Title

Roseneath Ferry, near Hobart Town, Van Demen'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

Roseneath Ferry, near Hobart Town, Van Demen's Land.

THE proprietor of this Ferry is a Mr. Austin, after whose name it was called AUSTIN'S FERRY, until the late Governor, MAJOR GENERAL MACQUARIE, on his last tour of inspection, changed its denomination to ROSENEATH FERRY, on account of its striking resemblance to a place of that name in Scotland, belonging to his Grace the DUKE OF ARGYLE. This was the second change of its name, as, when Mr. AUSTIN originally established it, he called it BALTONSBOROUGH PLACE, in compliment to the place of his own nativity.

This Ferry is situated about eight miles from HOBART TOWN, and, by crossing it, the distance to that market from many of the settlements in this part of the Colony, is very considerably shortened. It is also in the direct road from PORT DALRYMPLE and LAUNCESTON and all the northern settlements to HOBART TOWN.

The scenery in the neighbourhood of ROSENEATH FERRY is extremely grand, and at the same time very picturesque. The Hill on the left is MOUNT DIRECTION, (a view of which was given in a former Number of this Work,) and that on the right, where a signal staff and telegraph are fixed, is MOUNT NELSON.

The land on both sides of the River is very good, and produces excellent crops of grain of all kinds.

At the FERRY HOUSE, which is licensed as an Inn, travellers may always depend upon the most comfortable accommodation, and the kindest attentions from Messrs. Austin and Earl, who have been co-partners in this Establishment for several years.

The present View is taken from the Hill immediately at the back of the House. The road, in which a cart and horse are represented, is the regular highway-road to NEW NORFOLK, a settlement about ten miles further up the River DERWENT. Many excellent Farms are established on each side of the road, between this place and NEW NORFOLK, most of which are in a high state of cultivation; and the whole of the scenery along the water-side is beautiful in the extreme.

The River abounds with Wild Fowl, of almost every description, particularly Wild Ducks, of which there are immense quantities, arid which are frequently seen close to the garden in front of the House.

Although the River is abundantly stocked with most kinds of fish, there is comparatively very little caught, on account of the great scarcity and enormously high price of nets.

The Bronze-winged Pigeon, and the Wattle Bird, are found in the Brush; and very large and fine Kangaroos are taken on both sides of the water.

Accompanying text, 1825.

Last Updated

23 Sep 2020