Orford - East Coast, Tasmania.
Located on the Prosser River estuary on Tasmania’s scenic east coast just 80 kilometres north of Hobart, Orford boasts a permanent population around the 500 mark but this increases five or six fold in the summer holiday season when hundreds more are drawn to the township by its great weather, pristine beaches, fishing and diving.
Like many similar townships which dot this rugged coast, Orford had its origins as a whaling station and garrison town. The Orford garrison was responsible for supporting the nearby Maria Island penal colony established in 1825 to relieve some of the over-crowding being experienced at Macquarie Harbour. The settlement was named Darlington after the Governor of NSW, Sir Ralph Darlington and abandoned in 1832 following the establishment of the Port Arthur penal settlement.
Today Orford is the gateway to Maria Island and a regular ferry service operates to the island laden with tourists eager to experience what is left of one the colonies well known penal settlements.
Throughout the 19th Century tons of sandstone was quarried at Orford and used in the construction of numerous buildings in Hobart and Melbourne, including the Melbourne GPO. Quarrying is still carried out in the area today at nearby Buckland.
Raspin, Shelley and Spring beach offer good swimming close to town while the fishing in Prosser Bay, Mercury Passage and the crystal clear waters off Maria Island beckons anglers from far and wide.
Recently an artificial reef was created just off Maria Island to further enhance the areas reputation as a great dive site.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Orford
Orford - East Coast, Tasmania
