Forrest Retreat

Discover Ashgrove Dairy Door – A Cheese Lover's Paradise Immerse yourself in the heart of Tasmanian dairy farming at Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door, a must-visit destination for food and cheese enthusiasts. Conveniently located between Launceston and Devonport, this celebrated visitor centre invites you to explore over a century of dairy excellence. Indulge in a menu of breakfast and lunch favourites, including gourmet cheese toasties, cheese platters, and signature Cheesy Pairing Flights. Younger visitors can enjoy freshly churned gelato, made on-site. Witness the magic of cheese-making through glass panels, learn about Ashgrove’s rich history at the interpretation centre, and meet the famously happy cows grazing in the lush pastures nearby. Ashgrove Dairy Door goes beyond tasting award-winning cheese—it connects visitors to the dedication behind every wheel. The immersive displays showcase sustainable farming practices, celebrating the vital role of farmers. Before you leave, browse a selection of award-winning dairy products and Tasmanian delicacies—the perfect keepsake for any cheese lover. Open 7 days a week, Ashgrove Dairy Door promises a memorable stop for every traveller.

English World War 1 engineer Norman Sykes bought 15 hectares of land near Railton to get away from people and because he felt nature was good for the soul. While he was an eccentric hermit, he was famous in Railton as he was often seen riding his bicycle to town for supplies. Suddenly, in 1977, he loaded all his belongings into a pram, bequeathed his land to the Kentish Council to keep in trust for all the people of Railton and visitors to enjoy, then moved to Melbourne, never to be seen by Railton residents again. Mr Sykes left his property for nature conservation and so people could enjoy the peace, tranquillity and serenity. On the site, his son, Ian, constructed two fascinating monuments with mathematical equations said to explain the origins of the universe and spirituality, using ancient theories from Pythagoras, Confucius, the Sumerian Oannes, the Indian Kapila, the Egyptian Imhotep, the Chinese Fu Shi, and spiritual leader Buddha. Today Sykes Sanctuary is a spiritual and intriguing site where visitors can quietly sit and listen to birdsong, see wildlife in their natural environs and reflect on life, the Universe and everything.

Venture into the wilderness, take on the peaks and roll the Mersey River flats in what will ultimately be 100 plus kilometres of mixed-landscape riding perfectly geared for multi-day exploring. Serious switchbacks are rewarded with epic views and descents linked to flowy tracks to inspire the next generation of adventure riders. The Wild Mersey is Tasmania's next must-ride mountain bike network, with over 70 km of fresh trails. Trailheads located in Latrobe, Railton, and Sheffield Tasmania