Sheffield is an engaging mix of farmland, imposing mountain scenery, and tranquil waterways, and is situated 30 kilometres from Devonport in the north of the State.

The town was named 'Kentish' for Nathanial Kentish, who was appointed Government surveyor in Van Diemens Land in 1841. He had held similar positions in both New South Wales and South Australia prior to his arrival in the state. In 1842, he surveyed a road from Deloraine to the north west, and whilst working on this task a member of his party came across the Sheffield area.

The next person to come to the area and explore was James Smith. It was Smith who discovered gold along the Wilmont River in 1859, although mining did not really begin in earnest until the 1880s.

Following the various surveying expeditions, the agricultural potential of the area was realised, and farmers soon arrived to work the land.

Areas of the Kentish Plains were leased for cattle grazing, although it was not until 1859 that Sheffield was surveyed. The name was more than likely chosen by Edward Curr, from the Van Diemens Land Company, who is believed to have named it after his home town in England. The first building was the Kentish Inn, which later was to become the Sheffield Inn, and numerous other buildings soon followed.

The Hydro-Electric Scheme on the Mersey and Forth Rivers began in 1963, with Sheffield as the control centre. This is one of the biggest hydro-electric projects ever carried out by the H.E.C. It cost a stunning $104 million to complete, and covers an area of some two million hectares, with seven dams and power stations, and numerous canals, tunnels and flumes.

Visitors to the town can enjoy a range of activities that incorporate outdoor pursuits with sports, history and culture.


Museums and Historic Sites

Pay a visit to the Redwater Creek Steam Rail and Heritage Museum in Sheffield, inspect the steam engine displays and trace the development of local history from the early pioneer days to modern times. Discover why Sheffield has become known as "the town of murals" by obtaining a booklet from the museum and visiting over thirty murals which are located throughout the town, providing a pictorial history of the town and locality. The Diversity shop complex has a free 18 minute film recounting the story of the Sheffield Murals.

Kentish Museum has a great display which will relate to you many interesting facts of the area's past. It is located at 101 Main Street, phone (004) 91 1302. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm, and 1pm until 4pm during the school holidays. Other times by appointment.

Natural Attractions

The spectacular Mt Roland forms an imposing figure over the town, and the protected area around it abounds with native flora and fauna which can be enjoyed by bushwalkers. Excellent trout fishing can be found in the many waterways around the town.

Sheffield is the gateway to the International rowing course in nearby Lake Barrington, and visitors can enjoy picnic and barbecue facilities by its picturesque shores, or explore the lakeside and its surrounding waterways. Cradle Mountain is 64 kilometres from Sheffield and offers a lot to visitors - breathtaking views, countless walks and lots of flora and fauna.

Other Attractions

The Honey Boutique and Lavender Farm allows visitors to spend a few hours in fragrant surrounds, and an opportunity to sample the local honey. Other nearby attractions include the Black Stumps Pioneer settlement at Gowrie Park, and the Cement works at Railton.

A round of golf can be enjoyed at Badger Heights. A host of tea rooms and craft shops welcome visitors, and The Big Blue pancake parlour is a definite must for tourists to the town.

Naidu Handweaving Studio has an array of waistcoats, bags, shawls and other garments to tempt you into purchasing. You will also have the opportunity to see traditional cloth weaving in the studio. It is located on Staverton Road, which is south west of Sheffield. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am until 6pm.

Steam Engine enthusiasts should not miss the annual Steamfest, a three day extravaganza of railway activities held in Sheffield.

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