Heritage Highway

The voice of the colonial past rings true today in a region where a string of historic villages are a lasting legacy of convicts, wealthy graziers, scoundrels and pioneers. Weathered sandstone grows more beautiful with age. Farmers continue to work historic properties, some of which produce wool among the finest in the world. Convict craftsmanship endures in fine homesteads and public buildings. Travellers still follow the route of horse-drawn coaches.

This is a region remaining faithful to the character of its beginnings, including people transported from the other side of the world. Journey through the heart of our island - and take the road that leads to the things that always matter.

Each village and town adds its own colour to the thread of a journey into community connections and a deeply-rooted way of life. In one town, listen to the ghostly echo of a windmill marking the ingenuity needed for survival. In another, enjoy the wit and cunning of a convict stonemason who turned a bridge into a political statement. Further along are gravestones that reveal tragedy, drama and a lifetime of exile.

Follow the blue and gold Heritage Highway signs and for even more fun, play the three Skulduggery games in Oatlands, Ross and Longford. Step into the shoes of John James, convict constable and master sleuth, get close to life in the early 1800's and meet friendly locals along the way.

From Hobart, add to the adventure on an alternative road north via the historic village of Richmond, through the fertile Coal River Valley and its wineries, to rural settlements of Campania and Colebrook, then joining the Heritage Highway at Jericho, south of Oatlands.