The Great Western Tiers

The Great Western Tiers are a collection of mountain bluffs that form the northern edge of the Central Highlands plateau in Tasmania, Australia. The Meander Valley is the start of the trek through the Tiers (if you approach from Launceston), and leads on to towns such as Westbury, Deloraine and Latrobe. 

Get lost in the beauty of the Great Western Tiers

Westbury sits at the head of the valley and is a beautifully laid out town with wide streets and a stately English feel. Take the kids for a ride on an old Steam train at Pearn’s Steam World. Pearn’s has the largest collection of steam engines in the Southern Hemisphere and is open seven days a week – kids just love hopping on one of these trains! While you’re looking for kids entertainment in Westbury, get lost in the awesome Westbury Maze. The one kilometre long and two-metre-high English style maze is plenty of fun to explore, while the café on site makes for a rewarding meal or drink once you find your way out. 

A little further along is Deloraine where you will find the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre and the Deloraine and District Folk Museum. Originally opened as a family and commercial inn in 1864, it’s now a tourist attraction home to plenty of interesting exhibits about Tasmanian history. The kids will be entertained and captivated by the musical water fountain, while the extensive garden is a must-see and the Pioneer Walk for views of reclaimed heritage buildings. There is also a statue of the champion racehorse Malua, who won the 1884 Melbourne Cup – be sure to get a photo in front of him! Get a family pass to the museum for only $16 when you present the LetsGoKids voucher!

Chudleigh and Mole Creek aren’t far from Deloraine. Mole Creek has some caves to explore – choose between three different tours through underground rivers and the Marakoopa Cave. You’ll be sure to spot some glow worms, and maybe even a platypus on the walk down through Fern Glade to the cave. The countryside is known to be a favoured area for Tasmanian Tigers – they are supposed to be extinct but people think they see them! Use the LetsGoKids voucher for 10 per cent off a family pass at the Caves. Mole Creek also is home to Trowunna Wildlife Park where you can view the famous native devils, wombats, kangaroos in a natural bush setting. The privately-owned park is all about conservation and education, meaning the family can interact with plenty of unique animals in safety. The local kangaroos come and ask the kids for a pat and chat – they will love it!

When stomachs start to rumble, a fun thing to do in the Tiers is head to the Melita Honey Farm in Chudleigh for a wide range of delicious honey products. Be sure to try the freshly-made honey ice cream from the theme business, and watch a queen bee lay some eggs from behind the safety of glass. It’s also a cheap day out – free admission means the family can enjoy some entertainment without a cost!

Elizabeth Town is known for the fresh produce. Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm and VDL Creamery are all here which provide hours of fun with free tastings, awesome cafes, products and ice creams. The Elizabeth Town Bakery is a must visit, with so many food options, you won’t know what to choose!

Latrobe is famous for pristine Warrawee Reserve, which is home to a large platypus population. It is also home to the Axeman’s Hall of Fame. The House of Anvers is here and makes for a fantastic family activity in the Tiers. 

While you’re in the mountains that make up the Tiers, you may as well stop for a meal. Food options are of the highest class in the Tiers. Family-owned since 1908, Ashgrove Cheese Dairy Door is filled with fresh premium dairy products that’ll leave you wanting more. With a visitor centre and food to die for, any cheese lover will cherish heading down for breakfast or lunch. 

The Great Western Tiers has so much to offer for families with so much to do and see, the kids are going to be happy, but so will you!

 

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