Explore the many unique attractions whilst staying at the Cottage

Around the Cottage

The Gardener’s Cottage is located on the southern boundary of the Warrentinna Goldfields. The property was the location of the Rebel gold mine. This mine is one of a number of abandoned gold mines in the area that were dug to follow a rich seam towards Warrentinna.

The ghosts of the goldfield now haunt the white gums of a threatened native vegetation in the Eucalyptus viminalis wet forest on the northern border of the property.

The Rebel mine was filled in and the site became an agricultural property in the 1890s. In the 1970s the original buildings were replaced by the mudbrick dwellings that are the main house and the Overflow today.

The gardens at Mara Ponds were established around 1980 and were a local attraction until they ran wild under the neglect of the previous owners.

Michelle purchased part of the original property in 2021 and is restoring the gardens to their former glory with the assistance of Tad.

Whilst staying at the Gardener’s Cottage organic seasonal produce is available from the veggie garden. Just ask Michelle what is available.

Out and About

The nearest town is Branxholm. It was settled in the 1860s by James Reid Scott, who named it after a small village in his native Scotland. The town of Branxholm grew with the discovery of tin. Tin mining was more successful than the gold rush. The North-East of Tasmania was once a world leader in extraction and export of the metal.

The current industries are tourism, dairy, timber and hops.

The following are some Branxholm attractions recommended by Walks in Tasmania:

Briseis Water RaceThis nearby bush walk follows the remnants of a major engineering feat to funnel water from Ringarooma to Derby for a tin mine
Ralph’s FallsRalph’s Fall are reached by strolling through a magical forest
St Columba FallsSt Columba Falls is Tasmania’s tallest waterfall
Cube RockCube rock is Tasmania’s most dubious cube with extensive views
Anchor StampersThe Anchor Stampers were Tasmania’s biggest tin stompings
Blue Tier GiantThe Blue Tier giant is ruputed to be Australia’s biggest tree.
Mt William National ParkMt William National Park offers long walks on empty beaches and a variety of coastal wildflowers.
Bridport Walking TrackThis track links fabulous beaches, wild flower reserve, grasslands, ancient forests and the Brid River to give you a single accessible yet unique walking experience (class 3 track, 4.7 km).

The Fire Map will assist you when planning your adventures in summer.

Branxholm
(3 kms)
Swimming pool (2pm – 6pm in summer).
Tennis / basketball court.
Imperial Hotel provides great pub meals and a traditional atmosphere (Limited hours).
Tin Timbers Cafe Is an art gallery and tourist office that serves great coffee, home made pies, pastries, big brekkies and more. Dine in or take-away.
The Tuscan Fox Wood-fire Restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas and more. Vegetarian friendly.
Casa Pinnocchio traditional Italian cuisine featuring hand-made pasta and locally grown pork, veggies and herbs.
Branxholm IGA supermarket has a range of fresh produce, grocery items and take-away foods suitable for your self-catering requirements.
Recycling , Mechanical Repairs, Community Market
Derby
(6 kms)
Derby is the centre for mountain biking.

Besides rental of bikes and equipment, Derby offers eateries, groceries, drinkeries and petrol.
Shuttle to the Derby and ride a Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trail
Ringarooma
(10 kms)
Local post office, Butcher, petrol and repairs, swimming pool
Winnaleah
(15 kms)
Winnaleah Hotel, Post Office, Swimming Pool, Community Market
Scottsdale
(20 kms)
For a less challenging biking, through luxuriant forest try the Scotsdale Rail Trail from Billycock Hill
Sample Tasmanian craft beer at Little Rivers Brewing Co or gin and vodka at Darby-Norris Distillery.
Weldborough (30 kms)Visit the heritage-listed rural Weldborough Hotel
Pyengana
(50 kms)
The Farmgate Café has cheese tasting of the local dairy produce.
You can share a jug of beer with the pig at the Pub in the Paddock
Further AfieldSee and smell the flowers at the Bridstowe Lavender Estate
Boutique cool climate winemakers including Brook Eden Vineyard, Jansz Wine Room & Vineyard and Leaning Church Vineyard are a short distance away.
Have a go at fishing for trout.