Longford Tasmania

Wander * Explore * Discover
Apr 26, 2022
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Longford Tasmania

Longford is a beautifully preserved historic town in Tasmania that exudes charm at every turn. Strolling through its streets, you’ll be greeted by a mix of elegant colonial architecture, grand heritage homes, welcoming hotels, and quaint Airbnbs that make it a delight to explore.

At the heart of town, several well-maintained parks offer peaceful spots to relax, while the striking Longford Christ Church and its surrounding cemetery stand as reminders of the town’s rich history and enduring character. Nestled in Tasmania’s picturesque Midlands, Longford is conveniently located just 24 kilometres south of Launceston and 187 kilometres north of Hobart, making it an ideal stop for visitors exploring the region’s heritage and scenic landscapes.

Longford Heritage Walk

Start your exploration from the village green in the heart of Longford’s historic precinct, and step straight into the Path of History Walking Tour — a self‑guided journey through time that highlights 34 places of historical interest around town.

This walk has been carefully mapped out to showcase Longford’s rich heritage, taking you past a remarkable collection of colonial buildings, elegant Georgian homes, old inns, commercial structures, and intriguing civic sites that together tell the story of how the town grew and prospered.

As you wander, you’ll discover architectural gems along Wellington and Marlborough Streets, from historic hotels like the Country Club Hotel — steeped in memories of Longford’s motor racing heyday — to classic Victorian residences, quaint cottages, and former commercial premises that have been lovingly preserved.

The route also leads past significant religious and community buildings, including Christ Church and its historic churchyard, along with other places once central to daily life and social gatherings in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Each stop on the tour has its own story — from early trading posts and toll houses to the former Tattersall’s Hotel (now the Longford Library) and Georgian‑era mills that once powered local industry. Add in the lovely village green plantings and the sense of history in every corner, and you’ve got a walk that’s both scenic and deeply connected to Longford’s heritage.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply love soaking up the atmosphere of a place with deep roots, the Path of History tour brings Longford’s past beautifully to life.

Woolmers Estate

Just a short drive from Longford, Woolmers Estate is one of Tasmania’s most significant heritage properties. Established in 1817 by Thomas Archer, it remained in the Archer family for six generations and today stands as one of the most intact 19th‑century rural estates in Australia. Visitors can explore the grand homestead, original workers’ cottages, stables, chapel, and woolshed, all offering a window into colonial life and the convict assignment system.

Woolmers, together with nearby Brickendon Estate, is part of the UNESCO Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing, reflecting its importance in Australia’s convict and colonial history. The estate’s formal gardens and extensive rose garden add beauty to a visit, and guided or self‑guided tours help bring the rich stories of the Archer family and the estate’s workers to life.

With heritage cottages for overnight stays, a café, and plenty of walking paths through the historic grounds, Woolmers Estate is a must‑see for history lovers and visitors wanting to experience Tasmania’s colonial past firsthand.

Click here for the Woolmers Estate website to check opening hours.

Brickendon Estate

Nestled in the heart of Tasmania’s Midlands, Brickendon Estate is a historic working farm that offers a unique glimpse into colonial life and early agricultural practices. Founded in 1824 by William Archer, Brickendon has been continuously owned and farmed by his descendants for nearly 200 years, making it one of the oldest working farms in Australia.

Brickendon is much more than a pretty rural backdrop — it’s a living museum of early Tasmanian history, where you can wander through an intact convict‑built farm village complete with a chapel, blacksmith’s shop, cookhouse, granary and barns. These buildings, alongside the surrounding paddocks and original hedgerows, tell the story of how assigned convict labour shaped the colony’s agricultural development.

The estate’s Heritage Gardens are equally enchanting, laid out in the 1830s with sweeping carriage drives, exotic tree plantings and garden “rooms” that change with the seasons. Brickendon today offers visitors a mix of historic exploration, scenic walks, friendly farm animals and even heritage cottage accommodation — perfect for a peaceful overnight stay steeped in history.

Like neighbouring Woolmers Estate, Brickendon is part of the UNESCO‑listed Australian Convict Sites, recognised for its outstanding example of the convict assignment system and its role in Australia’s early pastoral heritage.