The historic town of Perth, in the Northern Midlands, was settled in 1821. The town was named after Perth in Scotland, and gets unfairly overshadowed by the bigger city of Perth in Western Australia (which wasn’t even settled until 1829).
Tasmania’s Perth boasts a whole lot of charm, as well as scenic views towards the Great Western Tiers. At just a 15 minute drive south from Launceston, it makes a great weekend adventure. Here are 8 things to do when you get there.
1. Do a Self-Guided Walking Tour
Pick up a National Trust Brochure from the Post Office and go for a wander around town. There are more than 40 historic buildings to spot, with many dating back to the early 19th century. Perth’s oldest building is the Leather Bottle Inn (c. 1839), which still has some handmade nails in the original cedar. Another point of interest is the Baptist Tabernacle in Clarence Street—it’s rather striking with its octagonal shape, domed iron roof, and large panelled doors.
2. Check out the art at Eskleigh
Eskleigh is a grand two-storey mansion (c. 1870) with a three level tower, two-storey bay windows and a number of outbuildings. It is the home of the Combined Art Societies of Tasmania (CAST) Exhibition, which showcases a very diverse range of works from members of several Tasmanian art groups. Pieces are available to purchase.
The CAST exhibition is open daily at Eskleigh Gallery, from 10.30am to 4pm, until 30 November 2018.
3. Eat & Drink
There are some lovely eateries to choose from! If you’re after yummy café food or a tasty takeaway, check out Cafe 59 or the Perth Road House. The Tasmanian Country Bakehouse is a top spot for lunch or a sweet or savoury snack. Saltire is a lovely place to have brunch, coffee, tea, desserts, and dinner on Friday nights. Pizza lovers, satisfy your cravings with dinner at Perth Pizzeria. For good old fashioned pub fare, head to the Queens Head Inn.
A unique Perth experience is visiting the Tasmanian Honey Company (you’ll also make Pooh Bear proud). Enjoy free tastings of their world-class leatherwood honey and pick up something sweet from the gift shop.
4. Search for treasure at Wildes Antiques
Wildes Antiques is a treasure chest for antique enthusiasts to look through. They offer a good selection of quality antiques, collectables, and jewellery, and you can also chat with them about sourcing particular items of interest. The antique shop is located in historic Robur House (c. 1840), which has had several former lives as a residence, antique shop, bakery, and professional rooms.
5. Wander down to the river
Go for a wander down to the South Esk River and spend some time unwinding. Try your luck fishing for the wild Tasmanian trout in the river. If it’s warm enough, go for a refreshing dip. Take a picnic and make a day of it. The ducks will be happy to have the company!
6. Play at the Train Park
The Train Park, on the corner of Main and Mulgrave Streets, is a great spot to let the kids burn off some energy. There’s a good playground as well as BBQ facilities, so throw some snags on the barbie for lunch. The beautiful chainsaw carvings depicting railway life are a highlight of the park.
7. Speed to Symmons Plains Raceway
There are tonnes of events happening at Symmons Plains Raceway that will keep rev heads and racing enthusiasts happy! The raceway is Tasmania’s premier motor racing facility (and has been since the Longford circuit closed in the 1960s). Check out our Events Calendar to see what’s on.
8. Stay and explore
Perth is a fantastic spot to base yourself for a holiday. Explore the towns along the Heritage Highway, the wine region of Relbia, and Northern Tasmania. The Stone House was built by convicts and today offers beautiful heritage accommodation overlooking the South Esk River. The Queens Head Inn is also a comfortable place to stay.
What happened to the old bridge?
The handsome blue stone bridge over the South Esk River at Perth was sadly destroyed in the great flood of 1929. Watch the short video below to see Kathleen Hart investigate how much of the original bridge remains today.
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.
Related posts:
Hello Spring: 14 Events in the Midlands
12 Things To Do At Longford
Taste Your Way Along The Heritage Highway
8 Things To Do In The Northern Midlands
A Traditional English Village: 12 Reasons To Visit Evandale
10 Things To Do In The Heritage Village of Ross
Header image:
Eskleigh, @just_maree/Instagram
Words:
Isabel Galloway
