Farm Archives - Traversing Tasmania

November 5, 2018

Table Cape Tulip Farm

"Irrigation Piping Run Over by Tractor" — “Irrigation Piping Run Over by Tractor” © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

When you arrive at Table Cape Tulip Farm, you may wonder what you’re in for. It is a farm, so you’ll see machinery (including a shed full of historic bits and bobs), mud and mayhem. This year, I noticed piping artfully decorating one of the shed walls – a man walking by us aptly named it “irrigation piping that has been run over by a tractor”. This is the kind of place that Table Cape Tulip Farm is: an honest-to-goodness working farm.

Tulip Field © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

You’ll soon realise why locals and tourists flock here in droves each Spring. Firstly, Table Cape Tulip Farm is in an incredible location. You’ll wind your way up from Wynyard to the top of the cape. From here, the farm boasts views of the historic Table Cap Lighthouse and Bass Strait. On top of this windswept plateau, colourful fields of tulips bloom for the month of October. It is a sight to behold! This year, the field in bloom (which is rotated annually) didn’t have views of the lighthouse but the tulips did not disappoint.

Treasure © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

The sight of a patch-work field of living colour stretching up over the hill is breathtaking. Even better is walking between the colourful rows. There are many special treasures hidden in the tulip fields: choosing your favourite bloom, spying an “odd-one-out” (a lone white tulip in a row of red, for instance) or even finding a tulip-painted rock! Of course, people-watching is also fun. Apparently, the thing to do this year was to bring your dog along for a great Instagram photo-shoot!! If you visit during the Bloomin’ Tulips Festival, you can pay to have your portrait taken by a professional photographer.

Tiptoe through the Tulips © emily.j@traversingtasmania 2018

The main business of Table Cape Tulip Farm is selling tulips but you won’t find many for sale during Spring. Why? Because they sell bulbs! The farm’s flower-selling season is at a completely different time of the year. Head to Van Diemen Quality Bulbs’ site for a peek at what’s on offer. One of my favourite things to do when I visit Table Cape Tulip Farm is to choose a few new varieties of tulips and daffodils to order for my garden. If you’re not fortunate to live in a tulip-friendly climate, you’ll at least have memories and photos to cherish.

What to Bring

Tulip Shed © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

I always say to wear sturdy shoes when you go out and about in Tasmania, but you actually don’t have to at Table Cape Tulip Farm! If you want, you can swap your fashion shoes for a pair of sturdy blue gum boots, for free. If the ground is wet, this is particularly important as the north west coast features some of Tasmania’s richest dirt and it sticks in giant clods to your footwear! As always, do dress appropriately for the weather conditions. You’ll stay longer than you had imagined in the field of tulips and can end up frozen or sunburnt. If you’re particularly unlucky, you might end up both frozen AND burnt; it does happen in Tasmania! The farm has amenities and a small café. I highly recommend Café Umami in Wynyard, particularly for those with dietary requirements.

Getting There

Table Cape Tulip Farm is a 5-minute drive from Wynyard in Tasmania’s north west. There is plenty of parking at the farm but you are parking in a field so it’s not necessarily a smooth drive. Remember that visitor numbers swell enormously during the Bloomin’ Tulips Festival so arrive early for a park that is closer to the main attraction. The farm is open from 9am – 4:30pm daily when the flowers are in bloom (late September to late October each year). You can visit at other times of the year to buy bulbs if you phone ahead but it really is worth visiting when the flowers are in their full splendour.

Cost

The rather wonderful thing about Table Cape Tulip Farm is that kids (under 16 years old) are free! Adults cost $12 per person in 2018 ($10 per concession or $8 per student). You can purchase bulbs and gift items from the shop or treats from the café. You can also order the bulbs online if you’d prefer. Apart from your entry fee, though, the main “cost” will be displaying your gorgeous photos… Enjoy!

Staying a while? There’s plenty to do in Tasmania’s north west or, further afield, west coast and north.

October 14, 2018October 14, 2018

Ratho Farm

I love Tasmania’s central highlands. You’ll find snow in winter and clear blue skies in summer, with the lakes and mountains giving a stunning backdrop to rural pastures year-round. Some of Tasmania’s best country is here. The early Scottish settlers obviously shared my sentiments. Ratho Farm was established in the early 1800s, along with Australia’s oldest golf course (Rath Farm Golf Course), which winds its way around the homestead. The homestead looks rather grand but is quirky! You’ll enjoy exploring the homestead, golf course and the grounds of Ratho Farm.

Accommodation

The Stables © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

You can choose to stay in convict-built cottages that have been tastefully renovated. These converted farm outbuildings are grouped quite closely together, closer than I expected. If you want more privacy, the Bakery is a separate building but it is still close to other cottages. If you travel with family and friends, you can book out an entire building (or the entire site!). Ratho Farm staff suggested paying a little extra for a premium suite with views of the Clyde River and I’m glad that the Scottish penny-pinching side of me didn’t win out. Waking up to views of a spectacular purple sunset over the river on our first day there was AMAZING!

Food

Homestead © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

Bothwell is in rural Tasmania and is a long way from the major cities. For this reason, I highly recommend booking breakfast and perhaps dinner for your stay. At the very least, you’ll need a plan of where you’ll eat dinner as the local pub is only open on certain nights of the week. You can choose to eat some of your meals at Nant Distillery too (expensive but lovely food). We brought our own lunch with us. Our host was very good at catering for dietary requirements which was lovely! If you give a few days’ warning, your requests will be accommodated. Having breakfast in the aged, stately dining room or cheese and wine by the fire in the lounge room is a wonderful experience. You can imagine, if you ignore anything reliant on electricity, what life might have been like for the Reid family who built the homestead.

Dining Room © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

The best thing about eating at Ratho Farm is being in the homestead and getting to know the other guests over a meal. Being Tasmanian, you never know who you’ll meet where. We checked in at the same time as family friends (one of whom taught me many years ago too!), neither of us knowing that the other was going to be there. We ended up having a lovely time with them, sharing meals and playing golf together. Getting to know the other guests was also lovely.

Animals

Ratho Farm has a handful of “hairy coos” (Scottish highland cows), a peacock (heard but not seen by us), wallabies, platypus and a whole lot of sheep. At the suggestion of our host, I was up early to see the platypus in the river directly opposite our cottage. I was teased with a five second swim across the surface and then platypus got down to the business of eating (on the river bed), which meant that there were no more sightings despite me trying to wait it out! The sheep were not so shy. We saw ewes and lambs on our way to dinner, out on the golf course, on our evening walks and even in the loungeroom after dinner on our second evening. A young family had joined us for dinner in the homestead and our host brought in the two orphan lambs to entertain the kids (and us!).

What to Bring

Springtime © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

You’ll definitely need warm clothing. When we visited, in early Spring, the days heated up nicely but, being in the highlands, the temperature sure did drop overnight. I donned my beanie and gloves on the walk to dinner. Sturdy shoes for dodging the sheep poop and mud are a must! Otherwise, bring your usual creature comforts, including a good book. For tips on what to bring for a game of golf, see my post on Ratho Farm Golf Course.

Getting There

Verandah © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

Ratho Farm is a minute’s drive north of beautiful Bothwell in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. The farm is an hour away from Hobart and an hour and a half away from Launceston. From Hobart, head north on the Midlands Highway, turning left at Melton Mowbray and following signs for Bothwell. From Launceston, drive south via Longford and Poatina (or Deloraine via Miena), following signs for Bothwell. Make sure that you allow for extra time to explore Tassie’s picturesque countryside.

Cost

Clyde River © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

You are welcome to visit Ratho Farm for a round of golf or a squiz at the farm anytime of the year. Staying overnight is not cheap but it is enjoyable. For a double/twin-share room, 2018 prices are $175 for a standard room or $195 per night for a premium suite. The extra $20 per night gives you either a view of the Clyde River or a working fireplace. Firewood, meals and golf are additional extras although you can sometimes find package deals available. You’ll be glad to know that, unlike similar Tasmanian establishments, there is no minimum night stay (except possibly in peak seasons) so you can book a night on your way somewhere else. Mind you, if you want to play a round of golf, I recommend booking two nights and making the most of the relaxing setting. Enjoy your stay at Ratho Farm!

If you enjoy a round of golf, read my post about Ratho Farm Golf Course. For more to do in the central highlands, click here. If you’re passing through, enjoy your trip south, north, west or to the midlands.

October 6, 2018

Ratho Farm Golf Course

The Homestead from Hole 15 © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

Dodging sheep poo while playing a round of golf probably doesn’t sound like fun but Ratho Farm Golf Course is fantastic. Disclaimer: I don’t play golf. I do, however, spend quality time walking various courses with Mr. Traversing Tasmania and I highly rate Ratho Farm.

A quality that Ratho Farm Golf Course has in bucketloads is entertainment factor. There’s poop to dodge, parts of the Clyde River to navigate, tricky holes to play and, of course, the wildlife. We visited in Spring when the lambs were newly born (or being born, as happened on our last morning there!) and it was lovely to have them as our golfing companions; the course is sheep-grazed in places. We saw a wallaby and heard a peacock.

Even if all the animals go into hiding when you visit, the course itself is enjoyably tricky. The par 70 doesn’t really indicate what lies ahead (the 5.373 km course length gives you a hint though!). What might seem at first to be a straightforward hole can bring you undone if you misplace your shot because you’re liable to land in some “rabbit scrape” (as is noted in the historic rules). Hole 15 is particularly challenging as you need to tee off cleanly to avoid the trees and the river (Mr. Traversing Tasmania succeeded on his second go!). You’ll also have to navigate over (or through) hedges in places. It’s a lot of fun to watch, if not to play!

Australia’s Oldest Golf Course

Teeing off near the Toilet.. — Teeing off near the Toilet… © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

Ratho Farm Golf Course begins and ends at the historic homestead. It’s a beautiful building. You can even hire hickory clubs to really feel part of the setting. When you tee off at the first hole, note the outdoor toilet with removable waste tray – ingenious! Ratho Farm is Australia’s oldest golf course, first created by Scottish settlers to the Central Highlands in the early 1800s. Just playing a round of golf here makes you feel like part of history.

Farm meets Golf Course © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

It’s easy to see why the Scottish Reid family chose this land for a golf course. The Clyde River meanders through the back few holes and gorgeous trees line the course. I also enjoyed the humble farming setting. Someone was burning off across the road, the farm next door had been freshly ploughed and cows and sheep created a chorus with the birds. Bliss! That said, some parts of the course were rough but this only added to the charm.

What to Bring

You can bring your own golf clubs or you can hire a set from Ratho Farm homestead. They even have hickory sets for hire if you’d like to really embrace the heritage of the course. Be prepared to scrape poop off your gear though so don’t bring anything too precious!! As always in Tasmania, be aware of the weather and dress accordingly. The Central Highlands can be very cold and at other times you can end up with a touch of sunburn, speaking from experience!

Getting There

Highland Views © emily@traversingtasmania 2018

Ratho Farm Golf Course is located in Bothwell in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. You can take the scenic route between Launceston and Hobart via the Central Highlands and stop off for a round of golf. From Hobart, drive up the Midlands Highway, turning left at Melton Mowbray and following signs for Bothwell. It will take you just over an hour to reach Ratho Farm. Alternatively, drive south from Launceston via Longford and Poatina (or Deloraine via Miena), following signs for Bothwell. You’ll travel for over an hour and a half from Deloraine or just under two hours from Launceston. Whichever way you drive, the views are sensational!

Cost

You’ll pay $25 to play nine holes. The back nine are apparently easier than the front nine – take your pick! Alternatively, pay $40 to play all eighteen holes. You can hire a buggy and set of clubs for an extra $15. If you know that you’ll be there for lunch, organise this with Ratho Farm staff in advance as they are very obliging if given enough notice. Enjoy having a hit on Australia’s oldest (and quirkiest?!) golf course.

Interested in visiting Ratho Farm Golf Course? Read my sister post on Ratho Farm (coming soon!). Heading elsewhere in Tasmania? Visit historic Richmond (in the south), Woolmers Estate (in the north) or Stanley (on the north west coast – there’s a lovely golf course there) or have a round of golf at Quamby.

February 4, 2018November 18, 2018

Crestview Blueberry Farm

I’m still deciding which is my favourite pick-your-own fruit farm in Tasmania. Crestview Blueberry Farm is definitely a contender. Does it have a café? No. Public amenities? No (there is a porta-loo though). A sealed car park? No. What is does have is an abundance of gorgeous blueberries for a very reasonable price. That’s a win for me!

Picking your own fruit has many benefits. Firstly, you’re out in the great outdoors. Secondly, you see how your fruit grows (and why it’s so expensive to have it picked and packaged for you!). Wonderfully, Crestview Blueberry Farm is an organic farm. Finally, you can choose your own fruit. Some people are very fussy pickers, selecting only the plumpest fruit but I tend to have a fill-the-freezer attitude! Take friends and family and it’s a community event.

Blueberries are a fantastic berry. They are easy to eat, freeze well and make a delicious addition to smoothies. You can even use them as ice-cubes on a hot summer’s day. My picking tips are to look for the dark-blue (almost grey) berries, check for marks/splits and remove stalks (you don’t want to pay for those!). Crouch down inside the bush then look up and you’ll find glorious bunches of blueberries!

Blueberry Rows © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

Of course, it’s not all fun and games! I have plenty of scratches on my arms and crouching down inside a blueberry bush is hard work. There are creepy crawlies; you’ll find spiders scurrying out of your blueberry bucket (they are often quite small – nothing to worry about!). I highly recommend the adventure of picking your own berries though.

What to Bring

Although blueberry bushes are shady, it’s hot work picking the berries so you’ll need sun protection and drinking water. There is a porta-loo available at the farm or you can use the public amenities at Lilydale Waterfall Reserve, which is about a five minute drive away. If you bring your own food, there are a few spots to sit and eat or you can purchase food in Lilydale. You’ll need to bring cash as credit card/EFTPOS facilities are not available.

Getting There

Crestview Blueberry Farm is a half-hour drive north of Launceston via Lilydale. Don’t make a special trip out unless you know that it is open; check the farm’s Facebook page or ring ahead first. From Lilydale, keep travelling north but take care as there are some sharp turns just after the Lilydale Waterfall Reserve. At the top of the hill after the turns, you’ll find the farm on the right-hand side of the road – it is clearly signposted but has a tricky driveway to navigate. You’ll find plenty of parking but it is on gravel and grassed areas. If you’re using Google Maps to navigate, just type in Crestview (and nothing else) or the physical address (524 Golconda Road, Lebrina).

Cost

Crestview Blueberry Farm is open in January and February (sometimes March too). Have a look at their Facebook page for up-to-date opening hours and farm closures. This year (2018), I paid $7 per k/g for blueberries (remember to bring enough cash). When you enter the farm shed, you’ll see a stack of white buckets. Take one and fill it and you’ll have approximately 3.5kg of blueberries. Last time I checked supermarket prices for a tiny, tiny punnet of blueberries, that’s a fabulous price!

Looking for more to do in the area? Head to Bridestowe Lavender Estate or choose your own adventure in Tasmania’s midlands, north or not too far away east coast.

December 28, 2017

Bridestowe Lavender Estate

I have visited Bridestowe Lavender Estate before, in winter. Even then, it was impressive. In summer, the lavender is in bloom, making the farm a must-see. Fields of purple follow the contours of the land, pointing to the distant Mount Arthur. It is a spectacular sight!

You can wander through the fields for as long as you like. Once the hazy smell of the lavender, the beautiful view of Mount Arthur and the thrill of taking the perfect shot have worn off, there’s more to do. Walk down to the dam, picnic under the oak trees or stroll near the pines, admiring the intriguing statues. When you’re finished, head to the buildings.

You now have choices. Ice-cream first? A lavender blend is available from the very cute truck. What about Devonshire tea? Lavender scones and lavender tea with lavender jam on the side await you in the café. Prefer retail therapy? The Bridestowe Lavender Estate gift store is bursting at the seams with lavender produce, including the famous Bobbie the Bear. When you’re done eating and shopping, join a guided tour.

The Distillery © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

As Bridestowe Lavender Estate is a historic property, the lavender distillery is well worth having a look at. The farm was founded in 1921 and relocated to Nabowla in the mid-1940s. The distillery is a quiet testament to times gone by. You’ll find antique bottles, signs, tins and equipment, as well as a brief explanation of the distilling process.

What to Bring

Lavender Fields © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

It sounds obvious, given that you are visiting a farm, but do wear sturdy shoes. Even in summer, it will rain at times and the red earth turns to mud quite quickly! Wear weather-appropriate clothing and take your camera with you. Selfie-sticks are very popular (and useful) but I still can’t bring myself to use one!

Getting There

Mount Arthur © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

Bridestowe Lavender Estate is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Launceston. It is located in Nabowla, which is north-east of Lilydale. Allow extra time for sight-seeing. We stopped at Lilydale Falls Reserve on the way for a short walk as the falls are very peaceful and picturesque. You could also visit one of the well-known wineries in the area, such as Pipers Brook Vineyard or Jansz Tasmania. There is ample parking at Bridestowe Lavender Estate. Instead of driving, you can take a bus (either as a tour or just as public transport) from Launceston to the estate.

Cost

Gift Shop © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

You’ll pay $10 per person to visit Bridestowe Lavender Estate when the flowers are in bloom. If you are a local or a Friend of Bridestowe (you can sign up for free on Bridestowe Lavender Estate’s website), you’ll get in for free! You can also visit the estate out of season free of charge. The shop and café both have EFTPOS facilities but I’m not sure about the ice-cream truck so take a little bit of cash with you. The estate is open from 9am to 5pm daily (except Christmas Day). Enjoy walking through the fields of lavender and soaking in a little bit more of Tasmania’s unique history.

Staying a while? Read about my adventures in Tasmania’s north and east coast.

December 2, 2017

Convict Farm Walk

Suspension Bridge © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

Last weekend, we did the Convict Farm Walk between Woolmers and Brickendon estates in Longford. At 45 minutes one way, it’s a relatively short walk through fields with some interesting sights along the way. Being able to walk between the two estates was a treat as I really like both of them.

View from Woolmers © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

We set out from Woolmers, out the back gate of the Main House, following signs for the Convict Farm Walk. Here, you’ll have sweeping views of the plains below and the mountains in the distance. You can see Brickendon Farm Village below as a small cluster of buildings. Even if you don’t have time to do the walk, stand on the hillside and take in the view!

Pump House © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

At the bottom of the hill, you’ll reach and river and the suspension bridge that spans it. This is open from 9am – 5pm daily. You won’t be able to bring prams, wheelchairs, etc. over the bridge as it is very narrow. It was a lot of fun to walk across its two spans, swinging above the water. Look up and down the river as there are some great views to be had of the pump house from the bridge.

Through the fields © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

From here, it’s about two and a half kilometres to Brickendon. You’ll pass a clay pit (now grassed over) and interpretive signs about the lives and work of the convicts. Take in the views of the Great Western Tiers to your left and the mountains (Ben Lomond, Mount Barrow, etc.) to your right. Walking through wheat stalks and watching the farm in operation was also intriguing. We passed a field of sheep bleating a constant chorus of “maaaaaa!!!” It is an amusing experience to be under surveillance by sheep!!

Take the five-minute detour to the jetty. There’s a lot of serenity with the pump going… watch The Castle if you don’t know what I mean! It is a lovely feeling to be by the water though, watching it flowing past on its way to Longford. From here, it’s a short stroll to Brickendon Farm Village.

At Brickendon Farm Village, you’ll find photogenic historic buildings and a whole lot of animals! We said hello to a white horse, large cows, turkeys, geese, ducks, chickens, a pig and, best of all, Spring lambs!!! They were just gorgeous! It took us a long time to leave! One of the staff members spent some time with us, introducing us to the lambs, which was lovely. From the Farm, you can walk on to the homestead at Brickendon (which is a private residence) and surrounding gardens. We chose to head back to Woolmers.

What to Bring

Woolmers Estate © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

You’ll need good walking shoes as, between the two estates and the walk, you’ll spend 3+ hours on your feet. The suspension bridge would also be difficult to cross in inappropriate footwear. Depending on the season, you’ll also need sun protection and/or waterproof clothing. Carry basic first aid supplies, a little bit of food and plenty of water with you. There is a café at Woolmers to relax in and plenty of places to sit down at both ends of the walk.

Getting There

Convict Farm Walk from Brickendon © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

You can begin the Convict Farm Walk at either estate. Both are about a two-minute drive out of Longford or you can turn into Woolmers Lane directly from the Midlands Highway. You’ll find ample free, all-day parking at both sites. Ask staff at reception for directions to the start of the track.

Cost

White Horse © emily@traversingtasmania 2017

If you just wanted to do the Convict Farm Walk, and not look at either site, you could probably do the walk for free. I paid for a self-guided tour of the historic sites at both ends as I like to support local enterprises. Both are worth having a good look around, even if you’ve been before, as they are quite different in each season. Make sure that you tell the receptionist at the second site that you have come from the first as you’ll then get a discount. It cost us $24 per adult to visit both sites and do the Convict Farm Walk, which I think is very reasonable!

Enjoy your time at Woolmers and Brickendon! I’ve visited several places in Tasmania’s nearby midlands, north and central highlands if you’re interested in more ideas for your own adventures.