Holiday houses in Longford

Two hours north of Tasmania’s capital Hobart, sits Longford, a historic town with an impressive park at its centre. Longford wears its history on its sleeve, with grand estates and houses dating back to the early 19th century, considered some of Australia’s best-preserved colonial buildings.

Longford is known, too, for its antique stores and unique shops, many of which are housed in historic buildings. You could spend hours browsing to find treasures, as well as fashion and gifts from local artisans. And when you need a break, you can always pop into one of the cafes for a treat.

The most pleasant times to be in town are in the spring and autumn when the days are mostly sunny and there is less rain. The Blessing of the Harvest Festival occurs every March to give thanks for the land and the harvest it produces, and involves a grand parade along the main street with floats, dancers, and displays. In November, the Festival of the Roses takes place at Woolmers Estate, displaying thousands of roses in bloom. Local makers and producers with market stalls also sell art, jewellery, plants, wine, and food. Summer offers warm days and nights, but Tasmania is renowned for having changeable weather, so it’s a good idea to pack a jacket with your hat and sunscreen. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll find accommodation in Longford to suit all tastes.

Longford’s Heritage Walk

One of the best ways to discover Longford is to pop into the town's post office and pick up the National Trust brochure that contains a self-guided journey through the Longford’s Historic Precinct. You’ll visit 34 of the town’s historic buildings and locations of interest, including beautiful homes and shops on Wellington Street, through Heritage Corner and past the impressive Christ Church and graveyard. The walk will also take you to the Woolmers and Brickendon Estates.

Woolmers Estate

Built in 1817 on 80 hectares of land, Woolmers Estate consists of an impressive manor house with various surrounding buildings, including worker’s cottages, a chapel, stables, a blacksmith’s shop, and a pump house. The architecture is stunning, and the collections in the gallery offer an insight into Australia’s convict beginnings. The estate’s National Rose Garden also boasts one of the finest collections of roses in Australia.

Cataract Gorge

When you take the 20-minute drive to the spectacular Cataract Gorge Reserve on the South Esk River, you’ll observe a unique natural formation with walking tracks, a swimming pool, cafe, suspension bridge, and lookouts with panoramic views. You can also spot an abundance of wildlife, including the curious peacocks, and take an exhilarating ride on the world’s longest single-span chairlift.