce and a 'home baked' section where you can buy licenced home-made speciality pies, cakes and preserves.

You can also enjoy a home-made breakfast, lunch, tea and coffee at the Market Kitchen. Facebook

 Hobart and South

The Market at Franklin

A monthly market held in Franklin, 40 minutes drive south of Hobart, on the last Sunday of the month.

The Market features 30+ stalls selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, jams, chutney, honey, cakes, pies and olive oil, plants, seedlings and herbs, ceramic wooden and textile crafts, jewellery and alpaca products. Facebook Page
    

Hobart Farm Gate Market

Farm Gate Market operates every Sunday on Bathurst St, between Murray and Elizabeth streets: 8.30am – 1.00pm

Every Sunday, come rain hail or shine, a busy street in the heart of Hobart transforms into a bustling farmers' market. It's all about Tasmanian produce and getting to know your farmer, and it always has been.

Tasmania's distinct growing seasons make for an ever-changing array of produce, and that's what we celebrate every Sunday. Staying true to what's in season locally is reflected throughout the market; on fresh produce stalls, in artisan foods and foodie menus. Website
 

The Hub Creative Market

Embrace the Local Spirit: A vibrant gathering of handmade talent, delicious food, and entertainment each 3rd Sunday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kingborough Community Hub, 7 Goahawk Way, Kingston. Facebook

 

Lunawanna Makers and Produce Market

The Lunawanna Makers and Produce Market takes place every first and third Sunday of the month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4585 Bruny Island Main Rd., Lunawanna, and is sure to inspire.

A wood fire creates a warm and welcoming ambience at South Bruny Island's historic Lunawanna Memorial Hall. Regardless of the weather, you will be warm and dry inside the hall. During the winter, the market takes place on the third Sunday of each month. Hot cuisine is served from the kitchen, along with freshly made breads, brioche, and croissants.

Snug Beach Community Market

Held Second Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 62 Beach Road, Snug.

Offering Handmade, Homegrown and quality pre-loved goods. Also, baked goods and food/coffee vans. Dogs on leads are welcome outside, and assistance dogs are allowed inside the hall. Facebook

Collinsvale Market

A Community Market which re opened 2021 on the last Sunday of the month 10-2pm at 10 Hall Rd, Collinsvale

Food and coffee, plus over 60 stalls ranging from boutique distillers, fresh produce, makers, bakers, plants, artisans, and some second-hand goods.

There is live music to enjoy and seating nearby to soak up the atmosphere. Facebook

 Salamanca Market

The Salamanca Market operates every Saturday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, except for Christmas Day or Anzac Day when the market is held on Sunday. There is no entry fee.

Tasmania's biggest selection of locally made products can be explored every Saturday including hand-worked glass, innovative design in Tasmanian timbers, stylish clothing, bespoke jewellery, organic produce, artworks, bath and body care, ceramics and leather goods, handcrafted cheeses, breads, wines and spirits, and delicious hot foods.
Hobart Website
 
 New Norfolk Market

Over 50 wonderful stall every Saturday of the month,  8:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 59 High Street, New Norfolk

 Explore and enjoy all of what our local artisans, producers, makers and creators have to offer from the Derwent Valley region. Facebook
 
 
 
 
Launceston and North
 
Launceston Farmers' Market


Harvest Launceston Community Farmers' Market is held every Saturday from 8.30am until 12.30pm at 71 Cimitiere Street (car park opposite Albert Hall), Launceston.

Meet the farmers, connect with locals and feast your eyes on baskets brimming with Tasmania's freshest seasonal produce, ethical meat and fish, local dairy, artisan bread and pastries, bright summer berries or blushing autumn apples. Website

    
 

North West

Burnie Farmers' Market

Avoid the hustle and bustle of the supermarkets and visit the market for the freshest and the best of local veggies and seasonal fruits.

Pick up some great bargains in a fun and friendly atmosphere, there are around 50 stalls selling fruit and vegetables, home baking and craft on the first and third Saturday each month from 8am until noon at 10 Smith st, Wivenhoe. Facebook

 

Market Square Pavilion - Twilight Market

Located at 13-17 Oldaker Street, Devonport, parking is available in the new multi-level car park. Entry is via Fenton Way or Best Street, with two exits onto Fenton Way.

The Devonport Twilight Market is held once a month on a Friday night from 4 - 8pm, and feature about 40 Coastal and Tasmanian producers representing the best in food, produce, arts and crafts. Website

 

 The Penguin Undercover Market

Goods come with a side of history at Tasmania's largest undercover market, which is hosted inside Penguin's former primary school, which opened in 1925.

Along with stalls selling locally made things like as jewellery, fruit, collectibles, and plants, there is live music by local musicians and an undercover food court for a leisurely market lunch.

Open every Sunday, barring Christmas day at Arnold St. Facebook

 

Don Village Market

Featuring about 50 outdoor and undercover stalls featuring homespun goods and fresh produce, through to the garden enthusiasts.

17 Forth Rd, Don, opposite Don River Railway, every Sunday. Facebook

 

Latrobe Village Market

Antiques, crafts, fresh produce and homemade preserves.

Handcrafted jewellery, herbs, organic produce and second hand goods. Street market every Sunday, 9am to 2pm., 169-171 Gilbert Street, Latrobe, opposite Council Chambers. Website

 

East Coast

St Marys Market

St. Marys Market sells local artisan products, fibre and leather work, fresh produce, jams and pickles, and a wide selection of bric-a-brac and collectibles.

Held on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Marys Town Hall, 23 Main Street. Website


Swansea Community Market

Swansea Community Market features local art, crafts, and seasonal fresh vegetables, as well as a morning tea parlour serving delicious pastries, tea, and coffee. New stallholders are always welcome.

Held at Town Hall, 12 Franklin Street, Swansea, from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month. Facebook.

 

St Helens Market

Stalls are stacked high with handmade clothing, jewellery, cards, biscuits, cakes, jams and sauces, bric-a-brac like second-hand tools, furniture, crockery, books, and so on, as well as fresh vegetables and plants.

Most markets have a BBQ, and the majority of stall revenues go to community services and organisations in the Break ODay area.


Held every Saturday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Portland Memorial Hall, 39 Cecilia St, St Helens.

 

The Village Market, Triabunna

Held on the third Sunday of each month from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

There is a range of stalls including second hand books, bric-a-brac, local craft, seasonal plants for sale, locally made jams and preserves and seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables. Website

 

South East

Bream Creek Farmers Market

The Bream Creek Farmers Market is a produce based market held at the Bream Creek Show Grounds on the first Sunday of every month, showcasing growers, cooks, brewers, producers and makers, from South Eastern Tasmania and beyond.

Turn off the Arthur Highway at Copping, and the Show grounds are a few kilometres up Marion Bay Road. Website

 

 West Coast


Queenstown Community Market

A monthly market where makers, creators, crafters, entrepreneurs, people, and community groups can sell their products or promote their services.

The Queenstown Community Market has been held for nearly forty years and is entirely organised by volunteers. The market attracts stallholders from all over the West Coast and beyond, and both locals and visitors to the region shop there.

Held from 11am-1.30pm at 53 Orr Street, Queenstown

 

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Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Richmond - classified historic town

The township of Richmond was named in 1824



Versicherungen

Richmond, which is located around 25 kilometres northeast of Hobart and 174 kilometres southeast of Launceston, has a population of 1,610 people (2011 census).

Nestled in the Coal River Valley, between the Midland Highway and Tasman Highway, this classified historic town is famous for its Georgian architecture and contains Australia’s oldest freestone road bridge, the oldest Roman Catholic Church, and the best preserved convict gaol.

 

Richmond, one of the most visited places in Tasmania, is a significant historic town with many fine examples of the state's brutal convict past and stunning historic buildings that are now home to museums, galleries, tea shops, artisan boutiques, and antique stores.

The town is as magnificent today as it was in the 1820s, when it served as an important military staging point and convict camp connecting Hobart to Port Arthur.


Richmond Village Attractions by: VideoTasmania
 

 
The Richmond Caravan Cabin Park

48 Middle Tea Tree Road
Richmond, Tasmania 7025
(03) 6260 2192
Visit the Website


The Richmond Caravan & Cabin Park has a variety of accommodations. It includes cabins, campsites, and both powered and unpowered sites. Park facilities include a campers' kitchen, gas barbecue, half-size tennis court, games room, playground and In the summer, a solar-heated indoor swimming pool.

Cabins are available with private facilities. All cabins include tea and coffee-making facilities, televisions, cooking amenities, heaters, and electric blankets.



It is quite easy to spend a couple of days savouring Richmond's stunning charms, its fresh food and superb wines, its distinctive art and craftwork - in scented wood, finely glazed clay, or hand woven fibres - as well as its great attractions, which include:
 
  • Old Hobart Town


    Tasmania's original historical model village, which accurately replicates in miniature the life and history of Hobart in 1820.

    Located in the main street of Richmond, this attraction has been built from original plans (over three years) and set out in streets.

    As visitors walk the streets of old Hobart, the informative signage really captures interest and makes for a unique and fascinating tour. Visit the Website

  •  Pooseum
    The award-winning Pooseum, located at 22 Bridge Street in Richmond, is Australia's only quirky science museum dedicated to all things poo. You'll discover more about poo than you ever imagined! See Website.

  • Richmond Gaol
    In Bathurst Street, built in 1825, with displays of convicts and the penal system. Visit the Website

  • Richmond Bridge
    Built by convict chain gangs in 1823.

  • Grannie Rhodes, Cottage
    An authentic 1830s cottage with daily performances of “Turn the Key of Time” – true stories about life in the 19th century.

  • the Richmond Maze
    Get lost in a tangle of pathways and dead ends, in either of the two mazes and look for the surprise centre before relaxing with a hot pot of tea or light meal in the tearooms or gardens. Fun for all ages, with wheel-chair access.
    Visit the Website

  • Heritage Buildings
    Including St John’s Church (1837), St Luke’s Anglican Church (1838), Richmond Primary School (1834/5), Richmond Arms Hotel (1888), Court House (1825).

  • ZooDoo Wildlife Park
    with its Large collection of native, agricultural and exotic animals, including tigers, lions and international wildlife - Visit the Website , or

  • A tour Of The village
    with Richmond Horse-drawn Coaches. Visit the Facebook Page

 


Tourist Information Centre
Old Hobart Town Model Village, 21A Bridge St, Richmond.

Emergencies
Police, ambulance and fire dial 000

Toilet Facilities
Franklin Street - Open 24 hours

Bathurst Street - Open 24 hours

Doctor/Medical Centre
Richmond Medical Centre, 23 Bathurst St, Richmond - (03) 6260 2169

Police Station
1 Forth Street, Richmond - non-emergency Ph: 131 444

 


In 1824, the township of Richmond was named, following a complex land deal with David Lord, where ninety acres of his Richmond Park estate were exchanged for 1400 acres adjacent to his property.

Added to in the 1830s, Richmond Gaol was built in 1825 as part of Governor Arthur's system of police districts and was last used as a gaol in 1928 - it is open daily for inspection.

One of its infamous inmates was convict, Ikey Solomon, said to be the model for Dickens' Fagin.

Justice seemed a bit random in the colony, as, in 1859, on 27 November, near Richmond, a crippled cowherd called John Dowling had his throat cut, skull broken, and some of his fingers cut off, presumably while struggling with his murderer.

The police arrested John Nash, who had a history of violence, and lived a few miles out of Richmond.

In court, the story unfolded that Dowling came with two men to Richmond’s Bridge Inn and paid for a glass of ale with a pound note.

Nash was sitting on a couch nearby.

Later a clergyman found Dowling’s body, still warm, with Nash not far away with traces of blood on his trousers and shirt.

Evidence was given that a notched knife, found on Nash’s person and with blood on it, could have inflicted Dowling’s wounds.

Nash argued that he had bought the knife from a Mr Scott, and the trousers, complete with bloodstains, from a fellow-prisoner at Port Arthur, but the evidence seemed overwhelming, and a sentence of death was imposed.

Then it was found that Nash had indeed bought the knife from Scott after the murder had been committed, but the Chief Justice felt the sentence should be carried out since ‘there is no moral doubt of his guilt’.

Nash was executed, still protesting his innocence.

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

Richmond [is] a town at the mouth of the Coal River, in the parish of Ulva and county of Monmouth, 15 miles (24 km) from Hobart, and 100 miles (161 km) from Launceston.

It contains an episcopal and a Catholic Church, a congregational chapel, a police office, post station, a gaol, and courthouse, and several inns.

It has a resident police magistrate, and the population of the town and district, which consists of farms, is 3,144, and the number of houses 545, nearly half of which are of stone or brick.

The Coal River, which here falls into the bay of Pittwater, is crossed at the town by an excellent stone bridge of six arches.

 

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Friday, March 8, 2024

Hiring A Campervan In Tasmania

The following content contains affiliate links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission. This helps cover some of the costs of this Free blog.


DriveNow makes Tasmania campervan hire in Hobart or Launceston and other sites around the Apple Isle an absolute breeze.

You can take care of sorting out a motorhome rental in Tasmania with just a few clicks or taps on your favourite device whenever it suits you, knocking out transportation and accommodation arrangements in one fell swoop.

Just punch in what matters most to you, whether it be size, price, brand, or something else, and browse and compare a huge list of options from some of the most trusted brands in the business.

 You’ll find Campervans and 4x4s from providers such as Maui, Cruisin, Tasmania Campers, Jucy, Britz, Apollo and many more.

That means less time digging around the internet for vehicles, not to mention accommodation, and more time spent planning your itinerary so you make sure you hit all the highlights during your holiday!

Sort out your vehicle and flexible accommodation in one simple hit.


Check out the range, below.

Note: If you are looking at camper van details, please switch to 'CAMPER VANS' on the widget.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Handy information for travellers visiting Tasmania

Links to information on Tasmanian Quarantine, the Spirit of Tasmania and rules for Inland Fishing.

 Bringing Your Dog


Before a dog can enter Tasmania, its owner must have evidence that it has been treated with praziquantel at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg body weight within 14 days before entry to Tasmania.


The evidence can be a statement by a vet, evidence of treatment (such as the pill packet) that is carried by whoever accompanies the dog or a statutory declaration by the owner.


Australian Interstate Quarantine

Within Australia, there are limitations on what you can bring over quarantine and state borders. If travellers bring prohibited products across borders, they will be fined immediately.

Check before you travel
It’s always good to check any restrictions that might apply to your trip.


Click Here for

 'A Traveller's guide to Australian interstate quarantine'

 

Inland Fisheries


Click HERE to visit this Tasmanian Government site for Angling licence & conditions, angling season, bag and size limits and more.


 

 

Spirit of Tasmania



Click
HERE for up-to-the-minute information directly from the source covering fares, timetable, bookings, accommodation, food, onboard activities, ship layout and fur babies.

 

 

Tasmanian Distance Calculator 

Enter the "Distance From" city, village, town, airport or place name from Tasmania "Distance From" text box.

Enter the "Distance To" city, village, town, airport or place name from Tasmania in the "Distance To" text box.

Click the "Get Distance & Directions" button to get the distance between the selected addresses /places /cities /towns
/villages /airports in Tasmania (Australia).


Open Calculator Here

 

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Saturday, March 2, 2024

Ross - The heart of Tasmania’s wool growing area

Township of Ross

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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Friday, March 1, 2024

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.