The towns along the Heritage Highway are filled with old-world charm and beautiful architecture. They are home to beautiful galleries, arts and crafts, cafes and character-filled country pubs.
There is more to this region than meets the eye and to fully appreciate the history and charm, it is best to take your time. Enjoy a stopover and an overnight stay in one of many heritage stays that grace the midlands and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Heritage Highway.
Raffah House
Located in the town of Oatlands, Raffah House is a charming sandstone home that was once a bustling maternity hospital in the early 1900s. Today, it has been given a sympathetic renovation maintaining its heritage feel while adding all the creature comforts. Complimentary gin and tonic on arrival, seasonal vegetable garden and French linen – you’ll be so relaxed you might just add a few extra nights to the stay.
Elm Cottage Barn
Elm Cottage Barn, also located in Oatlands, is tucked behind beautiful private gardens and is a secluded retreat. The barn offers a French provincial feel with barn doors that open onto the private garden and orchard.
The charming little barn is found on the grounds of the Elm Cottage, a Georgian sandstone cottage built by convict labour in 1837. The cottage has been converted to a beautiful lifestyle store filled with homewares and gifts for guests to explore.
Woolmers Estate
World Heritage Listed Woolmers Estate in Longford is one of Australia’s most important examples of 19th-century rural settlements in Australia. The estate includes family houses, workers cottages a former chapel and blacksmith’s shop and many more outbuildings. Visitors can stay in the historic cottages which have been updated to include modern conveniences while keeping with the authentic feel of the 1840s. This unique self-contained colonial accommodation overlooks the meandering Macquarie River in Tasmania with the stunning surrounding mountains as the backdrop.
Brickendon Estate
Brickendon is one of Tasmania’s oldest farming properties and was settled in 1824. Along with neighbouring of Woolmers Estate, Brickendon is listed as a World Heritage Site and features three convict-built cottages for guests to enjoy. The Coachman’s Cottage, Old Farm Cottage and Gardeners Cottage were all built by convict labour and have been restored to offer an authentic colonial experience. There are also three farm cottages that have been constructed using traditional building techniques and offer a warm and inviting stay.
Racecourse Inn
Built-in 1860 by an entrepreneurial ex-convict as a coaching inn, The Racecourse Inn offers stylish bed and breakfast accommodation with warm country hospitality in historic Longford. The Georgian inn features 5 luxury ensuite guest rooms, each beautifully styled with antiques, and offers a home-style country breakfast daily.
The Granary Richmond Hill
For a luxurious, heritage country stay The Granary Richmond Hill in Cressy is a stunning place to escape the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by beautiful parkland gardens, which include an orchard and hazelnut grove, the property offers accommodation for up to 6 guests in a converted sandstone granary (storehouse for grain). The historic sandstone building has been revamped into a luxury stay with everything one could need to enjoy some relaxing time away.
Cressy House Estate Farm Stay
For a unique farm stay experience be sure to book a stay at Cressy House Estate. Located south of Longford, the c.1827 home is situated on a working farm with stunning views of the Great Western Tiers. The home itself is filled with antiques and vintage pieces paying tribute to its heritage while providing all the modern features for a comfortable and warm stay.
Armytage House
Armytage House is an 1800s sandstone barn in the beautiful rural setting of Bagdad, 35 minutes north of Hobart. The house is named after George Armytage, a free settler who was granted 500 acres of land in the Bagdad countryside. On this land, he planted grain and built flower mills powered by water wheels. Armytage House was one of the existing grain stores which has now been covered into a luxury stay. The home features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and large garden to explore.
Ivy on Glenelg
Constructed in the early 1800s Ivy on Glenelg is a heritage home located in historic Campbell Town. The cottage offers three separate fully appointed accommodation facilitates all with a warm and inviting feel.
Campbell Town is the perfect base to explore the Tasmanian midlands with Ivy on Glenelg offering a range of accommodation options to suit a variety of travellers.
Arendon Cottage
The quaint town of Evandale might only be a 10-minute drive from Launceston but when visiting, it feels like you are worlds away. Spend some time wandering the streets before checking into the charming Arendon Cottage, located in the heart of the town. The fully self-contained cottage has recently been renovated to highlight its original design while still providing all the necessities for a multi-night stay.
For travel tips from the friendly locals, pop into the region’s Visitor Information Centres.
We love it when you share your adventures with us! Tag @MidlandsTasmania and use @MidlandsTasmania or #HeritageHighway and we’ll share our favourite photos on @MidlandsTasmania, Facebook, and in our Blog.
HEADER IMAGE: The Granary Richmond Hill
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