Ringarooma is situated 21 kilometres from Scottsdale, with the town having its origins in the late 1860s. The original settlers had to contend with virtually no road system and a very dense bush covering. Once cleared, however, the area became well known for its cheese production as the bad roads meant transporting milk to a dairy was out of the question.

Ringarooma was later to have two butter factories established in the area. Rural industry prevailed until the discovery of gold in the nearby, now deserted town of Alberton in the 1880s, which led to a short period of rapid growth.

By 1911 it was noted that the total population of the region was 4,594, almost twice that of nearby Scottsdale; this can be attributed to the mining activities in the area at the time. Ringarooma had a police constable, several churches, post and telegraph services and a branch of the National Bank of Tasmania, as well as a receiving office for the Commercial Bank of Australia.

A public library was founded and there were several State Schools in the region. Tin mining was an important industry at this time, with the extracts being sent to the railway terminus at Branxholm for transportation to Launceston.

However, the mining soon ceased, and the prospectors moved on leaving the farmers and timber getters in the picturesque town. Today timber milling and farming are the mainstays of the town's economy.


A number of scenic drives around the area are possible for visitors, who can also admire fantastic views of the area from Mathinna Hill. The Mount Victoria Forest Reserve allows access to the beautiful Ralphs Falls, via scenery that will delight bushwalkers and nature lovers. The drive to the reserve is all the more pleasant for the spectacular highland scenery on the way, and is certainly worth the time it takes. The area allows for bush walking, hiking, and horse riding. Picnic and barbecue facilities are also available. The reserve is very typical of those found in the higher country of this part of the state.

Visitors wishing to see the workings of a dairy farm milking machine are welcome to visit the rotary dairy at Legerwood. The road from Ringarooma to Branxholm passes through the Ruby Flats area where mining activity was concentrated in the last century. Enjoy a Devonshire tea in the picturesque surrounds of the local nursery from November to the end of January.

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