A group of archaeology students has been hard at work this summer, with trowels and shovels in hand, digging below the surface of Oatlands.

They have discovered tales of the town's past _ including a guard house from 1827, military barracks and the town's original gaol.

Southern Midlands Council heritage projects manager Brad Williams said the team was fairly sure it had recently uncovered the original 1827 gaol.

``It's been an interesting project because we've always had a good idea of its existence but we never knew exactly where it was,'' Mr Williams said.

The 14 university students who took part in the three-week dig came from around the country to take part in the experience, supervised by eight archaeologists.

``We've had a very good response from students. There's not many places in Australia where you can get this sort of experience,'' Mr Williams said.

The findings will be available to tour this Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the meeting point at the Centre for Heritage on High Street, Oatlands.

FACT FILE

WHAT: Oatlands archaeology open day.

WHEN: Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

WHERE: Centre for Heritage, High Street, Oatlands.

MORE INFO: Email heritage@southernmidlands. tas.gov.au