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Over the weekend of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025, historic towns along the Heritage Highway — including Oatlands, Kempton, Melton Mowbray, Mangalore, and Dysart — will open the doors to some of their most fascinating buildings.
From grand colonial homesteads and Georgian cottages to striking churches and mid-century design gems, the program is a rare opportunity to explore places normally closed to the public, or to see familiar landmarks in a whole new light.
In Oatlands, discover the perfectly preserved 1840 Cantwell Store, where original cedar counters and hooks still evoke the bustle of its general store days. Wander through Petit Château, a sandstone cottage on Lake Dulverton that blends 1830s craftsmanship with a French-inspired modern extension, or step into Raffah House, a former maternity hospital turned character-filled accommodation.
Kempton offers its own treasures, including Glebe House, remarkably unchanged since 1842, and Lonsdale, a homestead that tells a layered story of pastoral prosperity, complete with historic bread oven and hidden shingle roof. Two impressive churches — St Peter’s Anglican Church (1838) and St Peter’s Church (1918) — showcase the craftsmanship and community spirit of their eras.
In Melton Mowbray, the historic Melton Mowbray Hotel holds tales of horse-drawn coaches, royal visits, and even a hidden convict cell. Over in Mangalore, Wolkenstein, a 1970s artist’s retreat, offers a completely different take on heritage — handcrafted timber, soaring ceilings, and panoramic bushland views.
The Southern Midlands Open House is about more than architecture — it’s about the lives lived within these walls. Each space is rich with stories of convicts, settlers, pastoralists, and the creative custodians who care for them today. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious, you’ll gain fresh insights into the towns and landscapes along the Heritage Highway.
With more buildings to be announced, the 2025 program promises a weekend of discovery in one of Tasmania’s most historic regions. Entry is free, but some sites may require bookings due to limited capacity.
Mark your calendar for 1–2 November 2025, and get ready to explore the hidden corners and rich history of the Southern Midlands Open House — a celebration of heritage, architecture, and the communities that bring them to life.
For updates and the full program closer to the date, visit openhousehobart.org.
The Hobart and Beyond Editorial Team is dedicated to bringing you the best insider tips, local stories, and up-to-date guides to exploring southern Tasmania.
