Sheffield

Description:

Rich farming land surrounds this quiet rural town with craggy Mount Roland as a backdrop. The town is famous for the lifelike, large-scale murals found throughout the town. Sheffield is inland from Devonport in the foothills of majestic Mount Roland. The mountain provides a stunning visual backdrop to the town and is a great source of artistic inspiration for local artists. In Sheffield, history and art merge to create an entire town of murals that tell the story of Tasmania's North West. More than 50 large-scale murals depict sweeping natural views, historic events and imaginative dreamscapes. Each year Sheffield hosts the International Mural Fest, a unique art competition that attracts artists from across Tasmania and interstate. Sheffield is also close to the Devils Gate Dam and beautiful Lake Barrington, created by the Mersey-Forth Hydro Electric Scheme. Lake Barrington is an international rowing course and a haven for lovers of water sports. There are barbecues and facilities for family outings, an adventure playground and a two-hour family nature walk through rainforest. Also nearby in the small village of Promised Land is Tasmazia, one of the world's largest maze complexes with eight mazes and a miniature village. The complex is set on a lavender farm with 20,000 shrubs, a stunning sight when in full flower during the month of January. Sheffield is close to Tasmania's Wilderness World Heritage Area with Cradle Mountain a 1-hr drive south-west of the township. Sheffield is a 30-min drive (30 km) from Devonport.