Ratho Farm Bothwell – Central Highlands, Tasmania Featured

Ratho Farm Bothwell, is set amid Tasmania’s rolling Central Highlands. It lures guests from near and far with its boutique accommodation and rich estate experiences. Hosting up to 40 guests, the property celebrates authentic restoration over reinvention. Here, convict-built cottages are lovingly preserved and farm life is embraced, not polished away. It’s also the proud holder of an historic 18-hole golf course, trout fishing by the Clyde River with moments made for slowing down, and become part of its living legacy.

Travellarks guests receive one complimentary breakfast for two, OR 9-holes of golf for 2 guests! Use Code name TRAVELLARKS when booking.

HISTORIC FARM STAY TASMANIA | FLY FISHING | HISTORIC GOLF COURSE

“We enjoyed a glass of wine, cheese board and talk with a local historian around the fireplace followed by a farmhouse style dinner of slow cooked lamb. Fabulous!’’

Karen, September 2025.

DISCOVER THE WOW:

charming village

events

fishing

golf nearby

highlands / high country

mountain biking

walking trails

working farm

THE EXPERIENCE: 

Ratho Farm Bothwell – Central Highlands, Tasmania: Where Past and Present Co-exist

Standing proudly in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, near the charming village of Bothwell, Ratho Farm offers a restored heritage-farm experience. The property includes convict-built cottages and barns dating back to the early 1800s, now transformed into boutique accommodation blending rustic authenticity with modern comfort.

Ratho Farm has a seasonal onsite restaurant (communal atrium), but please check availability on booking.

An Historic Farm stay in Tasmania

Ratho Farm has an especially auspicious beginning. Ratho Farm’s history runs far deeper than its title as Australia’s oldest golf course. First revealed through the Clyde Company Papers in the 1930s, the journals of the pioneering Reid family tell stories of colonial triumphs, heartbreak, and colourful visitors. They ranged from bushrangers and exiled Irish nationalists to golfing greats and Melbourne Cup winners.

Founded in 1822 by Alexander and Mary Reid from Scotland’s Ratho Bank Estate, the family settled beside Tasmania’s Upper Clyde River. They helped establish the village of Bothwell. Within a few short years, they built a thriving farm whose original buildings still stand as a testament to their vision and endurance. Read more of the history of Ratho Farm.

Capacity and Configurations available at Ratho Farm Bothwell – Central Highlands, Tasmania

1. Premium Family Cottage close to the river sleeps 4 guests. It’s a stand alone two bedroom Convict Cottage with kitchenette style amenities with 2 King beds or a King and 2 singles, or 4 single beds.
2. Bath Suite accommodates 2 people and is the only premise with a deep soaking bath for weary limbs or a bit of pampering. It has 1 king bed or 2 singles with a kitchenette.
3. Kitchen Suite comprises of Room has en-suite bathroom, with it’s own small kitchen and small sitting area.  It has a separate sleeping area for a third guest (sleeps 2-3 guests). Configurations available are 1 King or 2 Singles and an additional single, if required.
4. One Bedroom Studio is set in beautiful old convict buildings in the picturesque grounds of Ratho Farm. You’ll enjoy cosy amenities such as underfloor heating in the ensuite and basic kitchenette amenities.
5. Standard 2 Bedroom where guests can enjoy two separate bedrooms with 2 Kings or King and 2 Singles. The ensuite has a heated floor, basic kitchenette amenities, TV.
6. Riverview Suite accommodates 2 guests in a tranquil riverside room with a verandah to watch the river flow. Perfect for a romantic getaway.
7. Fishing Shacks accommodate 2 guests per shack. Affordable and comfortably appointed, close to the river and ideal for golfing and fishing weekends. They’re comprised of a queen bed or two single beds, with tea/coffee and microwave.

Accommodation recommendations at Ratho Farm Bothwell

• For Smaller groups or families, book a two-bedroom cottage (The Bakery) or a two-bedroom suite (in The Stables upstairs) and accommodate 4 or more depending on bed configuration.
• For larger groups there’s adjoining suites across The Stables, plus the convict cottages allow group bookings of 30-40 people (or possibly more, depending on arrangements) by using  multiple rooms/buildings together.

Ultimately, capacity here varies depending on how many adjoining rooms or cottages you book. Consequently the published maximums for rooms are around 34-40 guests altogether on Ratho Farm.

Similarly Ratho Farm can accommodate singles, twins, as well as entire families or groups in adjoining rooms. Each room has an en-suite at minimum, a fridge or mini bar as well as tea and coffee making facilities. A guest laundry on site is accessible for all guests.

Ratho Farm Bothwell: More Than Simply One Australia’s Oldest Golf Courses

More than a historical sporting venue, Ratho Farm is boutique accommodation, a function centre, world-class trout fishing, purportedly the  oldest chook farm in Australian and scenic nature trails. Whether you’re playing a round on Australia’s oldest golf course or sharing laughter (and a catch) by the Clyde River, Ratho Farm invites you to savour the moments.

Is Ratho Farm in Bothwell Australia’s best golf resort?

Well, of course, this depends on what you mean by “best”, but it certainly has strong credentials. The course is an 18‑hole inland links style layout, open to the public, and is advertised as “a premier Tasmanian golf experience”. Reviews and listings show high visitor satisfaction with the novelty and heritage of the place. A reviewer from Puttering around the World called it “one of the most unforgettable experiences in our entire journey”. A full or half round of golf is incredibly reasonable and if you fancy becoming a Member, join to take full advantage of the golfing community and golfing calendar events.

Looking back, Ratho Farm won a World Golf Award in 2022 and that counts for quite a lot, all things considered on a global green!

Conclusion? It’s More than Just Golf.

Ratho Farm Bothwell is a 3rd generation of family owners that illustrates commitment and passion as often told by its present day owner, Greg, if you should be so lucky to hear his yarns during a visit to this resort. Honestly you must insist upon it.

A Place Where Giants of the Corporate World meet: Google, Qantas and Innovation Bay…

A superb destination to run away to (and almost hide) and for corporate and group retreats. Ratho Farm Bothwell presents an unforgettable setting.

Just over an hour from Hobart, it offers teams the rare opportunity to disconnect from daily pressures and, in turn, reconnect with their company’s purpose, vision, growth, challenges and opportunities. Combined with its inspiring environment for collaboration, Ratho Farm allows headspace and mindset needed for clear thinking.

Upon arrival you’ll realise the Clyde River and historic golf course provide ideal backdrops for team bonding. In addition, the Ratho Farm crew can create bespoke experiences,  exclusive-use options, and tailored catering. Ratho Farm transforms corporate getaways into experiences that spark creativity, strengthen relationships, and refresh the spirit.

Things to Do around Ratho Farm Bothwell and the Tasmanian Central Highlands

Looking for Things to do around the Central Highlands, Tasmania? Here’s your guide to local happenings around Ratho Farm Bothwell accommodation.

Looking for Roadtrips around Tasmania’s Central Highlands 

Check out our Travellarks scenic Roadtrip.