Nestled in the heart of Tasmania lies the quaint and charming town of Oatlands, known for its rich heritage and vibrant community spirit.
Each year, the town comes alive with the Heritage and Bullock Festival, a two-day celebration that showcases the best of Oatlands’ unique culture and history. With the 2023 festival fast approaching, visitors from far and wide are gearing up for a weekend of fun, food, and festivities. From traditional bullock teams to vintage car displays, market stalls, live music, and more, the Heritage and Bullock Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to experience the magic of Tasmania’s rural heritage. So mark your calendars for the 12th and 13th of August 2023 and get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Oatlands at this iconic event.
Festival info
When: Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August 2023, 10am – 4pm each day
Where: Oatlands (around a 1 hour drive north from Hobart or a 1.5 hour drive south from Launceston)
Entry: Free
The festival is held throughout the town, including inside various charming heritage buildings. Don’t miss the action in Callington Park, located behind the Main Street next to Lake Dulverton. To truely embrace the festival spirit, dress up in traditional clothing to join in the fun. Keep an eye out for the Town Crier who is sure to be dressed to impress.
What’s on
Step back in time and celebrate the heritage skills, trades and artisans Oatlands is famous for. Come and see the Bullock team in action, street parades, vintage machinery, steam engines, fly fishing, leather workers, spinners, weavers, theatrical performance, heritage trades, food stalls and much more. 10am – 4pm each day at Callington Park.
The Street Parade
The streets will come alive with the Heritage and Bullock Festival parade. Feel as though you’ve been transported back in time with the bullocks, horses, steam engines and heritage vehicles.
Freshly Baked Bread
Grab freshly baked bread from the Commissariat’s oven. Available from 10:45 am each day of the festival, the old wood fire oven will be in full swing, serving up warm loaves all weekend.
The full festival program will be available a week before the event. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for updates.
Oatlands Pancakes and Crepes Café
Indulge in Old fashioned Cream Buns (the absolute best in Tasmania), a mouth-watering range of Pies, tempting Sausage Rolls, Fresh Bread, Cakes, Slices and Dutch Pancakes.
Sitting snugly next to the Oatlands Pancakes and Crepes Café, 85 High Street Oatlands, this will be a very tempting takeaway option whilst watching the Bullock Parade or wandering this historic Georgian Village whilst you take in the range of heritage crafts, skills and artisan products at the various key locations.
This is real homestyle baking at its finest. Light and fluffy bread, buttery pastry and delectable fillings. Open 8.00am till late each festival day. You can also enjoy a Special Heritage Menu in the café.
