- New Norfolk from Pulpit Rock Lookout
Is a town on the Derwent River, in the sowest of Hobart on the Lyeuth-east of Tasmania, Australia. It lies 35 kilometres (22 mi) north-ll Highway.
The town’s pioneers were re-settled from Norfolk Island in 1808. They soon farmed the rich land around the town. Hops were introduced in 1846 and soon became an important crop.
The town was named Elizabeth Town until 1825 when it became officially known as New Norfolk.
The first road connecting the town to Hobart was built in 1818; the first railway was in 1887. During the 1940s, a newsprint mill was established at nearby Boyer, boosting industry in the local area. The railway is now preserved as the Derwent Valley Railway.
In 1827 the New Norfolk Insane Asylum (later known as the Royal Derwent Hospital)was established. Over the next 173 years it served as one of the largest mental institutions in Tasmania.
For some years after 1848, New Norfolk was the place of exile of the Irish nationalist leader Terence MacManus, where his cottage (“The Grange”) still stands. Later he was joined by his fellow Irish rebel William Smith O’Brien.
In 1888 Australia‘s first telephone trunk call was connected from Hobart to the Bush Inn hotel in New Norfolk.
Located on the River Derwent, 33km NW of Hobart, the town was called Ne Norfolk because European settlers from the abandoned Norfolk Island settlement were granted land here. For your pleasure on Sat: market, Stephen St. Mar: Hop Harvest Festival. Aug: Winter Challenge (canoeing and cycling competition). Oct: Spring in the Valley (including open gardens).
New Norfolk
New Norfolk has one of Australia’s few traditional village squares and is the centre of the hop-growing area.
What’s special about New Norfolk?
- Several old oast houses (kilns) along the roadside.
- A growing hub for ‘antique hunters.’
Bush Inn
The Bush Inn at New New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley has provided hospitality since 1825.
The Bush Inn’s facilities include three bars, 20 guest rooms with shared bathroom facilities, billiard room, bistro and a huge deck with views of the River Derwent. There log fires in all bar and dining areas, and an array of antique and historic items.
Step back to a time without televisions or telephones. Stay in one of 20 Victorian era rooms with antique furniture and fireplaces, electric blankets.
The tariff includes a continental breakfast, a fully cooked hot breakfast is available for an additional fee.
Listed by the National Trust for its heritage values, the Bush Inn is renowned for its great food and warm welcomes, and lovely views of the Derwent River, where you can fish, row a boat, or take a walk along the banks.
There is off-street parking for guests and hotel patrons.
The Bush Inn is conveniently located on the A10
More things to do:
Devil Jet
Derwent Valley Railway
Boat cruise
The story of New Norfolk:
Settlers from Norfolk Island (off the New South Wales coast) established this town on the banks of the Derwent in 1807 when the Island’s prison was closed. Early townspeople planted hundreds of poplar trees, and in autumn they create a golden way through the town
Travel directions:
New Norfolk on the banks of the Derwent River is about 30 minutes’ drive (38 kilometres/22 miles) north-west of Hobart. To reach New Norfolk from Hobart travel north on Highway A1 to Granton and then follow the A10 to New Norfolk.
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