Longford

Woolmers Estate, Attila Bicskos / Auscape International

Population 3030

Longford was established when numerous settlers from Norfolk Island were given land grants in the area in 1813. Fittingly, the district became known as Norfolk Plains, while the settlement itself was called Latour. Today Longford is classified as a historic town and serves the rich agricultural district just south of Launceston.

Visitor Information

JJ's Bakery at the Old Mill Cafe, 52 Wellington St; (03) 6391 2364

Nearby national parks

  • Ben Lomond National Park

    Ben Lomond National Park, enclosing the largest alpine plateau in the state, is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite...more

  • Mole Creek Karst National Park

    Over 200 caves make up the Mole Creek karst system. The national park comprises a dozen separate blocks, creating a park almost as complex...more

  • Walls of Jerusalem National Park

    Walls of Jerusalem, the fourth largest and the most remote national park in Tasmania, is a stunning landscape of huge rock faces, ancient...more

Nearby towns

  • Evandale

    Just south of Launceston is this classified town, with beautiful buildings of historical and architectural importance. Cyclists come from...more

  • Hadspen

    Hadspen's best-known resident, Thomas Reibey III, became premier of Tasmania after being fired as archdeacon of Launceston's Church of...more

  • Launceston

    Tasmania's second-largest city and a busy tourist centre, Launceston lies nestled in northern hilly country where the Tamar, North Esk...more

In Town

Historic buildings These include the Queen's Arms (1835) in Wellington St, Longford House (1839) in Catherine St and the Racecourse Hotel (1840s) in Wellington St, which was originally built as a railway station then used as a hospital and later a pub, and in which a patron was murdered after stealing and swallowing 2 gold sovereigns from local farmhands. The Racecourse Hotel is now a guesthouse and restaurant. Also on Wellington St is Christ Church, an 1839 sandstone building with outstanding stained-glass windows, pioneer gravestones and a clock and bell presented by George VI. Path of History is the self-guide walk; brochure available from visitor centre.Walk: track along the South Esk River. The Village Green: originally the site of the town market, now a picnic and barbecue spot; Cnr Wellington and Archer sts.

Nearby

Woolmers Estate Woolmers was built c. 1817 by the Archer family, who lived there for 6 generations. Tours of the house, the outbuildings, the gardens and the National Rose Garden are conducted daily and the Servants Kitchen restaurant serves morning and afternoon teas. Lyell Hwy; (03) 6286 3332; 5 km S.Brickendon: historic Georgian homestead built in 1824, now a working farm and historic farm village; open Wed–Sun June–July, Tues–Sun Sept–May; 2 km S. Perth: small town with historic buildings, including Eskleigh and Jolly Farmer Inn, and market on Sun mornings; 5 km NE. Tasmanian Honey Company: tastings and sales of excellent range of honeys including leatherwood and flavoured varieties; 25A Main Rd, Perth; 5 km NE. Woodstock Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary: 150 ha sanctuary for nesting waterfowl; 9 km W. Cressy: good fly-fishing at Brumby's Creek, especially in Nov when mayflies hatch; 10 km S.

Fishing spots near town

Lake River 31 km

‘Tasmania is in drought, we simply don’t have enough water,’ said my guide Roger Butler as we departed Hobart for Lake River, which joins the Macquarie River south of Launceston. We reached our... Find out more


Arthurs Lake 47 km

Tasmanians claim that ‘even novices can catch trout in Arthurs Lake’. This probably explains why this waterway is Tasmania’s most popular trout fishery, hosting more anglers than any other water... Find out more


Great Lake 55 km

A year-round trout fishery, Great Lake is one of Tasmania’s best known waters and a thriving centre for holiday homes. Brown trout were first released here in 1870 and they still dominate the fishery with an... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon 62 km

Little Pine Lagoon is not much to look at, but is highly regarded by fly-fishers for its springtime tailing trout and summer dun hatches. Some anglers rate it Tasmania’s premier fly-fishing water. This small water... Find out more


Bronte System 84 km

Trout anglers probably already know that Tasmania’s Central Highland lakes are among the best in the world. Many offer fly- fishers an opportunity to sight-fish for tailing trout around the lake margins.... Find out more


St Helens 101 km

Most mainlanders once regarded Tasmania’s east coast seaport of St Helens as a gamefishing destination, and little else. Anglers came here to head offshore in search of marlin, tuna and sharks. However, the... Find out more


Salmon Ponds 128 km

Most Australian trout anglers regard Tasmania as the nation’s premier trout destination. It’s like Tasmania was purpose-designed for trout, with hundreds of lakes and a cooler climate. Mother Nature... Find out more


Twin Lakes 134 km

I always thought the title of John Gierach’s entertaining book Where the Trout are all as Long as your Leg was a little farfetched, until I realised it related to a time when he was five years old. I am a little... Find out more


The Springs 143 km

Visitors to Hobart who are short on time can get a trout fix less than 20 mins’ drive from the CBD at an exclusive fishery called The Springs. It is a year-round fishery and is restricted to a maximum of two... Find out more


Flinders Island 181 km

Flinders Island is halfway across Bass Strait. Air travel to the island is limited but it’s worth the effort. Most anglers who visit the island and sample the fishing return full of praise for the place. Flinders... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Tamar Island 19 km

This important wetland habitat just 10 minutes from the heart of Launceston features a great bird-viewing hide, 3.2 kilometres of easy walking tracks and an interpretation centre.... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 60 km

One of the most respected and long-running wildlife parks in Tasmania, Trowunna is involved in conservation, education and rehabilitation. There is a wide range of wildlife on display, including devils, reptiles, quolls... Find out more


Forest Ecocentre, Scottsdale 60 km

The uniquely designed building is probably the key attraction here. Designed to use 20 per cent less energy than conventional structures, it has a building within a building, with a central funnel and large fan. Learn... Find out more


Low Head Penguin Tours 65 km

Every night at dusk this comprehensive but inexpensive tour takes visitors to a little penguin-nesting site near the mouth of the Tamar River, where you can watch the penguins waddle ashore to return to their nests. The... Find out more


Platypus Encounters, Latrobe 72 km

Three brothers almost single-handedly turned an old quarry site into one of the most reliable places in the world to see wild platypus. In fact, the guided tours have never failed to encounter a platypus in Warrawee... Find out more


Tarkine Trails 82 km

Delve deeply into the temperate rainforest of the Tarkine Wilderness on a multi-day bushwalk with Tarkine Trails. Unashamedly made up of conservation activists, the company is keen to show you why the Tarkine area should... Find out more


Giant crayfish research, near Ulverstone 93 km

Tasmania has the largest freshwater crayfish in the world, and they can grow up to a metre in length, with claws that could cut a person’s hand off. You can go out on a research trip with the world’s expert... Find out more


Gunns Plains Cave 97 km

Located just south-west of Gunns Plains (some 23 kilometres south-west of Ulverstone), this is yet another great limestone cave. It has one of the largest shawl formations in the Southern Hemisphere, glow worms aplenty... Find out more


The Overland Track 98 km

Deservedly the most well-known, multiday walking route in Australia, this 65- to 80-kilometre route through Cradle Mountain– Lake St Clair National Park is a classic (for national park information, see park entry... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 103 km

Although diving might not be your first thought when you head south to Tasmania, the temperate waters usually provide much greater visibility than tropical waters, and offer a surprisingly rich and diverse range of flora... Find out more


Golf courses around town

Barnbougle Dunes Links 72 km

Bridport used to be a sleepy fishing village on Tasmania’s north-east coast. That all changed in 2004. In December of that year Barnbougle Dunes Links opened for play on the eastern outskirts of town – and... Find out more


Barnbougle Dunes Links (Lost Farm course) 73 km

When Barnbougle Dunes opened for play in 2004 it did have a few critics who suggested it was too far away from the golfing masses to be financially successful. How wrong they were. If a golf course is good enough,... Find out more


Tasmania Golf Club 138 km

The challenge a golf course presents can often be measured by the quality of player it produces. At Tasmania Golf Club, the name Goggin crops up regularly on the honour boards. Lindy Goggin, a three-time Australian... Find out more


Royal Hobart Golf Club 143 km

Royal Hobart Golf Club has come a long way from humble beginnings. It started out at Sandy Bay, not far from where Wrest Point Casino stands today, in 1896. Known as the Newlands course, it was an incredible par- 89:... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

JJs Bakery and Old Mill Cafe

Since it was built by convicts in 1853 as the Emerald Flour Mill, this place has been a grain, skin and wool store, and soap factory. But don’t let that deter you. It was transformed into a bakery in 1989 and... Find out more


The Racecourse Inn Restaurant

It doesn’t get more romantic than dinner for two at Longford’s famous Racecourse Inn Restaurant. This elegant dining spot serves up some enticing dishes, catering for non-guests of the inn if bookings are... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 89 km

Purple Possum is in the great little town of St Marys, midway between St Helens and Bicheno. The cafe is wholly vegetarian, and you can take away a range of organic fruit and vegetables and locally grown supplies.... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 19 km

With several different owners over the past 100 years, J. Boag and Son typifies the sometimes turbulent history of Australian brewing and the minor miracle of surviving at all into the 21st century. Scotsman James Boag... Find out more


Iron House Brewery 100 km

When White Sands Resort came on the market a few years ago it proved too tempting for Devonport businessman John White, who already runs several companies bearing his surname. Rebranded as White Sands Estate, the... Find out more


Two Metre Tall Company 126 km

Ashley Huntington actually is 2 metres tall – probably taller if you include his mop of curly hair – and his generous height is also the name for the craftbrewing enterprise he runs from the Derwent... Find out more


Moo Brew 135 km

With its striking, glass and steel brewhouse perched high above the Derwent River, Moo Brew is probably the best-appointed microbrewery in the land. It’s also part of Moorilla Estate, situated on the outskirts of... Find out more


Cascade Brewery 144 km

It’s impossible not to wax lyrical about the Cascade Brewery. It is the oldest working brewery in the country, one of the quaintest-looking industrial buildings and it’s located in the most picturesque of... Find out more


Campsites around town

Andy’s Motorhome and Camper Park 25 km

Behind Westbury’s 24 hr bakery cafe, this motorhome park is a convenient stopover 30 min from Launceston, with great facilities including a laundry, dump point and wireless hotspot. While you’re here, check... Find out more


Lower Liffey Reserve campsite 30 km

Liffey Falls is a series of beautiful waterfalls – all of which can be viewed from observation decks – cascading through dense myrtle rainforest on the edge of the Great Western Tiers. Access is via Lake Hwy... Find out more


Myrtle Park Recreation Ground 38 km

This delightful camping area is next to the pretty St Patricks River in the little township of Targa, about halfway between Launceston and Scottsdale on the Tasman Hwy A3. The camping area is beside riverbank willows,... Find out more


Lilydale Falls Reserve camping area 42 km

In the middle of Tasmania’s north-eastern wine region, 2.5 km north of the little township of Lilydale on Golconda Rd B81, this pleasant campground has shady sites beneath a parkland of mature trees. The... Find out more


Ben Lomond camping area 42 km

At the picnic area beside the road, 1 km inside the park boundary, there are 6 camping sites in an area of beautiful lowland gums, mountain pepper bushes and snowberries. To get to the park, take the C401 towards Upper... Find out more


Jonah Bay campground 43 km

Anglers come to this lake more than any other in Tasmania for its wild brown trout. The average catch rate is 2 fish per angler per day, so few go away disappointed. The camping areas are clustered around the boat ramp... Find out more


Bush camping 46 km

Bushwalkers can camp anywhere in the park, as long it is at least 500 m from any road. You’ll need to carry drinking water and a fuel stove, and be prepared for all weather conditions. Walkers should register at... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay camping ground 48 km

This beautifully maintained, scenic campground beside Arthurs Lake has open grassed areas among the trees which are perfect for larger rigs. The lake is not just for anglers; campers of all kinds love this place,... Find out more


Woods Lake camping area (bush camping) 53 km

Woods is an all-round angling water with a naturally sustained population of brown trout. There are bush camping sites between the boat ramp and the dam wall, as well as around the north-eastern edge of the lake. No... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Longford Riverside Caravan Park 2 km

This park, with good amenities, is located on the banks of the Macquarie River, only a few hundred metres from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Treasure Island Caravan Park 17 km

Launceston has just this one caravan park. It is about 2 km south of the city centre and is easily accessible from the freeway when approaching from the south. The park has good facilities and is a good base to use when... Find out more


Deloraine Apex Caravan Park 40 km

With good facilities, this park is about a oneand- a-half hour drive to Cradle Mountain and about half that to Great Lake. There are good bushwalks in the area. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 56 km

Close to the centre of town, on the banks of the Macquarie River and adjoining historic buildings, this small, appealing park is one of the better parks in the midlands. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Low Head Tourist Park 63 km

A lot of recent development has transformed this into an attractive park. There are large grassy areas, and most facilities for the discerning traveller are here. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday Park 63 km

The park is set on a large expanse of grassy, maintained grounds and includes a small golf course. It has good amenities, a wellstocked store and a great outlook over the broad estuary of the River Tamar. Wombats... Find out more


Port Sorell Lions Caravan Park 68 km

This popular beachfront park is owned and operated by the Lions Club. It is close to the centre of town, adjacent to the boat ramp and ideal for family holidays. It is an easy drive to the Devonport ferry terminal from... Find out more


Bay View Holiday Village 78 km

Close to the beach on the east side of Devonport, this park is just a short drive to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Abel Tasman Caravan Park 79 km

Located just a couple of blocks from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal, this park has obvious benefits for those arriving or departing by the boat. The park has sites to cater for all size rigs and is ideal for a longer... Find out more


BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park 93 km

This is a good quality park with spacious grassy areas and a range of facilities, about 1 km from the town centre and close to the surf club on East Beach. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Country Club Hotel

Known locally as ‘the middle pub’ and located in the centre of Longford, this popular hotel has comfortable budget-priced rooms with shared facilities and a welcoming atmosphere. Behind the building’s heritage facade,... Find out more


Longford Boutique Accommodation

With its imposing Georgian street frontage, you’d be forgiven for thinking this 1865 building is Longford’s bank or post office. Instead, it houses an elegant three-bedroom B&B furnished with period... Find out more


Panshanger Estate B&B

One wing of this handsome sandstone homestead is a luxurious two-bedroom apartment, where guests can relax in the elegant surroundings of one of Australia’s finest heritage estates. Dating back to 1835, and set among... Find out more


The Racecourse Inn

With roses trailing over its convict-made brickwork, this picture-perfect two-storey Georgian B&B is steeped in the history of Longford, itself one of the earliest villages settled in Tasmania. Each suite is... Find out more


Woolmers Estate

This grand estate was held by six generations of Archers from 1817 until the last heir bequeathed it – seemingly unchanged since colonial times – as a historic site in 1994. In the picturesque grounds there... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Rainbow Retreat 92 km

The owners of this 30-hectare nature reserve at St Marys are wildlife carers who rehabilitate then release wildlife on the property, so there are plenty of their old friends wandering around, including wombats,... Find out more


Mountain Valley, Loongana 98 km

Mountain Valley is off the beaten tourist track, situated around 64 kilometres south-west of Devonport (due south of Burnie). Visitors here stay in rustic cabins with open fireplaces on a private and remote 60-hectare... Find out more


Waldheim Cabins 98 km

You can steal a march on everyone else in the morning by staying in historic cabins at a beautiful spot within Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park, operated by the Parks and Wildlife Service. The cabins are... Find out more


Cradle Mountain Lodge 99 km

Live in the lap of luxury – old style – with a warm and welcoming central lodge, surrounded by individual cabins. Like nearly any large lodge, it does not have a perfect environmental record, but this... Find out more


Curringa Farm 109 km

Near Hamilton, about an hour’s drive west of Hobart, this eco-accredited 300-hectare property gives visitors a taste of sustainable farming practices.Give a couple of day’s notice and you can tour the farm,... Find out more


Peppermint Ridge Retreat, Woodbridge 174 km

Even without the stunning views over the D’Entrecasteaux Channel from 6-metre-high windows, the pademelons that hop around, or the free-range eggs and organic vegetable garden that guests are allowed to raid in... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Perth Park Area 6 km

North side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 34.286 E147 10.184... Find out more


Conara Rest Area 37 km

11 km N of Campbell Town (L) or 37 km S of Perth (R) Large area just off the highway on the road into town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 49.805 E147 26.332... Find out more


Myrtle Park Camp Area 39 km

31 km SW of Scottsdale (R) or 31 km NE of Launceston (L) Large grassed camp area just off the highway on the banks of St Patrick’s River. Kiosk and telephone nearby. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 18.664... Find out more


Jonah Bay Camp Area 43 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area in a natural bush setting on edge of the lake 10 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road and Gunns Marsh Road. NOTE: Access road part... Find out more


Sideling Lookout Park Area 47 km

17 km SW of Scottsdale (L) or 45 km NE of Launceston (R) Small area adjacent to the highway with good views over the surrounding countryside. Good facilities. GPS: S41 15.440 E147 25.844... Find out more


Campbell Town Rest Area 48 km

South side of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the river. Limited shade. GPS: S41 55.922 E147 29.372... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 49 km

T/O 13 km SE of Miena (L) or 43 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large open area on edge of the lake 6 kilometres north of the highway via Poatina Road. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S41 59.977 E146 51.076... Find out more


Ross Park Area 56 km

South side of town Very small area at the historic bridge well off the highway on the road into the township. GPS: S42 01.876 E147 29.401... Find out more


Parramatta Creek Rest Area 58 km

26 km NW of Deloraine (L) or 17 km SE of Latrobe (R) Pleasant area just off the highway among some large trees on the bank of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 19.830 E146 31.826 ... Find out more


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 58 km

T/O 20 SE of Miena (L) or 36 km NW of Bothwell (R) Large area located 4 kilometres east of the highway (turn off at Steppes) on the shores of the lake. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S42 06.677 E146 56.163... Find out more


Scottsdale Rest Area 59 km

East side of town Large area just off the highway. Very good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S41 09.977 E147 31.380... Find out more


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 61 km

T/O at Miena via Marlborough Highway Small camping area located 12 kilometres south-west of Miena. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S42 00.005 E146 36.661... Find out more


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 65 km

29 km SE of Miena (R) or 27 km NW of Bothwell (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 10.356 E146 54.285... Find out more


St Peters Pass Rest Area 75 km

8 km N of Oatlands (R) or 28 km S of Ross (L) Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 14.547 E147 24.317  ... Find out more


Derby Park Area 77 km

North side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway on the banks of the river. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S41 08.517 E147 47.843 ... Find out more


Oatlands Rest Area 80 km

North side of town Narrow open areas on the banks of a shallow lake just off the main street. GPS: S42 18.042 E147 22.559 ... Find out more


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 82 km

28 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 21 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the shores of the lagoon. GPS: S42 10.777 E146 30.033... Find out more


Bradys Lake Camp Area 87 km

36 km SE of Derwent Bridge (L) or 13 km N of Tarraleah (R) Small open grassy area located 1 kilometre off the highway on the shores of the lake. No facilities or shade. GPS: S42 13.920 E146 29.820... Find out more


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 87 km

3 km SE of Bothwell (R) or 18 km NW of Midland Hwy (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 23.293 E147 02.645 ... Find out more


Scamander Forest Camp Area 94 km

T/O at Beaumaris Small camp area 11 kilometres west of Beaumaris via Skyline Drive among trees on Trout Creek. Good shade. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 95 km

44 km SE of Derwent Bridge (R) or 5 km N of Tarraleah (L) Small area adjacent to the highway on the riverbank. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 17.921 E146 27.511... Find out more


Lagoon Beach Camp Area 98 km

29 km N of Bicheno (R) or 28 km S of Scamander (L) Large camp area well off the highway with numerous secluded sites in the scrub between the lagoon and the beach. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S41... Find out more


Shelly Point Camp Area 98 km

4 km N of Scamander (R) or 14 km S of St Helens (L) Small camp area located just off the highway in the scrub near the foreshore. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 26.114 E148 13.532... Find out more


Denison Beach Rest Area 99 km

6 km N of Bicheno (R) or 51 km S of Scamander (L) Very small secluded area adjacent to the highway surrounded by scrub near the foreshore. GPS: S41 49.639 E148 15.901... Find out more


Swansea Park Area 99 km

South side of town Small parking area on the Esplanade. Good facilities. GPS: S42 07.865 E148 04.538 ... Find out more


Little Beach Camp Area 99 km

32 km N of Bicheno (R) or 25 km S of Scamander (L) Large area just off the highway near the beach. Limited shade. GPS: S41 37.574 E148 18.736  ... Find out more


St Helens Park Area 100 km

South side of town on the foreshore Small parking area on the foreshore adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S41 20.455 E148 15.812... Find out more


Paddys Island Camp Area 100 km

8 km N of Scamander (R) or 10 km S of St Helens (L) Very small campground located just off the highway in the scrub. NOTE: Campervans only. GPS: S41 23.716 E148 17.340... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 101 km

44 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 5 km SW of Swansea (L) Small secluded area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 10.149 E148 04.429 ... Find out more


Dianas Basin Camp Area 102 km

T/O 10 km N of Scamander (R) or 8 km S of St Helens (L) Large area well off the highway between the basin and the beach with numerous secluded campsites located in the scrub. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. ... Find out more


What's on around town

Longford Picnic Day Races: held at the oldest operating racecourse in Australia; Jan.

Blessing of the Harvest Festival: celebration of the rural tradition with parade and Sheaf Tossing Championships; Mar.

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