Skulduggery - Unsolved Crimes of the Heritage Highway

Things to See and Do

Bagdad	Evandale	Oatlands
Brighton	Jericho	Perth
Campbell Town	Kempton	Poatina
Cleveland	Longford	Pontville
Cressy	Mangalore	Ross
		Tunbridge

Topiary & Sculpture

Tasmanians recall with sheer delight the memory of a Tasmanian man, Jack Cashion, who while working as a patrolman in the early 1960's on a stretch of the Midland (Heritage) Highway between Tunbridge and Oatlands, clipped a procession of topiary "rare birds and animals and other creations" along the side of the highway.

Topiaries sprang up overnight it seemed and included a steam train, a giraffe, kangaroo, a gorilla (reshaped after a car ran into the original elephant), a dinosaur, camel and birds of various sizes and shapes.

stagecoach sculpture

Also found along the highway are striking metal sculptures of bushrangers and other historical figures, again carrying on these quaint traditions.

Do the time and solve the crime! - Skulduggery

Skulduggery is a fascinating interactive travel game that challenges you to solve real crimes committed along the Heritage Highway more than 150 years ago. There are three games, played at Longford, Ross and Oatlands. As you play the games you'll delve into history, meet colourful colonial characters and uncover clues to events of the past.

Ask at any Tasmanian Visitor Information Centre for the SKULDUGGERY games (RRP $19.95)

Bagdad

Picnic at Chauncy Vale Wildlife Sanctuary (just of the highway at Bagdad) one of Tasmania's oldest private conservation areas and a favourite haunt for bushwalkers, field naturalists and birdwatchers.

the secret cave

Used by Tasmanian Aboriginal tribes before European settlement, and as a refuge from bushrangers, it was also the home of the distinguished children's author, Nan Chauncy, author of well-known book They Found a Cave.

The cottage is open to the public and reveals the simple and frugal country life (no electricity) of this bush setting which inspired much of Nan's writing.

The whole sanctuary is a valuable heritage and natural environment study site. It forms part of a complex environment with a rich diversity of ecosystems, varying from dry sclerophyll vegetation on sandstone to wet forest on dolerite clay. It is home to a considerable variety of native fauna and was used by Tasmanian Aboriginal tribes before European settlement and as a refuge by early bushrangers.

Brighton

When travelling south along the Heritage Highway you must see - a Tasmanian devil, a Spotted Quoll, a pademelon or a potoroo. You can see them at Bonorong Wildlife Park, Brighton - just 25 minutes north of Hobart.

Follow the signs at Brighton - it is also reachable from the historic village of Richmond.

At Bonorong Park near Brighton, you can get 'up close and personal', watch Tasmanian devils interacting, wombats burrowing, echidnas feeding, quolls playing and a range of other native animals at close quarters 'doing their thing'.

Bonorong is home to the Forester Kangaroo, normally only found in the wild on Maria Island and in Mt William National Park. The rangers allow you to handfeed them with special food provided.

The Bush Shed Cafe serves light lunches or damper with jam and cream. Don't forget the Bush Gift Shop for special souvenirs.

Campbell Town

This is the historic heart of Tasmania. The town has more than 100 houses built over a century ago, with some fine examples of colonial architecture.

Follow the Convict Brick Trail - every brick in the trail is dedicated by name to a convict, with his or her name, age, date of sentence, crime and transport ship. If you have roots in Tasmania, you may find your ancestor's brick!

The splendid Red Bridge dates back to 1838. Convicts laid a million bricks to build it. Take one of the short riverside walks that start at the Bridge.

The Transit of Venus was observed from Campbell Town in 1874 and again in 2004 - in Valentine Park a sundial commemorates the event.

The Campbell Town Inn is an excellent example of early Tasmanian architecture and the infamous bushranger, Martin Cash worked for a time on its construction.

Take a heritage walk around the town. You will be amazed at what you might find. There are three different and well-signposted walks through history. Brochures on the walks and history of the area and available at the Museum & Visitor Information Centre in Campbell Town.

Picnic in Valentine Park, Bicentennial Park or down beside the banks of the beautiful Elizabeth River.

The Foxhunter's Return is listed by the National Trust as 'the finest and most substantial building of the late colonial period in Australia'. It was also the favourite watering-hole for famous exile, Thomas Meagher, who created the Irish Flag.

Cleveland

Property photo

Take a refreshing break for a meal or coffee at the St Andrews Inn, an original 19th Century coaching inn.

This historic property built by convict labour Circa 1845 is on approximately 1.75 hectares. A prime example of Tasmania's rich heritage and Georgian architecture. Now operating as a Coffee House/Cafe Bar, delightful Bed and Breakfast accommodation and a Conference Centre.

Cressy

Cast for a wild brown trout in the nearby Brumbys Creek or Macquarie River. Local angling guides have the skills and knowledge to make your trout fishing experience memorable.

On September 2-3 2006, Cressy hosts the Tasmanian Trout Expo.

Evandale

Evandale is a picturesque historic village, where many Georgian buildings date to the 1820's. Many of these now house antique outlets, specialty shops, cages, publs and fine B&B's.

Evandale is one of Australia's most beautifully preserved colonial villages with one of the best examples of a grand Georgian mansion, Clarendon, at nearby Nile. The town is rich in historical associations - John Batman, founder of Melbourne, lived in the area; while the father of Ned Kelly, Australia's most notorious bushranger, served time as a prisoner at Evandale.

Fossick for bargains and treasures at the popular Evandale market, Tasmania's largest country market operating every Sunday.

Join the crowd for Evandale's special events including the world-renowned Penny Farthing Championships held in February and the John Glover Art Prize and Exhibition in March.

With a town like Evandale it is imperative to get a copy of Let's Talk About Evandale. This informative brochure, which is free, lists no fewer than 38 buildings and sites of historic in the town and over 70 in the district.

The buildings of particular interest in Evandale include the former Presbyterian Manse (1840), a typical colonial building opposite Barclay Street in the town's High Street, 'Blenheim' (1832), a one-time hotel on the southern corner of Barclay and High Street, which was originally known as the 'Patriot King William IV', St Andrews Uniting Church (1840) in the High Street with its classical belltower and Doric columns, and a number of buildings at the intersection of Russell Street and High Street including the Clarendon Stores (1836), an early saddler's shop (1840) and the Prince of Wales Hotel (1836).

Savour the wonderful range of delicious home-made sauces and preserves at the Tasmanian Gourment Sauce Company between Evandale and Perth, which also has the State's largest topiary nursery.

Just 10 minutes drive south of Evandale on the Nile road is the National Trust property of Clarendon. Open to the public 7 days a week. A bistro has recently been opened at the property. Meals and refreshments are served from 10AM until 5PM.

An elegant mansion - one of the great Georgian Regency houses of Australia. It was built on the banks of the South Esk River in 1838 for James Cox, a wealthy woolgrower and merchant and the son of William Cox who pioneered the first road over the Blue Mountains in New South Wales. Clarendon Homestead has large formal gardens and beautiful parklands.
The parklands cover 3.6 hectares (9 acres) and include an avenue of elm trees and more than 1800 well established trees and hedges. At the rear of the house is a traditional walled inner garden featuring seasonal plantings of tulips and other historic plants. The Menzies Restaurant is available for lunches and morning and afternoon teas - for individuals and garden groups. (Advance booking for groups is requested.) The National Trust has restored the house, replaced the portico and parapet and furnished it to reflect a family home of the period. There is a National Trust gift shop in the house.

See talented Tasmanian Glass Blowers at Breadalbane, 5 minutes north of Evandale.

Sample cool-climate wines in the cellar doors along the Tamar Valley Wine Route at Reilba - follow the yellow and blue wine route signs.

Take a guided tour of Dr Harry Cooper's Hobby Farm, Relbia. Bookings are essential - book at the Launceston Travel and Information Centre.

Jericho

Visit the local cemetery and view the memorial to John Hutton Bisdee, the first Australian-born recipient of the Victoria Cross.

See the pise (rammed Mud) walls of Jericho, the remains of a convict probation station, now a small rural hamlet.

Visit St James' Church of England, where you can view memorabilia belonging to the pioneering families of the area as well as relics of the Boer war and World War I.

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).

Kempton

Easily overlooked by travellers speeding along the modern highway, Kempton is a tiny township offering a glimpse of living history.

A stroll through the main street of the historic village yields a charming collection of colonial homes, cottages, churches, shops, tearooms, taverns and coaching inns all within a distance of about one kilometre. (Most are in use today as homes and shops and few are open to the public.)

Walk among the gravestones near the convict-built St Mary's Church (1839) to locate the grave of Elizabeth Flexmore, a member of the First Fleet.

Longford

Longford Village - a classified historic town - is a fine example of heritage and gardens entwined. Playing the Where There's Smoke SKULDUGGERY game is a superb way to explore the town.

On The Heritage Highway, Longford was settled in 1813 and retains original churches, colonial cottages and Georgian buildings, some with their stables intact and many constructed by convict labour. English-style countryside surrounding the town is dotted with working farms which date back to settlement, including Woolmers Estate, with its epic story of the rise and fall of a colonial farming dynasty. Gardens Brickendon are listed on the National Estate register.

A Wedding At Woolmers Estate

The major historic attraction in Longford is Christ Church, a sandstone building which dates from 1839. The church clock and bell were both gifts from George IV, its stained glass window is impressive, and the church's graveyard includes such prominent Tasmanian families as the Archers and the Reibeys.

Visit Woolmers Estate, a time-capsule of colonial days. The Estate was home to six generations of the pioneering Archer family from the early 1800's to the mid-1990's. Then wander among multi-coloured heritage blooms in the National Rose Garden. It's a must for rose lovers!

As well the town has other important buildings such as Longford House (1839) in Catherine Street, 'Old Norley' (1838) built by Charles Arthur at 4 Lyttleton Street, 'Brickendon' (1831) built by William Archer in Wellington Street (it is a large and gracious Georgian dwelling) and 'Northbury' (1862) built by Edward Archer.

This is a small sample of over forty buildings in the district which have been included on the National Estate. A detailed history, and description, of many of the buildings is provided in Let's Talk About Longford

Historic Buildings

Other buildings of note include the Queen's Arms (a stuccoed Georgian hotel dating from 1835) at 69 Wellington Street, the Blenheim Hotel (1846) in Marlborough Street and the former Tattersall's Hotel (1860) now the Longford Library. This apparent excess of hotels and inns (many of which have been turned into private dwellings) reveals the importance of Longford in the mid-nineteenth century.

Of particular interest is the Racecourse Hotel in Wellington Street which was originally built to become Longford's railway station. At various times it has been a private hospital and a pub. The pub achieved considerable notoriety when a woman, having stolen and swallowed two gold sovereings from some local farmhands, was murdered.

Relive the days when the Longford Motor Racing Championships raced through the town by viewing the displays and memorabilia in the Country Club Hotel.

Historic Homes

As well the town has other important buildings such as Longford House (1839) in Catherine Street, 'Old Norley' (1838) built by Charles Arthur at 4 Lyttleton Street.

Nearby experience 19th Century 'Brickendon' (1831) built by William Archer in Wellington Street (it is a large and gracious Georgian dwelling), with its heritage gardens and working convict-built farm village; and 'Northbury' (1862) built by Edward Archer.

Woodstock Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary
9 km from Longford is the Woodstock Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, a 150 ha area reserved as a nesting and breeding sanctuary for large numbers of waterfowl.

Events

Longford hosts two major special events each year - the New Years Day Picnic Day Race Meeting and the Belessing of the Harvest Festival in March.

Try your luck at trout fishing - the Macquarie River is a renowned meadow stream, attracting anglers from around the world.

Pause at Christ Church, site of the First Settlers Cemetery and a recognised arborium that aspired to have every tree mentioned in the Bible represented.

Mangalore

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 experience great prosperity from wheat-growing.

Oatlands

Near Oatlands, look out for the whimsical topiary and striking metal silhouettes by the roadside. The topiaries are a local tradition from the 1960's, and the handcrated sculptures depict scenes from the area's colonial history.

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.

Marvel at the largest collection of colonial sandstone buildings in a village environment in Australia. Much of the stone was quarried locally from the shores of Lake Dulverton.

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.

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.

Relax as you watch the abudance of birdlife on Lake Dulverton.

Visit the Callington Mill, built in 1837, the third oldest windmill in Australia and one of only four to have survived a bygone industrial era.

Doll-lovers can enjoy the doll collection at the Callington Mill residence which houses the collection of over 200 dolls ranging in all types, shapes and sizes.

Climb to the top of the Mill for a view of the parterre gardens below. Or wander among the spring flowers for a delightful experience.

Locate the convict-built gaol and one of the oldest Supreme Courthouse in the country (C1829).

Purchase the Oatland's version of SKULDUGGERY 'Forgery for Fools', and solve the real-life mystery of the counterfeit bank notes!

Browse through local antique shops for some genuine finds from the surrounding country properties.

Take a ghost tour and learn the secrets of times past!

Perth

Enjoy a picnic beneath the willows on the banks of the beautiful South Esk River.

Stroll along the historic town walk - brochures are available at the Post Office.

Taste unique leatherwood honey at the Tasmanian Honey Company.

Poatina

Poatina Village, situated on the edge of Tasmania's breathtaking wilderness, is framed by the majestic Great Western Tiers and overlooks an endless spread of green and gold fields.

With warm hospitality, affordable accommodation and the scent of mountain fresh air, Poatina Village offers the adventurous traveler a superb base to explore the Island, and a peaceful and relaxed haven for visitors to rest and recuperate.

Today Poatina offers something for all the family, with spectacular 9 hole golf course, grocery shop, art gallery, picture framing studio, tennis court, outdoor swimming center (open in summer), and a stone throw away from prime fishing lakes and rivers.

A distinctive feature of Poatina is it's stunning Glass Monument. Made from 100% recycled glass bricks, handmade in the village, the monument portrays the past, present and future stories of the village, and celebrates the age old proverb " it takes a community to raise a child."

Families are welcomed to discover an ideal weekend escape where they can connect and enjoy activities together. Come visit, we would love to have you!

Weblink: fusion.org.au/poatina/index.html

Pontville

As you journey closer to Hobart, slow down to view the magnificence of Mount Wellington from historic Pontville.

View the town's bridge, barracks, churches, gracious homes and worker's cottages - a microcosm of our colonial history from its earliest days.

Take a riverbank walk following the track alongside the Jordan River.

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. Take in the beautiful St Mark's Church (1839) with its distinctive, Romanesque architecture designed by convict architect, James Blackburn. Pause to take in the old graveyard with its stories of suffering and success of early settlers.

Ross

This beautifully-preserved historic village is the base for another SKULDUGGERY game - The Arch Villains. gather clues as you wander beneath the huge English elms and admire the fine old sandstone buildings - look for the chip marks of convict chisels.

Find your way to four remarkable street corners in the town centre - why were they called 'Damnation', 'Salvation', Temptation and 'Recreation'?

Stroll to the 1836 Ross Bridge, with its intricate and complex carvings by convict stonemason Daniel Herbert. He won his freedom for the work, although he included unflattering likeness of some important citizens of the day.

Learn about the grazing history of the Midlands in the Tasmanian Wool Centre - see the Heritage Museum and Wool Exhibition - select a pure wool garment as a special memento of the area.

Visit the Ross Female Factory and original burial ground - ask the staff at the Wool Centre for more intriguing information.

Taste the flavours of Tasmania at the Gourmet Sauce Company. Select from the range of delicious home-made sauces, pickles and chutneys and admire the State's largest topiary nursery.

Tunbridge

Pause to admire the old coaching inn - now a stately private residence.

Endangered

Tunbridge's Salt Lagoon Nature Reserve is home to the rare and exotic Commutaria Orchid and Tunbridge Buttercup

Spanning the river is the convict-built Blackman's River Bridge dating back to 1848. The oldest wooden span bridge in Australia, it was used as a meeting place for Irish political exiles during early settlement.