Oatlands

Oatlands brings together traces of its history and discoveries in the great outdoors. In the Military Precinct, a self-guided walk leads to important military sites; at Lake Dulverton, a seven-kilometre gravel path begins. There are also buildings with specific historical connections and artworks that tell stories of the place. This lets you get to know Oatlands from different perspectives, depending on your interests.

Discover history at your own pace

The walk through Oatlands’ Military Precinct includes the Supreme Court House, the Gaol, the Commissariat Store and the Old Barracks. Each stop has on-site information. You can therefore explore the military sites independently and learn more about them at each location. Those especially interested in the town’s history will find a clear thematic focus here, rather than just a sequence of attractions.

The Oatlands Key System provides access to the Supreme Courthouse, built in 1829, the Gaoler’s Residence, built in 1836, and the Commissariat, built in 1827. These three buildings are associated with different names and construction dates. When choosing historic sites to visit, it is worth paying close attention to these details to help you find your way.

St Paul’s Catholic Church is also part of Oatlands’ architectural history: it was one of the last buildings designed by Augustus Welby Pugin to be constructed before his death in 1852. The Oatlands District Historical Society offers another way to explore the town’s history. Its collections include photographs, family records, cemetery information, local historical information, newspapers and books. The range spans everything from personal and family traces to material on the history of the town.

Lake Dulverton and discoveries in the streetscape

A seven-kilometre gravel path begins on the shore of Lake Dulverton, connecting Oatlands and Parattah. Its precise length and route between the two places can help you work this walking option into your day. The sculpture of three cows is also located in Lake Dulverton. It can be seen from Oatlands’ High Street, beside the Oatlands District Historical Society Museum.

“Cows in the Lake” refers to a time when cows grazed on the grassy verges of the town’s streets before heading to Lake Dulverton. The sculpture brings this local story to life in the streetscape. If you are interested in details like these, you can also look out for the Topiary Trail: topiary figures stand at several spots along the streets of Oatlands. The lake, sculpture and topiary figures offer different features to look out for as you explore the town.

Another self-guided experience

The Callington Mill Whisky Tasting Experience includes four 15 ml tastings of Callington Mill Single Malt Whiskies, as well as a self-guided tour. The exact number and size of the tastings describe the format of this experience; it is a separate option alongside the historic walks and outdoor discoveries. The Callington Mill Heritage Tours are free and self-guided. They run seven days a week, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For visitors who prefer a tour without a guide, these times offer a practical point of reference.

When looking for a holiday rental in Oatlands, you can consider which aspects of the town you want to shape your stay: the military sites and architectural history, its connections to the local past, or the walking routes and artworks around the lake. This lets you start your search with the travel experience you want, without letting any one itinerary define the character of your entire visit.

More destinations: Quamby Brook, New Norfolk, Corinna, Loccota, South Arm Peninsula, Promised Land, Carrick and Barrington.

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.