Ross...

Ross represents one of the great treasures of Australian colonial architecture heritage. The village was one of the early sites selected for a town in Tasmania, and was named by Governor Macquarie in 1821.

The dominant feature is the famous Ross Bridge, built by convict artist/stonemason, Daniel Herbert, who carved the superb artwork on the bridge. His tomb is located in the old burial ground, which is well worth a visit.

Equally important are the three fine Churches - St Johns Anglican Church (1869), the Roman Catholic Church (converted from a store in about 1920), and the Uniting Church (1885) located in a prominent location on the hill over looking the town. All three churches are, as is the Bridge, floodlit at night for the pleasure of those staying in the village.

Of particular interest is the original headquarters of the 50th Ordinance Corps, who were in charge of the convicts. The regimental Coat of Arms is carved above the door. The building now houses the Municipal Library and Recreation Room.

In the centre of the town are the Four Corners that have become well known as each representing a special character - Temptation (Man-O-Ross Hotel), Recreation (Town Hall), Salvation (Church), and Damnation (the gaol, now a residence).

The main street carries an avenue of English elms that compliment the numerous convict-built Georgian sandstone buildings, giving the visitor to the village a picturesque and peaceful experience during all seasons.

For eating out, the village offers a good choice of tearooms, the hotel, and a choice of takeaway outlets, and a well stocked general store. Specialist shopping is a delight with a good selection of antiques, crafts, art and woollen products just to name a few.

The Tasmanian Wool Centre exhibition areas trace the evolution of Ross from its early days as a garrison town. Nestled in the heart of Tasmania's wool growing area, Ross is of particular importance to the international wool industry. Japanese buyers frequently pay world record prices for the extra superfine Merino wool from this area, and the Centre displays samples, production techniques and finished articles. A number of interesting tours can be taken from the Centre, including the restored Female Factory, a probation centre for female convicts and their babies.

Ross has excellent fishing in the Macquarie River that flows bedside the village and fisherman from around the world try their hand at luring a prized trout from these quiet waters. There is also good fishing at the nearby Tooms Lake. Fishermen or not, you may decide simply to sit beside the river and wait quietly to catch a glimpse of a platypus or feed the protected swans and ducks who have made the reserve next to the bridge their home.

Although Ross provides many facilities for the visitor, commercialism has not been allowed to creep in and spoil the serenity and peace of the village.