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As you browse the site, add accommodation, tours, events and attractions to your personalised trip by clicking the heart icon. When you’re done, click the heart icon in the menu at the top of the website to view your wishlist.

Review your list, remove any items you no longer need, then select “View your itinerary” to see your trip on a map, or send it to a friend.

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Unlocking History: Discover Oatlands Military Precinct with the Oatlands Key

  • Oatlands Court House. Image Credit: Darren Wright

The Oatlands Key is an innovative initiative that invites locals and visitors to revisit the historic Oatlands Military Precinct.

Thanks to the Southern Midlands Council and the Tasmanian Community Fund, this unique project offers unprecedented access to some of Tasmania’s most fascinating historical buildings.

Oatlands Court House. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Oatlands Court House. Image Credit: Darren Wright

What Does the Oatlands Key Unlock?

Using an electronic fob key, you can now access three of Oatlands’ most iconic heritage sites: the Gaoler’s Residence, the Supreme Court House, and the Commissariat.

Each of these buildings, deeply entwined with Tasmania’s colonial history, can be explored through a self-guided tour. The key grants you access seven days a week, allowing you to immerse yourself in the story of Oatlands at your own pace. A map is provided to help navigate the short distance between each location.

Oatlands Court House. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Oatlands Court House. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Step Into History

Once inside these well-preserved buildings, it’s easy to imagine the lives that passed through here in the 1800s. From criminals to government officials, the walls of these structures have witnessed some of Tasmania’s most pivotal moments.

You’ll find informative panels that delve into the history of each site, alongside a range of artefacts from the era. The restoration work alone is worth admiring, as it showcases the fine craftsmanship that has kept these buildings standing for over a century.

Where Can You Find the Key?

Collect your Oatlands Key fob from any participating business on High Street that displays the key logo. Registering for the key is simple, and you’ll need to leave a refundable deposit, which is returned once the fob is handed back.

  • Elm Cottage Store, 82a High Street, Oatlands
  • Gallery 102, 102 High Street, Oatlands
  • Oatlands District Historical Society, 107 High Street, Oatlands
  • The Weaver’s Cottages Studio, 104a High St, Oatlands

More History to Explore in Oatlands

Beyond the Military Precinct, Oatlands offers plenty for history lovers. The ‘Welcome to Oatlands’ brochure includes a self-guided walking tour of High Street, highlighting the town’s key buildings. You’ll also find signs scattered around the town, each revealing stories from Oatlands’ rich past. For a deeper dive, pick up Stories from the Sandstone, a book that traces the town’s origins as a military hub and stagecoach stop.

For more tangible connections to the past, the Oatlands District Historical Society Museum is home to a trove of memorabilia and interpretative displays. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in researching family history or simply exploring the town’s evolution.

Welcome to Oatlands Brochure
Oatlands, Tasmania. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Oatlands, Tasmania. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Lake Dulverton. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Lake Dulverton. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Nearby Adventures

Once you’ve explored the town’s historical heart, take a stroll around nearby Lake Dulverton. The serene walking paths are dotted with points of interest, making it a peaceful complement to your day of exploration.

For something a little more quirky, Oatlands offers its Topiary Trail, a fun experience for all ages. You can also test your detective skills with Skulduggery, a game that challenges you to solve a crime from Oatlands’ darker days in the 1830s. If you have time, take a drive along the Shadows of the Past Silhouette Trail, which stretches between Kempton and Tunbridge, to see more of the region’s heritage stories.

Lake Dulverton
The Pancake and Crepe Shop Oatlands. Image Credit: Darren Wright
The Pancake and Crepe Shop Oatlands. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Where to Eat and Drink

After a day of discovery, refuel at one of Oatlands’ charming cafes or restaurants. The Pancake & Crepe Shop, set within the town’s Georgian sandstone buildings, is a local favourite, offering hearty meals and sweet treats. 

Other great options include the Kentish Tasmania, Vintage on High, Bunch Oatlands, and Callington Mill Distillery. 

Pancake & Crepe Shop

Stay a While: Accommodation in Oatlands

Oatlands is home to some beautifully restored heritage accommodation. Stay in one of these historic gems to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the town:

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, Oatlands offers a unique opportunity to connect with Tasmania’s past. The Oatlands Key is your invitation to unlock the stories, structures, and spirit of this historic town.

Heritage Accommodation Guide
Heritage Highway Things to Do
Bowhill Grange. Image Credit: Darren Wright
Bowhill Grange. Image Credit: Darren Wright

Discover the Heritage Highway

The picturesque stretch between Hobart and Launceston that beckons travelers to slow down and savor the delights of this historically rich region.

Heritage Highway

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We acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and their enduring custodianship of lutruwita / Tasmania. We honour 40,000 years of uninterrupted care, protection and belonging to these islands, before the invasion and colonisation of European settlement. As a destination that welcomes visitors to these lands, we acknowledge our responsibility to represent to our visitors, Tasmania’s deep and complex history, fully, respectfully and truthfully.

We acknowledge the Aboriginal people who continue to care for this country today. We pay our respects to their elders, past and present. We honour their stories, songs, art, and culture, and their aspirations for the future of their people and these lands. We respectfully ask that tourism be a part of that future.

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