Tasmania has many small towns with populations around 3000, each one packed with history, charm and lots of things to see and do.
Perth in Tasmania (not to be confused with Perth, the capital city of Western Australia) is 20km south of Launceston, 180kms north of Hobart. Here are my favourite ten things to see and do in this lovely little town cosied up on the banks of the South Esk River.
1. Exclusive Cars
Located at 68 Main Road, Perth is a smorgasbord of shiny vehicles that have the most incredible wow factor! I was highly impressed with their vast range of beautiful machines.
2. Lions Park
Chainsaw carved wooden sculptures with a train theme can be admired at Lions Park, as can the old 4-8-2 steam locomotive. The toilets here are train station themed, as Perth was once a stop on the train line. There is a BBQ and picnic tables at the park.
3. Charles Berryman Picnic Reserve
Another lovely place in Perth to enjoy a break or picnic is by the South Esk River at Berryman Reserve. Fishing fans can throw in a line here, and people swim in the river as well. Public toilets are also located here, with the ladies and gents marked out with historical figures.
4. The Baptist Tabernacle
In Clarence Street is an unusually shaped octagonal building topped with a domed iron roof. Local pioneering family, the Gibsons, contributed to the cost of the tabernacle, which can seat 400 people. The foundation stone was laid in 1888.
5. Eskleigh
A grand old home, Eskleigh, is on the other side of the highway. Set on 23 acres of land, it was originally built in 1870 by William Gibson (same chap who contributed to the tabernacle). It is now used as a residence for severely disabled adults. I did have a quick walk around the outside of the ornate home. It was built in an Italian villa style with the verandahs made of delicate cast iron lace. The floors are original Italian terrazzo. Australian flora and fauna themes have been incorporated in the stained-glass panels. An interesting fact is that Gibson harnessed waterpower to run a generator for lighting to his house, the first private home in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric lights.
6. Over 30 historical buildings
Most drivers pass right through Perth but stopping to enjoy its delightful treasures should be on every tourist’s bucket list. For lovers of old buildings, there are over 30 Georgian era heritage buildings in town. A walk around town is the best way to see and enjoy these. A National Trust brochure detailing the buildings is available from the post office.
The oldest building in town is the Leather Bottle Inn at 55 Main Street. (Also known as the Leather Bottel Inn) Dating from 1830 it is a simple building that has stood here for almost two centuries. Imagine the tales it could tell from its various uses over time, including a hotel, post office, private residence and restaurant. It was named after the preferred pub of author and novelist Charles Dickens in Cobham, England. Once a two storey dwelling it is now a modest single storey.
The Georgian Queens Head Inn has some beautifully created lead light windows promoting Tasmania's favourite local beverage. James Boag moved from Scotland to Tasmania back in 1881 and established this iconic and refreshing beer.
Simply taking a leisurely stroll around town will enable you to enjoy the many delightful old buildings on offer in Perth.
7. Quirky buildings
Not only does the town have old historic buildings, but some quirkier thought-provoking designs. I wish I could ask the owners their motivation behind this design. Is it a castle? Is it a working windmill? So many unanswered questions.
9. Gibbett Hill
One of the not so nice stories about Perth is Gibbett Hill, which is located when heading from Perth towards Launceston. This is the site of the last case of gibbeting (a form of public execution where the body is left on display in the hope of deterring others from committing crimes) in a British Colony. In 1837 John McKay received this dubious honour after he murdered Joseph Wilson nearby.
10. The Tasmanian Honey Company
Sadly, I cannot eat honey, but I am including this as one of my favourite's in Perth as it has a fabulous story and (many others tell me) delicious products. Begun in 1978, their most popular honey comes from the Leatherwood tree's flowers. The Leatherwood tree is found nowhere else in the world apart from this island state. Not only is the honey full of flavour, it also has medicinal purposes. A real taste of Tasmania.
When travelling in Tasmania, stop for a while in Perth and soak in all this gorgeous town has to offer, you will be glad you did.
Happy Travels!
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