Bothwell - Central Highlands

Bothwell is situated 76 kilometers northwest of Hobart and stands 350 meters above sea level. It is renowned for its superb trout fishing and is classified as a historic town. Bothwell features eighteen buildings recognized by the National Trust and thirty-four listed buildings, all of which were constructed from the 1820s onward.

St Luke's Church was opened in 1830 and designed by architect John Lee Archer, responsible for many buildings throughout Tasmania.

Daniel Herbert, a convict sculptor, carved the Ross Bridge and is reputed to have carved the Celtic heads over the church's doorway.

We've spent four days camping in Bothwell, photographing old buildings and exploring the extensive cemetery.

Another reason for our visit was that I wanted to play golf at Ratho Farm, the oldest golf course in Australia. The Ratho Farm Golf Links were first laid out and enjoyed by the pioneering Reid family, who emigrated from Scotland and settled at Ratho in 1822. It's the oldest golf course outside of Scotland.

The first hole, a Par 3, required a blind shot between two sheds, and several other holes also required blind shots over hedges.

I was surprised to find that the visitor center featured a very comprehensive display about golf.