Two exceptional historical attractions just outside of Launceston are th Woolmers Estate and Entally Estate. Woolmers Estate is home to the National Rose Garden and is open from 9am to 5pm daily. A guided tour of Woolmers Estate takes you the personal collections and possessions of Thomas Archer I through to Thomas Archer VI and the six generations that had lived there. The main homestead was built in 1817 by Thomas Archer I. Guided tours of the Estate run regularly from 10am in summer months and 11am in the winter. Tours take around 45 minutes, or you are welcome to wander the grounds yourself to view what was once a working farm. Explore the grounds to find many convict built outbuildings including the Wool and apple packing sheds, coach house, stables and blacksmith, and the Settlers Cottages Accommodation. Accommmodation prices range from $130 to $180AUD per couple per night. There are seven self contained accommodation sites located on the Estate

Entally Estate is only 15 minutes drive from Launceston, and is one of Tasmania’s heritage icons, set within grounds that are more like grand park than someone’s garden. The gardens were established over 150 years ago, and the original lay out has been retained. The grounds include one of Australia’s oldest cricket grounds. Mary Reibey a former convict was granted 300 acres of land and it was on this land in 1819 that her eldest son Thomas Haydock Reibey settled and built his homestead. The grounds are managed by Gunns Limited and are open seven days a week. Outbuildings that you will find while wandering the magnificent grounds are stables, chapel, coach house and conservatory. The landowners muster from 1819 showed that Thomas Haydock Reibey owned five horses, 92 head of cattle and 600 head of sheep, and that there were 2430 acres of pasture and 200 acres of wheat. Entally Estate was reserved as an historic site in December 1948, and since then the homestead and grounds have been involved in a continuing restoration program. The homestead includes lavish furnishings, including a great deal of cedar furniture, a 18th Century mahogany mirror and a Georgian chandelier. There are a great number of artworks in the homestead including works by John Glover, a famous Tasmanian Artist. Pick up your rental car from the Launceston Airport using launcestoncarrental.com.au. Choose from the major car rental companies on this site all competing for your custom by offering their best deals.