Convict Coffee Ross
Right in the heart of Ross, Tasmania, you’ll find Convict Coffee—a delightful stop for families exploring this historic village. Formerly called Bakery 31, Convict Coffee is now a vibrant café and bakery offering delicious food, unique gifts, and warm hospitality. Conveniently located on Church Street, it’s the perfect place to take a break while exploring one of Tasmania’s most scenic towns.
Convict Coffee
Convict Coffee serves up more than just a great cuppa. Their Oomph convict coffee blend is rich, smooth, and perfect for weary travellers. Pair it with one of their legendary pies, homemade sweets, or gooey cheese toasties and you’ve got yourself a comforting meal that pleases the whole family.
The café also sells a wonderful selection of homemade jams, preserves, and pantry goodies, ideal for taking a little taste of Tasmania home with you.
Ross Tasmania
Ross is one of Tasmania’s best-preserved heritage villages, offering history, hospitality, and heaps of country charm. Founded in 1821, the town played a key role as a military post, farming centre, and stagecoach stop. Much of this rich history can still be seen today in the beautiful sandstone buildings, peaceful riverbanks, and the iconic Ross Bridge—a stunning convict-built structure carved with 186 individual motifs.
You’ll notice how easy it is to explore Ross on foot. From convict tales to colonial architecture, every street corner tells a story. Make sure to wander past the “Four Corners of Ross”—Salvation (the church), Temptation (the pub), Damnation (the old gaol), and Recreation (the town hall). It’s a fun, family-friendly way to get a glimpse into Ross’s quirky past.
Things to Do in Ross Tasmania
One of the must-visit attractions in Ross is the Tasmanian Wool Centre, just a short walk from Convict Coffee. This excellent visitor centre and museum dives deep into the history of the region, especially its wool industry and convict heritage. Kids will enjoy seeing the vintage machinery and interactive displays, while adults can explore the museum’s fascinating collection of artefacts and stories from early settler life.
The Wool Centre also has a lovely gift shop showcasing high-quality Tasmanian wool products—perfect if you’re looking for a warm souvenir or something truly local to take home.
After visiting the museum, take a stroll along the riverbank to visit the Female Factory site, where interpretive panels share the story of women and children once imprisoned here. Then make your way back to Church Street for lunch or an afternoon treat.
Other fun things to do in Ross include browsing the local shops (like Books on Bridge, Classwood, and The Wrinkly Tin), enjoying a picnic under the elms, or climbing to the top of Park Street for panoramic views of the countryside and a visit to the historic burial ground—home to the grave of Daniel Herbert, the convict artisan who carved Ross Bridge.
If you’re staying overnight—something that is highly recommended—Ross becomes even more enchanting in the evening. Vintage street lamps cast a soft glow, and the peacefulness of the village really sets in. It’s also an excellent location for stargazing and even occasional views of the Aurora Australis from nearby hills.
