Tour of Tasmania: Longford

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The town of Longford (pop ~2600) is approximately 20 mins drive south of Launceston. It is officially classified as an historic town. Many of the buildings were made by convicts. There are three historic churches, including Christ Church, which has an exquisite stained glass window made in Newcastle-upon-Tyne early in the 19th century.

The Longford Wildlife park has native Australian animals in addition to fallow deer. Craft shops (such as the one pictured) are also in the Longford area.

Befitting a historic town of Longford's standing, Woolmers Estate is Australia's most historic (and Tasmania's finest) family estate; it is open to the public with scheduled guided tours. Also open to the public is Brickendon homestead (pictured). The National Estate listed gardens include over 100 varieties of old fashioned roses.

Close to Longford are Cressy and Brumby's Creek, famous for fly-fishing.

Longford's original European settlers came from Norfolk Island, and Longford was originally named Norfolk Plains. Its name was changed to Latour, and subsequently to the present-day Longford. Longford boasts some of the finest bed & breakfast accommodation in historic homes, with one 4½-star and five 4-star facilities (RACT rated).