Central Tasmania has many wonderful things to see and do. A statewide listing can be found at DiscoverTasmania.
Tasmania South also has a listing of attractions along the Heriage Highway and can be access for using the following link:http://www.tasmaniasouth.com/heritage/.
Brighton/Pontville
Look around to see fine examples of colonial architecture at Pontville with its sandstone churches, convict-built bridge, hotel, stately homes and workmen's cottages. Cast your eyes beyond the roadside to the hills to see examples of classic Georgian homes.
Mangalore/Bagdad
Look out for the magnificent old homes by the side of the road - Marlbrook, Oakwood [1840], Wybra Hall [1860] and Shene [seen in the distance with its gabled outbuildings and clocktower] at Mangalore. All are testament to the wealth of early European settlers who experienced great prosperity from wheat-growing.
Picnic at Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Tasmania's oldest private conservation. Used by Tasmanian Aboriginal tribes before European settlement, and as a refuge from bushrangers, it was also the home of the children's author, Nan Chauncy. The cottage is open to the public and located in the secluded bush valleys you will find sandstone caves, picnic areas, bushwalking and birdwatching. which can be enjoyed in this sanctuary by appointment. Please contact the Southern Midlands Council on (03) 6259 3011 to make a booking for obtain more information about the reserve.
Kempton
Easily overlooked by travellers along the Midlands Highway, Kempton is a tiny township offering a glimpse of living history.
A trip down main street of the historic village will reveal a collection of colonial homes, cottages, churches, shops, tearooms, taverns and coaching inns all within a distance of about one kilometre.
Campania/Colebrook [Alternative route from Hobart]
After leaving the historic village of Richmond this route winds through isolated rural hills and valleys of typical grazing countryside.
The farmlands are rich and diverse and the occupants have largely been farming these lands for generations. This is evidenced by the great success of the local vineyards within the valley, making it one of the most important regions for wine production within Tasmania.
The small hamlets of Campania and Colebrook contain several notable examples of colonial architecture, such as the Nicholl's Corner Store Gallery at Campania and the remains of the Jerusalem Probation Station which once housed the notorious bushranger, Martin Cash.
Jericho
Detour slightly off the main highway to see the pise (rammed mud) walls of Jericho, the remains of a convict probation station, now a small rural hamlet.
Tours are conducted through the St James Church [which now houses a pioneer and heritage museum] by contacting either Jill Salmon [6254 4115] or Stephanie Burbury [6254 4110].
Oatlands
Oatlands has continued since 1827 as a rural service centre for the Midlands. The farming properties of the district run 12% of the state's total sheep population, produce 15% of the wool exports and 20% of the live sheep exports.
To see examples of the region's produce, visit the local factory/shop Casaveen in the main street of the town. This business showcases a selection of quality woollen garments from fine wools grown, woven and manufactured locally and sold both within Tasmania and overseas. Casaveen also have a cafe which promotes and uses local produce, and providing a peaceful setting to stop for a meal.
Oatlands has the distinction of having the largest collection of colonial sandstone buildings in a village environment in Australia. The 87 buildings in the main street retain the character of a 19th Century town with much of the stone being quarried locally from the shores of Lake Dulverton, a manmade lake next to town and now a wildlife sanctuary. Also located within Oatlands is a convict-built gaol and the oldest Supreme Courthouse in the country. Callington Mill, the third oldest windmill in Australia and one of only four to have survived a bygone industrial era. The Southern Midlands Council are currently preparing a master plan for the restoration of the Mill to full working order. A climb to the top of the Mill provides a great view of the township, lake and the parterre gardens below. The township also have a large number of antique shops for those looking for something different. for some genuine finds from the surrounding
Tunbridge
Travelling north through Southern Midlands the last township to visit is Tunbridge. Stop and admire the old coaching inn - now a stately private residence.
Spanning the river is the convict-built Blackman River Bridge dated back to 1848. This is the oldest wooden span bridge in Australia, and was used as a meeting place for Irish political exiles during early settlement.
The Tunbridge's Salt Lagoon Nature Reserve is home to the rare and exotic Commutarla Orchid and Tunbridge Buttercup.
Whilst travelling north through Southern Midlands it is recommended that you keep a look out between Kempton and Tunbridge for a procession of Topiaries. Also found along the highway are metal sculptures of bushrangers and other historical figures. A history of which can be found at the Heritage Highway Tourism Centre located at 85 High Street, Oatlands.
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