Steppes: Highland history and sculptures

Steppes tells the story of Tasmania’s highlands and their long history of sheep farming. The Steppes Reserve protects an important part of this heritage. It also features a historic homestead, a church with a special role in community life, and sculptures depicting the region’s people and wildlife. Anyone interested in the history of the highlands will find a place where these themes are visible in tangible buildings and works of art.

Sheep farming and everyday life in the highlands

The Steppes was home to the Wilson family for 112 years, from 1863. This long association makes the homestead a gateway to the history of life in the region. The Steppes also served various purposes: it was a police station, church, weather observation station, summer school, and post office. Travellers in the Lake Country also found accommodation there. Its changing functions show that the place was not just a residence, but also met a range of everyday needs at the time.

When planning a trip, you can therefore view this historic place from several perspectives: as part of Tasmania’s highland sheep-farming heritage and as a setting for community and practical activities. If you are travelling with your family, you can use these different aspects to explore history beyond a single building. Its connections range from residential life and public services to accommodating travellers.

Church and art in the landscape

Steppes Church Hall was built in 1911. It was both a centre of social life and a place of worship. This dual significance helps explain the building’s place in the shared life of Steppes. If you are interested in buildings and local history, you can consider the hall alongside the homestead’s former functions.

The Steppes Sculptures form a stone circle featuring bronze sculptures of Tasmania’s native animals. The Steppes Stones are about one kilometre south of Steppes Homestead. Their sculptures depict life and wildlife in the highlands. The Steppes Stones were a gift from sculptor Stephen Walker and his family. The two art sites have different focuses: the Steppes Sculptures centre on native animals, while the Steppes Stones bring together the life and wildlife of the highlands.

Visiting and getting your bearings

Steppes Historic Site is on Lake Highway (A5) in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, about 35 kilometres northwest of Bothwell. Steppes Historic Site is accessible to visitors at any time. However, the interior of the homestead and some outbuildings can only be visited on rare open days. If you want to see specific interiors, bear this distinction in mind when planning your visit; access to the Historic Site at any time does not mean the homestead interior is always accessible.

A short walking track connects Steppes Homestead with the Steppes Sculptures. You can include a walk between the historic homestead and the animal sculptures in your visit. The Steppes Stones, by contrast, are about one kilometre south of the homestead; this distance is a separate point of reference for anyone wishing to explore their depictions too. The Steppes has been recognised as a bird sanctuary because of the large number of birds in the region. This adds a connection with nature to the site’s historical and artistic aspects.

Steppes is a suitable destination to consider if, when choosing your holiday accommodation, you want to focus on the cultural heritage of Tasmania’s highlands and the sculptures there. Also discover Liawenee.

For the broader travel overview: Central Highlands Council.