What’s special about Latrobe?
Follow the twists and turns of the Mersey River and you will reach Latrobe, the former port of the north-west. Once the bustling town of its time, it is now a much smaller neighbour to Devonport. The town has 76 heritage-listed buildings, which can be explored on a guided historic walk down Gilbert Street.
Make your way to Warrawee Forest Reserve and you may be lucky enough to spot a platypus from the viewing platform, or join a guided tour where you can learn from an expert about this unique, flat-billed creature.
Latrobe comes to life with various festivals throughout the year, including the Chocolate Winterfest held at the House of Anvers Chocolate Factory, Frogmore Fair, and Henley on the Mersey, held annually on Australia Day (January 26) and featuring a family favourite - the ferret race.
Latrobe's impressive list of achievements includes having the country's oldest continuously playing brass band and richest wheel race, and being the birthplace of competitive wood chopping. Visit the Australian Axeman's Hall of Fame, on Bells Parade, a tribute to this chopping heritage.
Head to The Cherry Shed where you can sample exotic cherries including Merchant, Stella and Sylvia cherries. You may even wish to have fresh cherries delivered interstate or other tempting products including black cherry jam and cherry liqueur.
Bells Parade is the site of the former port and is an ideal spot for a quiet picnic. It is particularly beautiful in autumn when the deciduous trees shed their leaves.
The weather in Latrobe is similar to Devonport's, averaging 21.5 degrees Celsius (70.5 degree Fahrenheit) in January and 13 degrees Celsius (55.5 degrees Fahrenheit) in June.
More things to do:
Platypus Interpretation Centre
Courthouse Museum
The story of Latrobe:
Latrobe was settled in 1826 by Edward Carr, and grew quickly because it was the first accessible crossing point of the Mersey River. The town was once the third largest in Tasmania, but declined when a railway was built between Launceston and Devonport.
Travel directions:
Latrobe is about 15-minutes’ drive (11 kilometres/7 miles) south of Devonport, on the eastern bank of the Mersey River.
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