Wilmot: History, Views and the Letterbox Trail

Wilmot offers a range of reasons to visit: a mural, a museum in a building constructed as a church and schoolhouse in 1894, panoramic views of Lake Barrington and Mount Roland, and the Wilmot Novelty Letterbox Trail from Gentle Annie Hill to Moina. There is also the Laburnum Arch garden, with its October bloom, nearby facilities and a market held in March, June, September and December. This raises a practical question for planning your trip: should you focus on culture, scenery, the longer route or a seasonal visit?

Culture in a historic setting

The Wilmot Historic Museum is housed in an old building constructed as a church and schoolhouse in 1894. This former dual use is part of the history of the museum building itself. The museum features exhibitions on the region’s colonial history and has an extensive photo collection. This includes photographs of Wilmot’s G.W. Coles general store. Regional history and images of the store sit side by side, with the collection adding a specific local subject to the exhibitions.

The mural The Cradle Trail can also be seen in Wilmot Memorial Hall. Alongside the exhibitions and photographs, it offers a different cultural format: a single mural with its own name. Those who want to include cultural interests in their travel plans will find a range of points of interest, from the historic building and photo collection to the mural.

Views and the Letterbox Trail

Wilmot Lookout offers panoramic views of Lake Barrington and Mount Roland. The lake and mountain together form the lookout’s landscape. The Wilmot Novelty Letterbox Trail offers a different scale of experience: it comprises about 80 letterboxes and runs for 25 km from Gentle Annie Hill to Moina. Unlike the single lookout, the experience here is shaped by a longer route. A Dalek stands at the trail’s northern entrance, and a Tardis at its southern end. These two named features create a clear contrast between the north and south ends.

Garden and seasonal planning

The Laburnum Arch garden is located in Pioneer Park in Wilmot. The Laburnum Arches are in full bloom in October, making this month a clearly defined seasonal highlight for the garden attraction. Barbecue facilities, tennis courts and a children’s playground are located near the garden. For families, the playground is a specific point to consider when planning; the barbecue facilities and tennis courts add to the recreational options in the area. You can decide which of these suit your stay based on your travel group’s interests.

Market and accommodation location

The Wilmot Country Market is held on the first Saturday in March, June, September and December. If you want to include the market in your travel plans, check the specific date before you travel. The Wilmot Country Store sells fuel and jams; pizza is available there on Friday evenings. Check locally for details of these offerings if they are important to your plans.

When looking for holiday accommodation in Wilmot, it helps to match your travel dates to your preferred focus. October is given as the time when the Laburnum Arches are in full bloom, while market dates fall on the first Saturdays in March, June, September and December. The lookout and longer trail route, meanwhile, offer different experiences. Consider whether culture, panoramic views, the experience of a longer route or a particular seasonal event will be the deciding factor in choosing Wilmot as your accommodation location.

Discover more destinations: Lake St Clair, Jackeys Marsh, Hillwood, Queenstown, West Kentish, Bream Creek, Cradoc, Penguin

For the broader travel overview: Tasmania.