Latrobe is located on the Mersey River about eight kilometers south of Devonport. The town is also the main centre of the Latrobe Council. In 2016, its population was 4,169. In 2006, the town had a population of 2,843.
House of Anvers Museum of Chocolate
If you’re visiting Tasmania and looking for something unique to do on your vacation, you should check out the House of Anvers Museum of Chocolate in Latrobe. This family-owned chocolate factory was established in 1989, and is now known all over the world for its gourmet Belgian chocolates. The museum and tasting centre are both free, and you can also tour the factory, which features over 2,500 different kinds of chocolate!
The House of Anvers Museum of Chocolate is one of the most popular attractions in the area. Founded by a Belgian immigrant, Igor Van Gerwen, this museum showcases the art of chocolate making. The museum is filled with fascinating facts about chocolate, and you can even sample some samples! The museum’s coffee shop serves delicious breakfasts, so you can start your day right!
Platypus Experience
For an unforgettable experience, you can visit the Platypus Experience, a cultural centre in the northwestern town of Latrobe. The centre features comprehensive dioramas, videos and models, as well as a unique water feature. Its displays include live rainbow trout and brown trout, which are found in the local lakes and rivers. The experience is a great place for the whole family to spend some quality time together.
Warrawee Forest Reserve
If you are in search of a place to see platypus in the wild, then the Warrawee Forest Reserve in Latrob Tasmania is the place for you. During the five kilometer walk, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spot the elusive creature. There are also picnic tables and barbeque facilities. You’ll also find remnants of coal mining. This park is a great place to relax and unwind, as well as explore nature.
The reserve is situated near the Henry Somerset Reserve and Caroline Creek. From the parking area, it’s a 45-minute walk to the Reserve. The Henry Somerset Orchid Reserve, about six km south of Latrobe, is famous for its endemic and rare terrestrial orchids. The forest is also home to the infamous “Ferret Races,” which attract thousands of spectators each year.
Bell’s Parade
Visit the heritage site at Bell’s Parade in Latrobe, Tasmania, to experience the town’s rich history. The village was once the third largest settlement in Tasmania until the mid-1990s, when Devonport became more important. However, the town still retains some historic buildings from its heyday. The 1860s Vermont and St Lukes Church are still standing, as are the Lucas Hotel and Hamilton House. The 1880 Court House is now home to the Latrobe Tasmania Museum.
The historic farming town of Latrobe is located on the Mersey River and was once an inland port serviced by Devonport. It is located just off the main highway to Launceston. The Courthouse Museum is a good place to learn about the town’s early history and the bells of Bells Parade, which were the first port on the North West Coast. The town is home to one of Australia’s oldest churches and the town has a rich history.
Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame
The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Famers is located in Latrobe Tasmania on Bells Parade, which is a central location for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The museum is the first of its kind in Australia and highlights the sport of wood chopping, developed by bushmen as a means to survive in the wild. This unique sport was also vital for the early settlement of Australia.
Henry Somerset Orchid Reserve
The Henry Somerset Orchid Conservation Reserve is located near Latrobe in Tas. The reserve was officially opened on 27 November 1981. It is unique in that it focuses on pure terrestrial orchid study. There are 43 species of terrestrial orchids, including some rare and endangered species. The walk is about 45 minutes long. The reserve is part of North Forests, and partly managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service.
While in Latrobe, don’t miss a visit to the nearby Wattle Hill Olives. This park is the best place to see platypus in their natural habitat. Enjoy a relaxing walk on the track, or take the mountain bike trails. Over 2000 trees are found at the site. There is an award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced here, as well as a delicious balsamic olive oil.
War Memorial Park
In Latrobe Tasmania, you can find a military memorial known as the Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean Memorial. This military memorial is located in the main street of the town and honours the service of local boy Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean. Sheean was born nearby and served aboard the HMAS Armidale during World War II, manning an anti-aircraft gun.
The park’s pavilions are available for hire to host a community event or private party. You can reserve a pavilion online or in person. Pavilion rental includes the lifting of social gathering restrictions and all day access. This is an excellent choice for any community celebration or commemoration. If you’re looking for a place to host a family reunion or a company picnic, consider renting a pavilion in War Memorial Park.
St David’s Presbyterian Church
The congregation of St David’s Presbyterian Church is a family-oriented Christian community that shares the tradition of preaching the gospel and public worship of God in spirit. It is committed to providing opportunities for those with vocal and musical talents to use these gifts in praise of God. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the church’s choir. This is a great venue for young and old alike to showcase their talents.
The church’s organ was probably built in 1856 by William Henry Taylor. It had 14 speaking stops and was a two-manual instrument. In 1867, Campbell Town commissioned an organ that is now at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Launceston. The organ could not fit in the church’s present organ recess. Another organ, possibly by Jesse Biggs, was installed in St Luke’s Lutheran Church in Latrobe Tasmania.
10 interesting facts about Latrobe Tasmania
- Latrobe is a town located in the central north of Tasmania, Australia. It is situated on the Mersey River, about 45 minutes northwest of Devonport.
- Latrobe is home to the Australian Paper mill, which is the largest paper mill in the Southern Hemisphere. The mill produces a range of paper products, including office paper, packaging paper, and newsprint.
- Latrobe is known for its abundance of cherry trees, which bloom in December and January. The town hosts an annual Cherry Festival, which celebrates the cherry harvest and includes events such as a cherry pie-eating contest and a cherry pip-spitting competition.
- Latrobe is home to the Don River Railway, a heritage railway that operates steam and diesel trains on a portion of the former Mersey Forest railway line. The railway offers rides through the countryside and hosts special events such as steam train dinners and murder mystery dinners.
- The town is located near the Mole Creek Karst National Park, which is home to a network of underground caves and sinkholes. The park is popular for caving, hiking, and rock climbing.
- Latrobe is home to the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, which celebrates the history of the Tasmanian timber industry and the people who worked in it. The hall of fame features exhibits on the history of logging, as well as displays of axes and other tools used by loggers.
- Latrobe is home to several historic buildings, including the Latrobe Town Hall, which was built in the late 1800s, and the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre, which was once the town’s post office.
- The town is home to several sporting clubs, including the Latrobe Football Club, which competes in the Northern Tasmanian Football League, and the Latrobe Cricket Club, which plays in the Cricket North competition.
- Latrobe is located near the Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which is known for its rugged landscape and is a popular destination for hiking and nature photography.
- The town is home to several annual events, including the Latrobe Agricultural Show, which takes place in February, and the Latrobe Harvest Festival, which takes place in November. These events celebrate the local farming and agricultural community and feature events such as livestock displays, cooking competitions, and live music.