Ron Roach Farm Osmaston
Sunday afternoon
18th May 2025
Ron Roach purchased this pocket of paradise in July 1969. He had grown up in the area and was familiar with the property. Before purchasing the land, Ron had been working in the timber industry and he recognised that the bush covering half of the property held timber that was worth harvesting. The walk follows tracks that were used when harvesting the timber and there are stumps and remnants of landings previously used for loading and logs. The harvested areas have been allowed to regenerate and around half of the property remains bush and the other half cleared paddocks. Ron (and family) have farmed cattle, sheep and hay on the property but these days the grazing areas are leased to a neighbour who grazes cattle (mainly Jersey bulls) but Ron and the family still enjoy the occasional visit for firewood collecting or just a picnic lunch and wander around.
You are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the view before we set off for the cave or a more leisurely walk around the site. Note there are no toilet facilities or running water so BYO chairs, picnic rugs etc.
The cave walk is approximately 2.5km return with some moderate slopes and logs to clamber over. There will be other options for those that prefer a shorter walk or gentler gradients.
Meeting Times and Places
If you are interested in going on this walk, please phone the walk leader, Dan Hutchison, on 0457 765 907 or email dan@newsteadbaptist.org.au, to register. The departure time is 12:00 pm from Newstead Baptist Church (welcome to attend 10am service). Alternative meeting places en-route are possible, such as the public toilets at Westbury in Lyall St at 12.30 pm, however please arrange this with the leader. The leader should be notified of any other people you intend to bring along. Please be at any meeting place 5 minutes ahead of departure time.
To access this area from northern Tasmania:
Proceed along the Bass Highway to Westbury (about 32 km), take the 2nd exit into Westbury (B72), follow straight along that road onto Lyall St. From there we will connect with C501 to Dexter St, Mary St and to Osmaston Rd. Travel a short distance along Fernbank Road before finally, we divert on to Donovan’s Road and the driveway will be marked at about 1.5km on the right. We will be parking in the paddock next to the bush so 4WD advised if it has been wet.
Other Information:
These Sunday afternoon walks do not require the level of preparation and equipment needed for wilderness walks. Dress comfortably and sensibly, and remember that even over a 2 hour period, weather can be changeable in northern Tasmania, so it’s always a great idea to have a warm top and a raincoat in your backpack, along with a drink and perhaps a snack.
For this particular walk, reasonably solid sneakers should be worn, or walking boots if you have them. Open toe shoes and sandals would NOT be a good choice.
Yes, we know… Parents of very young children often have to carry a lot more, including children in backpacks! Hopefully your fellow walkers will offer to share the burden! Being off-track through farmland and open bushland, it is recommended to wear trousers or gaiters to avoid getting cuts or grass seeds.
We don’t have a gpx track for this walk. The walk starts in the area marked with the circle (below).
