An historic farming centre on the Mersey River that was once an inland port serviced by ferries from Devonport. The town is just off the highway on the way to Launceston after leaving Devonport.
Where Is it?
11km south of Devonport just off the main highway to Launceston.
Visitor Information Centre
River Road, Bells Parade, Latrobe. Ph (03) 6421 4699
Live the History of Latrobe���s pioneering early settlement though the comprehensive display of photographs and artifacts at the Courthouse Museum. Bells Parade was the first Port on the North West Coast, at Bells Parade, for shipping produce.
Location: 113-117 Gilbert St, Latrobe
Things To See And Do
Latrobe hosts some unique events: Henley on the Mersey includes
ferret races. Watch the world famous axemen, who developed their sport
of the pioneering Australians at the national Australian Axemans Hall
of Fame.
Chocolate Winterfest is Latrobe’s wickedly delicious festival
celebrating all things chocolate. The single-day festival is held every
July.
Markets
BUMPS, BUBS & BEYOND MARKETS
Latrobe Memorial Hall, Gilbert St, Latrobe
Trading: Bi-monthly – 3rd Feb, 7th April, 2nd June, 4th August,
6th Oct, 1st Dec. – 9am – 1pm Type: Baby &
Kids/Children. Phone: 0408 504 252
LATROBE MARKET
Gilbert Street, Latrobe
Trading: Every Sunday. Type: General. Phone: 0429 779 990
Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame
Bell’s Parade is the site of the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame and Timberworks. It was here that the first world woodchopping championship was staged in 1891 and the sport was born. The history of competitive woodchopping is the story of Australia’s pioneering bushmen and their families. Sadly, the unique culture and bush skills are dying along with the last generation to work the forests with an axe and crosscut saw. The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame and Timberworks is the first national museum dedicated to this aspect of our colonial history. It is also an educational and entertainment centre.
Pig Island
Pig Island: a 30 minute nature walk traverses the well defined bush
tracks and open spaces of Pig Island. The wetlands run alongside the
Mersey River, and under the banks of tree lined Bells Parade. Lucky
walkers may spot Platypus on this track early morning or dusk.
Location: Bells Parade River Rd, Latrobe
Surrounding Area
In and around Latrobe and Port Sorell, savour local fine foods and wines, at Ghost Rock Vineyard or enjoy Belgium chocolates made with the finest Tasmanian dairy produce at the House of Anvers. Explore the nearby crystal caves just 30 minutes drive away, taste award winning chocolates, cheese, wines and cherries Tasmanian style.
Narawntapu National Park
Forester kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and even Tasmanian devils on its grassy plains and heathlands. At dusk, you can catch sight of little penguins scampering up the beach at Point Sorell. The western part of the park is in an ideal location to be combined with a tour of the vineyards of Tasmania’s premier wine-growing region, the Tamar Valley.
Warrawee Reserve Platypus Tours
Warrawee Reserve Landcare Platypus Tours allow viewing the unique
platypus in the wild. As with most observations of animals in their
natural environment, viewing cannot be guaranteed. The Land-Care
experts use their skills to ensure that visitors have a high change of
spotting a platypus, 99% guaranteed.
The Platypus Interpretation Centre unlocks secrets about this unique
egg laying mammals, the Monotremes (Platypus/Echidna). Part of the
Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, it recreates a static display
in the form of a forest glade, consisting of six ponds with a flowing
water feature, inclusive of comprehensive dioramas, sculptures, mural
boards and screens. Taxidermies of Tasmanian species and live native
fish/water bug are on display.
Major Attractions
