Great Western Tiers
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). 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 or get lost in the awesome Westbury Maze.
A little further along is Deloraine where you will find the Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre and the Folk Museum. The kids will be entertained and captivated by the musical water fountain. 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!
Chudleigh and Mole Creek aren’t far from Deloraine. Mole Creek has some caves to explore and the countryside is known to be a favoured area for Tasmanian Tigers – they are supposed to be extinct but people think they see them! Mole Creek also is home to Trowunna Wildlife Park where you can view devils, wombats, kangaroos in a natural bush setting. The local kangaroos come and ask the kids for a pat and chat – they will love it!
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 and Cherry Shed are here. The Cherry Shed has great meals and a children’s playground so that they are out of your hair for a little while!
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!
Stanley
In Stanley, the first thing you can’t help but notice is “The Nut” - North West Tasmania’s equivalent to Ayers Rock. It looks like Ayers Rock - Just not quite as red. It dominates the skyline and you can hike to the top OR catch a chairlift. It is a long climb. When you get to the top you will be rewarded with a 360 degree view for 30km. The local beach is a beauty and has a grassy area with toilets.
The local Tourist Park is a great place to stay as it is right on the beach AND the golf course! You can also walk everywhere from there. The Seaview Inn loves kids and has commanding views.
Whilst in town you must sample the fresh seafood straight off the boat, visit the Seaquarium and learn about life under the ocean. Enjoy an educational and interactive experience with Seahorses, Octopus, Sharks, Southern Rock Lobsters and Tasmanian Giant Crabs. The Seaquarium has a touch pool for the kids, meaning that they can see and feel what the underwater animals are like – something they are sure to enjoy.
The kids will enjoy the Stanley Seal Cruise which takes you out to sea to visit the local Seals that come in and sunbake in Stanley.
See how life used to be like at Highfield Historic Site, the original headquarters of the Van Diemen’s Land Company sits high above the town and has been restored to its former glory. It gives the kids a glimpse into life in the olden days.
Things to do in the area include:
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Great Western Tiers Visitor Information Centre
The Great Western Tiers Visitor Centre is situated in Deloraine. The visitor centre offers extensive information on Deloraine.
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Devils@Cradle – Tasmanian Devil Sanctuary
Come and explore the mysterious world of the Tasmanian devil at Devils@Cradle Tasmania’s premier devil sanctuary.
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Mole Creek Caves
Whatever the weather above ground, it’s always a perfect time for a cave visit — it’s a comfortable 9° all year round.
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Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary
A native Tasmanian wildlife sanctuary, set on over 65 acres with daily interactive tours (11am, 1pm and 3pm) featuring a Wombat and a Tasmanian Devil feeding.
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Tasmazia
Includes 8 mazes, featuring The Great Maze, as well as The Village of Lower Crackpot, a whimsical model village built to 1/5th scale.
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