Woolmers Estate - Longford TASMANIA

Woolmers Estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Tasmania, one of only 11 Australian Convict Sites to hold that status. Located in Longford, 20 minutes from Launceston, the estate tells the convict story most Australians have never heard.

Six restored heritage cottages offer overnight accommodation within the estate grounds. These are original 1840s buildings, constructed by convict hands under the Assignment System, now fitted with wood heating, electric blankets, self-contained kitchens and every modern comfort. Guests arrive to a complimentary Devonshire tea in the Servants Kitchen, enjoy after-hours access to the estate once day visitors depart, and wake to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.

Most people know the punishment story. Port Arthur tells it well. Woolmers tells something different. Under the Assignment System, convicts were sent to private properties like Woolmers, where they learned trades, built skills, and earned their freedom. Many chose to stay long after they were free to leave. That story is woven through every building, every precinct, and every experience on this estate, including Unshackled: The Assignment Story Exhibition, now open to visitors.

The estate covers 13 hectares and contains 18 original heritage buildings, not reconstructions, open for self-paced exploration from 8am daily. The Woolmers Experience Guided Buggy Tour runs twice daily for small groups. The expansive gardens include one of Australia's finest rose collections, spectacular from October through February.