Ross Convict Town, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Jan 6th, 2003
Nestled on the banks of the scenic Macquarie River this largely convict built town is one of the finest preserved 19th century villages in Australia.
Entwined with historic tales and memories Ross offers the 75,000 tourists that visit each year sight seeing spots, self-guided exploration trails and quality cuisine.
Ross is located in the heart of Tassie's premier wool growing region and The Wool Centre is a good place to find out about the area. Entry to the centre is by donation.
The Wool Centre also doubles as the Visitor Information Centre and here you can pick up maps for self-guided tours. Allow a couple of hours for a self-guided tour and you'll see just about everything there is to see.
The first stop on the tour is the Ross Bridge. Dating back to 1836 it is the third oldest bridge in Australia.
A feature of the bridge is the carvings on the arches done by two convicts, Herbert and Colbeck. The Governor of the day was so impressed by the pair's artistic flair that he granted them a pardon.
Venture 10 minutes down the road and you will find Ross' two cemeteries. Convict Herbert is buried at one of these sights so you could spend time looking for his grave.
Most of town's attractions can be found on Church St, the traditional heart of this historic town.
Each of the four corners on Church St represents part of the town's beginnings. There is the pub known as temptation, the town hall - recreation, what used to be the old jail - damnation, and the church - salvation.
The Ross Bakery Inn, a traditional B&B, specialising in a warm country welcome is a good place to rest for the night.
This classic 1832 National Trust-listed building, as the name suggests incorporates the town's original bakery.
Each morning guests wake up to the aromas of freshly baked bread. An added bonus included in the price of your stay at the Ross Bakery Inn is a breakfast of goodies straight out of the oven.
The amount of food provided is generous, but don't worry it won't be wasted. Providing a doggie bag for the left overs is all part of the service so all you'll need is some cheese and a bottle of wine and you've got yourself a picnic lunch.
The facts
Qantaslink operated by Southern Australia Airlines has connections to Launceston from all capital cities.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
Rooms at the Ross Bakery Inn start from $110 per double per night.
Ross Bakery Inn
Tel: 03 6381 5246
Tasmanian Wool Centre & Tasmanian Visitors Information Centre
Tel: 03 6381 5466
Tourism Tasmania
Tel: 1300 655 145
