Bothwell
Bothwell’s tartan street signs give away the origins of this gateway town to the Central Highlands.
Bothwell was settled in the 1820s, mainly by Scottish farmers. In its early days, fire-and-brimstone sermons were delivered in Gaelic from the town’s pulpits, and the first golf course in Australia – and the oldest course remaining outside of Scotland – was laid out at Ratho Farm in the mid 1830s. Grazing sheep still maintain the fairways of this 18-hole links-style course.
More than 50 buildings in Bothwell, many made of local sandstone, are heritage-listed for their architectural and historical value. Along the wide streets, look for the Australasian Golf Museum inside the old schoolhouse, and St Luke’s Uniting Church – built in 1830, it's one of Australia’s oldest churches.
For an insight into Tasmania’s fascinating hydropower history, take a drive along the self-guided Highlands Power Trail, both starting and finishing in Bothwell.
More information on the power trail, and other activities in and around Bothwell, can be found at the Central Highlands Visitor Centre (open daily, 11am–3pm).
Tourism Tasmania & Bill Bachman
Lusy Productions
Australasian Golf Museum
Tourism Tasmania & Bill Bachman
Central Highlands Visitor Centre
Darren Wright
Historic houses of Bothwell
Darren Wright
Historic houses of Bothwell
Darren Wright
Where
Bothwell is a 1hr drive (76km) north-west of Hobart.
Insider tips
- Take a peek at the curious carved heads on either side of the entrance to St Luke’s Uniting Church. They’re the work of Daniel Herbert, the convict stonemason who also carved the figures on Ross Bridge.
- Discover an old-world golf experience at Ratho Farm by hiring a set of traditional hickory clubs. There’s also the option of the "full hickory experience", playing a round in an old-fashioned golf jacket and plaid hat.
- While away an afternoon amongst the manicured lawns and mature trees of Queens Park, right in the heart of Bothwell.
