Events & Tourism

Local Events Directory

To see what's happening in the Northern Midlands, visit council's online calendar here.

To see What's On in the broader Heritage Highway Region (Northern and Southern Midlands)

Throughout the year you'll find events, performances, exhibitions, workshops, markets and more. This QR code will take you the Heritage Highway What's On page, and you will also find a link to download a practical, printable list summarsing what's on.

Organising a public event?

Events bring life, colour, and connection to our community, and draws people into our towns and villages. Council proudly supports a wide range of events across the municipality through event grants, basic equipment hire, and guidance to help you navigate any regulatory requirements.

If you're planning a public event at a Council-owned park, reserve, or building, there are specific details you'll need to provide. To make this process easier, we've created the Event Management Guide – a comprehensive resource that outlines everything you need to know, including information, contacts, and considerations for your event, (useful even if being held on private property).

Our team is here to support you. Not all sections of the guide will apply to your event, so you can focus on what's relevant to your specific plans. The guide also includes examples and templates to simplify your preparation.

Have questions or ready to get started? Contact us at 6397 7303 or council@nmc.tas.gov.au. 

We look forward to helping you bring your event to life!

Download the Event Management Guide.

The Heritage Highway Tourism Region

The voice of our colonial past rings true at the heart of Tasmania, our region taking in much of the original route between Launceston and Hobart. 

Tasmania's iconic history has always captivated the imagination of many, sending visitors from all walks of life back to the colonial era. A string of historic villages represents a lasting legacy of cunning convicts, toiling graziers, and determined pioneers. 

Explore this unique and fascinating region. Surprise yourself with the colourful history of Van Diemen's Land; walk in the footsteps of the infamous bushrangers and the illustrious stonemasons, the enterprising wool growers and the hardened convict road gangs, the political exiles, scoundrels, and opportunists; discover the rich stories that reveal tragedy, drama, and for many, triumph over adversity.

You'll love travelling the countryside between the villages, taking in the rolling hills, vast paddocks, and stunning views of distant mountains. The colours and amazing light change throughout the day, and our night skies are spectacular.

No journey through the once threacherous bushranger country should be rushed... 
Remember - 200 years on, there is still plenty of intriguing ways to get 'held up' on the Heritage Highway.

What's different about the Heritage Hghway? Much more than a drive between the north to south, the Heritage Highway region is packed with experiences. Marvel at a landscape and built heritage that is very much as it was 200 years ago. Easily enjoy two or three days immersing yourself in our unique heritage, landscape, stories, and relaxed country lifestyle. Discover the delightful treasures in the many specialty shops and country markets, nurture your adventurous spirit with trout fishing, rock climbing, cycling, mountain biking, walking, hiking, and skiing (seasonal). Indulge your taste buds with all kinds of dining experiences. Rest and recharge at the many B&Bs, country cottages and historic inns along the way.

To explore the Heritage Highway Region visit heritagehighway.com.au to find accommodation, activities, events, tours, articles, blogs and more.

Feeling social?

Follow the Heritage Highway on Facebook and Instagram. #midlandstasmania

REASSIGN - True Tales From The Grassy Woodlands

While some of the worst of the worst convicts were sent to Port Arthur Penal Colony, most convicts to Tasmania were assigned to work. They built roads, structures, buildings, farmed the land, were cleaners and nannies. Their skills and toil significantly contributed to the development of Van Diemen's Land.  

The stories at REASSIGN are told through words, text, video, audio, and images. Hear from bushrangers, exiles, graziers, convicts, artisans. Hear about events, buildings, even murders. These stories are all found on the website, and if you visit any of the sites, use your device for an intriguing AI experience.

Quick Reference Guide

The QRG is a summary of things to do and see in the Heritage Highway region, which is a useful tool for Visitor Centres, tourism agencies, organisations, and operators when engaging with visitors and industry knowledge etc. Download the PDF of the QRG here.

Visitor Centres

Local information is also available at the five Visitor Information Centres in the Northern Midlands. (Image courtesy of Tasmanian Wool Centre).

What's On in the Heritage Highway Region

Throughout the year you'll find events, performances, exhibitions, workshops, markets and more. This QR code will take you the Heritage Highway What's On page, and you will also find a link to download a practical, printable list summarsing what's on.

EXPLORING NORTH TO SOUTH

Let's start our journey at the picturesque Georgian Village of Evandale near Launceston Airport. The streetscape is a delightful backdrop to the National Penny Farthing Championships every February, the prestigious Glover Art Prize in March, the Verandah Music Festival in November, and a poplar country market every Sunday. Call into the Visitor Centre to discover a small and fascinating museum, and pick up a self-guided walking tour guide which uncovers charming Georgian architecture. At nearby Nile, visit historic Clarendon House, and explore a spectacular three-story homestead surrounded by extensive gardens and parklands.

Ben Lomend National Park is a wilderness experience in the Heritage Highway region. Tasmania's second highest peak and the largest single alpine area in the state. Spectacular for walking, viewing wildlife, enjoying magnificent views, wildflowers and downhill skiing (seasonal).

Next stop is Perth, only ten minutes from Evandale, offering the visitor numerous historic buildings of archtectural interest, along with taste sensations at a destination cafe, honey company, and cheese providore. If you are a lover of all things fruity and fermented, enjoy a tasting of unique cool climate wines in nearly Relbia.

Next stop is Longford. See the beautiful stained glass window at Christ Church and enjoy a walk through the First Settlers graveyard. Explore the World Heritage Convict Built Sites, Brickendon and Woolmers. Treat your senses at the acclaimed National Rose Garden. Enjoy county horse races in January, Jazz Festival in September, a country show in October, or Garden Festival in November.

If you are partial to trout fishing the next must-see destination on your journey is Cressy. Fish for the wily trout in Brumbys Creek or the Macquarie River.

The village of Poatina lies at the foothills of the Great Western Tiers. Walk or cycle along bush tracks, or play a round of golf on a course with stunning valley and mountain views. 

Back onto the highway, south of Cleveland is the first of several alernative routes to the East Coast, one of which passes through the historic town of Avoca; try trout fishing on the St Paul's River, enjoy the historic town walk, and explore the intiguing Avoca Museum and Information Centre. 

After a leisurely drive through rich pastoral lands you'll be ready for a coffee or delicious meal at Campbell Town, which boasts fine examples of colonial architecture, and is home to Convict Brick Trail and the beautiful convict built Red Bridge, constructed from over one million handmade bricks. In May, visit the longest continually run show in the Commonwealth.

The stunning streetscape at Ross is a step back in time at Tasmania's finest heritage village. Visit the museum at the Tasmanian Wool Centre. Uncover the stories of ordinary girls in extraordinary circumstances at the Female Factory, a convict women's prison. Discover the legend behind the intricate carvings on the stunning Ross Bridge.

"Shadows of the Past" bring folklore and history to life along the Heritage Highway. Keep an eye out between Ross and Kempton for sixteen silhouettes. Some are quite close to the road; some are high on the hilltops. They serve as poignant reminders of early colonial life - bushrangers, convict chain gangs, and travel by horse and carriage. See how many you can spot.

Next stop is Oatlands, boasting the largest collection of historic Georgian sandstone buildings in Australia. See the fully restored Callington Mill complex, take a self-guided walking tour using the 'Oatlands Key' through the Military Precinct (available from the Southern Midlands Council), indulge your senses and stroll the streets where the beautiful historic buildings have been reinvented as retail outlets, galleries, cafes, and accommodations, or stroll the Lake Dulverton foreshore trail, camp, fish, or bbq/picnic in the park. In August enjoy the Heritage & Bullock Festival. 

Now you find yourself at a crossroads, do you journey on to Hobart along the whisky trail through historic Kempton, also home of the Kempton Festival and Sheep Racing each February, and Pontville, where you can visit a wildlife sanctuary, or through the Coal River Valley to sample at cellar doors and visit the townships of Colebrook and Campania? Or stop at Chauncy Vale Sanctuary at Bagdad, ideal for a picnic, BBQ, walk, or hike with secluded bush valleys, sandstone caves, and prolific wildlife.

The choice is yours! Plan your journey in depth by visiting the HeritageHighway.com.au

Who are we?

The Heritage Highway Tourism Region Association (HHTRA) is supported by the Northern Midlands Council and Southern Midlands Council, and covers the municipalities of both councils. 

The HHTRA Management Group comprises representatives from the north and south of the Heritage Highway region, and are people who work in, and/or are involved in the tourism industry. The Management Group work hard to promote the midlands region as a must-see destination.