Woolmers Estate History
Your combined admission unlocks 38 heritage buildings, the UNSHACKLED digital exhibition, and a 2.8km trail connecting two estates where convicts became colonists.
A Living Timeline
Click any era to explore the intertwined stories of Country, convicts, and the Archer family.
The Convict Story You Haven't Heard
Most people think Australia’s convict story is one of chains, cells and punishment. At Woolmers, the story is different. Over 35 years, more than 700 convicts were assigned to the Archer family. They learned trades, earned trust, and many chose to stay long after they were free to leave.
World Heritage Significance
In 2010, Brickendon and Woolmers were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Australian Convict Sites. They are recognised for their outstanding universal value — as rare, intact examples of convict-era farming estates where the buildings, landscape and stories have survived together. as part of the Australian Convict Sites. They are recognised for their outstanding universal value — as rare, intact examples of convict-era farming estates where the buildings, landscape and stories have survived together.
Of the eleven Australian Convict Sites, Brickendon and Woolmers are among the few that remain in their original rural setting, still surrounded by the same fields, hedgerows and river crossings that convicts worked nearly 200 years ago. that remain in their original rural setting, still surrounded by the same fields, hedgerows and river crossings that convicts worked nearly 200 years ago.
Convict Sites
Inscription
Listing
Continuous
History
The Archer Legacy
In 1817, Thomas Archer arrived in Van Diemen’s Land and established Woolmers Estate in the northern midlands. What followed was nearly two centuries of continuous family ownership — six generations who shaped the property from a colonial farm into one of Australia’s most significant heritage estates.
Thomas Archer I
1817–1850
Thomas Archer II
1850–1869
Thomas Archer III
1869–1898
Thomas Archer IV
1898–1934
Thomas Archer V
1934–1972
Thomas Archer VI
1972–1994
Discover More
18 original convict-built buildings, the grand Italianate homestead, and 5,000 roses in the National Rose Garden.
An immersive digital experience telling the stories of 75,000 convicts transported to Van Diemen’s Land.
Stories, research and updates from one of Australia’s most significant heritage sites.
Experience living history
Open Daily from 8am
Last grounds entry: 4pm
Grounds close: 6:30pm
Location
20 minutes from Launceston
17 minutes from Launceston Airport
Tasmanian Residents
FREE entry when bringing interstate or overseas guests