Austins Ferry is about 9 kilometres (5.6mi) north of the centre of the City of Glenorchy.[citation needed]
The waters of the River Derwent form the eastern boundary and parts of the northern and southern boundaries of the suburb.[2]
Panorama of the upper half of Austins Ferry
History
Austins Ferry is named after James Austin (1776–1831), who had been transported to Port Phillip as a convict in 1803 along with his cousin John Earl, and who was subsequently sent to Van Diemens Land in 1804.[3]
After their sentences expired, the two men were granted small land parcels on the western shore of the River Derwent between Hobart and New Norfolk. In 1818 they established a ferry service across the river and later a punt which proved very conveniently-located for vehicular traffic travelling between Hobart and regions to the north, and they thus became very wealthy.[citation needed]
In 1821 the visiting Governor Lachlan Macquarie renamed the village Roseneath, but it later reverted to its original name.[citation needed]
Austins Ferry was gazetted as a locality in 1960.[4]
The 2021 census recorded a population of 2,395 for Austins Ferry.[1]
Facilities and attractions
James Austin's cottage
James Austin's original cottage (picture on the right) is preserved as a tourist attraction.
James Austin Cottage
The opening hours for the cottage are limited to Sundays between 1pm and 4pm. It provides crafts and historical information.[citation needed]
↑"Tasmanian Road Route Codes"(PDF). Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment. May 2017. Archived from the original(PDF) on 1 August 2017. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
