| GEORGE TOWN - TASMANIA - 7253 | ||||
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The historic 'Grove House' - George Town. |
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Population: 5,500, Elevation: 10m Latitude: -41.0700, Longitude: 146.7500 Location: 250km north of Hobart 40km northof Launceston. Highway: East Tamar Hwy Nearest Major Town: Launceston Nearest Airport: Launceston Touring Area: Tamar Valley |
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Main street of George Town.
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Popular tourism and winery town in northern Tasmania at the head of the Tamar River.
Historic town. George Town was originally named Outer Cove, and is one of the most significant historical sites in Northern Tasmania. It was here in November 1804 that Lieut. Colonel William Paterson landed and took posession of Northern Tasmania. The history of George Town, near the mouth of the Tamar River, began with the first permanent settlement being established in the same year. For the first 16 years of its settlement debate raged between Launceston, further south, and George Town as to which was most suitable for a northern capital city. Argument lay in the abundant fresh water and relative safety of the new settlement at Launceston, while George Town argued that with Britain being at war with the French, a military garrison at the head of the river would provide the best protection for the new colony from the French who were milling about in Bass Strait. Paterson, who was farming in the Launceston area, eventually decided on Launceston while maintaining a small military garrison at George Town. It is now an important commercial centre as well as being the main place of residence for employees of Comalco Aluminium Ltd at Bell Bay. George Town was the Tasmanian port for the SeaCat service across the Bass Strait to Port Welshpool in Victoria, now defunct. There is accommodation, a large shopping centre, several historic buildings, and the interesting maritime complex at nearby Low Head to explore. A ferry runs between Beauty Poiint and George Town across Port Dalrymple. What to See and Do: Call at the Watch House (1843), which is now a folk museum, visit The Grove historic house, formerly the port officer's residence, see the monument at the spot where the crew of 'HMS Buffalo' landed in 1804. Visit the Pilot Station Museum at Low Head, travel to the Mount George lookout or eastwards to the prime grape-growing district near Pipers River (approximately 25km). Wineries include Pipers Brook, Rochcombe and Heemskirk. (Visitors welcome).
INFORMATION CENTRE: George Town Visitor Information Centre Main Rd, George Town. Tasmania. 7253 HOW TO GET THERE: Coach Operators Redline: Ph: 1300 360 000 Greyhound Pioneer: 132 030 | |||||||||
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins | |