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This week we are in Launceston the second largest city in
Tasmania.
It's famed for the Cataract Gorge, with panoramic views, walking
trails, sculpted gardens and a chairlift. The Queen Victoria Museum, in a
19th-century railway workshop, has exhibitions on Tasmanian history. Its sister
Art Gallery lies across the river, by sprawling Royal Park. The vineyards of
the Tamar Valley stretch northwest along the Tamar River.
The estimated resident population of Launceston, Tasmania
is 71,889. This figure is based on the 2022 estimates from the City
of Launceston. The population of Launceston has been steadily increasing
since 2016.
The traditional owners of the Launceston area in Tasmania are the Palawa people, specifically those belonging to the North Midlands Tribe. They are the original inhabitants of the region and have a long-standing connection to the land, including the Tamar River (kanamaluka) area. The broader Tasmanian Aboriginal people, also known as the Palawa, are acknowledged as the traditional owners of all of Tasmania (lutruwita).
The town was established by Lieutenant Colonel William
Paterson in 1804. He initially set up a settlement at Outer Cove, later
named George Town, before moving to York Town and then to the present-day site
of Launceston. The settlement was initially called Patersonia before being
renamed Launceston in honour of Governor King.
Well done Jo-Anne on my home city.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't ever have thought of spending study time in Launceston had there not been a university. Now the University of Tasmania opened a campus in Launceston, working in education, science, medicine etc in 2024.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know such a place existed, Jo-Anne. I so love your history/geography lessons here. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this town. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteYou should get a government grant for your travelogues!
ReplyDeleteIt's always fascinating to learn about the history and the traditional owners of a place, and you've shared some really interesting details about the Palawa people and how the city was established. It sounds like a wonderful place to visit with so much to explore, from the museums to the Tamar Valley vineyards.
ReplyDeletewww.melodyjacob.com
What an interesting post and place.
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