Major city · Australia
Ross
Stop for 2–3 hours on the Hobart–Launceston drive, or sleep one night to see Ross Bridge and the Female Factory without rushing.
Ross is a one-street Georgian village of about 270 people on the Tasmanian Midlands, 120 km north of Hobart and 78 km south of Launceston. It was a garrison and coaching stop from 1821, and its sandstone bridge, convict-era buildings and female factory survive almost intact. Almost everyone arrives by car for a few hours; a single night turns a motorway break into a proper look at the convict story.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Oct–Apr
- avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days)
- Airports
- HBA · LST
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Ross000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ross, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyRoss is a very safe small town; the real risks are the drive (wildlife at dusk, ice in winter) and the fact that nothing is open late.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHBA Hobart Airport (About 1 h 30 min by car via the Midlands Highway; the usual arrival for a northbound drive.).
- Getting aroundOn foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekA$20–40 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Wool Centre)checkA$5–10 (≈ US$4–7)
- Budget bedHistoric cottage (whole house), a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedHistoric cottage (whole house), a night, per roomA$260 (≈ US$180)
- High-end bedHistoric cottage (whole house), a night, per roomA$420 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$140 (≈ US$95) · High A$240 (≈ US$160)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HBA Hobart Airport (About 1 h 30 min by car via the Midlands Highway; the usual arrival for a northbound drive.) · LST Launceston Airport (About 1 h 10 min by car; the usual arrival for a southbound drive.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Apr
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jul
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Aug
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Sep
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)), coolest Jul (1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ross: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
7 rd
Mar
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Jun
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Jul
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
13 rd
Aug
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 rd
Sep
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Nov
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot. The historic street, bridge and Female Factory are within about 10 minutes of each other. A car is needed to reach Ross at all, and to leave it.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Campbell Town
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Midlands Highway north, about 15 min by car
Fuel, supermarket and cafés; the practical supply stop for Ross.
Oatlands
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Midlands Highway south, about 20 min by car
Another convict-era mill town; pair it with Ross on the same drive.
Launceston
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Midlands Highway north, about 1 h 10 min by car
Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley; a natural next base.
Bicheno
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Midlands Highway north, then the Tasman Highway east, about 1 h 45 min
Too far for a return day; sleep on the east coast instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Church Street and the main street
Sandstone cottages and the old hotel next to the bakery; everything is walkable from here.
Midlands Highway turnoff
Motel-style stops on the highway itself; cheaper and easier with a trailer, but a drive from the historic street.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–130 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$130–220 (≈ US$90–150) excl. bed
- High
- A$220 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Bed-and-breakfast double1 × 1 night × A$190 | A$190 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$140 | A$280 |
| Scallop pie and coffee2 × A$18 · check | A$36 |
| Fuel, Hobart to Launceston via Ross1 × A$60 · check | A$60 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$62 |
| Trip total≈ A$339 per person per day, bed included | A$678≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Scallop pie at the bakerycheck | A$9–14 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Pub counter meal | A$22–35 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Museum entry (Wool Centre)check | A$5–10 (≈ US$4–7) |
| Fuel, per litrecheck | A$1.80–2.10 (≈ US$2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | A$20–40 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- There is no public transport to Ross: the only way in is by car.
- The Midlands Highway bypasses the town; take Roseneath Rd northbound or Chiswick Rd southbound or you will miss it.
- Fuel, food and open hours are limited: fill up in Campbell Town or Oatlands.
- Winter days are short and the highway can be icy or foggy at dawn.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
RossRoss
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in Ross; the US consulate-general is in Melbourne and most embassies are in Canberra. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hobart → Ross by car: 120 km (75 mi), about 1 h 30 min75 mi (120 km), about 1 h 30 min
- Launceston → Ross by car: 78 km (48 mi), about 1 h 10 min48 mi (78 km), about 1 h 10 min
- Fuel, Campbell Town: the nearest reliable fill before or after Ross (check)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the old bridge? — Where is the bridge?
- Are you open today? — Is the museum open today?
- Card OK? — Can I pay by card?
- Where's the loo? — Where is the toilet?
- A flat white, thanks — One coffee, please
Fuel and food are limited in Ross: fill up in Campbell Town or Oatlands.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ross. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr · avoid Jun–Aug (cold, wet, short days) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HBA and LST: last hire-car desk times, drive times to Ross, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster with rescue anchors: main street, Ross Bridge, Female Factory, Wool Centre.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (Wool Centre museum, Female Factory) and eat pages with bakery hours.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so the highway drive can go green.