Established in 1808 by settlers from Norfolk Island, the historic town of New Norfolk lies nestled in the gentle hills and green forests of the Derwent Valley. This town symbolises everything that is attractive about Tasmania. Peaceful and secluded, the combination of a strong sense of history and the beautiful surroundings creates an intriguing destination which lends itself to relaxation as much as it does to activity. There really is something for everyone in the Derwent Valley, and whether you visit for a couple of days or a couple of weeks you are bound to be kept entertained, and certain to leave relaxed and refreshed.

New Norfolk is just a thirty minute drive from Hobart, and its central location in the Derwent Valley makes it the perfect base from which you can explore the surrounding countryside. A hire car will give you the freedom to explore the valley to its fullest potential. Accommodation options abound, but if you want to experience self contained comfort with river and valley views then why not check out Valley View Apartments at www.valleyviews.com.au? You will feel right at home in one of their range of units, which have excellent facilities.

The most striking thing about this region is the scenery. The wide and smooth Derwent River winds its way through undulating meadows and lush forests. It is bordered by English oak and ash trees, many of them well over a hundred years old, which add to the old world atmosphere of the valley. The Derwent flows through a large wetlands, where if you look hard enough amongst the natural plantations of willows you may see the elusive and strange looking platypus swimming around. There is an abundance of water fowl such as ducks, waders and Tasmanian native hens here as well.

A short drive from New Norfolk gets you to the Mt. Field National Park, a mystical area of towering trees and giant ferns. The moss covered floors and the dense vegetation create an enchanted atmosphere, like a setting from a fantasy novel. The best means of getting to the park is on the Derwent Valley Railway, which takes you on a slow day excursion through the valley with a two hour stop over in Mt. Field. This two hours is ample time for you to explore at least one of the three waterfalls the park is famous for: Russell Falls, Lady Barron Falls and Horseshoe Falls. The cool waters of the creeks above and below the falls are the perfect temperature for trout, and the fish can be seen lazily swimming amongst the rocks and reeds.

Its not just the trees that are old around here. Being such an old town New Norfolk has some beautifully preserved historic buildings that can be visited on walks around the town. The oldest church in Australia stands here, the Anglican church of St. Matthews, which was built in 1823. Quaint and traditional, the church has high ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Another haunt of visitors is the Oast House, which was a working oast house from 1867 to 1969. It is now a small museum, with a gift shop and a family run tea room. The Willow Court historic site is also worth a visit. Built as a military hospital in 1830, it was turned into an insane asylum later on. Just one room wide, it is a simple yet remarkable building that is full of character.

If you want to combine your love of history with your appreciation of fishing, then pay a visit to the Salmon Ponds, the oldest trout hatchery in the southern hemisphere. They were established in 1861 and have been operating commercially since then. There is lots to see and do, with the Museum of Trout Fishing and the Tasmanian Angling Hall of Fame both on site. A licensed restaurant serves the freshest trout you are ever likely to encounter!

With so much to do and see, planning where to stay and what to see in New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley might seem a little intimidating. Well, the website www.newnorfolk.org can help you out. It compiles the details of all the accommodation options in the town and the surrounding area, making it easy to choose where to stay and to organise your stay there. It also has information on the major attractions in the region, and a rundown of the history and the heritage of New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley. So what are you waiting for? Log onto the site and organise your next holiday in the Derwent Valley!

Gavin Wyatt