- Latrobe Railway Bridge, Mersey River
The area was first settled by B. B. Thomas in 1826 and, in 1861, the settlement was named for Charles Joseph Latrobe (1801-1875), the administrator of the colony of Tasmania.
Latrobe is a town in northern Tasmania, Australia, situated on the Mersey River. It lies 8 km south east of Devonport on the Bass Highway. It is main centre of the Latrobe Council.
The town has a population of 4646 (June 2007)
The Mersey Community Hospital is located here in Latrobe. It is approximately a 100 bed hospital that provides services including: ambulatory and emergency, general adult medicine, general paediatric medicine, general surgery including orthopaedic, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmological, positive oncology services, limited rehabilitation services and allied health support. From 1 September 2008, the Hospital is owned by the Commonwealth and operated by the Tasmanian Government.
The Mersey River is a river on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. The city of Devonport is situated at the river’s mouth on Bass Strait. It is fed by the Dasher and Fisher Rivers.
Whitewater rafting is popular on the river. The Rowallan Dam hydro-electric station is also located on the Mersey.
Latrobe’s Tourist Spots
Warrawee Forest Reserve
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.
Explore the Warrawee Forest Reserve with a knowledgeable Latrobe Landcare guide.
The Reserve is home to a five kilometre walking track, two parklands with barbeques and tables and three ponds stocked with trout.
Latrobe Landcare Group Inc took on the regeneration of the Warrawee Forest Reserve in 1992 and has transformed the former quarry; improving water quality, removing willows, debris, weeds and regenerating native species.
It is recommended that you allow two to three hours for the tour and book a day or two beforehand. To get the most out of this spectacular tour, the ideal number of participants is generally six to eight people. Tours are generally conducted early morning (dawn) or at dusk.
House of Anvers Chocolate Factory
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.
The House of Anvers at Latrobe in Tasmania’s north is a chocolate lovers’ heaven.
Hand-made chocolate truffles, chocolate oranges, fudge and praline, using fresh Tasmanian cream and butter, producing the world’s finest chocolate and liqueurs.
Igor Van Gerwen, the chocolate confectioner acquired his know-how from his birthplace, Belgium.
A selection box of truffles includes flavours such as kirsch, strawberry and Grand Marnier. Flavours that would dominate others – ginger and mint, are packed by themselves. A terrific light gift to take home, that’s truly Tasmanian.
The House of Anvers is a real chocolate taste sensation and is located in the property known as Wyndarra Lodge, a stylish house (c.1931) set in 1.12 hectares of mature tree gardens.
Anvers has viewing windows so you can see the factory in action; confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudge and more.
There is a small museum on the history of chocolate, and our coffee shop (open fire place, stained glass windows) specialises in chocolates, hot cocoa in many flavours, chocolate desserts and…more chocolate. French breakfast and light Tasmanian fare lunches are served, and a range of teas and espresso coffees for the morning and afternoon break.
Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame
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.
The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame is a tourist and function centre in Latrobe, Tasmania.
Tasmania’s first national Hall of Fame portrays the history, exploits and achievements of Australian’s internationally renowned sporting woodchoppers. It provides a magnificent insight into the realms of Australia’s world champion axemen. Marvel at the unbelievable collection of trophies, treasures and memorabilia. The centre is also home to memorabilia from victorious Tasmanian horse Piping Lane, including the 1972 Melbourne Cup worth $65,000.
The Hall of Fame includes a licensed café, indoor wood chopping arena, gift shop, visitor information service and function centre.
While at the Hall also experience the environment in which Tasmania’s platypus live. The display consists of the comprehensive dioramas, videos and models with a unique water feature, which explains how platypus lives, eat and breed in their secret world. There is also a display of live rainbow and brown trout plus other fish that live in Tasmania’s rivers and lakes, making it an exciting destination for the angler.
The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame can be used for special events including weddings, art exhibitions, meetings and music performances.
It is only ten minutes from the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal and Devonport airport.
Weather of Latrobe
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.
Antique shops & National Trust Buildings
Step back in time in one of Australia’s finest heritage towns in Latrobe. Colonial history and numerous heritage listed buildings including six on the National Estate Register. Our Colourful Past is on display at the Courthouse Museum offers a diverse range of antique and collectible stores that buy & sell fine furniture, toys, collectibles, curiosities, china, jewellery, lace and more: qualified conservation and restoration experts on site in some stores.
The House of Anvers
The House of Anvers contains a real chocolate taste sensation. It is located at Latrobe, Tasmania, in the property formally known as “Wyndarra Lodge”, a stylish Californian bungalow house which was built in 1931. Set in 1.12 hectares of old tree gardens, the property features trees from around the world.
When you visit the House of Anvers you can see our qualified confectionery staff tempering, moulding and enrobing fine couverture chocolates, truffles, pralines, fudges and more.
Entry is Free, self guided tours are available at no charge.
Organised tour can be arranged by appointment for a minimum of 10 people, Monday to Friday, at a cost of $2.75 per person.
Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park
Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park is a new park at Bells Parade Latrobe, near Devonport. Centrally situated on the north west coast of Tasmania, it is ideally located for caravan touring, backpacking the Tasmanian Harvest Trail or trout fishing in the central highlands.
Offering ensuite styled unisex amenities, state of the art laundry, camp kitchen, 40 powered and 20 unpowered flat level grassed sites along with quiet, pleasant surrounds, ease of access to the town, and the security offered by live in onsite managers make this park a restful and pleasant experience.
The park is located near pleasant 100 year old gardens alongside the Mersey River, where at dusk and early morning platypii can be easily observed.
Just a short walk puts you in the heart of the shopping precinct.
Opposite the park is the ‘ Axeman’s Hall of Fame and Trout Fishing Interpretation Centre’.
You can drive to the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal in seven minutes, Cradle Mountain Lake St Claire National Park in 45 minutes, the Central Highlands Trout Fishing Lakes in 50 minutes and Hobart in 2.5 hours.
Platypus Experience
The Platypus Experience is located in Latrobe on Tasmania’s beautiful northwest coast. It’s difficult to keep this unique mammal out of its natural environment. However the Experience provides comprehensive dioramas, videos and models with a unique water feature which displays how the platypus live, eat and breed in their secret world. It is truly an educational experience for the young and old.
While experiencing this unique display you can also marvel at the unbelievable collection of trophies, treasures and memorabilia, recognizing Tasmania’s world champion axeman.
You can also view the live rainbow and brown trout plus other fish that live in Tasmania’s rivers and lakes making it an exciting destination for the angler.
Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame
Bell’s Parade is the site of the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame and Timberworks. It was here that the first world woodchopping championship was staged in 1891 and the sport was born.
The history of competitive woodchopping is the story of Australia’s pioneering bushmen and their families. Sadly, the unique culture and bush skills are dying along with the last generation to work the forests with an axe and crosscut saw.
The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame and Timberworks is the first national museum dedicated to this aspect of our colonial history. It is also an educational and entertainment centre.
The museum displays the harvesting, milling and building techniques of our early pioneers. It also celebrate the greats of woodchopping and sawing, include photographs, trophies, championship axes, the Foster Experience and other interesting memorabilia.
Museum displays are built around a central indoor exhibition space, ideal for skill displays, trade shows, conferences, seminars and woodchopping demonstrations.
The displays include:
- Theatrette, featuring audio-visual presentations on the harsh life in the bush, the history of the Australian timber industry and related cultural aspects, including the development of competitive woodchopping.
- Pit Saw Display, early bush timber-milling and the growth of mechanised mills
- Cross-Cut Saw, Axe and Adze, displays showing examples and the use of the important tools and the slab, paling, shingle-splitting and post and rail building styles.
- Development of the mechanical chainsaw, and the history of bush transport and log-hauling from bullock teams to bush railways and lorries.
- Forest Harvesting and Management Today, showing how methods have evolved to the present day and a look at future forest management, including an examination of vital issues such as plantations and the sustainable management of our forests.
- The Origins of Axemen’s Carnivals, and the early competitions including the first World Championship competition held at Latrobe
It is a sporting history like no other, notable for its family links from one generation to the next. It is a sport with a direct connection to the bush spirit of Australia, as much in need of preservation as the story of our pioneering forefathers.
Facilities within the museum include a Cafe and a Craft and Souvenir shop.
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