Campania
Campania in the Coal River Valley, developed around the railway station opened in 1876, on land that was previously part of the Campania Estate, owned by James Brock.
The Coal River Valley is one of Tasmania's most productive and diverse agricultural regions. It reflects an earlier era when, during the 1820s, the region provided Sydney with essential food supplies.
Campbelltown
Campbell Town was established in 1820s as one of the chain of garrison stations between Launceston and Hobart. Today it is the centre of fine wool and beef cattle production industry. Of interest is the Harold Gatty Memorial. Gatty was born in Campbell Town and was the first navigator to fly the world with Wiley Post in 1931.
Tunbridge
Originally known as Tunbridge Wells (after the famous English spa town.
The town came into existence in 1809 and quickly developed into an important coaching stop between Hobart and Launceston.
Things to see
Tunbridge Manor is at the centre of town and dominates the townscape. Other buildings of importance include the Colonial Homestead was built in 1820, the Tunbridge Wells Inn (now closed down), The Victoria Inn (outside is a sandstone roller used to roll the roads by the convicts), the Coaching Stables (1843), The Blind Chapel (now the Masonic Hall and reputedly 'blind' - no windows - on one side so the parishioners didn't have to look at the local pub, and Bowerman's General Store (a handsome two-storey Georgian building with a five bay facade and slim columns)
Tunbridge Convict Bridge
Built in 1848 it is the oldest single span bridge in Australia. It spans the Blackman River at the northern end of the town. It is particularly important as it is a rare example of a sandstone bridge with timber decking. While your there view Samuel Pages Coach on display.
There is no accommodation in Tunbridge but you will be able to visit Tunbridge Collectables "Pen's Gallery" and purchase some Royal Doulton, Carlton Ware, Murano and more.
While there have a bite to eat off the menu at the tea rooms.
Open every day except Monday
94 Main Road, Tunbridge.
Contact 03) 6255 2014
Colebrook
Colebrook, originally named 'Jerusalem', developed around a substantial convict probabtion station in the 1840s.
Jericho
Jericho, situated on the banks of the Jordan River, was named after the biblical town by Hugh Germaine in 1807. The district of Jericho, comprising many rich grazing and agricultural holdings, spreads from Spring Hill to the boundary of Oatlands, and from Lower Marshes to the Historic property of 'Ringwood' in the Richmond municipality.
The history of Jericho is closely linked with the pioneering era and the building of the Midland Highway, now known as the Heritage Highway.
Four years before the settlement of Oatlands began, the first recorded religious service was held at Jericho on 23 February 1823. From this grew St. James Anglican Church.
Kempton
Kempton, originally Kemp Town, was named after Anthony Fenn Kemp, the first settler to receive a land grant in the district. Kemp had been a key figure in the infamous NSW 'Rum Corp' and once in Van Dieman's Land he quickly used his position to gain control over the colony's rum trade. By fair means and foul he increased his wealth and established the grand homestead of 'Mount Vernon' just north of Kempton.
Kempton once boasted a flour mill, a brewery and numerous hotels and coaching inns which catered fro the travellers of the day.
Oatlands
Largest collection of Georgian sandstone buildings in Australia
Oatlands photographed in 1886
The historic and beautiful township of Oatlands is located 79 km north of Hobart and 115 km south of Launceston on the Midlands Highway (Heritage Highway).
The area was first formally explored by Europeans when Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his party passed through in 1811. It was another decade before Macquarie returned to the district. On the second visit he recognised the present site as 'a very eligible station for a town' and, according to a local plaque, he named the town 'Oatlands' on 3 June 1821. The name reputedly referred to a rich grain-growing area of Macquarie's native Scotland.
Oatlands' importance was guaranteed in 1821 when Macquarie decided to establish a road from George Town (at the time it was known as Port Dalrymple) to Hobart. A number of military posts were established along the road and Oatlands was chosen as one such site.
In the following five years a few settlers moved into the area but it wasn't until the arrival of a military detachment in 1825 that it began to develop.
The early history of the town is a reminder that the local Aborigines did not give up their land without a fight. Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur's decision to lay out a town meant that some 35 workers were sent to the town to construct buildings, clear the ground and create new roads. This small group was at such risk from Aboriginal attack that the troops were sent to guard them. It should also be remembered that Arthur had a rather fanciful notion of rounding up all the Aborigines on Van Diemen's Land and that Oatlands was the centre of these operations. They were famously unsuccessful, spending vast numbers of hours and resources. The Aborigines simply slipped through the infamous 'Black Line' each night and the troops returned after weeks of hunting down the indigenes with only a small boy and an old woman to show for their labours.
In 1832 the town was surveyed by Surveyor Sharland who, believing that Oatlands would eventually become one of Tasmania's major centres, marked out more than 80 km of streets. In the next decade the town grew rapidly so that it now has arguably the finest concentration of Georgian buildings of any town in Australia.
Modern Oatlands is a service centre for the surrounding farming community. It has the usual array of modern facilities which blend successfully with the town's historic past.
Attractions in Oatlands
Callington Mill
Court House
Other historic buildings
Ross
Ross started in 1812 when a garrison of soldiers was established at the ford of the Macquarie River to protect the development of this future town.
Today Ross is a small community, proud of it heritage and active in its presentation. It extends a warm welcome to visitors and offers a wide range of services.
