Oatlands: History and Experiences

Oatlands can be explored through several specific experiences: in the Military Precinct, a self-guided walk takes you to four named military sites; at Lake Dulverton, you’ll find the sculpture of three cows, and a seven-kilometre gravel trail begins on the shore, connecting Oatlands and Parattah. Architecture, local history and street art offer other points of interest. You can therefore plan your visit around the focus you want, rather than treating the attractions as a single itinerary.

Military Sites and Architectural History

The walk through the Military Precinct is self-guided and takes you to the key military sites, including the Supreme Court House, Gaol, Commissariat Store and Old Barracks. Each site has information on location. The four names mark different stops along the walk, allowing you to explore the military sites individually and take in the information at each one.

The “Oatlands Key” system provides access to the Supreme Courthouse, built in 1829; the Gaoler’s Residence, built in 1836; and the Commissariat, built in 1827. As access arrangements and key collection points may change, check both before your visit.

The Oatlands District Historical Society has collections of photographs, family records, cemetery information, local history resources, newspapers and books. Its local history resources cover topics ranging from families and cemeteries to printed collections and visual sources. The Catholic church of St Paul’s in Oatlands offers an architectural perspective: it was one of the last buildings designed by Augustus Welby Pugin to be constructed before his death in 1852. The collection and the building offer different ways to explore Oatlands’ history.

Lake Dulverton and Art Around Town

The “Cows in the Lake” sculpture, featuring three cows, stands in Lake Dulverton and can be seen from Oatlands’ High Street, beside the Oatlands District Historical Society Museum. Its theme recalls a time when cows grazed on Oatlands’ grassy road verges before heading to Lake Dulverton. The work thus connects a motif from local history with a particular view of the lake.

The seven-kilometre gravel trail begins on the shore of Lake Dulverton and connects Oatlands with Parattah. It offers a longer route alongside the historic sites in town. Surface conditions may vary; check them before setting out if you plan to walk the trail.

The Topiary Trail offers another form of art around town: topiary figures can be found at several locations on Oatlands’ streets. Unlike the single sculpture in the lake, these figures are spread across several points in the streetscape.

Callington Mill: Tour and Whisky Tasting

The self-guided Callington Mill Heritage Tours are free and run seven days a week from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. As current opening hours may change, check the times before your visit.

The Callington Mill Whisky Tasting Experience includes four 15 ml tastings of Callington Mill Single Malt Whiskies and a self-guided tour. The format and price may change; check the current details in advance.

If you’re looking for a hotel in Oatlands, you can base your choice on the experiences you’d like to shape your stay: architectural history and collections, street art, or the longer trail by the lake.

Discover more destinations: Branxholm, Port Huon, Promised Land, Ulverstone, Grove, Nubeena, Fentonbury, Southport.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.