Settlers from Norfolk Island established this town on the banks of the River Derwent in 1807 when the Islands prison was closed. Early townspeople planted hundreds of poplar trees, which in autumn turn bright gold.

The town with its population of more than 5,000 has one of Australias last village squares. It is the centre of the hop-growing area and there are several old oast houses (kilns) along the roadside. They arent used today but their elegant shapes give valley a deep sense of its history and some have been lovingly converted.

New Norfolk has many old buildings, including one of Australias oldest inns, the Bush Inn, and Australias oldest Anglican church - St Matthews (1823).

New Norfolk is 20 kilometres (12 miles) north-west of Hobart.