Tasmania's Little-Known Antique Trail

Discover Tasmania’s little-known antique trail.

I love Tasmania with a passion; the whole lot," Jeff Kennett, the former Victorian premier and chairman of Beyond Blue, observes. “But it can get expensive." A self-confessed bowerbird who has bought several “stunning" pieces along the state’s unofficial antique trail, Kennett believes Tassie is an untapped treasure trove for collectors.

“I’ve bought furniture, copper pots and teapots; some old hats last time we went. I’ve also got a copper watering can, which would be about three- or four-foot high – it’s such an old, old piece," he says. “And the quality! It’s extraordinary."

Antique stores in Tassie aren’t hard to find; tiny village shops and home collections in back sheds are both very common in local communities, thanks to the state’s enduring isolation and colonial history.

For the best finds, Kennett recommends driving right through the centre of Tasmania, starting at Devonport, through Burnie to Launceston and “heading south to either Strahan or Hobart, stopping in at small communities as you please."

Richmond, in particular, is worth a stop, he says, because “aside from the antiques, it has the oldest working bridge in the country. It’s part of a bygone era – it feels like you’re stepping back in time."

New Norfolk, Derwent Valley’s main town is also on his hit list: “It has something like 15 antique stores, and they do great coffee, too," he says.

“Don’t miss Flywheel, it sells handmade paper, old writing materials and vintage letterpresses – it’s extraordinary."

Below are our picks of the best antique stores to get excited about:

New Norfolk

The Drill Hall Emporium

Address: 17 Stephen St, New Norfolk

The Drill Hall Emporium is less your typical antique store, and more experience.

Drill Hall Emporium Tasmania's antique trail — The Drill Hall Emporium, on Tasmania’s antique trail.

One step inside and you can feel the passion and love for antiques that the mother and daughters team share.

New Norfolk Antiques

Address: 15 Stephen St, New Norfolk

Specialising in 19th to mid-20th-century furniture, this little hole in the wall prides itself on both Tasmanian oak and Art Deco furniture.

All furniture is carefully restored where necessary and upholstered furniture is professionally re-upholstered with high-quality fabrics.

Ring Road Antique Centre

Address: 99 Ring Road, New Norfolk

A centre with 15 dealers all under one roof, Ring Road is one of the most iconic spots in town.

Browse a broad selection of antiques and collectables dating from the Victorian era to the mid-20th century, while taking in the spectacular Norfolk countryside.

Willow Court Antiques Centre

Address: 15 George St, New Norfolk

If you find yourself at Willow Court, prepare to spend the time hunting for hidden gems.

That’s the beauty of an antique store: you never know what you’ll come home with.

This space holds so many rooms and areas, block out a couple of hours to really be thorough. You name it, you could probably find it.

Pennyworth Treasures

Address: 47 Burnett St, New Norfolk

As New Norfolk’s original junk shop, you never know what you might stumble across…

Honourable mentions: 20th Century Artefacts, Old Maypole Collectables and Antiques, Flywheel

Hobart and surrounds

Kent & Kent Antiques

Address: 3 Morrison Street, Hobart

Located beside Constitution Dock on Hobart’s waterfront, you’ll find Kent & Kent a short walk from the city’s central business district.

Expect authentic antiques from Tasmania’s rich convict and colonial history. The collection also includes clocks, estate jewellery, silver, glass and ceramics, early curios and relics as well as maritime antiques and instruments

The Antiques Warehouse

Address: 64 Warwick St, Hobart

Antiques Warehouse is the largest, and one of the highest regarded Hobart epicentres for all things antique.

The space has a constantly changing array of beautifully presented merchandise featuring a wide range of antiques, fine and country furniture, collectables and garden artefacts.

Antiques to Retro

Address: 128 Bathurst St, Hobart

For the antique retro-lover, this is the place for you.

As the name suggests, antiques to retro is the Tasmanian home of collectibles with a vintage flair. Expect an impressive selection of ceramics, clothing, art, glass and one-off pieces.

Sorell Antique Centre

15 Somerville Street, Sorell

Situated in a historic precinct just 20 minutes drive from Hobart in Tasmania, Sorrell Antique Centre is a co-operative of a dozen different antique providers.

Not only does this increase the number of potential treasures you can get your hands on, but also the variation.

Launceston

Tulloch’s Auctions

Address: 18-22 Herbert Street, Invermay

Tullochs Auctions, also known as Tasmania’s favourite auction house, has made a name selling fine art, antiques, jewellery, collector cars, quality general goods and more.

Buying at auction shows you are savvy enough to sniff out a bargain and a rare treasure, it is ecologically friendly and expresses individuality. It is also a great way to find truly unique decorator pieces and household essentials.

Seven Sisters Antiques

Address: 2 Garfield Street, South Launceston

Clockwise

143 St John Street, Launceston

1842 Gallery

21 Cimitiere Street, Launceston

Armitage Auctions

9 Goodman Court, Invermay

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

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Tasmania’s little-known antique stores