Austins Ferry

Austins Ferry is a residential suburb of the local government area (LGA) of Glenorchy in the greater Hobart region of Tasmania. It is a suburb of Hobart.^{[citation needed]}

Austins Ferry Hobart, Tasmania
Austins Ferry
Coordinates	42°45′59″S 147°14′36″E
Population	2,395 (2021 census)[1]
• Density	1,057/km2 (2,740/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	7011
Area	2.1 km2 (0.8 sq mi)
Location	9 km (6 mi) N of Glenorchy
LGA(s)	City of Glenorchy
Region	Hobart
State electorate(s)	Clark
Federal division(s)	Clark
Suburbs around Austins Ferry: Granton River Derwent River Derwent Abbotsfield Austins Ferry River Derwent Claremont Claremont River Derwent

Geography

Austins Ferry is about 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) north of the centre of the City of Glenorchy.^{[citation needed]}

The waters of the River Derwent form the eastern boundary and parts of the northern and southern boundaries of the suburb.^[2]

Panorama of the upper half of Austins Ferry

History

Austins Ferry is named after James Austin (1776–1831), who had been transported to Port Phillip as a convict in 1803 along with his cousin John Earl, and who was subsequently sent to Van Diemens Land in 1804.^[3]

After their sentences expired, the two men were granted small land parcels on the western shore of the River Derwent between Hobart and New Norfolk. In 1818 they established a ferry service across the river and later a punt which proved very conveniently-located for vehicular traffic travelling between Hobart and regions to the north, and they thus became very wealthy.^{[citation needed]}

In 1821 the visiting Governor Lachlan Macquarie renamed the village Roseneath, but it later reverted to its original name.^{[citation needed]}

Austins Ferry was gazetted as a locality in 1960.^[4]

The 2021 census recorded a population of 2,395 for Austins Ferry.^[1]

Facilities and attractions

James Austin's cottage

James Austin's original cottage (picture on the right) is preserved as a tourist attraction.

James Austin Cottage

The opening hours for the cottage are limited to Sundays between 1pm and 4pm. It provides crafts and historical information.^{[citation needed]}

Saint Virgil's College

Austins Ferry is the location of St Virgil's College, a private Roman Catholic co-educational school.^{[citation needed]}

Austins Ferry Primary School

Austins Ferry Primary School is the local state school. It was established in 2011.^[5][6]

Road infrastructure

National Route 1 (Brooker Highway) passes to the west of Austins Ferry. From there, several roads provide access to the locality.^[4][7]