No. 14 - Huonville

 Huonville, nestled on the banks of the Huon River in Tasmania's Huon Valley, boasts a rich history that reflects its evolution from a remote settlement to a vibrant agricultural hub. The area was originally inhabited by the Mellukerdee people, one of the First Nations groups of southern Tasmania, who relied on the river's resources for fishing, hunting, and cultural practices.

European exploration of the Huon River began in 1792 with Admiral Bruni d'Entrecasteaux's expedition. However, permanent European settlement didn't occur until 1839 when Thomas and William Walton took up a land grant. The dense bush, lack of arable land, and difficult access initially hindered settlement, but by 1853, around 100 people, mostly convicts, lived in the area.

The town's growth accelerated with the establishment of better transport links, including a track to Hobart in 1855, a coaching service in 1869, and a bridge over the Huon River in 1876. The burgeoning apple industry played a significant role in Huonville's development, earning the Huon Valley the nickname "Golden Valley" due to its production of Golden Delicious apples.

Huonville was officially gazetted as a town in 1891 and became the administrative center of the Huon Valley. The town saw further development with the introduction of banking services in 1917, a new bridge in 1926, and the arrival of electricity. The apple industry continued to thrive until Britain's entry into the European Economic Community in 1973, which led to the decline of many orchards.

In recent years, Huonville has diversified its economy, focusing on aquaculture, including salmon farming, and the wine industry. The town remains an important agricultural center and a gateway to Tasmania's wilderness areas, attracting visitors with its scenic landscape, artisanal food and drink, and outdoor recreational activities.

Huonville's history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, preserving its rural heritage while embracing modern economic and environmental conditions.


Source: Huonville - Wikipedia
Source: Huonville

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