Beyond the gates
To see & do beyond the gates
Welcome to our district
Our farm stay luxury accommodation is right in the heart of Tasmania’s stunning Derwent Valley/ Central Highlands and takes you from high lake country through ancient forests to charming, historic towns.
15 minutes away
The tiny rural township of Gretna is an easy 15-minute drive from the 28 gates homestead. There you will find the Gretna Green Hotel, which specialises in hearty, country meals and a friendly yarn by the fire over a drink or two (or a glass of wine or a freshly brewed coffee is also an option!).
Credit: Gretna Green Hotel
New Norfolk
The valley's town centre, New Norfolk, was settled in 1807 and is a picturesque 30-minute drive along the Derwent River. Here you can find all the conveniences you will need, such as supermarkets, restaurants and banks, as well as renowned antique shops and fascinating heritage and cultural landmarks. Visit The Drill Hall, Miss Arthur's home goods and Flywheel for antiques and special gifts to take home, and there is a fabulous market every Saturday. There are a few great cafes with really good coffee and food, including Black Swan, Patchwork Cafe, Circle Coffee House, The Art House, The Cake Lady Cafe and Agrarian Eatery. Also, there are two fabulous distilleries well worth visiting and tasting: New Norfolk Distillery and The Welcome Swallow, a wonderful little, quirky brewery. Plenty to see and do in the Derwent Valley.
River Derwent, New Norfolk | Credit: Stu Gibson
The agrarian kitchen
The Agrarian Kitchen is Tasmania's first sustainable, farm-based cooking school. This world-class school offers a range of classes led by Rodney Dunn, former food editor of Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine and one-time apprentice to Australian Chef Tetsuya Wakuda. In June 2017, The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store opened in New Norfolk. Their vision is 'to create a space where local, seasonal produce is celebrated'. The building's history is fascinating (originally a mental asylum), and they have transformed it into a beautiful, light space. The eatery was recently named Australia's top restaurant of the year. Bookings are essential, and I highly recommend visiting.
The Agrarian Kitchen | Credit: Anna Critchley
Waterfalls & wilderness
Russell Falls National Park and Mt Field National Park are famous for their exquisite wilderness walks. The breathtaking Russell Falls are just a short, family-friendly walk through stunning rainforest, while Mt Field above offers vast mountainous wilderness, magical tarns and snow skiing. Have a bite to eat at Waterfalls Cafe and have a look around at their gallery for fantastic Tasmanian gifts. Just beyond Russell Falls, you will find the Styx Valley of the Giants - the tallest hardwood trees on Earth, up to 400 years old.
Russell Falls | Credit: Off the Path
Heritage hatchery & gardens
At the Salmon Ponds in Plenty, historic Trout hatchery (circa 1861), feed the leaping Tasmanian trout, find a platypus, lunch at the licenced restaurant and cafe, visit the museum of Trout fishing and Hall of Fame or rest beneath old English trees.
Credit: Tourism Tasmania & Rob Burnett
Golf
The town of Bothwell boasts Australia’s oldest golf course, Ratho Farm Golf Course and the Australasian Golf Museum, housed in the town’s historic schoolhouse and filled with memorabilia that tells the story of golf throughout the centuries.
Ratho Farm Golf Course | Credit: Ratho Farm
Clyde Mill Distillery
Clyde Mill is a unique Tasmanian destination where history, whisky and hospitality come together. Set within a beautifully restored heritage flour mill in Bothwell, Clyde Mill crafts premium single malt whisky and gin, offers immersive tasting experiences, and celebrates the rich agricultural heritage of the Central Highlands. Visitors can enjoy exceptional local food, warm country hospitality, and a genuine connection to Tasmania’s past and present. A must-visit place.
Credit: Clyde Mill
Lawrenny Estate Distillery
Just a picturesque drive from our gates into the heart of the Central Highlands, Lawrenny Estate Distillery is a must-visit for an authentic taste of Tasmania. Set on a historic 1800s farming property along the Upper Derwent River, Lawrenny is one of the world’s rare ‘paddock to bottle’ distilleries. You can drive through their scenic pastures, see where the estate-grown barley thrives, and step inside the working distillery to see how their award-winning single malt whiskies, gins, and vodkas are crafted. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, it’s the perfect, indulgent stopover to pair with your stay at 28 Gates.
Lawrenny Estate Distillery, credit: Lawrenny Estate Distillery
Derwent Distillery
If you are heading out to explore the Derwent Valley, we highly recommend a stop at Derwent Distillery in the riverside township of Dromedary. Producing premium Tasmanian single malt whiskies, exceptional small-batch gins, and liqueurs, they do so with a beautifully light footprint—operating on solar power and actively rehabilitating native animal habitats. Drop into their cellar door between Wednesday and Friday (11am – 4pm) to enjoy a tasting overlooking the peaceful Derwent River, pick up limited-release spirits, and say hello to the friendly distillery alpacas! For a deeper look, book one of their guided, behind-the-scenes tours to walk the stillhouse with a distiller and taste spirits straight from the cask.
Derwent Distillery in Dromedary, credit: Derwent Distillery.
Adventure trails Tasmania
We are collaborating with Adventure Trails Tasmania to do a special package. Ben, the sole owner, offers multi-day adventures or a full-day Tasmanian tour. Customised, comfortable private small-group tours for 1-10 people. Create your own adventure and experience Tasmania like never before. Highly recommend:
Adventure Trails
Header image: Driving towards New Norfolk | Credit: Sean Scott Photography