Holiday houses in New Norfolk

A small but bustling regional town on the River Derwent, New Norfolk is known for its rich history, quality produce, and beautiful rural scenery. It’s also the commercial and residential heart of the Derwent Valley, an easy hop north of Tasmania’s capital, Hobart. Established by residents of Norfolk Island after the island’s first settlement was closed at the turn of the 19th century, New Norfolk’s historic past is evident in the town’s early buildings, including one of Australia’s oldest pubs and the nation’s oldest Anglican church, St Matthews. New Norfolk also has one of Australia’s few traditional village squares, and boasts one of Australia’s most haunted buildings, with ghost tours held regularly.

More recently, New Norfolk has evolved as a culinary hub, and is now home to one of Tasmania’s finest regional restaurants. Within easy reach of the temperate rainforests of Mount Field National Park and other Derwent Valley attractions, it’s a great base for exploring this verdant region.

New Norfolk is a year-round destination, with the summer months best for river-based activities such as kayaking and water-skiing. The golden leaves of autumn are a photographer’s dream. Saturday mornings are a great time to visit throughout the year, when an average of 75 stallholders of all types converge on High Street for the popular Banjo’s New Norfolk Market. A major hops farming area that produces 70 percent of the hops for Australian breweries, New Norfolk is also the home of the Fresh Hop Beer Festival in April showcasing beers from around the state along with food stalls and entertainment. In June, New Norfolk hosts Dark Derwent, a spin-off of Hobart’s popular Dark Mofo festival that sees revellers gather for a night of fine food, drinks, and live entertainment.

Lawitta Cemetery

The last known female survivor of the First Fleet, Betty King (née Elizabeth Thackery), was buried in Lawitta Cemetery, just under four kilometres northwest of New Norfolk. Shipped off to Australia after being convicted in 1786 for the crime of stealing five handkerchiefs, she later settled in the Derwent Valley.

Mount Field National Park

Just 40 minutes’ drive northwest of New Norfolk, lush Mount Field National Park is home to some of Tasmania’s most exquisite waterfalls. An ethereal curtain of water tumbling through the greenery, Russell Falls is the main attraction. The falls are reached by a beautiful 1.4-kilometre-return wheelchair-accessible pathway. Stairs lead up behind Russell Falls to the also-beautiful Horseshoe Falls, and the Tall Trees Walk beyond.

Maydena Bike Park

Another 15 minutes along Gordon River Road past the Mount Field Visitor Centre, Maydena Bike Park is a gravity-focused mountain bike park that will seriously test your downhill biking skills. Rent a bike from the base, catch the shuttle to the summit of Mount Abbot, and take your pick of more than 73 trails on your way down through a series of varied ecosystems.