Pawtella
TAS 7120 • Tasmania
About Pawtella
Pawtella is a quiet rural locality in the Southern Midlands Council area of Tasmania, situated approximately 18 kilometres east of Oatlands in the Tasmanian Midlands. Gazetted as a locality in 1972, its name is believed to derive from an Aboriginal Tasmanian word meaning 'ringtail possum'. Covering 28.5 square kilometres, the locality recorded a population of 33 at the 2021 census, reflecting a sparse farming community spread across the open grasslands and mixed farmland of the Central Plateau foothills. Route C309 (Nala Road) is the main road corridor running north to south through the locality.
Pawtella offers a deeply peaceful rural lifestyle typical of the Tasmanian Midlands, characterised by wide pastoral landscapes, dry eucalypt woodland and cool-temperate weather with significant winter frosts. Oatlands, the nearest town at 18 kilometres, is one of Tasmania's best-preserved Georgian towns, home to the famous Callington Mill (a restored 1837 wind-powered flour mill), sandstone architecture and antique shops popular with visitors travelling the Midland Highway between Hobart and Launceston. Residents of Pawtella rely on Oatlands for everyday services and on Hobart (approximately 80 kilometres south) for specialist services, hospitals and major retail. The area suits those seeking affordable rural acreage with a strong connection to Tasmania's colonial pastoral heritage.
Pawtella falls under postcode 7120 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Lyons (Prosser) electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Tassielink/Redline coach — Hobart / Launceston via Midland Highway ~1 hr 15 min to Hobart
Commute to Hobart
🛣️ Oatlands (18 km west) is the local service hub. Hobart (~80 km south) and Launceston (~90 km north) are accessible via the Midland Highway. No passenger rail exists in Tasmania; car is the primary transport mode.
Pawtella is a scattered rural locality with no walkable amenities. All daily needs require a car trip to Oatlands or beyond. A private vehicle is essential.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
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1315 Woodsdale Road
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Church Street