Travelsnapz

Oatlands, Tasmania
Previous slide
Next slide

Rotate to landscape to view slideshow

Grindingly Good - Old World Charm at Oatlands,Tasmania

Just an hour drive from Hobart, and a little more from Launceston, the little town of Oatlands, Tasmania now bypassed by the Midland Highway, is a step back in time.

Once upon a time when you drove the Midland Highway, there were some great examples of topiary beside the road that were produced by one of the road workers (the late Jack Cashion). There were all sorts of shapes, from memory most were animals, and they provided a nice distraction as you drove along.

Photograph - Midland Highway - Oatlands - topiary and 'Avenue of Honour' trees
Photograph - Midland Highway - Oatlands - topiary and 'Avenue of Honour' trees - Source Tasmanian Archives, Circa 1960

On my last visit to Oatlands, I spotted a few more examples of this interesting art form right in the town. But you don’t need distractions here – there is plenty to keep your interest. Not the least of which is the restored Callington Mill.

Oatlands Tasmania
The Callington Mill in Oatlands. Built in 1837, it is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

This magnificent structure, fully restored and operating, is now producing quality flours as the winds of the Midlands drive its sails.

Nearby is a blacksmith. And throughout the town are outstanding examples of Georgian buildings dating from the early 1800’s.

On a sunny day, you could buy a nice pie and find a picnic spot on the shores of Lake Dulverton.

UPDATE July, 2022: A recent addition to the Callington mill surrounds is a modern whiskey distillery. You can take a self-guided tour, have a taste, or even mix your own. All the more reason to stop and enjoy the hospitality of Oatlands.

Share this destination
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More from Australia

Seals on the rocks at Montague Island

Unwind on Montague Island

Montague Island is a small island located off the coast of the state of New South Wales, Australia. Home to the historic Montague Island lighthouse, it’s a great place to visit if you want to unwind for a couple of days.

Read More »
The Stick Shed

The Stick Shed

The Stick Shed in Murtoa is a second World War grain storage area so unique that it has pride of place on the Australian Heritage Register. Who would have thought there would be a forest of mountain ash trees in the Wimmera.

Read More »

Other destinations you may like:

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunis, Tunisia

We took the early morning ferry from Trapani (Sicily) to sail to Tunis. We got to the dock at around 7am. The ferry had already arrived, coming down from Sardinia, and the semi-trailers were rolling off.

Read More »
Nefta, Tunisia

Nefta, Tunisia

Considered to be the spiritual home of Sufism, Nefta in the South-West of Tunisia near the Algerian border is also home to 350,000 date palms.

Read More »
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x