Ross

This typical English village is known for its fascinating historic bridge, colonial sandstone buildings and convict history. Ross sits on the banks of the Macquarie River and is one of Australia’s most appealing convict-built stone villages. Of all of Tasmania’s early 19th century towns, there is nothing quite the equal of Ross. It is arguably the finest nineteenth century village in Australia.

Cobble-style paths and grand old elm trees line the main street, while the Ross Bridge – Australia’s third oldest still standing – is possibly the most beautiful of its kind left in the world. The detail of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons was deemed of such high quality that it won the men a free pardon. The Midland Highway, the main route between Hobart and Launceston, by-passes Ross, preserving the town’s original, sleepy character.

The crossroad of the village is amusingly said to represent Temptation – the Ross Hotel, Recreation – the Town Hall, Salvation – the Catholic Church, and Damnation – the jail. Other interesting things to do include a visit to the Tasmanian Wool Centre Historic site, and always pleasurable is a visit to the Ross Bakery, with its original semi-scotch brick wood-fired oven. The bakery has operated on the site for more than a century and has the capacity to bake more than 300 loaves of bread. The nearby Ross Female Convict Station Historic Site is also significant and can be explored using the Reassign App which tells the stories of the characters and place.

Ross is part of the Heritage Highway region and one of several historic towns in an area that has a wealth of heritage and culture to discover, it is a 1-hr drive (78 km) from Launceston and a 1 hr 25-min drive (121 km) from Hobart.