Orford, Tasmania

The Orford area was originally inhabited by the Paredarerme, or Oyster Bay tribe, one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Tasmania. They followed a seasonal migration pattern, moving inland during warmer months and returning to the coast during autumn and winter to fish and gather resources.{{cite web | last=Ryan | first=Lyndall | title=The Aboriginal Tasmanians | publisher=University of Queensland Press | date=1996 |url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/60688 | access-date=4 October 2024}}

In 1808, convict Thomas Prosser escaped and was recaptured near the area, which led to the naming of the Prosser River and Prosser Bay. European settlement in the area grew in the 1820s, with a whaling station and a small garrison established along the bay to support the convict station on nearby Maria Island.

In 1830, Lieutenant-Governor George Arthur launched the Black Line, a military campaign intended to capture the local Aboriginal population. The effort, led by Edward Walpole, resulted in the capture of only two Aboriginal individuals. As a reward for his involvement, Walpole was granted {{convert|1000|acres}} in 1831, which he named Strawberry Hill after his relative Horace Walpole's estate in London.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Though Walpole soon sold the land, the town retained the name "Orford" in reference to his family's noble title.{{cite web | title=Orford TAS – Towns in Australia | website=Towns in Australia – Exploring Australia, town by town | url=https://www.townsinaustralia.com/tasmania/orford-tas/ | access-date=2024-10-04}}

Orford's early settlers were primarily engaged in farming, fishing, and timber work. However, the town's geography limited its growth as a port, with the sandbank at the mouth of the Prosser River preventing large vessels from entering. The road south of the town, known sarcastically as "Paradise Gorge", was notorious for its poor condition and was widely considered the worst in the colony.{{cite web | title=Walkabout | publisher=Australian National Travel Association | date=1 February 1970 | url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-748882602 | access-date=5 October 2024}}

In the 1840s, convicts began constructing the Convict Road along the northern side of Paradise Gorge.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The Paradise Probation Station was established during this time but was abandoned within a few years, and it was later destroyed in a bushfire in 1856.{{cite web | title=Companion to Tasmanian History | publisher=School of Humanities, University of Tasmania | url=https://www.utas.edu.au/tasmanian-companion/browse_r_concepts.htm | access-date=4 October 2024}} Visitors can still walk sections of the convict-built road today, which leads to the ruins of the probation station.

In 1866, the first bridge across the Prosser River was constructed, overseen by Charles Meredith, the Colonial Treasurer and Minister for Lands and Works.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article24884889 |title=The East Coast |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXXXIX |issue=20,693 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 December 1933 |accessdate=5 January 2025 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}} His wife, Louisa Anne Meredith, a writer and artist, also resided in Orford, and their home, "Malunnah", still stands today as a historical landmark.{{cite web | title=Charles and Louisa Meredith | publisher=Heritage Tasmania | url=https://www.heritage.tas.gov.au/meredith | access-date=4 October 2024}}

File:Loading stone at Oakhampton jetty - at Oakhampton, Spring Bay, Van Diemen's Land.jpg

Founded by Stephen Crabtree,{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9572282 |title=New Post Office |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=LXXVI |issue=9824 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=5 September 1901 |accessdate=5 January 2025 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}} the Spring Bay Quarry near Strawberry Hill was operational from the late 1860s and provided sandstone for key Victorian buildings including the Supreme Court of Victoria, Melbourne Town Hall and the Melbourne General Post Office.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article24884890 |title=Once-famous Freestone Quarries At Orford |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CXXXIX |issue=20,693 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=2 December 1933 |accessdate=5 January 2025 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}}{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27219273 |title=Self-made, But Has Lasted The Years |newspaper=The Mercury |volume=CLXXIV |issue=26,007 |location=Tasmania, Australia |date=4 May 1954 |accessdate=5 January 2025 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}} After the quarry closed in 1882, Orford became increasingly popular as a holiday destination, with its beaches, bushwalking trails, and fishing spots attracting visitors. Raspins Beach and Thumbs Lookout in Wielangta Forest are particularly popular for outdoor activities today, continuing Orford’s tradition as a sought-after coastal getaway.{{cite web | title=Orford, TAS | website=Aussie Towns | url=https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/orford-tas | access-date=4 October 2024}}

Orford’s economy today is largely driven by tourism, real estate, and small-scale agriculture.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The village serves as a popular vacation destination for both Tasmanians and mainland Australians, with a growing number of non-resident property owners investing in holiday homes ('shacks') in the area. This trend has caused a marked increase in real estate activity, particularly in waterfront properties and land near Spring Beach.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

File:Boat on Prosser River 2.jpg

During the summer months, the influx of visitors boosts the local economy. Businesses, including accommodation providers, cafes, and eateries, rely heavily on the tourism sector.{{Citation | author1=Orford Riverside Cottages | title=Orford Riverside Cottages | publication-date=2001 | publisher=Orford Riverside Cottages | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/202918910 | access-date=5 October 2024}} The construction industry has also benefited from recent developments, such as the Okehampton Bay pipeline project and a recently upgraded sewer system.{{cite web | last=Tasmania | first=Pulse | title=$17 million upgraded Orford sewer system to eliminate overflow and odours | website=Pulse Tasmania | date=15 July 2024 | url=https://pulsetasmania.com.au/news/17-million-upgraded-orford-sewer-system-to-eliminate-overflow-and-odours/ | access-date=4 October 2024}}

Additionally, the fishing industry continues to play a role in Orford’s economy, with local waters providing sought-after species such as flathead, trevally, abalone, and southern rock lobster (crayfish).{{cite web | title=Orford/Triabunna Region Chamber of Commerce | publisher=Orford/Triabunna Region Chamber of Commerce | url=http://www.orfordtriabunnacc.com.au/orford_triabunna_region.html | access-date=2007-07-04 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070831225617/http://www.orfordtriabunnacc.com.au/orford_triabunna_region.html | archive-date=31 August 2007 | url-status=dead }}

Orford is renowned for its picturesque beaches, including Raspins Beach, Millingtons Beach, Spring Beach, and Rheban Beach. The clear waters and sandy shores attract holidaymakers, particularly during the summer months.{{cite web | title=Princess Mary on beach | website= Townsville Bulletin | date=2 April 2024 | url=https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TBWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.townsvillebulletin.com.au%2Fnews%2Fnational%2Fprincess-mary-on-beach%2Fimage-gallery%2Fa4feb9acda15d4390e5940189e311d21&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=28b03a9b275a565c88c91814863eb64f-1728049510 | access-date=4 October 2024}}

Raspins Beach also has a well-established campsite, which is popular with families and tourists.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The area is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with both recreational and competitive fishing drawing enthusiasts to Prosser Bay and the Mercury Passage. Species like flathead, trumpeter, and lobster are common catches, making the region a haven for anglers.

Orford’s scenic landscapes offer numerous walking trails, such as the Convict Trail along the Prosser River and the coastal walks between East Shelly Beach and Spring Beach. The nearby Thumbs Lookout in the Wielangta Forest provides panoramic views of the region and Maria Island. Sanda House, the oldest house in Orford, operates as a bed and breakfast, offering visitors a taste of local history.

The village is also home to a well-regarded 9-hole golf course and the Darlington Vineyard, which adds to the area's appeal for visitors seeking leisure and recreation.

In 2007, Orford further cemented its reputation as a prime scuba diving destination with the creation of an artificial reef and dive site from the scuttling of the ship Troy D in the Mercury Passage. The area’s unpolluted waters and abundant marine life make it a popular spot for divers from around the world.{{cite web | title=Tasmanian Suba Diving Clubs | website=Eastcoaster Tasmania | date=9 April 2024 | url=https://eastcoastertasmania.com.au/groups-clubs/scuba-clubs/ | access-date=4 October 2024}}

{{Gallery

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|File:Fine Sand Beach.jpg

|Spring Beach

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|File:Boat on Prosser River.jpg

|Boats on Prosser River

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|File:Orford shops. August 2024.jpg

|Shops at Orford

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|File:Thinornis rubricollis - Orford.jpg

|Thinornis rubricollis

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|File:Orford TAS.jpg

|Aerial at dusk, 2009

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File:Orford prosserriver.jpg

In recent years, Orford has seen a rise in real estate investment, particularly with the Solis residential and tourism development at Louisville Point.{{sfn|Anon.|page=19}} Initially approved in May 2004, the project was ambitiously planned to include 550 residential allotments, 60 eco-tourism cabins, retail shops, a day spa, restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. Construction began in 2007, with the estimated cost of the project set at A$150 million.{{cite web | title=Tourism Major Projects | publisher=Infrastructure and Resource Information Service (IRIS) | url=http://www.iris.tas.gov.au/tourism/major_projects | access-date=2007-07-04}}{{cite web | title=Answering some questions on Solis | website=Tasmanian Times | date=12 August 2014 | url=https://tasmaniantimes.com/2014/08/answering-some-questions-on-solis/ | access-date=4 October 2024}}

However, despite the initial momentum, the development has faced several challenges over the years. Delays in construction, economic fluctuations, and environmental concerns have slowed progress. As of recent reports, only a portion of the development has been completed, with mixed results in terms of both economic impact and real estate success. While some residential allotments have been sold, and parts of the development are operational, the project has not yet lived up to its original vision. Nevertheless, it remains an ongoing project, with potential future growth depending on market conditions and further investment.{{cite web | title=Tas east coast development still on despite delays | website=ABC News | date=24 January 2008 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-01-24/tas-east-coast-development-still-on-despite-delays/1022150 | access-date=4 October 2024}}

A multi-million-dollar pipeline is being constructed on Tasmania's east coast to supply freshwater from the Prosser River to Tassal's salmon farming operations in Okehampton Bay. The {{convert|18|km|adj=on}} pipeline is essential for maintaining fish health and mitigating amoebic gill disease (AGD), crucial to Tassal's aquaculture production.{{cite web | last=Fromberg | first=Annah | title=Calls for auditor-general to investigate pipeline built for salmon giant Tassal | website=ABC News | date=29 April 2019 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-29/council-tassal-pipeline-investigation-calls/11052250 | access-date=4 October 2024}}{{cite web | last=Fromberg | first=Annah | title=Tassal pipeline leaves east coast council high and dry | website=ABC News | date=8 September 2019 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-09/council-cries-poor-and-asks-salmon-giant-tassal-to-pay-for-dam/11488814 | access-date=4 October 2024}}

The project promises economic benefits, including job creation and support for the local industry, but has also sparked environmental concerns. Critics worry about the long-term effects on the Prosser River ecosystem and freshwater resource management. Tassal has committed to responsible environmental practices while continuing with the project.

File:Petroica boodang orford.jpg in Orford's IBA]]

Orford is home to a significant conservation area for birdlife. A {{convert|3|hectare|adj=on}} sandspit within the Raspins Beach Conservation Area has been designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. This site supports 15–25 breeding pairs of vulnerable fairy terns, as well as breeding populations of red-capped, hooded plovers, and pied oystercatcher. Migratory birds such as red-necked stints can also be spotted in the area during the summer months.BirdLife International. (2011). Important Bird Areas factsheet: Orford (Tasmania). Downloaded from {{cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org |title=BirdLife International |access-date=July 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011128211428/http://www.birdlife.org/ |archive-date=November 28, 2001 }} on 12/09/2011.

Efforts have been made by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to protect the breeding habitats of these birds, though disturbances from recreational activities remain a challenge.{{cite web | title=River remediation work in Tasmanian east-coast holiday town a death-trap, says councillor | website=ABC News | date=8 December 2017 | url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-12-08/safety-concerns-about-incomplete-rehabilitation-of-prosser-river/9240610 | access-date=4 October 2024}}

Orford experiences an oceanic climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Like much of Tasmania’s east coast, Orford is prone to occasional heatwaves, with temperatures reaching as high as 38 °C in summer. While snowfall is rare, frosty mornings are common in winter when skies are clear. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year, contributing to the lush eucalyptus forests and agricultural land surrounding the village.

{{Weather box

| location = Orford (1951–2023)

| metric first = yes

| single line = yes

| Jan record high C = 38.8

| Feb record high C = 38.8

| Mar record high C = 36.2

| Apr record high C = 31.4

| May record high C = 25.7

| Jun record high C = 20.5

| Jul record high C = 19.5

| Aug record high C = 22.6

| Sep record high C = 28.4

| Oct record high C = 32.4

| Nov record high C = 36.8

| Dec record high C = 39.7

| year record high C = 39.7

| Jan high C = 22.1

| Feb high C = 21.8

| Mar high C = 20.6

| Apr high C = 18.4

| May high C = 15.7

| Jun high C = 13.3

| Jul high C = 13.1

| Aug high C = 14.0

| Sep high C = 15.8

| Oct high C = 17.4

| Nov high C = 18.8

| Dec high C = 20.4

| year high C = 17.6

| Jan low C = 12.0

| Feb low C = 12.0

| Mar low C = 10.7

| Apr low C = 8.4

| May low C = 6.3

| Jun low C = 4.2

| Jul low C = 3.6

| Aug low C = 4.2

| Sep low C = 5.6

| Oct low C = 7.3

| Nov low C = 9.2

| Dec low C = 10.6

| year low C = 7.8

| Jan record low C = 3.2

| Feb record low C = 3.3

| Mar record low C = 1.1

| Apr record low C = 0.0

| May record low C = −2.1

| Jun record low C = −5.3

| Jul record low C = −3.3

| Aug record low C = −2.9

| Sep record low C = −2.6

| Oct record low C = 0.0

| Nov record low C = 0.4

| Dec record low C = 3.2

| year record low C = −5.3

| Jan precipitation mm = 52.2

| Feb precipitation mm = 43.7

| Mar precipitation mm = 46.8

| Apr precipitation mm = 55.9

| May precipitation mm = 57.4

| Jun precipitation mm = 54.4

| Jul precipitation mm = 53.6

| Aug precipitation mm = 61.9

| Sep precipitation mm = 52.5

| Oct precipitation mm = 61.7

| Nov precipitation mm = 66.8

| Dec precipitation mm = 62.1

| year precipitation mm = 668.6

| Jan rain days = 9.6

| Feb rain days = 8.8

| Mar rain days = 10.1

| Apr rain days = 11.2

| May rain days = 12.6

| Jun rain days = 12.4

| Jul rain days = 13.7

| Aug rain days = 13.7

| Sep rain days = 13.0

| Oct rain days = 13.6

| Nov rain days = 13.6

| Dec rain days = 11.8

| year rain days = 144.1

| source 1 = Bureau of Meteorology{{cite web

|url=http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_092027_All.shtml

|title=Climate statistics: Orford

|access-date=20 June 2014

|publisher=Bureau of Meteorology}}

| date = June 2014

| source =

}}

{{Historical populations

|type= Australia

|2001|485

|2011|518

|2016|626

|2021|685

|source=Australian Bureau of Statistics census data.

}}

According to the {{CensusAU|2021}}, Orford had a population of 685 people, showing steady growth from previous years with 485 residents in 2001 and 518 in 2011. The median age in Orford is 57 years, which is significantly higher than the national median of 38 years, indicating that the town has an older population overall. Gender distribution is almost even, with 49.9% identifying as male and 50.1% as female.

The majority of Orford’s residents are of Australian or Anglo-Celtic descent, with 83.6% born in Australia. Other notable countries of birth include England and New Zealand. A small percentage of the population (1.8%) identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, a figure lower than the state average. English is the dominant language spoken at home, with 96.4% of residents using it as their primary language. Other languages, such as German and Dutch, are spoken by a small minority.

In terms of religion, the largest religious affiliation in Orford is Christianity. Anglicanism is the most common denomination, with 26.8% of residents identifying as Anglican, followed by 16.3% who identify as Catholic. However, a significant portion of the population, 41.4%, reports no religious affiliation.

Orford has a notable number of non-resident property owners, many of whom own holiday homes or ‘shacks.’ During the summer months, the town’s population swells to over 3,000 as holidaymakers arrive. Most homes in Orford are detached houses, with a majority being owned outright or with a mortgage, reflecting the town’s older demographic and relatively stable housing market.

Orford is located on Tasmania’s east coast, approximately {{convert|73|km}} north-east of Hobart. The primary route from Hobart to Orford is via the Tasman Highway (A3), which takes around an hour and a half by car. The road passes through rural areas and coastal landscapes.

From northern Tasmania, Orford can be reached by taking the Midland Highway (A1) to Campbell Town, then following Lake Leake Road (B34) eastward to the junction with the Tasman Highway. This route provides access from cities like Launceston and Devonport and takes approximately two and a half to three hours by car.

While Orford does not have major port facilities, the nearby town of Triabunna, located {{convert|6|km}} north, serves as the region’s main port. Triabunna is the departure point for the ferry to Maria Island, a destination known for its wildlife and historical sites. Visitors to Orford may also use Triabunna’s port facilities for boating and fishing trips.

Public transport options to Orford are limited, but bus services such as Tassielink Transit and Calows Coaches operate between Hobart and Orford.{{cite web | title=Getting to and around East Coast Tasmania | website=East Coast Tasmania | date=2021-03-31 | url=https://www.eastcoasttasmania.com/plan-your-trip/transport-options/ | access-date=2025-01-05}}

Cycling to Orford is possible via the coastal roads, which are utilised by cyclists, especially during warmer months when the weather is favourable. The terrain may be more suitable for experienced cyclists.

The nearest commercial airport is Hobart Airport, located near Hobart.

Michael Kent AM (1941–2018){{Citation |title=Michael Kent (businessman) |date=2024-09-01 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kent_(businessman)#cite_note-:0-4 |access-date=2024-10-30 |language=en}} – Australian renowned businessman and politician. Mayor of Glamorgan–Spring Bay from 2014–2018.{{Citation |title=Michael Kent (businessman) |date=2024-09-01 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kent_(businessman)#cite_note-9 |access-date=2024-10-30 |language=en}}

• {{cite web | title=Orford–Triabunna Structure Plan |url=https://gsbc.tas.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orford-Triabunna-Structure-Plan_F-4.pdf |publisher=Glamorgan Spring Bay Council | ref={{sfnref|Anon.}} | access-date=4 October 2024}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• {{commons category-inline|Orford, Tasmania}}
• [http://www.orfordtriabunnacc.com.au Orford/Triabunna Region Chamber of Commerce]
• [http://www.troyd.com.au/ East Coast Artificial Reef and Dive Site]
• [http://www.solistas.com.au/ Solice Tasmania]
• [http://www.mariaisland.com.au/ Maria Island Ferry and other information]

{{East Coast Tasmania}}

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Category:East Coast Tasmania

Category:Important Bird Areas of Tasmania

Category:Localities of Glamorgan–Spring Bay Council

Category:Whaling stations in Australia