Tasmania is blessed with a landscape of incredible natural beauty, a climate that truly reflects the four seasons and a sense of history that evokes memories of our convict past.  One of the best ways to see a fabulous selection of the treats on offer in this island state is to travel the Heritage Highway.

This historic highway was built using the plentiful convict labour and runs from Hobart to just south of Launceston, and a journey along it takes you many beautiful places that tell the story of Tasmania’s convict past.

One of the most memorable towns you will visit is Ross, a former garrison town brimming with history and the 2008 winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Culture and Heritage Award, as well as being winner of Tasmania’s Tidiest Town Award.

Ross is in the midlands of Tasmania, renowned as a fine wool growing district and is an easy trip from Launceston, Hobart, the East Coast and Central Highlands, making it a pleasant and worthwhile stopover on any trip around the island.  The convict-built stone village is nestled on the banks of the Macquarie River and many of the original sandstone buildings have been restored and preserved and give this historic town its unique flavour.

The traditional heart of Ross reflects its beginnings and the crossroads of Church and Bridge Streets are known locally as the Four Corners.  Each corner has its own name, based on the buildings located there… Temptation is named for the 1835 Man O’Ross Hotel, Recreation for the Town Hall, Salvation for the Catholic Church and Damnation for the old gaol, now an elegant colonial home.

It is not just these quirky village names and the glorious natural beauty that sets Ross apart.  It is also home to the Ross Bridge, dating back to 1836 and the third oldest bridge in Australia and possibly the most beautiful of its kind still in use today. The Ross Bridge is decorated with 186 intricate carvings, which depict historical figures such as Lieutenant-Governor Arthur (who commissioned the building of the bridge), along with plants, animals and birds.  These carvings are the work of Daniel Herbert, a convict who eventually earned his freedom thanks to his inspired work.

There are many things to do in Ross for the history buffs, such as the Heritage Museum and Wool Exhibition, the Female Factory Site – which was one of the few female convict compounds in Australia, and the old military burial ground.

However you don’t have to be a history lover to love Ross… the village has a wonderful ambience and is a real link with early days of our country.  There are a number of shops specialising in antiques and arts and crafts, and the coffee shops and restaurants are a fine example of the local fare.

Ross is proud of its place in our past and its 300 residents are determined to preserve the essence of the village for the future.

There are a number of great accommodation options in Ross, such as heritage B&Bs, self-contained apartments, the historic hotel, the Ross Motel and caravan parks.

TakeABreak ™ is proud to be the official sponsor of the Culture and Heritage section of the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Awards.

About the Author 
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis.  Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and Great Britain.

Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications.  She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.