Bothwell

TAS 7030 • Tasmania

499
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Income
756.88 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageRuralPeacefulAgricultural

About Bothwell

Bothwell is a historic rural town in Tasmania's Central Highlands, situated on the Clyde River approximately 75 kilometres north of Hobart within the Central Highlands Council area. With a population of 499, the locality is one of the state's best-preserved colonial towns, established by Scottish settlers in the 1820s and retaining a remarkable concentration of heritage streetscapes. The surrounding landscape is characterised by open highland plains given over to sheep and cattle grazing, with a median household income modestly reflecting the agricultural and hospitality economy.

Bothwell is celebrated as the home of one of the oldest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere — Ratho Farm Golf Links, laid out in the 1820s — and the Australian Golf Museum, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. More than 50 National Estate-listed colonial buildings line the main street and surrounding lanes, including the iconic Castle Hotel, St Luke's Church, and the historic courthouse. The Clyde and Nive rivers offer superb trout fishing, while the proximity to Steppes State Reserve and Lake Ratcliffe makes the area popular with bushwalkers and nature lovers seeking highland solitude.

Bothwell falls under postcode 7030 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Rumney) electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
7030
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Hobart (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-42.30°, 146.96°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
756.88 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Tassielink regional coach — Hobart CBD Approx. 75 min

Commute to Hobart CBD

Distance
75 km
By Train
No train service
By Car (Peak)
60-75 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
55-65 min

🛣️ Accessed via Midland Highway and Lake Highway; Tassielink coach operates limited services

Walkability Car-Dependent

Bothwell's small township has a general store and hotel within walking distance, but most services require a car trip to larger centres.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
499
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
N/A
Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bothwell known for? +

Bothwell is renowned for Ratho Farm Golf Links, believed to be one of the oldest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere, and for being home to the Australian Golf Museum. The town is also celebrated for its exceptional collection of colonial heritage buildings dating from the 1820s.

How far is Bothwell from Hobart? +

Bothwell is approximately 75 kilometres north of Hobart CBD, typically a 55–75 minute drive via the Midland Highway.

Does Bothwell have public transport? +

Bothwell is served by limited Tassielink regional coach services connecting to Hobart and other Central Highlands towns. There is no rail service; a private vehicle is the primary means of transport for most residents.

What is the population of Bothwell? +

According to the 2021 Census, Bothwell has a population of 499 residents, making it a small rural community characteristic of Tasmania's Central Highlands.

Is Bothwell a good place to live? +

Bothwell suits those who value a quiet, heritage-rich rural lifestyle surrounded by highland scenery, trout fishing rivers, and a genuine sense of history. It is best suited to those happy to travel for major services, as the town's amenities are limited.

What is the postcode for Bothwell? +

The postcode for Bothwell, TAS is 7030.