Skip to main content

Event

Twighlight Candle Tour through the 1868 Ladies Cottage Asylum

Ladies Cottage
Ladies Cottage
Entrance
Ladies Cottage
Step into one of Tasmania's most significant and moving historic sites at twilight. Willow Court, established in 1827, is one of the oldest and longest continually operating mental health institutions in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere. This intimate guided candle-lit experience opens the historic Ladies Cottage Asylum (1868) with respect and care. Guests are warmly welcomed with a sparkling drink and nibble before your expert guide leads you inside Ladies Cottage by candlelight, sharing the powerful layered stories of Willow Court and the women who once called this place home. Wander at your own pace through the preserved rooms and corridors, where guests often feel as much as they see. Discover original institutional features — heavy doors with looking holes, ventilation grates, and small rooms. As a special bonus, the tour also includes access to Derwent Valley Art's Art Bridge exhibition. Seeing the works by candlelight gives them a completely different, atmospheric feel — quiet, intimate, and often unexpectedly beautiful. After the tour, every guest receives a complimentary voucher for an award-winning boutique beer at Welcome Swallow, which is itself located in one of the original Willow Court buildings. They also have a food truck on site if you'd like something to eat while you enjoy your drink. A respectful, atmospheric, and unforgettable journey into Tasmania's past.
Event Details
  • Friday 13 November 2026 - Saturday 14 November 2026

  • 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

  • 5 The Avenue, New Norfolk, Tasmania, 7140

Carpark

Public Toilet

Disabled access available, contact operator for details.

Book now

By creating an account on Discover Tasmania, you agree to the terms of use outlined in our Privacy Statement. 

Success!

You are now signed in.

Trip Planner

It looks like you're serious about planning a trip to Tasmania.
Sign in, or create a Discover Tasmania account so you can keep adding items to your trip. create multiple trips, and more.
I'll do this later
Continue exploring

Add to Trip Planner

Which trip would you like to add to?

Item added to Trip

View Trip

You have nearly reached the Explore Map plot limit of 27 items per itinerary.

Try splitting itineraries, rather than creating one large itinerary.


Manage trips
Please try again in a few moments.

Save your trip

You have a trip stored, would you like to save it?