"Heritage Highway" Oatlands by Kate-Me

Oatlands Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 29 photos

Oatlands

From Southern Tasmania we took the Heritage Highway (Highway 1 which runs inland between Hobart & Launceston). Green hills gave way to more brown once more as we journeyed north.

For once, the road was only curved, not tightly windy as always before. It was a nice change to be able to drive at 100 km/hr.

Along the Heritage Highway is the largest grouping of Tasmania's most historic villages, many convict built.

The good thing is, with the straighter roads, you can even do the whole Highway in just one day, as we did.

Oatlands Township

Rural scene, Oatlands

The population of Oatlands is only approx 550, so we were quite surprised at just how much there is to see here in one small town.

Located 84 kms north of Hobart (almost halfway between Launceston & Hobart), it has the largest collection of sandstone buildings (138) in a village setting in Australia. 87 of these line both sides of the main street.
The town had a very nice character and feel. The free self guided walking tour was excellent. Descriptive plaques on many historical buildings I found rather helpful too.

Here's a nice rural scene just out of the town, where many english-like stone walls and some old ruined stone buildings can also be found.

Many of the towns in the Heritage Highway region are very colonial/georgian. I’ve deliberately focused on that aspect, because it’s what I loved most (disclaimer: the whole area doesn’t really ALL look like England, just some).

Pros and Cons

Pros:Attractive Heritage buildings and bridges galore
Cons:The restoration of some towns is extremely slow
In a nutshell:A beautiful heritage drive, often reminiscent of England

Last visit to Oatlands: Mar 2003
Intro Updated Apr 19, 2003
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Reviews (5)

Outbuilding in Oatlands Favorites (3)

This is a building beside the historic Callington Mill, which has been under restoration of some form or another as... more travel advice

The 4 corners Square Favorites (3)

At one point in the town of Ross, the street widens into an intersection of 4 squares, said to represent 4... more travel advice

Ross Bakery Inn Favorites (3)

This building was constructed in 1832 and was originally a Coach Inn and changing stables. It was renamed for the 100... more travel advice

Ross Bridge closeup Things to Do (2)

A closer more detailed view of Ross Bridge. I really recommend a visit to this town. I found it pretty, peaceful and... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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pepples46 Jan 8, 2006 at 10:59 AM

what a lovely spot the Oatlands are..Tasmania has many similarities to NZ, don't you think Kate..fine page
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dlandt Mar 19, 2004 at 8:55 PM

My kind of quaint off the beaten path place