Latrobe - North Coast, Tasmania.
Latrobe was Tasmania’s third largest settlement between 1870 – 1895 boasting its own hospital, numerous hotels and three newspapers. The local brass band was formed in 1872 and today lays claim to being the oldest continuously active band in Australia.
Settled in 1826 by Edward Carr and formally named in 1846 after Charles Joseph La Trobe, acting Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land, at its peak Latrobe was the most important settlement on the north-coast, surpassing Devonport as a commercial centre.
When a rail line between Launceston and Devonport was proposed the residents of Latrobe complained bitterly that their town was being bypassed. The eventual rerouting and arrival of the railway in 1889 further increased the town’s importance. But it was a short-lived prominence.
By the turn of the century Devonport was developing as one of Tasmania’s major sea-ports and the commercial hub of the north-coast. It wasn’t long before Latrobe’s importance was surpassed and the town gradually slipped into decline.
Today Latrobe is home to the Latrobe Wheel Race, Australia’s richest cycling event and The Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, highlighting Latrobe’s claim to being the birthplace of competitive wood-chopping.
The town boasts 76 heritage listed buildings many of which can be seen on an historic walk commencing at the western end of Gilbert St. Points of interest include classic 1880’s and 1890’s cottages together with Tynsley Hall, built in 1879 and used as a tailors shop and residence. These days it is Harpers Pancake House and listed by the National Trust.
Nearby Hamilton St is home to the Uniting church (1879), St Luke’s Church (1862) and Hamilton House (1872). Latrobe museum is housed in the Court House (1883) and includes an impressive collection of photographs depicting the history of the district.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Latrobe
Latrobe - North Coast, Tasmania
