Ross

No bridge is too far to see one of Tasmania’s prettiest towns. 

At the heart of the state, Ross has one of Tasmania’s most fascinating bridges and a bright and beautiful display of autumn colours along its heritage-rich streets.

Begin at the main crossroads and choose your path – its four corners are said to represent temptation (in the form of the Ross Hotel), salvation (the Catholic Church), recreation (the town hall) and the toughest journey of all, damnation (a former jail). 

Bring binoculars for a good look at the 186 carvings adorning the 1836 convict-built Ross Bridge. Said to be based on real people, the sculptures are so awe-inspiring that their convict creator, Daniel Herbert, won a pardon for his work. 

The Ross Female Factory Historic Site was originally built to house convict chain gangs constructing the bridge, and was converted to become one of the state’s four female factories. It operated as a probation station for female convicts and their babies between 1847 and 1854, and is now Australia’s most archaeologically intact female convict site.

It was rumoured that the sandstone Ross Hotel, built in 1835, was haunted, but these days it’s best known for upmarket pub fare, craft beers, a cracking wine list and attractive gardens.

Coal Mines Historic Site

Flanked by Norfolk Bay, the Coal Mines Historic Site features the remains and ruins of Tasmania’s first operational mine. Regarded as critical to the self-sufficiency of the young colony, the mines operated as a penal colliery from 1833 to 1848.

At the peak of operations, the site housed 500 convict workers and 100 other residents, including officers, guards and their families. In 1840 it became one of several probation stations that were used to separate and discipline male convicts.

Among the evocative ruins are prisoner accommodation, an officers' barracks with dormitory, and solitary cells.

Where

The Coal Mines Historic Site is on Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula, a 1hr 35min drive (105km) south-east of Hobart.