Oatlands, Tasmania

Oatlands is a pretty colonial town, about 84 kilometres (52 miles) north of Hobart, with the largest collection of sandstone buildings in Australia, and many of its old cottages are now cafes, antique stores or restaurants. Oatlands is another town selected and named by Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1821.

The A1 Highway bypasses the town, now, but the signature landmark you will notice is the striking sandstone silhouette of Carrington Mill (1837), and the town was once important to the wheat farmers who worked the district’s big farms. The local gardening enthusiasts are creating a parterre garden near the Mill.

Nearby is Lake Dulverton, which is restocked with fish from the Oatlands District High School Aquaculture Centre and is a popular fishing spot. There are free barbecue facilities, shelters and toilets nearby.

The Central Tasmanian Tourism Centre is at The Stables, 85 High Street (tel: (03) 6254 1212).