Sorell - South East, Tasmania.
Sorell is one of Tasmania’s oldest towns. First explored in 1805 by Lieutenant Governor Collins it was named after William Sorell, the Governor of Van Diemans Land from 1817 to9 1824.
From its earliest days until the 1860’s Sorell was renowned as the islands most important grain centre, so productive that in some years grain was exported to New South Wales.
In 1824 the infamous but gentlemanly bushranger Matthew Brady and his gang briefly “captured” Sorell when they took the town’s garrison by surprise, locked up the troopers and released all the prisoners. It’s an even commemorated with an annual Bushranger Festival held each November.
In 1874 a causeway was completed across Pittwater and linking Sorell to Midway Point and Hobart. Spanning 5 kilometers and taking six years to complete it was primarily designed to link Hobart and the Port Arthur penal settlement.
Three National Estate listed churches, the former military barracks, the original Police Commissioners residence and two inns, The Bluebell, a former coaching-inn, and The Plough are buildings of considerable architectural significance to be found in Sorell.
The Sorell Fruit Farm is a popular stop-off for modern day visitors with a variety of stone and berry fruits available in season. The farm runs an annual Cherry Blossom Festival each September and October.
Primarily a service centre for local agriculture and light industry Sorell is an easy 30 minute drive east of Hobart city and just 10 minutes from the airport.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Sorell
Sorell - South East, Tasmania
