Corn, Coffee And A Giant Richie Porte
There are not many places in Australia where you can make your way through a maze mowed into the shape of a famous Tour de France cycling legend! Located just out of Launceston is Ruperwoods Farm. It is here you will find this giant crop maze, featuring Tasmanian Richie Porte as he leads the peloton up the French Alps. It took Rowan Clarke, the owner, eight hours to mow this years maze, making it Ruportwoods firth year of crop mazes open to the public. Previous years have featured a Tasmanian Tiger, a poppy, and a map of Tassie, all designed by international maze designers, Mazescape.
Image: Richie Porte, the 2018 feature of Rupertwoods maze. Image curtesy of Rupertswood Farm.
Only open for five weeks of the year, this years maze is accessible between Saturday, 24 February to Sunday, 25 March, 2018. We caught up with Tasmanian mum, Erin, to hear all about the Maze. Erin and her family attended this years opening weekend and have shared with us some great images.
TASSIE4KIDS: Introduce yourself and your family!
ERIN: Anthony, Erin & Edison (2 1/2).
Images: Edison exploring the maze. Images curtesy of Mama & Edison
Where in Tasmania have you travelled from? We live in Northern Tasmania. We try to go somewhere different and new every weekend.
What were the highlights for you this year? This year we went with family and the highlights were definitely spending time with our family and trying to find the answers and solve the questionnaire.
Did you have to book ahead? If so, how? No booking required. Admission is : Adults – $15, Children (4-16yrs) – $10, Seniors – $10, Family ticket – $55 (2 adults and 3 children, or 1 adult and 4 children).
Images: Haybale climbing. Images curtesy of Mama & Edison
Did it take you long to drive here from Launceston? Rupertswood Farm is approximately a 20 minute drive from Launceston. It is located on the on the north side of the Bass Highway, near Hagley. There is a haystack sign on the Bass highway!
Did you have to take anything with you? Hat, Water and Sunscreen as the Maze can get extremely hot and it is advisable to arrive early on warm days. Bike and Helmet as the Maze features a bike track around the perimeter of the Maze. This is a very simple, dirt, farm track but one for the family to enjoy. Good walking Shoes as the Maze track can be rough and uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must! If it has rained, the track may be muddy.
Images: Edison exploring the maze. Images curtesy of Mama & Edison
Is there a café or restaurant onsite? Yes, but it is limited. Hazelbrae House is catering this year and the menu is built around the produce from Rupertswood Farm; Pulled Lamb Rolls, Grilled Corn Cobs and Pumpkin Arancini. Hazelbrae House are also serving their hazelnut ice cream and serving coffees. Payment for the food is CASH only. You can also BYO your own hamper.
Images: 2018 caterers, and Edisons corn cob! Images curtesy of Mama & Edison
Is there accommodation available on site or nearby? There is no on site accommodation, but there is accommodation near by in Westbury or Launceston.
Did you find it was a safe environments for kids? Yes safe environment.
Images: Edison exploring the maze. Images curtsy of Mama & Edison
Thanks Erin, for sharing your recent adventure with us!
You can visit the maze up until the end of march. Head to their website for more information : 2018 Rupertswood Farm Crop Maze
To Get To The Maze:
From Launceston, travel west along the Bass Highway and take the exit signposted for Hagley. At the top of the slip road, turn right onto Hagley Station Lane. The farm entrance is approximately 500 metres on your right.
If travelling from Devonport, take the exit to Hagley. Once through the village, you will come to a roundabout. Turn right here into Hagley Station Lane. The farm entrance is 400 metres on your left.
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