Old Carlton Post Office
640 Carlton River Road, Carlton River
Sunday, Nov 08
Image: Ishita Moghe
Image: Ishita Moghe
Image: Ishita Moghe
Image: Ishita Moghe
Architect: Unknown (1841), Genevieve Lilley (2022–24)
From Ruin to Restoration
You’ve seen the transformation on screen, but now it’s time to discover the real thing!
Featured in Season 8, Episode 2 of ABC’s Restoration Australia, the Old Carlton Post Office has undergone an extraordinary transformation from a near-derelict 1840s building into a beautiful family retreat, breathing new life into one of the area’s historic landmarks.
What was once a building at risk of being lost has been carefully brought back to life, balancing the preservation of its historic character with the needs of contemporary family living. The restoration is a story of determination, craftsmanship and a deep appreciation for the building’s past.
For Open House Hobart 2026, visitors have the opportunity to go beyond the television screen and experience the finished project firsthand. Explore the beautifully restored spaces, discover the original architectural details that have survived generations, and hear about the challenges, unexpected discoveries and decisions that shaped the restoration journey.
Whether you followed the transformation on Restoration Australia or are simply curious about the stories hidden within Tasmania’s historic buildings, this is a wonderful opportunity to see how a much-loved riverside landmark has been given a remarkable new chapter.
Open: Sunday 8 Nov, 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Location
Carlton River
Building Types
Commercial
Residential
Architectural Period
Pre-separation Colonial (1836-1850)
Features
Architectural Design
Heritage
New to Program
Accessibilities
Level Changes
Street Parking
Uneven Surfaces
See. Snap. Share. Win.
Share your pics of your favourite places and the stories that go with them on Instagram or Facebook, using the hashtags #oh_hobart and #oh_southernmidlands to enter this year’s photo competition. Stay tuned for a host of prizes.
![Open House Hobart and the Emerging Architects and Graduates Network (EmAGN) Tasmania @emagn_tas would like to thank everyone who kindly bid in this year's annual Sheltered [Ground] Silent Auction.
We watched the last-minute bidding war on some items (looking at your chair, @other_furniture_) with absolute glee; because, together, you helped raise over $8000 for the Hobart Women's Shelter @hobartwomensshelter. Legends. THANK YOU!!
If you missed out on an item, but you'd still like to support HWS, please head to the link in bio to make a donation. Your financial help plays a critical role in supporting service delivery and therapeutic programs, and fund strategic projects such as building long-term homes. Such programs provide opportunities for women and children to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Finally, congratulations to those who outbid everyone else – enjoy your beautiful pieces, knowing there's a string of jealous individuals who missed out. Don't worry! We'll do it all again next year.
Image: Isabel and Elsie, prototype houses for Hobart Women's Shelter, by Christopher Clinton Architect @christopher__clinton with Core Collective Architects @core_collective | Photographer: Nina Hamilton @nina.hamilton.photo](https://openhousehobart.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)