Discover Roland

For a trip to Roland, you can plan around nature and railway history as separate highlights. Nearby, there are walking trails in the Mount Roland Regional Reserve; in town, a railway mural and historic buildings recall the local railway past. The Barn Mt. Roland adds art on its grounds and an event venue to these themes. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus on the summits and trails or the town’s history.

Hiking around Roland

The nearby Mount Roland Regional Reserve offers walking trails to Mount Roland, Mount Vandyke and Mount Claude. Mount Roland reaches a summit elevation of 1,234 metres; from there, the panoramic views extend to the Bass Strait, Cradle Mountain and Barn Bluff. If you are particularly interested in views, the summit is described in terms of its elevation and the distant views listed above. The reserve’s trails also lead to other named summits in the area.

The nearby Three Peaks route requires its own time planning: it crosses the three peaks of the Mount Roland range and takes about eleven hours one way. This approximate duration is important when deciding how much time you have available for a hike. It refers to one direction and should be factored into your plans accordingly. Check current trail conditions before your trip.

Art and events

Visitors can stroll around the grounds of The Barn Mt. Roland and view rustic artworks and murals painted by artists. The venue also hosts numerous events and gatherings. People with specific access needs are expressly welcome there. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the relevant dates before your trip.

A report from April 2025 notes that the ten-panel Roland Railway Mural was once again put on public display at the corner of Staverton Road and Adye Street. The mural celebrates the local community’s railway history. The report also highlights the picturesque view towards Mount Roland from the mural’s location. The mural thus connects a local history theme with a view of the nearby mountain.

Railway history in town

The Roland railway line operated as a branch line from Railton from 1914 to 1957. These dates place the railway’s past in a clear historical context. The Roland Railway Mural takes up the same history in a different form: it brings it into view in the townscape as a ten-panel mural. This means you can encounter the railway line as a historical connection and the mural as an artistic tribute to the local community.

The Christian Brethren Hall in Roland also has a specific historical connection: it opened in 1917 opposite Staverton railway station. Its date adds another point of reference to the railway line’s history. Together, these places and dates are a reason to connect Roland not only with nearby hiking destinations, but also with its local and railway history.

When planning a stay, these highlights may raise different questions: for the Three Peaks route, the approximate duration in each direction is a key consideration; for a visit to The Barn, art, events or specific access needs may be important. If you are more interested in the town’s past, the mural, the former railway connection and the hall offer specific points of interest. Discover more destinations: Lorinna

For the main travel overview: Kentish Council.