The Officers Rest - New Norfolk Circa. 1933.

27/08/2026

The Officers Rest - sleeps up to 8 and pets are welcome. Link to book in comments 🛏️

26/08/2026

The Officers Rest Circa 1933 is now yours to enjoy — for a short time as a short stay in a town full of history The Officers Rest - New Norfolk Circa. 1933.

23/08/2026

The Officers Rest | Historic Charm in the Derwent Valley

21/08/2026

Friday 5 jan 1827 ...
Meeting of the Townsfolk for the purpose of establishing a market . George Thomson Esq. J.P. was the chaire and the following were in attendance

"AT a Meeting convened by Public Advertisement, held at the Bush Inn, at New Norfolk, the 30th [?] Day of December 1828, for the purpose of establishing a Market periodically;

GEORGE THOMSON, Esq. J. P. having been called to the Chair;

It was unanimously Resolved,—

That a periodical Market established here would be highly beneficial to the Community at large.

That a Committee of Sixteen be appointed for that purpose, and the undermentioned Gentlemen be requested to take upon themselves that Duty, viz.—


George Thomson, Esq. David Jamieson [?], Esq.
The Hon. A. W. H. Humphrey, Esq. T. A. Lascelles, Esq.
W. A. Bethune, Esq. J. H. Cawthorn, Esq.
George Brooks, Esq. A. Macpherson, Esq.
Henry Oakes [?], Esq. Robert Officer, Esq.
E. Abbott, Jun. Esq. D. Ballantine [?], Esq.
James Scott, Esq. Mr. Wm. Abel [?], Jun.
Richard Barker, Esq. Mr. J. Triffitt, Jun.

Five Members to form a Quorum.

That a Letter, signed by the Chairman in behalf of the Meeting, be addressed to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, soliciting the Honor of his Patronage to the Undertaking, and praying that he will grant a suitable Portion of Land for necessary Purposes.

That the first Market be accordingly held at New Norfolk at such Time as the Committee may hereafter determine, and the same to be announced in a future Advertisement.

That Robert Officer, Esq. be appointed to act as Treasurer.

That one-half the Committee vacate their Seats in rotation annually, but remain eligible to be re-elected at the General Meeting, to be held the first Saturday in December in each Year.

That a Subscription (not less than Two Guineas each) be immediately entered into for defraying the necessary Expenses of Pens, Sheds, &c., the same to be paid into the Hands of the Treasurer, and that Papers be left with each Member of the Committee, for the purpose of receiving the Names of Subscribers.

That His Excellency be immediately memorialised on the subject of a Bridge across the Derwent, at this Place, upon which Measure the prosperity of the proposed Market chiefly depends; and to convey to His Excellency the Assurance that the present Meeting will afford every Aid in their power.

That Mr. Spode be solicited to act as Secretary.

That these Resolutions be printed three Times in each of the Colonial Newspapers.

GEORGE THOMSON, Chairman.

The Thanks of the Meeting were unanimously voted to the Chairman, for his able Conduct and Attention to the Business of the Day."

refer https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2449205?utm_source=chatgpt.com #

16/08/2026

WELCOME TO THE DERWENT VALLEY

This is New Norfolk from above — and when you stay at The Officers Rest, this is your backyard to explore.

There is so much more to the Derwent Valley than simply driving through on the way to somewhere else. History, waterfalls, wilderness, incredible food, local produce and some very good places for a drink are all waiting nearby.

A few places to put on your list:

• Willow Court Asylum Tours — explore one of New Norfolk’s most significant historic precincts and discover the extraordinary history that shaped the town. Willow Court Project- Tasmania

• Pulpit Rock Lookout — head up for one of the best views across New Norfolk, the Derwent River and surrounding valley. It’s the perfect spot to understand just how beautiful this part of Tasmania really is.

• Salmon Ponds at Plenty — wander through the historic gardens, feed the trout and salmon and discover the birthplace of Tasmania’s famous brown trout fishery. Salmon Ponds Heritage Hatchery and Gardens

• Mount Field National Park — waterfalls, towering forests and some of Tasmania’s most accessible wilderness. Russell Falls is an absolute must. Mount Field National Park

• New Norfolk Distillery & Many Worlds Rum — located within the historic Willow Court precinct and dedicated to Tasmanian rum. Definitely worth adding to the adults’ itinerary. Many Worlds Rum -prev New Norfolk Distillery

• Plenty C***r — just across from the Salmon Ponds, making these two an easy combination for an afternoon exploring further up the valley. Plenty C***r

• The Agrarian Kitchen — one for the food lovers. Set within Willow Court, it has become one of Tasmania’s destination dining experiences. The Agrarian Kitchen

• Tynwald Park and the Derwent River — perfect for a slower afternoon, a picnic, a walk or simply taking in the river and the scenery.

• Derwent Valley Railway — step into Tasmania’s railway history and explore its collection of locomotives and rolling stock right here in New Norfolk. Derwent Valley Railway

• New Norfolk itself — leave some time to wander High Street, hunt through the antique and collectable stores, explore the historic buildings and stop somewhere local for coffee or lunch. New Norfolk is one of Tasmania’s oldest settlements, and there’s history around almost every corner. New Norfolk

And when you’re finished exploring, head back to The Officers Rest, put your feet up and decide where tomorrow’s adventure will take you.

Stay a little longer — there’s a lot more to the Derwent Valley than you might expect.

16/08/2026

16/08/2026

WELCOME

Welcome to The Officers Rest Circa 1933.
This is an older home with a lot of history behind it. It comes with a few quirks, and is a place that has been well cared for over time.
Whether you’re here for the history, to explore the local area, ride the nearby roads and trails, or simply to relax and spend time with friends, this place is set up for all of it.
Settle in, make yourself at home and we thank you for embracing the charm of a home that has stood the test of time.
We hope you enjoy your stay.

HISTORY

SIR ROBERT OFFICER (1800–1879)
You are staying on Officer Street, named after Sir Robert Officer — a man whose story runs deeply through New Norfolk.

Born near Dundee in Scotland in 1800, Robert Officer trained as a surgeon before arriving in Van Diemen’s Land in 1822 as the ship’s doctor aboard the Castle Forbes. Not long after, he was appointed to New Norfolk, where he became the government medical officer for the district.

His connection to this town was significant. In the early days, he was responsible for the care of patients across the district and played a key role in what is now known as Willow Court. At the time, it was the New Norfolk Hospital, and records show he actively pushed for better conditions, calling out the state of the buildings and the need for more appropriate care. He later served as Surgeon Superintendent and was involved with the New Norfolk Asylum Commissioners, linking his name directly to one of the town’s most important historic sites.

Within a few years, he and his family were living at Hall Green, the home he built on Montagu Street — just at the end of Officer Street behind the white fence. The house still stands today, part of the same landscape you are now in.

In 1838 he sought promotion and was appointed to inspect the entire Colonial and Convict Medical Department.

In 1850, he stepped back from his government role and focused on private practice, later handing that over to his partner, Dr James Agnew. Over time, his influence extended well beyond medicine. He became a respected public figure, involved in education, science, and community leadership. He served as Speaker of the House of Assembly, and in 1869 was knighted.

By the time ill health forced his retirement in 1877, he had helped shape both the medical and civic foundations of the region. He passed away at Hall Green on 8 July 1879.

With the years he acquired scattered property and when he died he left an estate worth £6200. His widow died on 28 September 1881; they had six sons and seven daughters.

FIVE GENERATIONS IN ONE HOME - (1932 - 2026)
In 1932, the land here was purchased by Ethel for forty pounds.

What is now known as 5 Officer Street was originally Lot 1 Officer Street, from a time before street numbers even existed. House numbering wasn’t introduced here until around 1945, so like many homes of its era, it began simply as a place rather than an address.

Shortly after purchasing the land, Ethel and her husband Vere — a builder by trade — set about creating the home you are now staying in. Built in 1933, it was designed not just to stand, but to be lived in properly.

Ethel and Vere had one daughter, Elaine. After she married, she and her husband continued living here in her childhood home, honouring a promise that she would always look after her mother.

Over the years, the story kept going. Their children grew up here and, at different times, both returned to live here with their own children. Later again, Ethel and Vere's great great grandchildren spent many happy times here with their great Nanna. That makes five generations of one family who have all loved and cherished this home, lived in it, and filled it with memories.

There is no denying that 5 Officer Street comes with its fair share of quirks. The floors are wonderfully uneven, and in some places you may find yourself questioning which line is straight and which one has wandered over time.
Handcrafted and gently shaped by the years, this is a home that has moved with life rather than against it. It carries its stories in every corner, and we hope you settle in, embrace it, and enjoy it just as much as we have.

CURRENT OWNERS
The Officers Rest
Our story starts long before this home was built.

My 4th great-grandfather, James Triffitt Junior, was born on Norfolk Island on 6 June 1794. His father, James Triffitt Senior, had been transported to Norfolk Island as a convict, where he met Mary Higgins, James Junior’s mother.

James Triffitt Senior and Mary Higgins built a life on Norfolk Island during the early settlement years. When the settlement began to close down, the family, along with many other Norfolk Island settlers, were relocated to Van Diemen’s Land.

In 1808, they made that journey aboard the City of Edinburgh, arriving here in New Norfolk to start again, granted land and a future in a place that would become home.

From that point on, the story stayed here.

James Triffitt Junior went on to build his own life in the district, and through his descendants, five generations of our family have lived, grown and built their lives in New Norfolk. I grew up here, went to school here, and New Norfolk has always been part of my foundation.

In 2000, I left Tasmania and moved to Queensland, where I met my husband and together we’ve raised our two boys, building our own chapter away from here.

And then, in 2026, the opportunity came to purchase this home.

What we didn’t fully realise at the time was just how closely the story would connect back.

A meaningful connection sits quietly in the history books.
In December 1828, a meeting of local townsfolk was held at the Bush Inn in New Norfolk to discuss establishing a regular market for the community. Among those listed in attendance were Robert Officer and James Triffitt Junior.

Two names, from two different families, sitting in the same room, contributing to the same small town — nearly 200 years before this home would bring those stories back together again.

Now, all these years later, it feels like things have come full circle.

We are proud to be the second custodians of this home since it left the original family, and to continue its story in a way that respects everything that came before.

The Officers Rest Circa 1933 is now yours to enjoy — and for a short time, to be part of its story too.