Tidbit and Morsel

Located midway between Hobart and Launceston and five minutes from the historic village of Oatlands, the National Trust listed Bowhill Grange is a picture-perfect collection of early colonial farm buildings that were built in 1854. Set in an oasis of green, shaded by a grove of ancient cypress pines and perched on a sandstone ridge overlooking the adjacent dam, Bowhill Grange is circled by hundreds of acres of prime merino pastures with a dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and the surrounding conservation area. Originally part of the renowned Anstey Barton estate, ownership passed to six generations of the Agnew family in 1878 under the stewardship of Sir James Agnew, who was subsequently one of Tasmania’s early Premiers. An integral part of this prominent landholding, Bowhill Grange not only reflects Tasmania’s early colonial history, but was indeed an active contributor, well known throughout the young colony during this period as the home of The Assyrian, the 1882 Melbourne Cup winner, who was stabled here for nearly two decades. With two beautifully refurbished self-contained cottages, Bowhill Grange is an ideal base to explore the magnificent Southern Midlands and beyond, with Hobart, Launceston and the east coast all about an hour’s drive away. Alternatively why not just sit back, relax and enjoy true country peace and tranquility.

Ratho Farm is a destination, an experience. With the country's oldest golf course, accommodation in former convict barns and stables, and a classic highland homestead with lounges, you'll want to stay a while. Ratho Farm has played host to some colourful characters ranging from Melbourne Cup winners, bushrangers, 100-year-old gardeners, fierce political debates, golfing royalty and one of England's best known artists. Opened in December 2014, Ratho offers 1822-built accommodation for up to 50, and a modern atrium for functions. Nestled in the highlands of Bothwell, Ratho is a one-hour drive from Hobart. You can swing a club, relish four kilometres of prime river fishing and walks, enjoy hearty meals prepared by on site hosts and visit nearby attractions such as Nant Distillery, Lake St. Clair and the Waddamana Hydro-power Museum.

Ivy on Glenelg (c.1838) provides bed and breakfast and self-contained accommodation at Campbell Town, Tasmania. Ivy on Glenelg offers three tastefully furnished accommodation options, each with its own entrance. The Doctors Wing has two bedrooms appointed with a queen-size and double bed respectively. It is self-contained with a fully equipped kitchen, sitting room, wood and electric heating and private bathroom facilities. Dry Cottage is also self-contained with a fully equipped kitchen, combined bedroom and sitting room, queen-size bed, en suite bathroom facilities and disabled access. The Turnbull Suite has a spacious combined bedroom and sitting room with a queen-size bed and private bathroom facilities. Continental or cooked breakfast provisions are provided. There are guest laundry facilities, off-street parking and a barbeque area. Relax in one of the sun-drenched courtyards, or take a stroll in the cottage gardens. For a delicious lunch, walk down to Zeps Cafe/Restaurant on the main street. From Campbell Town you are well positioned to go fishing at the highland lakes or wander the stunning beaches of the east coast. Ivy on Glenelg is located on the Heritage Highway in Tasmania’s midlands about 40-minutes’ (68 kilometres/42 miles) drive from Launceston.