If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, you might want to consider New Norfolk, a small town in south-east Tasmania. This town is situated on the banks of the River Derwent and is home to a population of 5,543 at the 2011 census. There are several things to do in New Norfolk and you’ll want to include the Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens in your itinerary.
Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens
Visitors will find a number of ways to enjoy the grounds of the Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens. Whether you’re a fish enthusiast or simply enjoy walking, this place has something for everyone. You can learn about the history of trout farming and even see some live fish in the tank! The gardens are beautifully manicured and reflect the traditions of English public parks. There’s a self-guided walking tour available.
The scenic drive from Hobart to New Norfolk is about four hours’ worth of viewing the grounds of the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere. It’s a great place for families, children, and anglers of all ages. The gardens and ponds are open daily, from 9am to 5pm. You can also reserve a picnic area or attend a special event to get up close to the fish.
The grounds also contain a museum of trout fishing and angling history. A cottage, built for the first Salmon Ponds superintendent in 1865, houses an excellent collection of old fishing tackle. There are books, souvenirs, and fishy gifts for sale. The annual cycle of fish breeding activities is on display. Visitors can even take a dip in the water to see a live salmon.
New Norfolk Market
In the heart of the small coastal town, the thriving New Norfolk Market is an incredibly popular destination. On Saturdays, you can find local produce, gourmet foods, arts and crafts, plants, and artisan maker wares. Wheelchair accessible, free parking, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, this market is right up there with Hobart’s Salamanca Market. A visit to this market will not only leave you with loads of memories, but you’ll also find a bargain or two.
The town’s colonial past makes it an intriguing place to explore. The Barracks at Willow Court, a former prison for invalid convicts, is part of the town’s dark history, but it’s still fascinating to explore. Local residents are extremely friendly and contribute to the strong community fabric. Since the 1800s, the town has been a natural economic hub for the valley. There’s a wealth of fresh produce to sample, so head on out to the market and get yourself a bargain!
Willow Court Antique Centre
There are lots of ways to get bargains at the Willow Court Antique Centre in New Norfolk. You can find antique cars and motorcycles, old coasters, and more. This is THE place to go in New Norfolk if you’re looking for an antique. The prices range from cheap to expensive. It’s well worth the visit. You can also buy a treasure trove. The Friends of Willow Court have released the dates for the next three months.
When visiting New Norfolk, you can’t miss the Willow Court Antique Centre. This massive store is packed with incredible things, and it’s possible to find an unusual piece that’s perfect for you. Prices vary, but the items here are definitely worth the money. The atmosphere of the antique centre is similar to visiting a museum, but you’ll be able to touch and feel the items up close. The store is located at 15 George St in New Norfolk.
Pulpit Rock Lookout
If you’re looking for an iconic view of the Derwent River, Pulpit Rock Lookout in New Norfolk is the perfect place to go. The lookout is located on a narrow, unpaved road a short distance from the highway. A 2WD car will be able to make the trip to the lookout with no trouble. There’s also a large carpark at the lookout, which makes access easy. The drive to Pulpit Rock is less than 36 minutes from Hobart, while Launceston and Devonport are a little farther north.
There’s no shortage of scenic vistas in this area of Tasmania. From Pulpit Rock Lookout, you can see rolling hills, open farmland, and the Derwent River bend. It’s also easy to get to from the lookout; it’s only a short walk from the carpark. The lookout is a wonderful location for a picnic or a family photo. To get there, follow the sign for the lookout.
Tynwald Park
Visitors entering the town of New Norfolk from the south should take a right turn into Tynwald Park. This beautiful park contains the award-winning ‘The Oast House’ and the gracious old home ‘Tynwald’. A new bridge has been built over the park’s river, which is a perfect spot for a picnic or an afternoon game of tennis. It also has a dog-friendly policy and is located near kilometers of river walking tracks.
If you’re staying in New Norfolk, take advantage of the market, which takes place every Saturday morning. You’ll find local produce, artisan wares, handmade jams and cookies, and even some delicious treats. New Norfolk’s market is wheelchair-friendly, and the market has ample free parking for those who need it. You can get a fantastic bargain at the market, as there are so many stallholders to choose from.
There are a number of other interesting places to visit in New Norfolk, including the old Willow Court precinct. You can browse antiques, check out the Sunday market, or enjoy a delicious lunch while listening to live music. The site also has an interactive history trail, featuring 9 storyboards on the town’s past. Visitors can also download podcasts that are based on historical events.
Willow Court Asylum
For a trip to the countryside, consider exploring the historic town of New Norfolk, Tasmania. Located on the Derwent River, New Norfolk is a small town about thirty minutes northwest of Hobart and 32 km from the capital. It is a bustling regional centre and is home to many antique shops, boutiques, and cafes. You can also explore the town’s former military hospital, which was turned into an insane asylum in 1831. You can visit this historic site at 15 George St. In the city, you can also visit the Plenty trout hatchery at 70 Salmon Ponds Road.
The barracks building is an architectural gem, featuring a three-sided courtyard with a lofty Georgian facade. A tour of the building will give you a glimpse into the daily operations of this historic hospital, which is Australia’s oldest surviving mental health facility. Afterwards, you can relax in the grounds of the restored hospital. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Willow Court Café.
Arthur Square
The historic downtown precinct of New Norfolk is a great place to spend the afternoon. Here you will find the town’s oldest buildings, including the Anglican Church of St. Matthews, built in 1823. You can also enjoy the historic bush inn, which has been in business continuously since 1825. And while the pub is not haunted, the stories and history of the former ‘Cheshire Cat’ are enough to make it worth a visit.
The Banjo’s New Norfolk Market has 75 stalls on average each Saturday and sometimes more. Whether you’re looking for a great souvenir or a delicious local delicacy, this market will satisfy your appetite. Hundreds to thousands of visitors flock here each week, both from mainland Australia and Tasmania, to experience the vibrant atmosphere. You can find anything you want to buy here, from fresh produce to jams and preserves to artisan breads.
There are plenty of historic buildings to explore in New Norfolk, including the old Oast House and the historic Salmon Ponds. If you’re into antiques, you can browse the Drill Hall Emporium for authentic antiques. For homewares, you can check out Miss Arthur, which offers handcrafted homewares. Flywheel, which specializes in letterpress printing and boutique stationery, also has a shop for you. Located a short distance from the town center, you can also check out the Stanton Farmhouse, a Georgian farmhouse that dates back to 1817. You can also visit the Woodbridge on the Derwent, a heritage-listed boutique hotel constructed in 1825.
Derwent Valley Railway
The Derwent Valley Railway is an inoperable heritage railway in New Norfolk, Tasmania. This 3’6″ narrow gauge railway was once the largest in the state, but it is now a tourist attraction, inactive for over a decade. In 2006, it closed for safety reasons. The last train ran on July 31, and the line has been closed since then. It is now a popular tourist attraction, but it is not open to the public.
The first settlers to settle in the Derwent Valley were from the Norfolk Islands. They established a large newsprint mill at Boyer in 1807, and they built many homes for their workers. They also built the Boyer Oval, a tennis court, a badminton court, and other sports facilities. Today, the Derwent Valley Railway connects New Norfolk with Westerway, a town that has seen its share of rapid development and is looking forward to attracting more visitors.
In 1990, the Derwent Valley Railway Preservation Society purchased the assets of the Tasmanian Locomotive Company, which operated excursion trains along the Derwent River. The society then set up a base in New Norfolk and began operating passenger trains to Maydena and other destinations. After several years, the society was able to restore the line to New Norfolk, Westerway, and the National Park. The society operates as Derwent Valley Railway Inc.