Located on the scenic West Coast of Tasmania, is the small, but beautiful Rosebery. If you’re looking for the wonders of Tasmania, this is certainly one of them.
Although this town is small, the surrounding West of Tasmania isn’t too far away, and also offers a myriad of things to see. If you’re looking for a bustling city full of activities and modern attractions – this isn’t the area for you. However, if you’re the sort of caravanner just looking for a nice place to set-up camp and enjoy the real value of nature, Rosebery is perfect. Planning a Rosebery caravanning escape is worthwhile, if only for a short getaway.
If you’re after a rough direction on how to get this small town from the main cities, well, it’s a bit of a trek. Perhaps you’re located closer to Launceston, in which case, it’s approximately a 3-hour drive. Or if your home base is more toward the south of the island, a 4-hour trip is in order. If you’re a regular caravanner, a trip from either of these base points shouldn’t be off-putting, you love long road trips right?
Seeing the full island of Tasmania isn’t as rough as the mainland of Australia, but the appeal is still strong, or so it should be if you’re Tassie born and bred. When you do make the journey to Rosebery, make sure you take in the green surrounds, because if you’re travelling from these main cities, it’s going to a breathtaking adventure. You’re stepping away from the bright lights and your typical suburban nightmare to a land beyond worry. If you’re a city slicker, this town’s surrounding landscape will be more than intriguing.
Due to the small area of this town, there’s not a whole lot happening on a grand scale, but the community spirit takes over. It’s not surprising there’s a strong sense of community for this town, it’s actually quite a common feature of smaller towns, especially ones in the outer city areas.
When you look to discover the identity of this locality, you can’t disregard the historical elements and also the industry of the town. Most people will know Rosebery as part of the West Coast, and one facet of a broader area, which includes the well-known Queenstown locality.
What’s different though? Well, Rosebery has built its viability as a community through zinc and gold mining, a winning combination for sustainability.
Did you know? Rosebery is the “highest” post code in Tasmania!
- Gold found in 1893 and lead in 1984
- Began as a mining town in 1905
Once you step into this town the presence of the mining industry takes over, and this makes it quite an attractive place to experience, especially considering the natural wonders in the vicinity. So let’s now delve into some the daytime activities one can enjoy during their Rosebery caravanning adventure…beginning with the Montezuma Falls.
Montezuma Falls
A definite highlight of the Rosebery postcode, are the illustrious Montezuma Falls if this monumental landmark does not encapsulate you, perhaps this isn’t the right town for you. Being able to see Tasmania’s highest waterfall, now that’s more than a cute trickling of water through rocks. The sheer length and height of the waterfall is spectacular! What adds to the experience is the walk to reach the base of Montezuma Falls, it’s a long trek, but full of the freshest green-life. If you love the idea of getting lost deep in a rainforest landscape, this is it – but the lost part we wouldn’t recommend. Be guided by a track through the forest and you’ll arrive at the base of the falls about an hour later.
You’ll need to cater at least half a day for this natural Tassie wonder, as the walk is about 3 hours up and back, which also means you’ll need to be of decent fitness (although there is no time limit on the walk, so take all the time you need).
So how big is Montezuma Falls? 104 metres
If you’re a caravanner who loves travelling to the best Australian National Park’s, you’ll fall in love with the next attraction.
Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park
This national park is hugely popular for tourists and nature lovers. Located about an hour away from Rosebery ( by road) it’s a little bit of a mini road trip, but it’s surprisingly only next door to Rosebery, the access is just a bit further north. As the park is an expansive piece of the Tasmanian Central Highlands, there are many aspects to enjoy, and it just depends on your preference as to what catches your interest. Adrenaline lovers will love tackling the climb of Cradle Mountain while others will just enjoy a leisurely walk through the pine covered parkland.
One particular walking track we recommend would be the Enchanted Walk, due to the length (30mins), and the range of gorgeous scenery you can enjoy at the same time. Follow the guided map, which you can get from the visitor centre. Taking any trek through this national park should be accompanied by a map, and it would also help to talk with the representatives at the Visitor Centre about your adventure ideas – getting lost won’t be fun!
Scenic enjoyment is certainly the idea of this Rosebery caravanning adventure in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. However, there’s also a little gem of historical and structural awe –Waldheim Chalet.
Waldheim Chalet
On the northern end of the national park, sitting 5km along Dove Lake Road, you will find this unique little heritage home, which also acted as a guest chalet in 1912. What’s so intriguing about this chalet is the structure and the way it trancends you into a whole different world, both a historical and locational shift. You can just imagine living in this ‘home’ back in 1912 – amongst nature and the elements.
During the snow season it would be a literal winter wonderland. It may not be an appealing feature to some, but it’s something you won’t see anywhere else.
Historical Facts:
- Original owners Gustav and Kate Weindorfer
- Original structure built in 1912
- Accommodation until 1974
- Rebuilt in 1976 (after the original demolished the same year)
- Made from shingles split from King Billy pine
Events and Activities
It’s safe to say the small town of Rosebery doesn’t have a whole lot happening day to day, but there are small community activities to enjoy if you’re looking for a less adventure packed day.
Music is always a great way to relax whilst taking some time out in the afternoon and if you happen to be in Rosebery during Feburary, immerse yourself in the community spirit of the Rosebery Festival!
Or maybe you’re desperate for a round of golf? Maybe your caravanning lifestyle has meant missing out on your favourite hobby! Rosebery has a golfing outlet – and it’s amongst an exuberant forest setting.
At the beginning of this post we mentioned that Rosebery was only a small town, but definitely not without its attractions and charm. Did we convince you of this argument? We certainly hope so, because if you’re thinking about a Tasmanian caravan adventure, consider this abode.
Rosebery caravanning cannot be imagined, just experienced.
Places To Eat
This small town doesn’t have a large menu of choice for eating out, but that doesn’t mean the choices are poor. If you’re a fussy eater or have your own particular tastes, make sure you undertake your own cooking whilst in Rosebery – in conjunction with trying out the flavours of local eateries.
Rosebery Cafe
15 Agnes St, Rosebery, TAS
Muffin and a coffee anyone?
Polly’s Pizza and Takeaway
13 Agnes St Rosebery, Rosebery, TAS
Pizza is usually a safe bet if you’re after some take out and hassle free after a long day.
The Thai Chef
411 Gardiners Road, Rosebery, TAS
It seems people either love Thai cuisine or hate it, where do you stand?
Places To Stay:
Finding a caravan park in Rosebery is limited – but you must remember its a small town, and neighbouring towns will also be able to assist.
Rosebery Cabin and Tourist Park
1 Park Road Rosebery Tasmania 747
- Powered and Unpowered Sites
- Camp Kitchen
Zeehan Caravan Park – 30 mins away from Rosebery
Hurst St, Zeehan TAS 7469
- Powered Sites
- 7th night free all accommodation!
- Your Hosts Tim and Lorraine
Rosebery is a humble and interesting town to visit in Tasmania, whether that’s for a week, or simply a night.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR CARAVANNERS: ‘Caravans, campervans, motorhomes and trailers, as well as vehicles over 6.5 tonnes and vehicles over 8 metres in length are not permitted in the National Park. These vehicles will need to be left at the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Transit Terminal car park. Visitors can use a shuttle bus or approved tour bus to access Dove Lake and other day walk areas. For commercial and school group vehicle guidelines click here.’
Access: Visitors may most easily reach Lake St Clair via the Cradle Link Road (C132) and the Muchison and Lyell Highways (A10).
