The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre

The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre Visit us to learn about the fascinating story of Ross and its long-standing wool industry. Free entry. Open 7 days.

Visit our facebook siblings!



Through its heritage exhibition area, the Tasmanian Wool Centre is committed to the historical preservation of the village and immediate regions by collecting its stories, images and artifacts. The Centre also has a commitment to providing a repository for the information and artifacts relating to the establishment and on-goi

ng development of the wool industry for the region. The Tasmanian Wool Centre Museum

In its formative years Ross benefited from the prosperity of its surrounding land owners who directly employed villagers or supported the businesses that developed. As a result, Ross evolved into the beautiful Georgian village it is today. This story is told in the Wool and Heritage galleries with many artifacts, pictures and documents on display. The smell of sheep’s wool pervades the air as you enter the Wool exhibition. A re-created shearing shed complete with thrown fleece on its sorting table and manual wool press provide a glimpse of past times. Many breeds of sheep’s wool are on view to feel and inspect. Included as permanent exhibits on loan from the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston are “The Canticle, 1966” a large woollen tapestry by John Coburn, “Primary Bind” 1985, a sculpture by Les Kossatz and Stephen Walker’s Ermenigildo Zegna Perpetual Trophy 1963. In the adjoining room, the History Gallery provides snapshots of significant milestones in Ross’ development. The Ross Bridge, Female Factory and Horton College are permanent exhibits together with changing short-term exhibitions. For the ancestry buffs there are a number of registers listing the female convicts and male ticket of leave workers, together with copies of the Anglican Church burial registers in the early years of settlement. The museum features both audio and visual displays, and you can feel and touch the wool display. We also have a retail area offering fine wool products. About us: The Tasmanian Wool Centre - Ross is a not-for-profit organisation and any funds generated by the retail area are directed to restoration projects around Ross and to the support of community groups in the area. We also have the Ross Visitor Information Centre to help you will all your holiday enquiries. Ross is a beautifully preserved Georgian village with many fine stone buildings and los of history to explore. Visitors are charmed by the elm-lined streets,the heritage and the relaxed rural setting. When travelling to Tasmania, make sure you include Ross in your itinerary. Visitross.com.au will help you plan your visit.

Please note we’ll be closed for Stocktake on Wednesday, 3 June. We’ll be open as normal every other day. 🐑
28/05/2026

Please note we’ll be closed for Stocktake on Wednesday, 3 June. We’ll be open as normal every other day. 🐑

Did you know that a woman connected to Ross helped lead Tasmania’s suffrage movement and later became an internationally...
11/05/2026

Did you know that a woman connected to Ross helped lead Tasmania’s suffrage movement and later became an internationally recognised inventor?

Georgina Kermode’s story stretches from the pastoral estates of the Northern Midlands to engineering circles in England, where her inventions included stamp vending machines used in the Houses of Parliament.

Our latest blog uncovers the fascinating life and legacy of this remarkable Tasmanian woman.

Read the full story at https://www.taswoolcentre.com.au/event/georgina-kermode-ross-woman-inventor-and-suffragist/

1) Georgina Kermode - DPAC.tas.gov.au
2) Mona Vale - The Weekly Courier, Feb 6, 1919
3) 1896 'Political and Social.', The Tasmanian Democrat, 26 June, 1896
4) Women’s Christian Temperance Union Members at Longford Convention, 1923 - Tasmanian Archives (NS337)
5) Stamp rolls associated with the “Kermode” vending machines - GBstamprolls.com

Long before Letitia Leake became a celebrated benefactor of Australian soldiers in World War I, her journey began here i...
08/04/2026

Long before Letitia Leake became a celebrated benefactor of Australian soldiers in World War I, her journey began here in Ross, Tasmania. Her early years at Ashby shaped a life of compassion, generosity, and enduring connections.

Discover the story of Letitia Leake and her remarkable legacy on our blog. 🔗 https://www.taswoolcentre.com.au/event/letitia-leake-a-life-of-compassion-and-connection/

Images courtesy of Harefield History Society.

09/03/2026

Last weekend, we were honoured to welcome Archaeologist Dr. Eleanor Casella for an engaging lecture on the lives of mothers and babies at the Ross Female Factory. The lecture, held the day before International Women's Day, explored the historical evidence that reveals the bonds, challenges, and stories of women and children who lived here.

Thank you to everyone who attended and joined the tour of the site. Your curiosity and support help keep these important stories alive. ❤️

Only 3 FREE tickets left! Scan the QR code or follow the link to secure your tickets to this exciting event!
04/03/2026

Only 3 FREE tickets left! Scan the QR code or follow the link to secure your tickets to this exciting event!

Behind the prison walls of the Ross Female Factory were mothers and babies.On Saturday 7 March at 1.30pm, Dr Eleanor Cas...
18/02/2026

Behind the prison walls of the Ross Female Factory were mothers and babies.

On Saturday 7 March at 1.30pm, Dr Eleanor Casella explores the archaeology of the Nursery Ward — uncovering stories of care, separation and survival.

Lecture + guided site tour. Light refreshments provided.

Free | Bookings essential via Eventbrite. Scan the QR Code, or click the booking link in comments.

Opie leads the way! 🐾 Step into history at the Ross Female Factory. Open every day, self-guided, free of charge, and sup...
09/02/2026

Opie leads the way! 🐾 Step into history at the Ross Female Factory. Open every day, self-guided, free of charge, and supported by our wonderful volunteers. Don't forget to stop by our Museum afterward for more local history! 🧐

These photos show the 2007 excavation at the Ross Female Factory, where archaeologists uncovered the prison nursery and ...
15/01/2026

These photos show the 2007 excavation at the Ross Female Factory, where archaeologists uncovered the prison nursery and surrounding areas. Artefacts including buttons, sewing pins, thimbles, and lead bale seals suggest that convict women were allowed to work alongside their children, quietly bending official rules. Objects from Ross Female Factory digs are now part of our Museum collection, connecting visitors to the lives of women and children who lived at the Factory between 1847 and 1854.

The team at the Tasmanian Wool Centre sends a big festive thank you to everyone who has supported us this year. We’ll be...
22/12/2025

The team at the Tasmanian Wool Centre sends a big festive thank you to everyone who has supported us this year.

We’ll be taking a break on Christmas Day, but otherwise our doors are open:

• Weekdays: 9:30am – 4:30pm
• Weekends: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Wishing you a joyful holiday season from all of us — including Bruce from Fields, who joined us for this team snap! 🐑🎄

Address

48 Church Street
Ross, TAS
7209

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(03) 6381 5466

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to The Museum at The Tasmanian Wool Centre:

Share

Category