Attractions

What our guests do........

We give discounts for longer stays and for groups consisting of two couples or more.

Round and About New Norfolk

1. Take a fast walk or a stroll along the Derwent River promenade ; climb the cliff steps to view the river from on high (where Lady Jane Franklin strolled while staying at the governor's country lodge Turiff Lodge- see the site);  continue past the sports field and the old oast house. Platypus are often sighted. (For visitors with children the playground nearby is a must and there are numerous places along the way where they can feed the ducks). Cross the little Lachlan river and return to the old Bush Inn for a drink or pub meal. The Bush Inn is the oldest continuously licenced pub in Australia. Guests gather around a log fire on cold days and on warm/hot days relax on the large deck looking down onto the Derwent River below.
2. Visit the many antique shops, including the Old Colony Inn; stop for coffee at one of the coffee houses.
3. Call in to see the Willow Court Barracks built 1827 ( thus predating Port Arthur. Willow Court is at present under reconstruction but is still worth visiting)
4. Take a 3 minute drive to Pulpit Rock and gaze down on New Norfolk and the expanse of the river below.
5. Visit St Mathews Church built 1824. and view the lovely stained glass windows.  It is the oldest church in Tasmania.
6. Take an exhilarating Jet boat ride.
7. Bird watchers walk along the river banks near Tynwald Park keeping an eye open for species endemic to Tasmania.

En Route to Mount Field National Park (30 Minutes)

1. Visit The Salmon Ponds – (10 minutes) Feed the enormous trout and salmon, and visit the museum of trout breeding and trout fishing, relax in the old gardens laid out in the 1860s, or partake of a delicious pancake made from local products in the restaurant.
2. See the Hopfields – (10 minutes further) – Bushy Park and visit the heritage listed Text Kiln Oast House.
3. Spot a platypus while enjoying Devonshire tea at the Possum Shed on the pretty little Tyenna River.
4. Visit Something Wild Sanctuary and see the Tasmania devils and other Tasmanian mammals.
5. Carry a rod in the car to take advantage of the numerous trout fishing opportunities. (Licence required). Fly fishermen accept the challenge of fast water fly fishing.

Mount Field National Park
Take a walk through the temperate rainforest to Russell Falls, Lady Barron and Horseshoe Falls and continue on to Tall Tree Walk. The swamp gum tree (Eucalyptus regnans) is the world’s largest flowering plant and the tallest hardwood tree in the world.   Drive up to Lake Dobson where snow may abound! Walk to one of the magnificent glacial tarns or climb Mount Field itself. The more adventurous tackle longer walks and view the spectacular vistas of the surrounding hills and valleys. The visitors’ centre at Mount Field assists with all the directions and advice required. There is a well stocked gift shop and a restaurant on site.

Richmond (40 mins)
Take the B10 or Boyer Road from Explorers Lodge to Bridgewater, then turn left at the roundabout at Macdonalds onto the A1. Turn right before Pontsville and head for Tea Tree, passing through the vineyards and on to the historical village of Richmond. See the oldest bridge in Australia and visit the beautiful old shop centre and the famous Richmond jail. Along the route to Richmond is the Bonorong Wildlife Conservation Centre which is well worth a visit for tours at 11.30am and 2.00pm.
Hobart is a 10 minute drive from Richmond, where so many other attractions await.

Hobart (30 minutes)
Many of our guests find it easier to base themselves in peaceful New Norfolk and visit Hobart rather than overnight in the bustle of the city.
Drive as above to Bridgewater and across the Derwent River causeway and continue on the Brooker Highway to Hobart......
Or cross the Derwent River at the New Norfolk bridge and continue on the Lyall Highway to Hobart.

The Agrarian Kitchen (12 minutes)
Attend a day’s class (booking essential) at the now famous Agrairian Gourmet Kitchen at Lachlan.

Maydena 50km

See the breathtaking views from the new Eagles Eyrie.

(booking required)

Oatlands (45mins)

Historical Goergian cottages, working flour mill.

The South West National Park (1 hour 45mins from New Norfolk)
Spend the day in the South West National Park visiting some of the State’s most remote country, a wilderness which forms the core of the Tasmanian World Heritage area and featuring Lake Pedder and the scenic Franklin/Gordon region and breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Anne.

En route to Hobart

MONA (20 mins)
Famous Art Gallery and a must see.   Restaurant, vineyard and brewery.
Opened January 2011 and now internationally famous.

Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory (20mins)

Port Arthur (1 hour 40 mins from New Norfolk)
Some guests by pass Hobart to take the short cut to historical Port Arthur where they spend the day and return to Explorers Lodge in the evening.

Huon Valley (1 hour) and the Airwalk (1 hour 30 mins)

En Route to Strahan

1. Our guests love to stop over at the beautiful Lake St Clair, Australia’s deepest fresh water lake in a world heritage area.
2. Famous Huon pine Wall in the Wilderness carved by artist Greg Duncan halfway at Derwent Bridge.