Title

Mount Nelson, near Hobart Town from near Mulgrave battery, Van Diemen's Land. [by Joseph Lycett].

Author

Author not identified

Source

[Not applicable]

Publication date

1825

Type

About the work

Language

English

Country of context

Australia

Full text

Mount Nelson, near Hobart Town from near Mulgrave battery, Van Diemen's Land.

THE View from MOUNT NELSON is one of the most interesting in VAN DIEMEN's LAND, as its situation is so peculiarly commanding. It has been selected as the spot for the erection of a Flag-staff, to announce to the Authorities at HOBART TOWN the arrival of any ship at the entrance of the river: it is also the site of a Telegraph; and, if ever a Light-house should he deemed necessary to this Colony, MOUNT NELSON will doubtless be the situation chosen for that purpose.

The Scene here represented offers itself to the spectator after he has passed MULGRAVE BATTERY, by the side of the water, about eight hundred yards. The Bay, seen from the point where the figures are represented, is commonly called SANDY BAY, and the land adjoining, Sandy Bay Settlers; but the proper name, which is laid down in Mr. EVANS the Surveyor-General's "Account of Van Diemen's Land," is QUEENB0R0UGH; which district extends far beyond the turn of MOUNT NELSON, and at least two miles beyond the furthest point. The distance from HOBART TOWN to the Signal-staff at the top of Mount Nelson is seven miles, and the height of the Mount at that spot is computed to be one thousand one hundred and twenty-nine feet above the level of the sea.

The summit is very rocky, large masses being found in all directions, but more particularly to the westward, where the foot-path to Hobart Town passes at the side.

Some fine Timber of the Eucalyptus species, as also good-sized Casurinas, are in great abundance.

The entire view from MOUNT NELSON is very extensive, and peculiarly interesting. Looking up to tile right, is the mouth of the River DERWENT and the open Ocean; whilst, on the left, MOUNT WELLINGTON appears, as though hanging over the Town. It frequently happens that Whales are taken at the foot of the eminence, as there are numbers of them in the River during the season.

Accompanying text, 1825.

Last Updated

24 Sep 2020