Branxholm is a typical north-east Tasmania timber town nestled into the rolling hills. It is notable for its saw mills and its hop fields. It has a sprawling street pattern which makes the small town spread across the valley floor.

Where Is it?

Branxholm is 93 km north east of Launceston on the Tasman Highway.

Close to the town is Mount Horror, known for excellent scenic views it is surrounded by extensive pine and gum plantations. The Forestry Commission’s fire tower is open to the public when attended in the summer. Of historical interest is the disused Mt Paris Dam, located on C425 road and the Imperial Hotel. Branxholm offers the visitor good fishing in the Ringarooma River.

Brief history

On the other side of the South Esk to the town is the historic property Entally House, the family home of Thomas Reibey, who built it in 1819 on 300 acres of land granted to his mother, Mary. She had been transported to Sydney at the age of 13 and became a rich businesswoman. Mary was one of the founders of Westpac Bank (then called the Bank of New South Wales), the first bank in Australia. Today, Mary is most recognisable as the face of the Australian 20 dollar note.

View Larger Map

Legerwood

The small town of Legerwood near Ringarooma is worth a visit to see the town’s war memorial – a series of chainsaw scuptures honouring the soldiers who fell in the Great War (1914-18).