Virtual Tour

Longford, Tasmania, Australia

Found along the B52 highway, Longford is a town in the north-east of Tasmania, Australia. It lies 21 km south of Launceston.  This lovely old town was established in 1813 at the confluence of the Macquarie and the South Esk rivers.  It has a population of 2,827 (2001 census [1]) and is part of the Northern Midlands Council area.   

There are still many historic buildings and properties, most of which were built by convict labour.  Several of the Longford churches date back to its colonial beginnings including the Catholic Church, made of bluestone, and the Anglican Christ Church. The Anglican Christ Church built in 1839, was recently in the news (Oct, 2002) when  the 80m high Californian redwood that stood in front of the church, was “blasted” by lightning. At more more than 160 years old, this was once Longford’s biggest tree. The church graveyard contains many of Longford’s pioneer settlers.

 Two early free-settler estates, Woolmers (1816) and Brickendon (1824), are nearby and there are also antique galleries and art and craft shops, including one that specialises in dolls’ houses and miniatures. 

Woolmers Estate is Australia‘s finest example of a pioneer farm of the early 1800s. The Estate with its collection of Georgian farm buildings, antique cars, photographs, art and furniture display a remarkable journey from the first Thomas Archer, who settled the property in 1817, to the present day. For six generations the estate was lived in by descendants of the Thomas Archer family who were known never to sell their possesions, thus creating a complete time capsule.

Brickendon Historic Farm and Convict Village was built by William Archer in 1824 and is still owned by his descendants.  You have a rare chance to explore the family’s small Gothic chapel, Dutch barns, a chickenhouse, blacksmith shop and an tool and equipment shed – all built by convicts.

Longford’s rich heritage of motor sport was immortalised today in the form of an interpretive panel that will stand in the centre of the town at the Country Club Hotel.

 The Happy Chef’s aim is to create a memorable dining experience for you and your families and friends.  The best meal and terrific service, a must do dining experience while in Tasmania. 

Quality ingredients, highly qualified chef’s and a passion for food that is made to perfection, are the essential components of the Old Mill cafe and Bakery, otherwise known as JJ’s Bakery. 

There are many sporting facilities including a bowls club, football club, golf club, gymnasium centre.  Longford also has a kindergarten and primary school and three public hotels, various accommodation places and a caravan park.  House selling prices range from $170,000 to $1,000,000 for the old historical homesteads with the average house 3 bedroom brick home selling for around $250,000. 

So there you have it, Longford.  It is a lovely small country town where the people are friendly, courteous, patient and maybe a little backward compared to city dwellers – but we love it that way and intend on staying for a very long time. 

Hope you have enjoyed your brief tour of Longford, Tasmania, Australia.

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