Oatlands, Tasmania

Oatlands is a historic town on the shores of Lake Dulverton in central Tasmania, Australia. Situated 84 km (52 mi) north of Hobart and 115 km (71 mi) south of Launceston along the Midland Highway, it serves as a key stopover between Tasmania's major cities. At the 2021 census, Oatlands had a population of 728.^[1]

Oatlands Tasmania
View of Callington Mill
Oatlands Coach House, a typical sandstone building
Oatlands Location in Tasmania
Coordinates	42°18′00″S 147°22′14″E
Population	728 (2021 census)[1]
Established	1821
Postcode(s)	7120
Elevation	406 m (1,332 ft)
Location	84 km (52 mi) N of Hobart 115 km (71 mi) S of Launceston 50 km (31 mi) S of Campbell Town
LGA(s)	Southern Midlands Council
State electorate(s)	Lyons
Federal division(s)	Lyons
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 15.5 °C 60 °F 5.0 °C 41 °F 549.1 mm 21.6 in

The township is noted for its extensive collection of colonial sandstone buildings, many of which were constructed by convict labour during the early 19th century. Among its most significant landmarks is the Callington Mill, built in 1837, the only operating Lincolnshire-style windmill in Australia. The mill's restoration has reinforced the town's role as a heritage tourism destination.^[2]

In addition to its historic appeal, Oatlands has gained recognition for its environmental sustainability efforts, winning a Tidy Towns Sustainability Award in 2023.^[3]

History

Named by Governor Macquarie in 1821 after the English town in Surrey, Oatlands was originally established in 1821 as a military post due to its strategic position between Hobart and Launceston.^[4] It became a centre for convict labour, with prisoners assigned to public works and agricultural development. The town played a role as an outpost in the Black War, a conflict between colonial settlers and the First Nations people.

The Oatlands Military Precinct was established as a key administrative and convict station in the early 19th century, housing soldiers, government officials, and convicts assigned to public works. The precinct contained several important buildings, including the Oatlands Gaol, military barracks and Supreme Court House, the oldest rural supreme court building in Australia.^[5] While much of the original infrastructure has been lost, key remnants of the precinct remain, including the gaol walls and administration buildings. The precinct played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the region and was central to the colonial military system in Tasmania.

Economy and industry

Oatlands has long been an agricultural centre, with sheep grazing and grain production continuing to support the local economy. Tourism has become increasingly important, with the restoration of Callington Mill and other heritage projects drawing visitors. The town also benefits from industries such as aged care and local government administration.^[1]

Tourism

In 1985, the Midland Highway bypass redirected traffic away from Oatlands, affecting its economy. Over time, Oatlands' preserved colonial streetscape, has gained significant appeal from tourists passing through the midlands. Featuring over 150 sandstone buildings, the township has the highest concentration in any Australian town. High Street is home to historic sites such as the 1829 Supreme Court House, the 1836 Gaoler’s Residence, and the 1827 Commissariat. The 'Oatlands Key' program offers access to these heritage sites.^[6]

Oatlands is also home to several historically significant churches. St Paul’s Catholic Church, designed by renowned architect Augustus Welby Pugin, is an example of Gothic Revival architecture and remains a landmark in the town. St Luke’s Presbyterian Church, built in the 1850s, features a striking stone spire and has been part of the town’s religious and social history for over 150 years. Additionally, the Church of England Parish Hall, constructed by local stonemasons in 1875, showcases Victorian-era sandstone craftsmanship.^[7]

Lake Dulverton provides recreational opportunities, including a 7 km (4.3 mi) walking trail to Parattah and public art installations reflecting the area's pastoral history.^[8] The lake is an important habitat, supporting 78 recorded bird species, including swans, ducks, grebes, and herons. The lake is stocked with fish by the Oatlands District High School Aquaculture Centre.

The tradition of topiary in Oatlands dates back to the 19th century, with residents continuing the practice today. These intricate tree and shrub sculptures, including those at St Peter’s Pass, are designed by Tasmanian sculptor Stephen Walker and maintained by the community.

Amenities

Oatlands hosts the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre, a primary healthcare facility. The town recently saw an $8.4 million investment in water infrastructure upgrades, expected to be completed by 2025.^[9] In 2023, a $10 million aquatic centre was opened, featuring an indoor heated pool and fitness facilities.^[10]

Demographics

At the 2021 Australian census, Oatlands had a population of 728 residents. The median age was 55 years, notably higher than the national median of 38 years. Children aged 0–14 years constituted 12.5% of the population, while those aged 65 and over made up 33.2%.^[1]

In terms of cultural background, 74.2% of Oatlands' residents reported being born in Australia, with the next most common countries of birth being England (5.1%) and New Zealand (1.2%). Regarding language, 88.3% of people spoke only English at home.^[1]

Religious affiliation data indicated that 35.3% of the population identified as having 'No Religion', 29.4% as Anglican, and 14.4% as Catholic.^[1]

The median weekly household income in Oatlands was $1,000, compared to the national median of $1,746. Employment figures showed that 45.9% of those aged 15 and over were in the labour force, with 54.1% not participating. The most common occupations included managers (19.5%), labourers (18.8%), and professionals (14.3%). Key industries of employment were sheep, beef cattle and grain farming (8.3%), aged care residential services (7.5%), and local government administration (6.8%).^[1]

Climate

Climate data for Oatlands Post Office
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Record high °C (°F)	37.0 (98.6)	39.0 (102.2)	34.0 (93.2)	25.7 (78.3)	22.8 (73.0)	17.2 (63.0)	16.4 (61.5)	19.5 (67.1)	28.3 (82.9)	28.6 (83.5)	32.2 (90.0)	35.6 (96.1)	39.0 (102.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)	21.7 (71.1)	21.8 (71.2)	19.5 (67.1)	16.0 (60.8)	12.5 (54.5)	10.1 (50.2)	9.4 (48.9)	10.6 (51.1)	12.8 (55.0)	15.2 (59.4)	17.5 (63.5)	19.5 (67.1)	15.5 (59.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)	8.7 (47.7)	8.6 (47.5)	7.5 (45.5)	5.6 (42.1)	3.4 (38.1)	1.6 (34.9)	1.1 (34.0)	1.8 (35.2)	3.1 (37.6)	4.5 (40.1)	6.1 (43.0)	7.7 (45.9)	5.0 (41.0)
Record low °C (°F)	−1.5 (29.3)	−3.2 (26.2)	−2.2 (28.0)	−4.4 (24.1)	−7.1 (19.2)	−11.7 (10.9)	−7.4 (18.7)	−7.4 (18.7)	−5.6 (21.9)	−6.0 (21.2)	−2.9 (26.8)	−1.7 (28.9)	−11.7 (10.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches)	42.9 (1.69)	38.1 (1.50)	39.3 (1.55)	45.2 (1.78)	43.0 (1.69)	48.3 (1.90)	42.8 (1.69)	45.3 (1.78)	42.5 (1.67)	53.3 (2.10)	50.4 (1.98)	54.1 (2.13)	547.8 (21.57)
Average precipitation days	8.8	8.3	10.0	12.0	14.5	15.3	16.9	16.9	14.7	14.2	12.6	11.2	155.4
Average afternoon relative humidity (%)	46	47	51	60	69	71	72	66	62	57	55	53	59
Source: Bureau of Meteorology[11]

In popular culture

Oatlands has been used as a backdrop for various film and television productions due to its well-preserved Georgian architecture and historic atmosphere. The 2025 feature film Ancestry Road was filmed in and around the town, highlighting its colonial streetscape and heritage buildings.^[12]

In 2024, a 200-year-old Georgian sandstone home in Oatlands was featured on Grand Designs Transformations on ABC TV, showcasing a significant restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic property. The program detailed the challenges and successes of modernising the heritage-listed structure while preserving its original character.^[13]

Notable people

• Solomon Blay (1816–1897): An English convict transported to Van Diemen's Land, Blay became Tasmania's longest-serving hangman, operating primarily in Oatlands from 1840 to 1891.
• Kevin Izod O'Doherty (1823–1905): An Irish nationalist and medical doctor, O'Doherty was exiled to Van Diemen's Land for his involvement in the Young Ireland Rebellion of 1848 and resided in Oatlands during his exile.
• Henry Frampton Anstey (1822–1862): A politician who represented Oatlands in the Tasmanian Legislative Council and later in the House of Assembly, Anstey served as Secretary for Lands and Works in the first Tasmanian Ministry.
• Alfred Pillinger (1839–1899): Born near Oatlands, Pillinger was a landowner and politician who represented Oatlands in the House of Assembly from 1876 until his death. He served as Minister of Lands and Works from 1888 to 1892.
• Arthur Reginald Fisher (1901–1958): A native of Oatlands, Fisher was a member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, representing the Tasmanian Labor Party for the electorate of Wilmot from 1956 until his death in 1958.
• Keith Sydney Isles (1902–1977): Raised near Oatlands, Isles was an economist and academic who served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania from 1957 to 1967.
• George Quinlan Roberts (1860–1943): Born in Oatlands, Roberts was an accomplished rower who won events at the Henley Royal Regatta in the 1880s and later served as chief secretary of St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Access

Oatlands is situated in central Tasmania, approximately 84 km (52 mi) north of Hobart and 115 km (71 mi) south of Launceston, accessible via the Midland Highway. The town is a convenient stop for travellers journeying between the island's two largest cities. While public transport options are limited, private vehicles provide the most flexible means of reaching and exploring the area. The town's location makes it an ideal base for exploring the central Tasmanian region.^[14]

Historically, the Oatlands railway line, opened in 1885, connected the town to Parattah before closing in 1949.^[15]