During our road trip in Tasmania, a place we happened to drive through was a beautiful town by the name of Oatlands. There sure was plenty of history, architecture and beauty to be absorbed in the quaint little town of but time constraints restricted us from exploring much of the town for any significant period of time. However we did managed to spend quite a few hours exploring and taking photos of the most popular tourist attraction in town – the Callington mill.
The Callington Mill - Photo Credits: Dasmin Niriella
The mill, which is the third oldest such mill in Australia, was built in 1837. After an interesting and somewhat sad history where the mill nearly got destroyed, it was restored to its former glory only in the recent past. Since the restoration the Callington mill has become the only wind driven working mill in the southern hemisphere. The mill produces quality flour that can be purchased from the shop/cafe in the compound.
The Mill and he buildings around it. Photo credits: Dasmin Niriella
The fifty feet high mill is a sight to behold. Our city dwelling kids watched in awe as the wind made the sails turn slowly and steadily. It truly is a magnificent sight which brought pleasure to kids and adults alike. Though just wondering around the compound itself is interesting enough the tour of the mill which is run on the hour is highly recommended. The tour is very informative giving much information on the history of the place and also of the mechanics behind the operation of the mill. It truly gives us a perspective of how our daily bread gets to be produced specially in the days gone by. The Mill, its surrounding buildings and the quaint gardens provide great photo opportunities specially when the light is perfect.
A Town of Georgian Style Buildings. Photo Credits:Dasmin Niriella
The original Georgian style buildings around the mill has been converted into cafes, bakeries, galleries and shops. Strolling among these sandstone beauties does provide a great opportunity to meet the town's folk and hear a story or two of the colourful past of this incredible site. You can not resist the temptation of making a purchase or two specially of something made from locally sourced material. Whether it be food, garments, art or even flour from the mill that you purchased, you cannot go wrong here for the town producers quality produce.
Photo Credits: Dasmin Niriella
Oatlands which can be reached after a drive of about one and a half hours south of Launceston and about 115km north of Hobart is the perfect place to break journey if you are traveling through. It also is a perfect destination to unwind and spend couple of days just exploring the history and absorbing the beauty of the place.
