Avoca, Tasmania
Avoca is a small village located 81 kilometres (50 mi) south-east of Launceston in the island of Tasmania. At the 2016 census, Avoca and the surrounding area had a population of 216.[1]
| Avoca Tasmania | |
|---|---|
 Aerial photo of the region from the east | |
  Avoca Location in Tasmania | |
| Coordinates | 41°46′53″S 147°43′19″E |
| Population | 216 (2016 census)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 7213 |
| Location |
|
| LGA(s) | Northern Midlands Council |
| State electorate(s) | Lyons |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons |
Avoca is situated on the banks of the South Esk River near the confluence of the St. Paul's river in the parish of Avoca and county of Cornwall, and was first settled in the 1830s. It was originally named St. Paul's Plains by John Helder Wedge during a 1833 survey of the area.[2] The area was officially settled in 1834 as a farming, coal and tin mining village. It is 159 kilometres (99 mi) from Hobart, 99 kilometres (62 mi) from Launceston, and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Campbell Town.
In the 19th century, the town had a small Anglican church (St. Thomas', designed by James Blackburn), a school, and a police station. St. Paul's river was crossed by a small stone bridge. St. Paul's Plains Post Office opened on 1 June 1832 and was renamed Avoca in 1837.[3]
Today mines in the area have closed and Avoca serves only as a farming community.
Landmarks
A number of historic buildings exist in the small town, including the St Thomas Anglican Church completed on 8 May 1842, the parish hall completed around 1850, and the Union Hotel built in 1842. Nearby locations include Rossarden, Fingal and Storys Creek.
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Avoca (State Suburb)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 23 February 2020.
- "Avoca, Tasmania: Travel guide and things to do". Traveller. 11 December 2014.
- Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 16 June 2012.