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Oatlands

Callington Mill, prior to the renovations, Attila Bicskos / Auscape International

Population 540

Approaching Oatlands from the north, look out for the topiary and striking metal sculptures by the roadside. The topiaries are a local tradition from the 1960s, while the recently created metal sculptures depict earlier times in the district. The town is on the shores of Lake Dulverton and has the largest collection of Georgian sandstone buildings in a village environment – with much of the stone from local quarries.

Visitor Information

Heritage Highway Visitors Centre, 1 Mill La; (03) 6254 1212

www.heritagehighwaytasmania.com.au

Nearby national parks

  • Maria Island National Park

    With a west coast characterised by gentle sloping hills and an east coast of towering cliffs dropping dramatically to the sea, Maria Island...more

  • Mount Field National Park

    Mount Field, one of the oldest national parks in Tasmania, displays a wonderful natural diversity. Rainforest communities comprise cool...more

  • Freycinet National Park

    Freycinet National Park is a rare combination of dramatic mountains and picturesque beaches along a narrow twisted peninsula, dissected by a...more

Nearby towns

  • Bothwell

    Australia's first golf course was created in Bothwell in 1837, making golf a point of pride. There are many craft shops and art galleries...more

  • Ross

    One of the oldest and most beautiful bridges in Australia spans the Macquarie River in Ross, a tiny village founded in 1812. Completed in...more

  • Pontville

    The area around Pontville (declared a town in 1830) was first explored by Europeans when Hobart experienced severe food shortages in the...more

In Town

Callington Mill Built in 1836, the old mill is a feature of Oatlands that was fully operational until 1892. After being battered by the elements and gutted by fire in the early 1900s, it was finally restored as part of Australia's bicentenary. The view from the top floor takes in Lake Dulverton. The Oatlands Heritage Highway Visitors Centre is also located at the mill and runs tours 10am–4pm daily. 1 Mill La.

Lake Dulverton: the lake is stocked with trout and onshore is a wildlife sanctuary protecting many bird species. Popular picnic spot; Esplanade. Fielding's Ghost Tours: tours run by local historian Peter Fielding; bookings on (03) 6254 1135. Historical walk: takes in the many Georgian buildings, including the convict-built Court House (1829); 'Welcome to Historic Oatlands' brochure from visitor centre. Scottish, Irish and Welsh Shop: stocks over 500 tartans, clan crests, badges, pins, and arts and crafts; open Sun–Mon and Thurs–Fri; 64 High St. Skulduggery: mystery tour game following true crime clues around town; available from visitor centre.

Nearby

Convict-built mud walls: 13 km S on Jericho Rd. Fishing: excellent trout fishing in Lake Sorell and Lake Crescent; 29 km NW.

Fishing spots near town

Lake River 53 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 54 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


Twin Lakes 56 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


Salmon Ponds 60 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


The Springs 65 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


Great Lake 66 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 72 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 73 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 132 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


Flinders Island 243 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

Island Cycle Tours 65 km

This innovative company offers guided and self-guided cycling tours, ranging from three-hour jaunts in and around Hobart, to three-week expeditions on the west coast. There are trips to combine cycling and hiking, and... Find out more


Salamanca Market 65 km

With so much excellent fresh produce in Tasmania, you should consider picking up some local organic fruits and vegetables and cooking up your own feast. Try the famous Salamanca Market (Saturday 8.30am–3pm) or City... Find out more


Mount Wellington Walks 67 km

You can quite easily pick up a map and explore Hobart’s wilderness playground on your own but, for initiates, the maze of tracks may be best travelled with a guide who will show you bushfoods and wildlife, teach... Find out more


Freycinet Adventures 79 km

One of the best ways to experience the Freycinet environment is a morning paddle with Freycinet Adventures. You glide across Great Oyster Bay to a beautiful secluded beach, indulging in a scrumptious morning tea with... Find out more


Diving and snorkelling along Tasmania's east coast 91 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


Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 97 km

Set in a former Methodist church that had strong ties with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, this little museum near Cygnet showcases Indigenous history, artefacts, art and bush tucker. It is generally open on weekends... Find out more


Tamar Island 98 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


Tahune AirWalk 102 km

Located 29 kilometres from Geeveston, this unashamed public relations exercise for Forestry Tasmania starts on the serpentine drive out to the AirWalk, where signs clearly state when an area was last logged. There are... Find out more


Diving in Fortescue Bay 105 km

One of the most coveted Tasmanian diving experiences is through the towering kelp forests found along areas of the east coast. These plants can grow as much as a metre a day, reaching heights of nearly 50 metres in some... Find out more


Trowunna Wildlife Park, Mole Creek 115 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


Golf courses around town

Tasmania Golf Club 58 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 63 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


Barnbougle Dunes Links 144 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) 145 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


Cafes & restaurants around town

Casaveen

At Casaveen, located in the midst of Tasmania’s fine merino wool country, you can watch this world-renowned fibre being fashioned into country-style jumpers, scarves and beanies. Once you’ve browsed the... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 105 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

Moo Brew 57 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


Two Metre Tall Company 58 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


Cascade Brewery 66 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


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 99 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 113 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


Campsites around town

Lake Dulverton Roadside Stopover camping area 1 km

A stopover here is worthwhile to check out the historic town of Oatlands. Take a walking tour around the town, a nature walk around the lake or drive around the district on the drystone wall tour. The layover is... Find out more


Dago Point camping area 25 km

Among tall trees along the Lake Sorell foreshore there are about 100 gloriously secluded camping spots. It is more than likely you’ll be the only one here, with just a few fishing lodges for company. There’s... Find out more


Kempton Overnight Bay 29 km

This sizeable layover is ideal for travellers looking for a quiet overnight stop between Hobart and Launceston. Tiny Kempton has an old-world village atmosphere with galleries, cafes, churches and heritage houses to... Find out more


Bothwell Caravan Park 31 km

Right in the centre of town, this unshaded gravel park in Market Place is set up mainly for vans rather than tents. Bothwell is off the beaten track but well worth a visit for its history and craft, not forgetting it is... Find out more


Ross Caravan Park 32 km

This riverside cabin and van park is set among lovely mature trees close to the beautiful sandstone Ross Bridge – the third oldest in Australia. The kids will love the swimming pool and playground across the road,... Find out more


Woods Lake camping area (bush camping) 38 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


Lake Leake camping area 48 km

Back in the 1880s this lake was created for Campbell Town’s water supply. Today it’s a premium trout water, regularly stocked with brook and rainbow trout, and said to offer some of Tasmania’s best... Find out more


Mayfield Bay camping area 54 km

Space for seaside camping is tucked in beside the Tasman Hwy A3 at the southern end of Mayfield Bay, 15 km south of Swansea. There is plenty of room for big rigs here, and with boat launching access chances are... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Ross Caravan Park 32 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


Treasure Island Caravan Park 57 km

Located about 9 km north-west of the city, this is a quiet, off-highway park on the banks of the Derwent River. It is close to the Cadbury Factory, a popular tourist attraction, and close to shops. This is an older park... Find out more


New Norfolk Caravan Park 58 km

Across the road from the Derwent River, the park is in a picturesque location just 1.5 km from the centre of town. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Barilla Holiday Park 59 km

This is a quality park on the outskirts of greater Hobart. It has most facilities for the discerning traveller including an eatery, and a ‘putt-putt’ golf course that is worth seeing. We like this park.... Find out more


Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 72 km

This is a neat lakeside park with basic facilities at a budget price and suitable for a night or two. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Longford Riverside Caravan Park 82 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


Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 85 km

A quality seaside park south of Hobart, this place is tourist oriented and has good facilities at a good price. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Bicheno East Coast Holiday Park 91 km

This is a good quality tourist park with a larger number of sites. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies over public holidays.... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 95 km

This popular, quality park is only 1 km from historic Port Arthur. Sitting high above the water it has good facilities and large shady trees. It is very busy during holiday periods and bookings are required at these... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Lakeview Cottage

If you don’t mind sharing and you’re on a budget, Lakeview Cottage sleeps up to ten in an 1827 rough-hewn sandstone cottage with a modern extension. There is a communal kitchen and shared bathroom. The... Find out more


Oatlands Lodge

This grand two-storey Georgian manor house is a reminder that Oatlands was once planned as one of Tasmania’s most important cities, with 80 kilometres of streets surveyed but never laid out. The Lodge was built... Find out more


Waverley Cottage 
Collection

Dotted in and around the little colonial village of Oatlands, four of these five cottages date back to the mid-1800s and they all offer a variety of B&B choices. The oldest is two-storey Amelia Cottage in the High... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Curringa Farm 55 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 97 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


Rainbow Retreat 108 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


Waldheim Cabins 139 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 143 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


Mountain Valley, Loongana 152 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


Rest areas around town

Oatlands Rest Area 1 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


St Peters Pass Rest Area 7 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


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 28 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


Kempton Camp Area 29 km

South end of town   Large area just off the highway. Good facilities.   GPS: S42 31.940 E147 12.112... Find out more


Ross Park Area 32 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


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 41 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


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 41 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


Campbell Town Rest Area 42 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


Little Swanport Rest Area 47 km

21 km N of Triabunna (L) or 28 km S of Swansea (R) Small parking area on the north side of the bridge at Swanport River. Limited shade. GPS: S42 19.915 E147 56.389... Find out more


Raspins Beach Park Area 51 km

1 km N of Orford (R) or 7 km S of Triabunna (L) Small area near the highway overlooking the foreshore. Toilets located 200 metres south. GPS: S42 32.899 E147 53.082... Find out more


Hamilton Rest Area 53 km

Middle of town Large grassed area just off the highway on the banks of the Clyde River. Good facilities including laundry (key from council offices with deposit). Limited shade. GPS: S42 33.571 E146 49.859... Find out more


Conara Rest Area 53 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


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 54 km

34 km N of Triabunna (R) or 15 km S of Swansea (L) Small camp area adjacent to the highway on the foreshore with excellent coastal views. Good shade. GPS: S42 14.436 E148 00.743... Find out more


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 54 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


Jonah Bay Camp Area 54 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


Gretna Park Area 55 km

Middle of town Small area adjacent to the highway next to the sports oval and fire station. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S42 40.711 E146 56.161 ... Find out more


Ouse Rest Area 57 km

East side of town Large grassed area adjacent to the highway at Grace Nicholson Apex Park. Limited shade and facilities. GPS: S42 29.125 E146 42.859... Find out more


New Norfolk Park Area 58 km

Middle of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S42 46.653 E147 04.256... Find out more


Bethune Camp Area 58 km

T/O 7 km SE of Ouse (R) or 7 km NW of Hamilton (L) Large grassed area 2.3 kilometres south-west of the highway via Dawson Road. NOTE: Self-contained vehicles only. GPS: S42 32.135 E146 43.837... Find out more


Spikey Beach Park Area 59 km

42 km NE of Triabunna (R) or 7 km S of Swansea (L) Small area just off the highway on the foreshore. GPS: S42 11.094 E148 04.000  ... Find out more


Cressy Beach Park Area 60 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


Swansea Park Area 62 km

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


Little Pine Lagoon Camp Area 71 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


Bradys Lake Camp Area 72 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


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 73 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


Dunalley Park Area 75 km

South side of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S42 53.444 E147 48.332... Find out more


Nive River Rest Area 75 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


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 75 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 22 kilometres south of highway on the foreshore. Limited shade. GPS: S42 05.213 E148 13.986... Find out more


Coles Bay Camp Area 79 km

T/O 34 km NE of Swansea (R) or 9 km SW of Bicheno (L) Large camp area located 29 kilometres south of highway near the foreshore. Limited shade. NOTE: Powered sites available. GPS: S42 07.435 E148 17.810 ... Find out more


Murdunna Park Area 83 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S42 56.913 E147 51.981... Find out more


What's on around town

Oatlands Open Day: Oct.

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