Latrobe

Latrobe, a historic town on the Mersey River in northern Tasmania, offers a delightful blend of preserved 19th-century architecture, quirky museums, and easy access to the region’s renowned natural wonders. Once a bustling railway hub, its streets are lined with stately Victorian buildings that now house antiques shops, galleries, and welcoming pubs. It’s the perfect base for exploring the wild coastline of the North West or the alpine landscapes of Cradle Mountain.

Highlights & What to See

• Latrobe Court House Museum – Step into a beautifully restored 1890s courthouse with period furnishings and local history exhibits that bring the town’s railway and farming past to life.
• Wings Wildlife Park – Just outside town, this family-run sanctuary lets you hand-feed kangaroos, meet wombats and Tasmanian devils, and see native birds up close in spacious enclosures.
• Axeman’s Hall of Fame – Celebrate Tasmania’s timber-cutting heritage with interactive displays, chainsaw sculptures, and the annual Latrobe International Axeman’s Carnival.
• Heritage Walk – Stroll along Gilbert Street and Bells Parade past elegant hotels, banks, and churches built from local brick and stone, many with ornate ironwork.
• Mersey River Foreshore – A scenic reserve with picnic spots, walking trails, and a kids’ playground; watch for platypuses at dawn or dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Half a day is ample to explore Latrobe’s main sights and soak up its historic charm. If you plan to visit Wings Wildlife Park and the Axeman’s Hall of Fame, allow a full day. The town works well as a stopover on a North West driving itinerary, or as a day trip from Devonport (15 minutes away) or Launceston (45 minutes).

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Devonport – Gateway to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry, with the award-winning Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse.
• Port Sorell & Hawley Beach – Quiet coastal villages with safe swimming beaches, a golf course, and the panoramic views from the Narawntapu National Park.
• Sheffield – The “Town of Murals” in the foothills of Mount Roland, with dozens of outdoor paintings and a vibrant arts scene.
• Mole Creek Karst National Park – Explore the spectacular Marakoopa and King Solomon caves, with glow-worm displays and underground streams.
• Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park – Tasmania’s iconic wilderness area, an hour’s drive south, offering world-class hiking, from Dove Lake circuits to the Overland Track.

Please check official sources for current details.