New Norfolk, Tasmania

Settlers from Norfolk Island established this town on the banks of the River Derwent in 1807 when the Island’s prison was closed. Early townspeople planted hundreds of poplar trees, which in autumn turn bright gold.

The town with its population of more than 5,000 has one of Australia’s last village squares. It is the centre of the hop-growing area and there are several old oast houses (kilns) along the roadside. They aren’t used today but their elegant shapes give valley a deep sense of its history and some have been lovingly converted.

New Norfolk has many old buildings, including one of Australia’s oldest inns, the Bush Inn, and Australia’s oldest Anglican church - St Matthews (1823).

New Norfolk is 20 kilometres (12 miles) north-west of Hobart.