Photo: QPAC / CC BY 3.0
Ross is a perfectly preserved 19th-century village in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, offering a captivating step back in time. With its sandstone buildings, convict history, and tranquil rural setting, it's a must-visit for history buffs and road-trippers exploring the New England region.
Highlights & What to See
- Ross Village Bakery – Famous for its scallop pies and vanilla slices, this bakery is a local institution and a perfect pit stop.
- Ross Bridge – One of Australia's oldest bridges still in use, built by convict labour in 1836 with intricate carvings.
- Woolmers Estate – A World Heritage-listed colonial farm with a homestead, gardens, and convict-built structures.
- Brickendon Estate – Another World Heritage site, this working farm offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural life.
- St John's Anglican Church – A beautiful sandstone church with stunning stained-glass windows and a peaceful cemetery.
- Tasmanian Wool Centre – Learn about the region's wool industry and the town's convict past through engaging exhibits.
Suggested Time to Spend
Ross can be explored in a half-day, but to fully appreciate its heritage and relax in the countryside, allocate a full day. Start with a coffee and pastry at the bakery, then visit the bridge and churches before lunch at one of the historic pubs. Afternoon is ideal for exploring Woolmers and Brickendon estates, which are a short drive away.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Campbell Town – Another historic town with convict history and a famous red bridge, 20 minutes north.
- Longford – Known for its National Trust-listed buildings and the nearby Woolmers Estate, 15 minutes south.
- Launceston – The vibrant gateway to the Tamar Valley wine region, 45 minutes north.
- Freycinet National Park – Home to Wineglass Bay, a stunning coastal park about 1.5 hours east.
- Bay of Fires – Renowned for its orange-hued granite boulders and pristine beaches, 2 hours northeast.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Campbell Town — Barrylb at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Longford — denisbin / CC BY-ND 2.0
- Launceston — File:Launie (cropped).JPG : User: (WT-shared) Plug at wts wikivoyage derivative work: Georgfotoart / Public domain
- Freycinet National Park — Jane6592 / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Bay of Fires — Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Evandale — Wolfgang Cash at English Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Perth (Tasmania) — File:Perth CBD skyline from State War Memorial Lookout, 2023, 04.jpg : Kgbo derivative work: Georgfotoart / CC BY-SA 4.0