A rich tapestry of early Tasmanian history is encapsulated at Brickendon. Immerse yourself in the incredible story of the Archer family, Assigned convicts, Free workers and the beginnings of Australia's pastoral and agricultural industry. Brickendon is one of Tasmania's oldest farming properties, settled in 1824 by William Archer, the farm has been continuously operated and lived on by his direct descendents, now in their 7th generation.
The two Estates are regarded as the most significant rural estates in Australia having the second largest number of convict workers and still retaining a living history from early European settlement to the present day. The stunning rural landscape, magnificent heritage gardens, amazing collection of convict constructed buildings, family history and memorabilia are all to be enjoyed by our visitors and cottage guests.
The two Estates are regarded as the most significant rural estates in Australia having the second largest number of convict workers and still retaining a living history from early European settlement to the present day. The stunning rural landscape, magnificent heritage gardens, amazing collection of convict constructed buildings, family history and memorabilia are all to be enjoyed by our visitors and cottage guests.
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Brickendon Estate is one of Australia's private treasures. Hidden behind the English hedgerows is a unique experience that is rarely available to enjoy.
Accommodation in the delightful convict built historic cottages and rustic recycled farm cottages, enchanting heritage gardens with an extensive arboretum to discover, an 1820's Farm Village complete with Chapel, Blacksmith's shop, Cookhouse and amazing timber barns to explore, friendly farm animals to meet, excellent fishing along the 3km Macquarie River frontage and a fabulous country walk through the farm to Woolmers Estate.
Accommodation in the delightful convict built historic cottages and rustic recycled farm cottages, enchanting heritage gardens with an extensive arboretum to discover, an 1820's Farm Village complete with Chapel, Blacksmith's shop, Cookhouse and amazing timber barns to explore, friendly farm animals to meet, excellent fishing along the 3km Macquarie River frontage and a fabulous country walk through the farm to Woolmers Estate.
The skills and labour of assigned convict men and women were the key to the prosperity of estates like Brickendon and Woolmers and indeed to the colony of Van Diemen's Land. You may be amazed at the pettiness of crimes for which Brickendon's men and women were transported.
Unfortunately almost all had a string of similar offences behind them so when they came before the courts for yet another minor theft, the magistrate was sick of the sight of them.After conviction they often spent time in the hulks moored in the harbours and dockyards of England. Eventually they were loaded on to ships bound for the new colonies of NSW and Van Diemen's Land.
Unfortunately almost all had a string of similar offences behind them so when they came before the courts for yet another minor theft, the magistrate was sick of the sight of them.After conviction they often spent time in the hulks moored in the harbours and dockyards of England. Eventually they were loaded on to ships bound for the new colonies of NSW and Van Diemen's Land.
Recently listed as a World Heritage Site along with Woolmers Estate, Brickendon is one of the most unique sites you will find in Australia. Built by convicts and owned by the same family since 1824, more than 20 heritage buildings to explore, magnificent gardens to wander, farm and river walks, friendly farm animals, river frontage for great fishing and all in all a great place to visit for the day or stay on for the night.
Are you the descendant of a convict or free settler? Did your relative come out from England or Ireland and make good, or did they suffer for their crimes? The skills and labour of assigned convict men and women were the key to the prosperity of estates like Brickendon and indeed to the colony of Van Diemen's Land.
In our rustic farm cottages you can wake up, look out across the paddocks and enjoy the sounds of our farm animals. What a contrast from city life! Pumpkin Cottage is our delightful one bedroom Farm Cottage overlooking the lush English style countryside and only a short stroll to the Macquarie River renowned for its excellent trout fishing.
Reviews (15)
John Dinning
Dec 10, 2021
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Elizabeth Jordan
Sep 27, 2021
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Cat Felmingham
Aug 01, 2021
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Brickendon Estate was the perfect venue for our wedding. We worked with Eliza and she was beyond amazing, nothing was an issue and she was there to make sure every part of the day ran smoothly. All our… questions were answered quickly, nothing was too hard and we just can't recommend Brickendon Estate enough.
Us and some of our guests stayed in the cottages and these were perfect, roaring fires, breakfast provisions and comfy beds, this made for a perfect start and end to our wedding.
Thank you doesn't seem enough, Craig and I feel we made the best choice and will always recommend Brickendon
Us and some of our guests stayed in the cottages and these were perfect, roaring fires, breakfast provisions and comfy beds, this made for a perfect start and end to our wedding.
Thank you doesn't seem enough, Craig and I feel we made the best choice and will always recommend Brickendon
Geoff Martin
Jun 20, 2021
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Helen Blasko
Jun 05, 2021
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Steve Shirvington
May 19, 2021
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Carolyn Chant
Apr 17, 2021
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Joanne Morris
Mar 25, 2021
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We had a peaceful stay. Worth getting up to watch the sun rise from the cottage porch. It is a rustic, basic country cottage but I'm glad we stayed as part of their endeavour to keep the estate going. Although we didn't get there early enough to explore the estate on the day we checked in we did do it the next day however it only opens at 10am which means you will need to hang around. We did enjoy wandering the grounds and meeting several of the resident animals and poultry. Make sure you watch the Dynasties documentary when you go look at the grounds as the back story for both Woolmers and Brickendon
Bec
Mar 15, 2021
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Jenny Jones
Mar 04, 2021
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Susan Skilton
Jun 27, 2020
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Felt I had stepped back in time. I prayed in the beautiful chapel.The detailed brochure was very helpful indeed. The buildings and history are so interesting. I recommend Brickendon to visitors but allowing time to really see everything. The receptionist is extremely friendly. The sheep, rabbit, turkeys, ducks add to the experience.
MadNESS Photography
Jun 15, 2020
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Historic. Calming and just wow. This little gem is well worth the visit. Ducks, chickens, turkeys, fowl of all varieties. Incredible information about the estates beginning and subsequent 7 generations in one family. There were easy access, very clean toilets. The grounds are mostly flat and simple to navigate for 9 years old to 90 year Olds. Give yourself an hour at least and think.about taking the walk over to Woolmers estate. Brilliant.
Leah Smith
Aug 26, 2018
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Victoria C. AdventuresOFv
Jul 13, 2017
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Great tour with Lorraine whom was super knowledgeable and passionate. Self guided is also available. Average pricing and stunning views. Not overrun with tourists and it's possible to have the whole place to oneself -- which is hard to come by these days. The garden is beautiful as well and they've maintained the place with great care.
Melissa Cook
Jun 06, 2016
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We visited to have a look at the historic sites. It is well kept, the staff are friendly and are happy to just let you wander around at your own pace. The kids loved feeding the animals and throwing the ball for the dog. The gardens across the road could be better signposted and have more signed information around but they are stunning as is the house and cottages. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.
