Conara: Pioneer History and Traces of Coach Travel

Conara tells a story that goes beyond any single historic attraction. Vaucluse represents an early 19th-century pioneer farm, while Smithvale recalls coach journeys between Launceston and Hobart. Two perspectives on the area’s history meet here: the long-running use of a pastoral property and the everyday lives of early travellers. If you’re looking for traces of agriculture, architecture and transport on your trip to Tasmania, you’ll find concrete themes here to help plan your journey.

The Midlands Highway and a fleeting view

Conara lies just off the Midlands Highway. A drive along this road also takes you past an unusual optical effect: the historic building near Conara, known as “The Disappearing House”, is initially visible as you travel along the highway, then vanishes behind a hill. Its name captures this sequence—the building appears in view, then is briefly obscured by the hill. For travellers who pay attention to the landscape and historic buildings along the way, it’s a striking landmark.

Vaucluse: farm history, architecture and landscape

Vaucluse Estate Tasmania is located at 643 Glen Esk Road, Conara, Tasmania 7211. Vaucluse has historic and cultural significance as an early 19th-century pioneer farm in what was then Van Diemen’s Land. A significant pastoral property, the estate has been in continuous use for almost two centuries. This long history of use gives the place a different dimension from that of a single historic building.

Vaucluse’s significance also lies in the estate’s relationship with its surroundings: lush plantings, expansive views and gentle hills. The main residence is representative of both the Old Colonial Georgian style and the Victorian Italianate style. The architecture and landscape offer two different ways to explore the estate’s history. Site visits are by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.

Smithvale and coach journeys

The historic Smithvale building in Conara was built by James and Catherine Smith around 1839–1840. It was established as an inn to provide overnight accommodation for travellers on the coach routes, and served as a staging post for coaches between Launceston and Hobart. Here, overnight stays and the route go hand in hand: Smithvale recalls both a place to stay and one stage of a longer coach journey. There are said to once have been stables behind Smithvale where horses were changed.

Place name, railway and Christ Church

Conara’s former name is also part of its history: the town was originally known as The Corners. While Smithvale recalls coach journeys, the former railway station points to another chapter in the history of transport. Passengers could transfer there from the Main Line between Hobart and Launceston to the East Coast via the Fingal Line.

Another local landmark is Christ Church, a church and cemetery complex at 136 Conara Road. Together with the historic traces of transport, it shows that Conara’s history cannot be tied to just one building. The different places tell of various aspects of life and travel in the area, without combining into a single attraction.

Include Conara in your accommodation plans

This way, your accommodation choice can suit the mix of local history and road travel you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Huonville, Deloraine, Cygnet, Falmouth, Naracoopa, Alonnah, Port Sorell, Zeehan.

For the broader travel guide: Tasmania.