Old convict road

[ColD]

Greetings bushwakers, great to find such an active site on this subject and Taswegian. Has anyone any info as to the condition, ownership and possible access to the old convict road which runs alongside the Prosser River out of Orford. Cheers.

[tas-man]

There is a good description of the history and walking options in David Leaman's book "Walk Into History in Southern Tasmania" on pages 169 to 172, titled "Walk 42: Through Paradise"-

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This book was available from Fullers Bookshop in Hobart, and is well worth getting for the great information on walks in the Hobart region. He also covers the issues of access through private property where necessary. I have walked the section of convict road below the dam and explored the ruins of the settlement, and its is a fascinating piece of convict history. This section of the road is not on private property, but to connect to the section of road above the dam, a traverse to the north through private property is necessary, and permission should be sought. I believe the Hobart Walking Club walks this route on a regular basis and would have details of the property owners that need to be contacted.

[ColD]

Many thanks Tas man, I've just ordered this book held for me at the library. I didn't know there was also some ruins my kids will love that.

[tas-man]

I found my slides of one trip to walk the lower section of the Old Convict Road. So here are a few for those who might be interested in exploring it someday.

Road and supporting stone work beside the Prosser River.

Looking up from the rivers edge to the road's stonework as the the road climbs away from the river.

A section of the road benching high above the river, past the settlement ruins.

[tas-man]

Remains of a stone wall in the settlement area.

Convict bricks scattered amongst the stone ruins.

One of the better examples of building stone walls still standing after 180 years.

[tas-man]

The remains of what looked like a cell block building.

[north-north-west]

Gawd, that takes me back. A bunch of school mates and I camped up at Orford something like 40 years ago, and walked up along that old road one day. It's holding up to the passing of time better than I have . . .

[flyfisher]

Great old pics Ian, thanks for sharing.

John

[ColD]

If stones could tell stories? Ta so much, gotta go there