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Tasmania (Hobart Region) |
| New Norfolk | |
| New Norfolk offers a combination of picturesque scenery, history and modern services and is the major town in the Derwent River Valley. Attractions include:- many fine examples of colonial architecture, Salmon Ponds, where the first trout in the southern hemisphere were raised and for the more adventurous jet boat rides on the Derwent River. | |
| Heading
inland from Hobart towards Mount Fields
National Park, the A10 hugs the Derwent River for the 50km to the
well-preserved colonial buildings of NEW NORFOLK. It was to here
that the original settlers of Norfolk Island were moved between 1806 and
1814. The sizeable town has been at the centre of the hop-growing industry
for 150 years, and there are still oast houses in the surrounding hop
fields; on the way into town from Hobart.
The Oast House (Wed–Sun 9am–5pm; closed June–Aug) has a predictable museum ($3.50), a superior craft gallery and the excellent Hop House Café. At New Norfolk the broad stretch of the Derwent is clean, beautiful and swimmable, disturbed only by thrillseekers in jet boats. The Bush Inn at 49 Montagu St, the main road, claims to be Australia’s oldest continuously licensed hotel: virtually untouched, with stained wooden floorboards, huge stone fireplaces, and a small ballroom with chandeliers and piano, but very down-to-earth, it’s an interesting place to stay, as is the antique-furnished Old Colony Inn, at no. 21, a simple, whitewashed building on the same street. Hobart Coaches (tel 03/6234 4077) has six buses Mon–Fri from Hobart to New Norfolk and two on Saturday. Tasmanian Wilderness Travel (tel 03/6334 4442) also runs to New Norfolk (4 weekly) on their scheduled year-round service to Queenstown, and on a “Wilderness” service (daily Jan–April, 2 weekly May–Nov). They also run day-tours from Hobart, allowing five hours to explore the park ($49). However, what used to be the highlight of the trip is no longer included – the guided tour of the alpine area will set you back another $15; you might find it better value to make your own way here. |
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