Trapped in time- a fascinating past and antique collection

New Norfolk is one of the oldest settlements in Tasmania, established by evacuees from Norfolk Island after the island prison was closed. This was back in 1807, and during the early years this region became a hub for hop-growing.

Early settlers planted countless poplar trees as wind barriers to protect the hops, which turn a bright gold during the autumn months. You’ll also see many old oast houses (kilns used for drying the hops) along the roadside, some in states of disrepair and others carefully restored.

New Norfolk is best known today for its antique shopping and as the main residential and commercial centre of the Derwent Valley. Willow Court Historic Site is a must-see for those curious about New Norfolk’s past. The former mental asylum that once housed invalid convicts has undergone a restoration and is now home to antique wares.

The town buildings include St. Matthews, Australia’s oldest Anglican church (1823) and one of Australia’s oldest inns, the Bush Inn. Located just 20 kilometres north-west of Hobart, New Norfolk also has one of the country’s few remaining village squares.

Head across to the northern side of the River Derwent, and see if you can find the grave of Betty King, nee Elizabeth Thackery. Betty’s headstone states that she was “the first white woman to set foot in Australia”.

There are a range of accommodation options available in New Norfolk, including self-contained lodging, grand homesteads and cottage options. Stay a while and use New Norfolk as a base to explore the Derwent Valley.

• Visit The Drill Hall Emporium
• Wander Willow Court Historic Site and stop in at the Patchwork Cafe
• Stop by St Matthew’s Church
• Head to Pulpit Rock Lookout
• Book in at Sally Wise Cooking School
• Visit the Salmon Ponds and the Museum of Trout Fishing
• Enjoy a tipple Derwent Estate Wines
• Sample the range at Stefano Lubiana Wines
• Hone your cooking skills at the Agrarian Kitchen

Trapped in time- a fascinating past and antique collection

New Norfolk is one of the oldest settlements in Tasmania, established by evacuees from Norfolk Island after the island prison was closed. This was back in 1807, and during the early years this region became a hub for hop-growing.

Early settlers planted countless poplar trees as wind barriers to protect the hops, which turn a bright gold during the autumn months. You’ll also see many old oast houses (kilns used for drying the hops) along the roadside, some in states of disrepair and others carefully restored.

New Norfolk is best known today for its antique shopping and as the main residential and commercial centre of the Derwent Valley. Willow Court Historic Site is a must-see for those curious about New Norfolk’s past. The former mental asylum that once housed invalid convicts has undergone a restoration and is now home to antique wares.

The town buildings include St. Matthews, Australia’s oldest Anglican church (1823) and one of Australia’s oldest inns, the Bush Inn. Located just 20 kilometres north-west of Hobart, New Norfolk also has one of the country’s few remaining village squares.

Head across to the northern side of the River Derwent, and see if you can find the grave of Betty King, nee Elizabeth Thackery. Betty’s headstone states that she was “the first white woman to set foot in Australia”.

There are a range of accommodation options available in New Norfolk, including self-contained lodging, grand homesteads and cottage options. Stay a while and use New Norfolk as a base to explore the Derwent Valley.

• Visit The Drill Hall Emporium
• Wander Willow Court Historic Site and stop in at the Patchwork Cafe
• Stop by St Matthew’s Church
• Head to Pulpit Rock Lookout
• Book in at Sally Wise Cooking School
• Visit the Salmon Ponds and the Museum of Trout Fishing
• Enjoy a tipple Derwent Estate Wines
• Sample the range at Stefano Lubiana Wines
• Hone your cooking skills at the Agrarian Kitchen