Oatlands

Oatlands is one of Tasmania's oldest settlements and was named by Governor Macquarie after an English town in the county of Surrey in 1821. It was developed as a military base for the control and management of convicts because of its central location between Hobart and Launceston. Convicts were assigned to nearby farms and properties, and also worked on public buildings, roads and bridges.

The town's major attraction is the remarkable Callington Mill on Old Mill Lane which not only dominates the townscape but is the only working Lincolnshire-style windmill in the Southern Hemisphere. In fact it works so well that the website - http://www.callingtonmill.com.au - offers a range of flours from plain flour to natural buckwheat flour which can be purchased. The mill was built in 1836 by John Vincent who, at the time, was 57 years old. Vincent, with his wife and seven children, had arrived in Hobart Town in 1823 on the Elizabeth with £869. He was an entrepreneur and successful publican who established the Norwood Inn in Bothwell and the Bothwell Castle Inn at York Plains. Vincent quickly lost enthusiasm for the mill. He tried to sell it in 1839. The advertisement for the property offers a detailed description: "The Callington Mill, in the township of Oatlands, considered one of the first rate windmills in the country, and surpassed by none in its situation for business. Fitted up with two pair of good stones, (French burrs) dressing and smut machines ; together with a very respectable dwelling house, attached to which is a counting house and small store, washhouse and servants' bedroom. On the premises is a good granary, stable, chaise and cart houses, with piggeries and fowl house, and about two acres of garden ground in cultivation. Also, to be let with the above, are six Cottages, all occupied, and paying good rents. Application to be made to Mr. John Vincent, the proprietor."

A working Wind mill making Flour

Oatlands was generally a relatively prosperous town in the 20th century but by the 1990s the Tasmanian economy slump, the highway bypass and a Tasmanian Midlands rural drought had a very negative effect on the town. Much of Tasmania's economic renewal, like the highway, has bypassed Oatlands, along with Ross, Tunbridge, , and Kempton, Pontville, which today is a lot quieter than it used to be. The residents are attempting to grow the town once more by making it a peaceful local centre with a tourist friendly image. Oatlands is home to the world-renowned Casaveen Knitwear.

The Oatlands Court House is an historic Georgian building in Oatlands. Built by convict labour in 1829, the Oatlands Court House is the oldest supreme court house in rural Australia and the oldest building in Oatlands. This fine example of a Georgian public building was originally constructed as a combined Chapel and Police Office. It was purchased by the National Trust in 1977.
Oatlands has the largest collection of sandstone buildings in a village setting in Australia. The town’s authentic colonial character is reflected in 87 original sandstone buildings along the town’s main street. Some of the more significant buildings include the Oatlands gaol (1835), Commissariat’s store and watch house (1830s) and officers’ quarters (1830s). The Callington Mill (1837) is the only working example of a Lincolnshire windmill in