Ross Tasmania
Built by convict labour in the early 1800s, Ross is a wonderfully preserved 19th century village full of old buildings and history.
How to Get There
Ross is about a one-hr drive (78 km) south from Launceston and a 90-min drive (121 km) north from Hobart.
Ross Bridge
Probably the most famous structure in town the bridge is Australia’s third oldest standing bridge. Often considered the most beautiful of its kind left in the world because of its 186 carvings by convict stonemasons. Deemed to be of such high quality at the time of construction it won the men a free pardon.
During our brief stay the water level was very high, meaning we could not get as Close as we wanted to the carvings, but we still managed to see it from further away. Lit up at night, the bridge takes on a surreal look, with the colour of the sandstone emphasised.
Ross Bridge
Town Centre
Full of old buildings and lined with elm trees, even in winter the main street look amazing. Our first stop was the bakery to get something to eat and drink after our drive. After that we walked around town admiring the old convict built buildings. Everything is close together, so you are able to get about on foot rather than driving.
Old telephone boxes add a great bit of character to the main street, rather than more modern metal ones. As well as the buildings, the war memorial at the town’s cross-roads makes a great centre piece and is surrounded on four corners by old buildings.
Church Street 
Elm Tree Lined Church Street 
Church Street 
Ross Post Office 
Old Town Hall 
15 Pounder Captured During the Anglo-Boer War 1902 at the War Memorial 
Old Telephone Boxes on Church Street 
Old Gaol
Churches
Scattered around town are three sandstone churches, all worth having a look at. The Uniting Church flood lit at night, so go back and have a look after dark.
St John’s Anglican Church Ross 
Ross Uniting Church 
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Ross at Night
After dark, the bridge, Uniting Church and war memorial are flood lit. This adds a great additional dimension to the feel of the town. In the middle of winter, there were only a few groups looking around, so it was even better.
Ross Bridge at Night 
Uniting Church at Night 
War Memorial At Night
Where Did We Stay?
Our accommodation was at the Ross Motel, which we found very comfortable. It was also centrally located, so we were able to walk from here to everything we wanted to see.
What Did We Think?
Ross is a wonderful little village, with its historic 19th century centre preserved. We loved walking around the streets admiring the old buildings. The flood lit buildings at night also add a great touch, making it interesting to get out after dark to look around.
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