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Pontville

Bonorong Wildlife Park, Rob Walls / Auscape International

Population 2170

The area around Pontville (declared a town in 1830) was first explored by Europeans when Hobart experienced severe food shortages in the early 1800s. Soldiers were sent north to kill emus and kangaroos. One of them, Private Hugh Germain, is allegedly responsible for the unusual names found in the region, such as Bagdad, Jericho, Lake Tiberius and Jordan River. Legend has it that Germain carried copies of Arabian Nights and The Bible and found his inspiration within.

Visitor Information

Council offices, Tivoli Rd, Gagebrook; (03) 6268 7000

Nearby national parks

  • Mount Field National Park

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

  • Southwest National Park

    Rarely visited by Europeans for nearly 200 years, in the 1970s Tasmania’s south-west became the inspiration of wildlife photographers...more

  • 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

Nearby towns

  • Richmond

    Richmond, just north of Hobart, is one of the most important historic towns in Tasmania. Richmond Bridge is the oldest surviving freestone...more

  • New Norfolk

    This National Trust–classified town looks like a little piece of Kent in England with colonial buildings, heritage gardens and a...more

  • Sorell

    The south-eastern town of Sorell was founded in 1821, and was important in early colonial times for providing most of the state's grain....more

In Town

Historic buildings Many buildings remain from Pontville's early days, including the Romanesque St Mark's Church (1841), The Sheiling (1819) and The Row, thought to have been built in 1824 as soldiers quarters. On or adjacent to Midland Hwy.

Nearby

Bonorong Wildlife Park: popular attraction showing Tasmanian devils, quolls, echidnas, koalas, wombats and Forester kangaroos; Briggs Rd, Brighton; 5 km S. Historic towns: Brighton (3 km S), Tea Tree (7 km E), Bagdad (8 km N), Broadmarsh (10 km W) and Kempton (19 km N).

Port Arthur see inset box on next page

Fishing spots near town

The Springs 23 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


Salmon Ponds 25 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 40 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


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


Arthurs Lake 84 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


Lake River 91 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


Great Lake 91 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 94 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


St Helens 172 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


Eco-friendly activities around town

Island Cycle Tours 23 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 23 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 24 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


Living History Museum of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 54 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


Tahune AirWalk 63 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 76 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


Freycinet Adventures 105 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 124 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


Tamar Island 139 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


Tarkine Trails 142 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


Golf courses around town

Tasmania Golf Club 25 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 27 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 187 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) 188 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

The Crown Inn Bistro

Known locally as ‘the Pontville Hotel’, this 1835 pub is reputed to have been a regular haunt for bushrangers on the Midland Highway, including notorious highwayman Martin Cash. These days it’s a... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

Purple Possum Wholefoods and Cafe 144 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 14 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 24 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


Two Metre Tall Company 26 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


Boag's (J.Boag & Son) 139 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 151 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

Kempton Overnight Bay 18 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 39 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


Lake Dulverton Roadside Stopover camping area 44 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


Land of the Giants Caravan Park and Campground 45 km

This pretty caravan park and campground next to the Tyenna River has sites suitable for every camper, from big rigs to 2-man tents. Set yourself up on the neat lawns underneath giant swamp gums and as evening draws in... Find out more


Bethune Park camping area 47 km

Beside Meadowbank Lake, this grassy camping and picnic area has sites that can accommodate big rigs. Perfect for waterskiers and anglers, there’s a launching ramp close by on the eastern side of Dunrobin Bridge.... Find out more


Lime Bay camping area 47 km

On the secluded north-east tip of Tasman Peninsula, this peaceful campground is near the 1833 Coal Mines Historic Site, where Port Arthur’s most hardened convicts were sent for punishment. Among the still-visible... Find out more


Franklin Foreshore camping and caravan area 50 km

After a day touring the gourmet delights of the Huon Valley, this riverside park is a good central location to camp. There are sites all along the foreshore just a short walk from Franklin’s main street. Facilities... Find out more


Cygnet Holiday Park 55 km

Cygnet is the Huon Valley’s top foodie destination and accommodation can be hard to find at peak times. On top of that, each Jan thousands of music lovers come to town for Cygnet’s lively summer folk... Find out more


Shipwrights Point Regatta Ground and Recreation Reserve 58 km

Within an hour’s drive from both the Tahune AirWalk and Hastings Caves, this informal foreshore camping area has plenty of room for the kids to run around, as well as a small playground to keep them occupied. The... Find out more


White Beach Tourist Park 61 km

If you’re travelling with the family and a boat, this park is ideal. It’s on a safe swimming beach and there’s every amenity you’ll need, from the laundry and kiosk to the playground and rec room.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Treasure Island Caravan Park 14 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 19 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 22 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


Snug Beach Cabin and Caravan Park 42 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


White Beach Tourist Park 61 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


Port Arthur Holiday Park 69 km

This is a high-quality park with good facilities, close to the beach. The area is popular for surfing, fishing and bushwalking and is a good base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula. Bookings are required in peak periods... Find out more


Wayatinah Lakeside Caravan Park 71 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


Ross Caravan Park 75 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


Lake St Clair Lodge 110 km

This park, on the southern shores of Lake St Clair, is 5 km from Derwent Bridge. It has basic national park-style amenities and is located next to the interpretive centre within the park boundary. A national park permit... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Lythgo’s Row Cottages

Along a driveway lined with elms and rhododendrons, this whitewashed Georgian terrace of two-storey cottages is steeped in Pontville’s convict past. The builder, William Lythgo, and his wife, Sarah, were... Find out more


Armytage House

Armytage House is a superb renovation of the 1830s barn that used to store the grain for Milford Manor. The manor is long gone but the sandstone and handmade-brick walls of the barn enclose honey-coloured polished... Find out more


Eco-friendly places to stay around town

Curringa Farm 41 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 54 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 147 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 159 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 164 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 177 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

Kempton Camp Area 18 km

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


New Norfolk Park Area 19 km

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


Gretna Park Area 27 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


Pub with no Beer Rest Area 38 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


Hamilton Rest Area 38 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


Oatlands Rest Area 44 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


Bethune Camp Area 47 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


Dunalley Park Area 50 km

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


St Peters Pass Rest Area 50 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


Ouse Rest Area 50 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


Raspins Beach Park Area 53 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


Murdunna Park Area 57 km

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


Blackburn Creek Rest Area 64 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


Little Swanport Rest Area 68 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


Lagoon of Islands Rest Area 69 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


Ross Park Area 75 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


Fortescue Bay Camp Area 77 km

T/O 15 km S of Eaglehawk Neck (L) or 4 km N of Port Arthur (R) Large campground located 12 kilometres east of the highway in a natural bush setting near the foreshore in Tasman National Park. Good facilities and shade.... Find out more


Mayfield Bay Camp Area 79 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


Nive River Rest Area 79 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


Bradys Lake Camp Area 81 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


Pumphouse Bay Camp Area 83 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


Bronte Lagoon Rest Area 84 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


Campbell Town Rest Area 86 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


Spikey Beach Park Area 86 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


Jonah Bay Camp Area 86 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


Cressy Beach Park Area 88 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 91 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 93 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


Conara Rest Area 96 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


Moulting Lagoon Camp Area 104 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


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