A New Season at The Woodbridge
The Woodbridge is opening its doors for another season on the banks of the Derwent, and spring is a wonderful time to visit New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley.
The days are getting longer, the valley is green and there is plenty to see and do — whether you are planning days of exploring or simply looking for somewhere peaceful to slow down for a while.
Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy this part of Tasmania during the season ahead.
Start Close to Home
You don’t have to go far.
Step outside The Woodbridge’s gates and you are on the New Norfolk Esplanade, with riverside walks stretching in both directions.
Wander into town to browse the antique and speciality shops, explore the historic Willow Court precinct, visit the Saturday market or stop for a drink at the Bush Inn.
Or stay right where you are.
Find a spot in the riverside gardens, watch the Derwent drift past. And keep an eye out for the platypuses that live in the river.
Discover the Derwent Valley’s Food & Wine
The Derwent Valley has become one of Tasmania’s most interesting food and wine destinations.
The Agrarian Kitchen is just a short walk from The Woodbridge, while acclaimed vineyards including Stefano Lubiana Wines and Derwent Estate are an easy drive away.
The valley is also home to distilleries, breweries, cider producers, farm gates and other small local producers.
New Norfolk itself has cafés, bakeries, pubs, restaurants and takeaway options, many within walking distance .
Waterfalls, Giant Trees & Wilderness
Follow the Derwent upriver and the landscape quickly changes.
Mount Field National Park and Russell Falls are an easy trip from The Woodbridge. Continue further into the valley towards the Styx, where you can walk among some of Tasmania’s extraordinary giant eucalyptus trees.
Further west, Maydena is a destination for mountain biking and adventure, surrounded by magnificent wilderness scenery.
For something gentler, visit historic Salmon Ponds or simply take your time exploring the country roads and landscapes of the upper Derwent Valley.
Visit MONA, Hobart & Beyond
Head downriver and MONA is around 20 minutes from The Woodbridge, with Hobart approximately 25 minutes away.
It is easy to spend part of the day exploring the Derwent Valley and part at MONA — or enjoy Hobart for the day before returning to the quieter surroundings of New Norfolk.
The Woodbridge is also well positioned for exploring further afield in Southern Tasmania, including the Huon Valley and Tasman Peninsula.
Take the Scenic Route
One of the pleasures of staying outside the city is that the journey can become part of the day.
Follow either side of the Derwent towards Hobart. Head upriver towards Mount Field. Take the slower roads through small towns and farming country.
Stop when you see an interesting farm gate, antique shop, vineyard or view.
Tasmania rewards a little wandering.
If you would rather have a plan, we have also put together suggested routes combining places that work particularly well together.
Do As Much — or As Little — As You Like
Some guests arrive at The Woodbridge with every day planned.
Others arrive, sit beside the river and decide that most of those plans can wait.
Both approaches work rather well here.
Our 2026–27 season is beginning, spring has arrived in the Derwent Valley and we look forward to welcoming you to our special corner of Tasmania.