Ross

Travel Guide

Ross
Ross
Ross
Photo by Robert Jones
Photo by Chris  Huculak

See convict-built heritage buildings and a magnificent sandstone bridge in this beautifully preserved historic village in the heart of Tasmania.

Ross is an idyllic village with a rich colonial and convict heritage in Tasmania’s historic Midlands region. Step back in time to Tasmania’s colonial past as you explore the town’s collection of heritage buildings, many of which were built by convict work gangs and are open to the public. Stroll through the town centre to experience one of the finest preserved 19th-century villages in Australia, and imagine the colonial settlers attempting to recreate a typical English town in this rugged, faraway land.

Centrally located in the Midlands between Launceston and Hobart, Ross was an important trading town for the surrounding farms and a stopover for horse-drawn carriages travelling between the two major cities.

Begin your visit to Ross in the town centre, where 40 historic buildings can be found within a three-block radius. Many of the buildings are constructed from sandstone. You’ll find the convict women’s workhouse, known as the Female Factory, as well as the famous Ross Bridge.

The Ross Bridge was built by two convict stonemasons, who were freed upon completion of the structure in 1836. Among the 186 carvings within the bridge’s sandstone, you can find images of animals, birds, insects, plants and Celtic deities. 

Continue your journey into the town’s past at the Tasmanian Wool Centre where you can learn about the region’s agricultural history and pick up a knitted souvenir.

The town’s main crossroads lie at the intersection of Bridge Street and Church Street. Nicknamed the “Four Corners of Ross”, each corner has a specific role. You’ll find Recreation (Town Hall), Salvation (the church), Damnation (the gaol) and Temptation (the local pub) at this compact crossroads.

Stop by the Ross Village Bakery and grab some freshly baked goods to take to the banks of the meandering Macquarie River. Enjoy a picnic while you take in views of the Ross Bridge. Drop a line and try your luck fishing for trout. 

Ross is located in the heart of Tasmania, 78 kilometres (48.4 miles) south of Launceston and 117 kilometres (72.7 miles) north of Hobart. Buses to Ross depart daily from Launceston and Hobart. Include Ross in your journey along the Midlands’ Heritage Highway, a tourist route that passes by heritage villages such as Evandale, Campbell Town and Oatlands.

Riverview at Ross
Riverview at Ross
2 out of 5
2 High St, Ross, TAS
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$120 per night from 11 Jul to 12 Jul
S$120
11 Jul - 12 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Post Office and Ross Bridge are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (51 reviews)
"It was a qaint quiet little place. Very cute"

Reviewed on 6 Jun, 2025

Riverview at Ross
Ross Hotel
Ross Hotel
2 out of 5
35 Church Street, Ross, TAS
Stay at this hotel in Ross. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Tasmanian Wool Centre and Post Office are located nearby.
"We arrived at Ross Monday 24 May 21 and the place was closed. Both nights 24th Monday and 25th Tuesday???"

Reviewed on 25 May, 2021

Ross Hotel
The Waterloo Hotel
The Waterloo Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1A Franklin Street, Swansea, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star beach motel in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (649 reviews)
"The staff were so helpful! And it was great to have access to a microwave and dishes in addition to the kettle and tea. Very clean rooms. Would stay again anytime"

Reviewed on 16 Jun, 2025

The Waterloo Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Swansea Beach Chalets
Swansea Beach Chalets
3.5 out of 5
Shaw Street, Swansea, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Swansea. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (850 reviews)
"Quiet and well appointed"

Reviewed on 1 Jun, 2025

Swansea Beach Chalets
Lake Yalleena Nature Retreat
Lake Yalleena Nature Retreat
3.5 out of 5
3340 Lake Leake Hwy, Lake Leake, TAS
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Lake Leake. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Rawlinna Hill and Wye River Conservation ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (79 reviews)
"The area was beautiful and quiet and full of nature. The accomodation (& beds) was modern, warm, comfortable & had everything we needed. Communication was friendly & useful for how to get there & local dining options (which was also brilliant, friendly and delicious.) They had kindly started the ..."

Reviewed on 18 May, 2025

Lake Yalleena Nature Retreat
Avalon Coastal Retreat
Avalon Coastal Retreat
5 out of 5
11922 Tasman Highway, Rocky Hills, TAS
Stay at this 5-star luxury vacation home in Rocky Hills. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Mayfield Bay Conservation Area ...
Beautifullllll Stay!
"The house has an absolutely stunning view. Complete amenities provided by the host: foods, wines, kitchenwares, fireplace, woods, extra blankets...ETC. Would highly recommended. But since it's not in town, you will have to be able to cook while you stay here. Supermarket nearby is about 10-15 mins ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr, 2016

Avalon Coastal Retreat
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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