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George Town, Tasmania, Australia
 
   
ABOUT GEORGE TOWN
   
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The historic Low Head Pilot Station
 
 
 

George Town is ideally situated near the mouth of the Tamar River in Tasmania, Australia. The town is well known for its cultural assets as well as beautiful nearby beaches at Low Head and the Bell Bay port and industrial area. Part of the Tamar Valley touring route, it is surrounded by a food and wine lovers' fantasy.

George Town is the second oldest settlement in Tasmania, and the third oldest settlement (and oldest town) in Australia (after Sydney and Hobart). The first known visitors to the Tamar region were Bass and Flinders, who entered Port Dalrymple (as the area was then known) in the sloop Norfolk in 1798. The area was later settled in 1804, following directions from Governor King to establish a settlement near Bass Strait to deter the French.

The major settlement was later moved to nearby Launceston, and George Town existed mainly as a sleepy fishing village. Then during World War Two, the Australian Government realised a need for aluminium production in the southern hemisphere, mainly for aircraft production. After exploring various sites they decided upon Tasmania, which at that stage was the only state with significant hydro-electric development. In 1949, the Australian Aluminium Production Commission decided on nearby Bell Bay which had deep water facilities and land suitable for building a smelter and refinery. They both began production in 1955. The decision to build the plant at Bell Bay had an immense effect on George Town, only 5km from the site. Since that time, George Town has become the main accomodation centre and support town for the nearby industries at Bell Bay. From a total of 292 inhabitants in urban George Town in 1947, the estimated population in 2003 was around 6 680.

Tourists and locals alike can enjoy time visiting interesting historical attractions, such as The Grove and the Low Head Pilot Station. There are also a variety of other activities to entertain both families and the more adventurous, such as the Low Head Penguin Tours, the Bass and Flinders Centre and the Sea and Seal Adventures. The main business hub centred around Macquarie Street boasts a variety of businesses, ranging from specialist clothing stores to award-winning accomodation and dining venues.

Ensure you take time to visit George Town when you are next in the area!

 

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Low Head lighthouse
Low Head Pilot Station
Flags in Macquarie Street
     
 
 
Local Links
 
     
  General Information Tourist Attractions Maps  
  George Town Council Low Head Penguin Tours George Town  
  George Town Online Access Centre The Grove Tamar Valley  
  Low Head Progress & Heritage Association Low Head Pilot Station Tasmania  
  George Town Airport Bass and Flinders Centre    
    Seal and Sea Adventures    
  Meals & Accomodation Windeward Bound    
  The Pier Hotel Low Head Lighthouse    
  The Charles Robbins Tamar Valley Tourism Jon Morrison Photo Imaging  
  Low Head Tourist Park George Town Tourism  
       
 
Photography by Jon Morrison
Website design by Leanne Morrison