No matter which road you take, you will be spoilt for choice with an abundance of things to see and do in Cradle Country! Journey to Sheffield's 'Town of Murals' and on the way buy fresh local produce and taste award winning wines from Lake Barrington and Barringwood Park Vineyards. Explore Devils Gate Dam, Tasmazia, Lake Barrington, World of Marbles, Seashells at Sheffield, The Emporium, Kentish Museum, Galendor, Slaters Country Store, The Working Art Space, local arts and crafts, cafes, candy store, antique shops, galleries or hire a Story of the Sheffield Murals audio tour from Kentish Visitor Information Centre.
Kentish Visitors Information Centre
Ph (03) 6491 1036
Travel to Railton - Town of Topiary - to taste boutique ales and meads at Seven Sheds Brewery. See Looking Glass Cottage's Fibre Optic Magic and taste a rabbit pie from the Town of Topiary Tearoom. Topiary Trail maps are available from the shops in town.
Enjoy stunning views of Mt Roland on your way to Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain National Park has walks to suit all fitness levels and abilities, providing an unforgettable experience whether you choose a ten minute stroll or full day hike. Spend some time at Cradle Mountain and experience first class environmental photography at The Wilderness Gallery or view footage of the last Tasmanian tiger at The Tasmanian Tiger Exhibition.
Discover the mysterious world of the Tasmanian devil at Devils at Cradle. Indulge yourself with a spa or massage at the Waldheim Alpine Spa at Cradle Mountain Lodge or Calm Day Spa at Cradle Mountain Chateau.
Seeking adventure?
Take a quad bike or horse riding tour with Cradle Country Adventures. Catch a bird's eye view of Cradle Valley with Cradle Mountain Helicopters. For the more adventurous, why not get the adrenalin pumping by taking a Cradle Mountain Canyon tour in the pristine wilderness surrounds of Cradle Mountain.
Next stop is the picturesque Wilmot 'Valley of Views' with the novelty letterbox trail. Drop into the Wilmot Country Store that was originally owned by the Coles family. Treat yourself with more wine tasting at Wilmot Hills Vineyard or try something new and book in to do a cheese-making course at the Old Wilmot Bakehouse .
Sheffield, Tasmania's Outdoor Gallery
Sheffield, Tasmania's Outdoor Art Gallery, is located 35 minutes from Devonport and Spirit of Tasmania.Pioneers when uncovering this area were fascinated by Kentish's picturesque scenery. Names like Promised Land, Paradise and No Where Else were used to encapsulate the beauty of the region. Visitors today believe this still rings true!View rich agricultural fields, rolling green hills and natural vistas when journeying to Sheffield, Cradle Mountain, Wilmot and Railton. Experience the change of environments from low lying grassy plains to the foothills and grandeur of Mt Roland, the most prominent landscape feature visitors see en route to Sheffield.
View magnificent historical murals scattered around the town on various buildings and shop fronts, depicting Kentish life in bygone days. Enjoy a coffee or meal at Sheffield cafes and eateries. Sheffield, Tasmania's Outdoor Art Gallery, a great place to escape stress and relax!
Historically, Sheffield is the administrative centre for the Kentish region. Life began in Sheffield after land lots were auctioned by the government in 1859. The first building was the Kentish Inn, erected by James Powlett. Powlett later changed the name to Sheffield Inn after Sheffield, England. The town's name was then adopted from Sheffield Inn.
Railton, Town of Topiary
Railton, a township built on industrial heritage, has experienced innovative transformation through topiary! Shape, figures and forms depicted in over 150 living topiaries (sculptured plants) are dotted along Railton streets. Through topiary, Railton boasts Tasmania's only living Tasmanian tiger.
Stop at Railton, stretch your legs, enjoy a coffee, browse through quaint shops and check out Railton's own boutique brewery. You can access theTasmanian Trail, fishing, walking, picnics, and barbeques at Railton.
Wilmot 'Valley of Views'
Wilmot features exquisite valley views along with a novelty letterbox trail via the Forth Valley. Pull over at lookouts for photo opportunities. Stop at the Wilmot Museum and Laburnum Gardens for petrol, post office and bottle shop supplies. Indulge in some wine tasting at Wilmot Hills Vineyard. Cheese-making classes are available fro the Old Wilmot Bakehouse.
Starting your journey
The best place to start your Cradle Country adventure is the Kentish Visitor Information Centre in Sheffield,Tasmania. Here you can book accommodation, get information about everything there is to see and do in Cradle Country - where to experience natural wilderness, enjoy fun family-friendly attractions, fresh country produce and award-winning local wines.
Kentish Visitors Information Centre
Ph (03) 6491 1036
5 Pioneer Crescent, Sheffield
Email [email protected]
Web: www.sheffieldcradleinfo.com.au