The Eleanor

Woolmers Estate is World Heritage Listed and is a unique and fascinating collection of colonial life.

THE ELEANOR RESTAURANT

Woolmers Estate in Longford has unveiled its new restaurant, The Eleanor.

Everything is made in house with locally grown produce. 

The Eleanor Restaurant is located within the grounds of the Woolmers Estate in the picturesque town of Longford, just 20 mins. from Launceston’s CBD.

Pop in and see what all the fuss is about. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10.00 am to 3.30 pm.

WEDDING VENUE

We love weddings at Woolmers and can offer a variety of options for your special day.

Take your vows in our Rose Garden surrounded by the beauty of thousands of roses, within the grounds of the Walled Garden in the midst of the grand heritage buildings or in front of the iconic Woolshed.

Woolmers is a perfect location to host your wedding and make it an unforgettable experience.

For more information please contact us.

ACCOMMODATION

Woolmers Estate is listed on the World Heritage List of 11 Australian convict sites, along with other sites such as Port Arthur and the Hyde Park Barracks in Sydney.

Although perhaps not as well-known as other Australian Convict Sites, at Woolmers Estate you can sleep where our convict ancestors slept and deepen your first-hand experience of Australia’s convict history.

We have taken six of our historic cottages and turned them into 3 ½ star quality self-contained accommodation with modern conveniences while keeping the authentic feel of the 1840s convict era. This unique accommodation overlooks the meandering Macquarie River in Tasmania, treed farming land, ever-changing scenery and mountainous backdrop which come together to create a memorable experience for visitors.

HISTORY

Woolmers was continuously occupied by the Thomas Archer family from circa 1817 to 1994 and is acknowledged as one of the most outstanding examples of 19th century rural settlements in Australia.

The array of extant buildings on Woolmers Estate including family houses, workers’ cottages, former chapel, blacksmith’s shop, stables, bakehouse, pump house, gardener’s cottage etc. provides an insight into the social structure of a colonial pastoral estate. At an estate of this size, a virtual small village was formed where up to 100 people might be living and working at one time.

In addition to the architectural heritage, the site contains a wide range of collections acquired by the family over 180 years, providing a rare insight into six generations of one family. The combination of the historical collections, the buildings and the site itself represents a significant cultural resource and an important visitor attraction.

GALLERIES

The Nigel Peck Centre features two gallery spaces, the Nigel Peck Long Gallery and the Frances Mary Archer Gallery.

The galleries host an array of carefully selected items from the Woolmers Collection as well as a superb venue for special events and art exhibitions.

Please contact us for further information about current or future exhibitions at Woolmers Estate.

TOURS

Woolmers Estate continues to closely monitor the impacts and spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Due to the pandemic, guided tour group sizes may be limited. Self-guided tours of the grounds, gardens and outbuildings are available.

In the interest of protecting the health and well-being of all guests, volunteers and staff, availability of tours may be subject to change without notice.

We thank you for your understanding.

A guided tour of Woolmers House allows you to experience a special journey through time, from the establishment of the estate in 1817, by Thomas Archer 1st, to the last descendant, Thomas Archer 6th in 1994, and marvel at the array of personal collections and possessions accumulated through six generations of the family. Unlike almost all other house museums, everything you see belongs here: nothing has been brought in for effect. The story of the Archer family, and their lives at Woolmers Estate, can only be fully appreciated by taking a personally guided tour of the house. This tour is available at extra cost, and takes approximately 45-50 minutes. The precious nature of the contents requires that the interior of the house cannot be otherwise accessed. To avoid disappointment we recommend booking your guided tour in advance, as tour limits apply.

A self guided tour of Woolmers Estate takes you on a self paced journey back through time, around the various out buildings including the Courtyard and Cellars, Walled Garden, Chapel, Store, Woolshed, Blacksmith’s Shop and Cider House. Visit the numerous buildings where convicts and ex-convicts laboured and lived, later to be joined by free workers. During the blooming season, spend time in the Rose Garden, a modern creation inspired by the French formal gardens of the 1600s.

Your tour gives one day pass to explore and enjoy the site and includes a comprehensive self guiding booklet.

Please enquire at reception about annual site passes.

All proceeds from your site admission fee contributes to the ongoing preservation, presentation, conservation and interpretation of Woolmers Estate.