Heritage Forest brings together several of Mowbray’s nature and recreation attractions: trails, botanical collections and other park amenities. At the same time, horse racing has long been based in Mowbray. This means different priorities are available when choosing where to visit—plants and exercise in the Forest, or horse racing with its own history and a varying schedule. The difference is also practical: the Forest offers a range of activities in one place, while visiting a race depends on the specific event date.

Plants and Trails in Heritage Forest

The arboretum in Heritage Forest contains all 27 of Tasmania’s eucalyptus species. The Australian Plant Society Native Plant Garden showcases flowering plants and shrubs from the Tasmanian bushland. The two plant areas have different focuses: the arboretum brings together Tasmania’s eucalyptus species, while the garden draws attention to the flowering vegetation of the bushland. If you are considering Mowbray for its plant life, you can choose between a collection and a garden showcasing regional plants.

The Heritage Forest Trail is an easy 2.9 km gravel loop, suitable for family walks and bike rides. The Forest also has more than 5 km of recreation trails suitable for cycling, running and walking. The distances refer to different offerings: 2.9 km describes a single loop, while more than 5 km refers to the recreation trail network. This gives you a specific route suited to family walks and bike rides, as well as trails for several types of exercise.

In addition to its trails and plants, Heritage Forest has picnic and barbecue facilities, outdoor exercise equipment, a reflection trail and an off-leash dog area. There is a bike track for beginners. The facilities also include a native plant garden and a play area with a 40 m-long flying fox and a large thylacine sculpture. Along with its trails, the Forest therefore has clearly designated areas for gardens, exercise, dogs and play.

The 5 km Launceston parkrun loop runs through Heritage Forest. The 5 km distance refers to this parkrun course; the Heritage Forest Trail, by contrast, is a 2.9 km loop. If you plan to include parkrun in your trip, check the event arrangements before your visit.

Horse Racing in Mowbray

After brief, temporary ventures in Newnham and Invermay, horse racing found a permanent home in Mowbray. Thoroughbred racing events in Launceston are held at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre in Mowbray; the venue is one of Tasmania’s two multi-code racing facilities. Mowbray therefore combines a long-standing racing history with a venue for modern racing. Race dates vary. If a race is the reason for your trip, check the current event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Newnham, Hadspen, Legana, Rosevears.

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