Named in 1824 by Scottish immigrants after a town in Lanarkshire in Scotland, Bothwell is situated in the picturesque Clyde River Valley, and was frequented by game hunters in the early 1800s. Surveyor J. Beaumont first surveyed the area in 1817, and the first European settlers arrived in 1821. A hydro powered flour mill was constructed by Thomas Axford in 1822, and it operated until 1890.

Bothwell has the distinction of having one of the first recognised golf courses in Australia, with the first game being played in 1820. Another first for the town was the opening of Tasmania's first public library on the site of the present day council offices in 1837. The first Aberdeen Angus pure bred cattle stud was also located here.

Bothwell also boasts excellent trout fishing and numerous classified heritage buildings. Several famous events take place annually in Bothwell; the annual Highland Spin In features festivities and events such as the World's Longest Thread Competition and the largest cattle sale in the southern hemisphere.


Museums and Historic sites

The amazing Power Station Museum at Waddamana is located in the picturesque setting of the nearby Highlands region to the north of Bothwell. It has an extensive history of hydro-electricity generation and is well worth a visit. The Slate Cottage has been fully restored to its 1836 state and its interior has been furnished with a full complement of period furniture and fittings.

The Bootmakers shop stands very much as it did when it was first constructed in 1897. Visitors can view all the old tools and original stock which would have been for sale in those years. Thorpe Mill was fully restored in the mid 1970s and is open to the public.

Fieldings Historic Tours include stops at all the historic attractions as well as providing useful local knowledge not usually available in a brochure. A "Lets Browse Bothwell" heritage walk is also available to interested visitors.

Some buildings of merit include St Lukes Presbyterian Church (1830), one of Australia's oldest Presbyterian churches, Bothwell Store (1850), St Michaels constructed in 1891 and one of the few churches in the country to have an open fireplace, and Bothwell Grange (1836).

Natural Attractions

Queens Park, the village green has ideal barbecue and picnic facilities as well as a playground to keep the kids amused for hours.

The nearby lakes of Sorell, Arthur and Great Lake are ideal for fishing, strolling around and picnicking beside. The nearby Highland areas provide striking scenery ideal for photographers.

Other Attractions

St Michaels Craft Shop boasts a fine array of locally made arts and crafts in various media from pottery to paintings. Visit the Weaving, Woodturning and Spinning Studios and watch the master craftsmen and women at work.

Miss Ellies, the Lamont Tea rooms serve light refreshing teas and snacks while the Castle Hotel serves delicious local fare such as venison and trout, as well as traditional Aussie favourites and a wide range of other cuisines.

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