Old Wetmore

The Ross Female Factory, erected in 1833, is located in the town of Ross, Tasmania. It was initially built to house the convict chain gains employed on the Ross Bridge. The Ross Female Factory is one of four female factories built in Tasmania. Between 1847 and 1854 it operated as a probation station for female convicts and their babies. The buildings were converted from a chain gang station and extended to include a chapel, dining rooms, hospital, nursery, solitary cells, dormitories and an outer courtyard. The women were taught how to sew, clean, cook, launder and care for their children. The Ross Female Factory is a protected historic site today, managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service and the Tasmanian Wool Centre of Ross. Visit the Overseer's Cottage and look at the display including a model of the Female Factory in 1851. You will notice that there are few remains above ground, however, the Ross Female Factory is the most archaeologically intact female convict site in Australia. Take time to follow the Ross Heritage Trail which runs past the site. Ross is about a one-hour drive from Launceston (78 km) south along the Midlands Highway.

Classwood specialises in finely crafted Tasmanian timber products, located at Ross in the Tasmanian midlands. Classwood is housed in a heritage-listed drill hall (circa 1900) originally used during World War One for Light Horse Brigade training. Now it features a display of wall murals, fine timber work and crafts. You can browse the range of products which include handcrafted kitchenware, vases, decorative timber boxes, wood-turned platters, bowls and carvings. Many of the pieces use specialty Tasmanian timbers such as Huon pine, Blackwood, Myrtle and Sassafras. They also have handmade jewelry and other crafted items. Classwood is a family-owned and operated Tasmanian business. The colonial township of Ross is one of Australia's best-preserved 19th century villages with a total of 40 historic buildings. You can walk the town's tree-lined streets to see examples of the town's architecture including the Ross Bridge (1836), St Johns Church of England (1868) and the Macquarie House and Store (1840s) which now contains a collection of military memorabilia dating from 1800. Ross is a classified historic town, just under a 90-minute drive north of Hobart (121 kilometres) and one-hour drive south of Launceston (78 kilometres).

Ross Visitor Information Centre is open every day and is located inside the Tasmanian Wool Centre. Our friendly staff will assist you to plan your activities in the beautiful historic village of Ross, the Northern Midlands, and beyond. We also provide guided tours to groups, bus groups, school groups etc., as well as guided museum tours. At our centre, we also have Wool and History Museums. As well as our static displays we often have changing and travelling exhibitions. Follow our social media to be in the loop about upcoming exhibitions. We also have a retail store, the Tasmanian Wool Centre, where you will discover a lovely selection of fine woollen garments, gifts and products to purchase, with the convenience of an online shop. Ross is 120 km north of Hobart, and 78 km south of Launceston, just off the Midland Highway. Open 7 days a week from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm on weekdays, and 10 am - 4 pm on weekends. Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and until 12 noon on Anzac Day.