New Norfolk offers several reasons to stay: a long settlement history, an extensive railway collection, a distinctive blend of historic places and culinary culture, and scenery along the Derwent River. When planning your visit, you can focus on heritage, food, a guided tour or activities on the water. The options vary considerably, so you can choose according to your interests.
History and Heritage
New Norfolk is Tasmania’s third-oldest settlement and was founded by evacuees who had been relocated from Norfolk Island. The Bush Inn is one of Australia’s oldest pubs. St Matthews is Australia’s oldest Anglican church. Willow Court Asylum, in turn, was Australia’s longest-operating psychiatric institution. Together, these places represent different themes: the founding of the settlement, pub and church history, and the history of a psychiatric institution. If you are interested in heritage, New Norfolk therefore offers more than one historical focus.
Willow Court’s former use is also connected with a culinary destination. Willow Court Asylum was redeveloped to house The Agrarian Kitchen and the cooking school that relocated there. This brings the institution’s history and a connection to culinary culture together in one place.
Railways, River and Scenery
In New Norfolk, the Derwent Valley Railway offers tours led by volunteer guides of its extensive collection of locomotives and other rolling stock. These include steam and diesel locomotives that were previously used on the Tasmanian rail network’s main lines. This is a chance to explore both the variety of the collection and the vehicles’ former role in the rail network.
On the outskirts of New Norfolk, Pulpit Rock Lookout offers views of the Derwent Valley’s rolling agricultural landscape and the Derwent River. On the river itself, Derwent Valley SUP offers stand-up paddleboarding on the Derwent River in New Norfolk. Availability of this activity may change, so check current options in advance if you plan to take part.
A popular walking track runs from New Norfolk Caravan Park along the Derwent River, through wetlands and as far as Tynwald Park. There, you can spot wild ducks and platypuses; track conditions and sightings may vary. The lookout, paddling and walking track offer different perspectives: views across the valley and river, an activity on the water, or a route through wetlands to the park.
Cuisine, Rum and Antiques
The Agrarian Kitchen restaurant offers a set lunch menu. More than 90 percent of its ingredients come from its own on-site garden. If you want to plan lunch in advance, check the booking details beforehand, as they may change.
New Norfolk Distillery is Tasmania’s only distillery specialising in rum; this distinction may change as its product range changes. It offers distillery tours and tastings of rum, liqueurs and bottled cocktails. Bookings and availability may also change. If a tour or tasting is part of your plans, check the current booking details in advance.
New Norfolk describes itself as Tasmania’s antiques capital. The town’s offering includes more than a dozen established antique shops and dealers. This adds another focus to history, railways and food. As the selection may change, it is worth checking what is currently available if you want to focus your visit on antiques.
Discover more destinations: Scamander, Relbia, Campbell Town, Ouse, West Kentish, Cranbrook, Ringarooma, Prospect Vale.
For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.
