Take the 259 steps to the top of the sandstone Shot Tower for superb views across the Derwent River, and a completion sticker on your return. Built in 1870 for the production of award-winning lead shots for pistols, it is one of only three remaining shot towers in Australia. The museum at the base of the 48-metre tall tower brings you up to speed with all of this, as well as the production process of the pellets. Molten lead was dropped from top to bottom of the hollow tower and its rapid descent and cooling roughly shaped it into pellets. Interesting. Below the museum is the warm and cosy tea room, where you can sit and ponder all of this over a Devonshire Tea. The scones come at room temperature, and for me, this isn’t ideal, but each to his own. The scones have a creamy texture, but if only they had a bit of heat! The raspberry jam is an average commercial type, but the cream is a stand out – thick and rich. It’s on the old road heading south of Hobart, and is well worth the diversion.

Scones: 

Jam:

Cream: 

Tea: A basic selection of loose-leaf teas served in a small tea cosy covered teapot with extra hot water on the side.

Price: $$

Overall: A blend of history, sensational views (weather permitting), and a cosy tea room.

Location: Channel Hwy, Taroona TAS 7053 Ph: 03 62278885 taroona.tas.au

Reviewed in May, 2017