The picturesque town of Ross is located on the Midland Highway, 78 kilometres from Launceston, and 12 kilometres south of Campbell Town. The village was one of the earliest settlements in Tasmania and received its name from Governor Macquarie, who named it in 1821 after the seat of his friend, H.M. Buchanan of Loch Lomond in Scotland.

Surveyor Charles Grimes explored the district in 1807, and Macquarie named the area Argyle Plains following his visit in 1811. Grimes is believed to have been the first white man to visit this particular area. The town itself was established in 1812 as a military staging post to protect travellers in the region. Ross later became an important coach stop on the north-south road.

The first land grants in the area were issued in 1823, and the town was surveyed in 1830. The town built up as not only a coach stop for those travelling to and from Launceston and Hobart, but also as a stock market. Indeed, the first Agricultural Show in the Midlands was held here in the last century.

The Mona Vale homestead in the south of the town dates from 1869, and was used as training centre for the Light Horsemen in World War I, and later for the army during the Second World War.

The town offers all the modern facilities for visitors, yet manages to retain its historic atmosphere, thoroughly deserving of its title as a classified historic town.

Museums and Historic Sites

Ross is oozing with history, and there are numerous walks which you can take, enabling you to admire the convict built, Georgian style, sandstone buildings which flank the lines of majestic elms. Possibly one of the main such attractions is the convict built Ross Bridge, opened in 1836 and perhaps worthy of the title the most beautiful bridge in Australia.

There are three beautiful churches adorning the streets of Ross; they include St John's Anglican Church (built in 1869), the Roman Catholic Church (1920) and the Uniting Church (1885).

The town centre has four corners which represent Recreation (Town Hall), Salvation (Church), Damnation (Gaol) and Temptation (Man O Ross Hotel).

There are countless cottages of historic interest throughout Ross. Hudson Cottage was built in 1850 and has been completely restored following a period of disrepair. Today the cottage offers overnight accommodation for visitors to Ross.

Hawthorn Cottage is a federation style cottage which has also been restored and offers accommodation. On Church Street is Mrs. George Keach' cottage which has been lovingly restored. It is believed to have been a military hospital at one time.

The sandstone cottage known as 'Forget-me-not' was built in the 1840s, and was used as a stopover point for coachmen passing through Ross. It was here that Thomas Meagher, an Irishman who was exiled for treason, lodged for a while. He escaped to America where he became Governor of the State of Montana before drowning in 1867. The man responsible for much of the wonderful stone work on the bridge, Daniel Herbert, is believed to have resided in a small cottage on Badajos Street.

A visit to the original Burial Ground to view the final resting places of the early pioneers, and an inspection of the Female Factory(Prison) are also worth doing when in Ross.

Amongst the early inns in the town was the Scotch Thistle Inn which acquired its license for the first time in the year 1840. The Sherwood Castle Hotel dates back to the 1830s. It was known as Elphinstone, and today goes by the name Sherwood Castle guest house.

The Militaria Museum has a collection of weaponry and uniforms from various times in Ross history, and visitors should also spend some time at the Tasmanian Wool Centre, which traces the development of the wool industry in the area, as well as stocking a wide variety of Tasmanian crafts and Australian wool products. Ross and district is noted for its high quality superfine wool.

Other Attractions

Great fishing is to be had from various spots along the Macquarie River and the nearby Tooms Lake. Strolls along the river bank, to watch the swans and ducks and perhaps catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus. Tennis courts are available for hire, and swimming in the local pool may also be enjoyed.

A variety of antique stores and craft shops are present in Ross, and a village toymaker specialises in beautiful wooden rocking horses. Enjoy a sumptuous Devonshire tea in any of the relaxing cafes and tea rooms, or have a cool beer and a counter lunch in the Man O Ross Hotel.

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