Ulverstone
A substantial regional centre, the town is a centralised location between the north-west coast s two cities, Burnie and Devonport. Braddons Lookout, located on the Upper Forth Road (enter from the Bass Highway on the eastern side of the Forth River Bridge) offers excellent views over both the coast and the hinterland. It is said that on a clear day it is possible to see Cradle Mountain to the south.
Visitor Centre
13-15 Alexandra Road, Ulverstone. Ph (03) 6425 2839
Where Is it?: North West. 21 km west of Devonport, 18 km east of Penguin, 28 km east of Burnie, 117 km north west of Launceston.
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Around Town
On the road to Turners Beach is the historic private residence, Gables Park. It was built around 1850 and was originally known as The Sailors Return Inn. In 1853 it was robbed by the bushrangers Dalton and Kelly (not Ned) who stole the landlord s whale boat and sailed across the Bass Strait to Victoria. They were subsequently caught, brought back to Tasmania and executed in Launceston.
There are many beautiful old timber houses in the area which date from 1880-1920. Lonah, which overlooks Three Sisters Islands on the road between Ulverstone and Penguin, was built by a retired English soldier, Major-General Lodder, around 1875.
There are many beautiful old timber houses in the area which date from 1880-1920. Lonah, which overlooks Three Sisters Islands on the road between Ulverstone and Penguin, was built by a retired English soldier, Major-General Lodder, around 1875.
Fun and entertaining for all ages, pedal buggies are easy to ride. Open weekends and school holidays or by appointment. Location: 2 Beach Rd, Ulverstone
Admire the beautiful, award-winning gardens lining the hillside zigzag walk . The gardens are lovingly tended by local volunteers. The base of the walkway starts in Maud Street. Enjoy a leisurely climb surrounded by beautiful, award-winning gardens, and at the top take in a panoramic view of Ulverstone and Bass Strait. Or for a less strenuous alternative, drive to the lookout via Upper Maud Street. Location: Maud St to Upper Maud St, Ulverstone
The Remembrance Pathway is part of the Coastal Pathway linking Ulverstone and Turners Beach and provides a link between the key memorials parks including ANZAC, Shropshire, Tobruk and Air Force parks. It's a well-kept secret that Ulverstone is home to Australia's largest naval memorial park. Shropshire Park was initially built to remember the crew of HMAS Shropshire, a cruiser given to the Australian Navy to replace the HMAS Canberra after this ship was destroyed in action off Savo Island, in the Solomons in August 1942.
The park was constructed in 1982 initially to honour only the Shropshire; however, it is now a memorial home to over a hundred naval ships with accounts of their histories. It features a memorial to the Canberra as well as HMAS Australia and the 7th Australian Destroyer Fleet. The development of many of these parks was originally due to the efforts of Bob Boyd, the Councils Parks Supervisor at the time, who served in the RAN during World War II.
Step back in time and wander through a comprehensive display of artefacts, manuscripts, tools and photographs depicting the life of local pioneers. The interior of our museum consists of constructed facsimile shop facades all work being done by volunteers. This has enabled us to display numerous artifacts & memorabilia pertaining to the area s development. Where possible, authentic 19th & early 20th Century building materials have been used in keeping with a bygone era. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 1.30 45.30pm. Location: 50 Main St, Ulverstone. Phone (03) 6425 3835
In The Area
Leven Canyon is a 250 metre deep ravine that is part of a wildlife corridor from the coast to Cradle Mountain. The Leven River runs through 300-metre limestone cliffs carved through the Loongana Range, down to Bass Strait.
The canyon is a little-known tourist destination in Tasmania but is well woth a visit. A viewing platform offers spectacular views of Black Bluff, the canyon itself and the surrounding areas. Location: 50 km south of Devonport by road.
Dial Range is located to the south of Penguin township. The Range extends some 14 kms south to the Leven River at Gunns Plains and is about 4-5 kms wide between the hillfaces of Pine Road on the west through to the Leven River forming it's eastern boundary. The principal recreational activities making use of the walking tracks and trails found here include bushwalking, trail bike riding, horseriding, nature studies, running, mountain bike riding and exercising dogs. Fishing, canoeing and other water based activities occur along the Leven River. Designated areas have been set aside for clubs involved with motocross riding and field and game shooting. Sightseeing, picnicking and other recreational activities also occur within the Dial Range.
Ten kilometres east of the Stanley turn off, head south to the Dip River Forest reserve. The Dip Falls are 26 kilometres from the Bass Highway junction, on a good sealed road, apart from the last few kilometres, which are gravel. There are well appointed barbecue, picnic and rest room facilities. 152 steep steps descend to the bottom of the cubic-basalt formed falls, which are impressive during the winter months. The track to the accessible viewing platform is beyond the falls. The Big Tree is a couple of kilometres further on. This spot is well worth visiting and is a good family trip.
Hidden beneath the picturesque farmland of Gunn Plains is a fascinating world of caves, sinkholes and underground streams. Many beautiful cave formations are present, such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites and a large array of dazzling flowstone are present in the public section of the cave. The caves host an assortment of wildlife, being inhabited by the endangered Tasmanian Giant Freshwater Crayfish, Platypus, freshwater fish and eels. Location: 41 km south of Devonport by road.
Between Penguin and Ulverstone are a group of small granite offshore islands known as The Three Sisters. Goat Island to their east is accessible at low tide -but be very careful not to get stranded. Because landings are difficult owing to the lack of beaches and safe anchoring points they are little affected by human visitation and disturbance, although Australian fur seals haul-out on the lowest of them. Goat Island houses a breeding colony of little penguins.
The island group has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because, with up to 400 breeding pairs, it supports over 1 percent of the world population of black-faced cormorants. Pacific gulls and sooty oystercatchers breed there every year in small numbers, and Caspian terns have nested there. White-bellied sea-eagles forage around the islands.
High above our valley floor, this now-defunct railway line, some 33km long, commenced construction in 1915 and operated until 1955, carrying at various times, timber, farm produce and passengers. The railway track easement runs through the forest around the Barren Hill, with impressive cuttings and high embankments remaining to provide a fascinating journey through a past era. The only water tank built on the line to supply the steam locomotive was also located nearby and pumped water up from the West Gawler River. A series of Railtrack Roads can be seen around the area.
The North Motton Railway Station building has been relocated to the Ulverstone museum and the stationmaster���s house is now a private residence. A steam locomotive from the line can be seen at the Don River Railway Museum near Devonport. A steam-train trip can be taken along the Don River from the museum. A book called ���Methanga to Nietta, a history of the Ulverstone to Nietta Railway��� was written and published by Bill Field in 2016, available from bookshops in Ulverstone.
