Bicheno, Tasmania

Bicheno
Tasmania
Bicheno
Coordinates 41°52′S 148°17′E / 41.867°S 148.283°ECoordinates: 41°52′S 148°17′E / 41.867°S 148.283°E
Population 853 (2011)[1]
 • Density 5.6/km2 (15/sq mi)
Postcode(s) 7215
Area 151.1 km2 (58.3 sq mi)
Location
LGA(s) Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
State electorate(s) Lyons
Federal Division(s) Lyons
Red lichen gives these rocks a red colour, just north of Bicheno; the town of Bicheno can be seen on the far right

Bicheno /ˈbɪʃɛnoʊ/ is a town on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, 185 km north-east of Hobart on the Tasman Highway, with a population of 853.[1] It is part of the municipality of Glamorgan/Spring Bay. The town is primarily a fishing port and a beach resort.

The town was named after James Ebenezer Bicheno, the British Colonial Secretary for Van Diemen's Land from 1843 to 1851.

The first historical reference to the place that was to become Bicheno was made by James Kelly during his circumnavigation of Van Diemen's Land. He landed here (when it was known as Waubs Harbour) to dry his provisions. From 1803 Waubs Harbour was used as a whaling port. Bicheno was proclaimed a township in 1866. Bicheno Post Office opened as a receiving house on 1 January 1855.[2]

Wauba Debar's grave and headstone

Near the tennis courts is the grave of Wauba Debar (after whom Waub's Harbour was named), an aboriginal who was stolen from her tribe as a teenager to become a "sealer's woman". Her bravery in rescuing two sealers in a storm is commemorated by a headstone.[3][4]

The hinterland was established for farming in the mid-1840s, which continues today. Coal was discovered in 1848. In 1854, the harbour was expanded to provide port facilities for the coal mines at Denison River. The coal was transported to the port via a 5‑km horse-drawn tramway.

Merchant Navy memorial

The use of Bicheno as a coal port was short-lived. The discovery of gold in Victoria saw most of the residents depart in 1855 and for nearly a century, Bicheno became a sleepy little fishing village. Fishing has continued to be the lifeblood of the town with substantial quantities of crayfish, abalone, scallops and trevally. In recent times it has become a popular tourist destination, with a range of accommodation, craft shops, two small aquaria, and a visitor centre. Visitors are also attracted to the little penguin colony on adjacent Diamond Island A nearby point of interest is the Bicheno Blowhole. A famous resident is the world champion swimmer Shane Gould.

In September 2003 a memorial to the Merchant navy was unveiled in Bicheno.[5] Five months later, in February 2004, the town presented a freedom of entry charter to the Australian Merchant Navy, the first time any locality in the world has granted 'freedom of the city' to the merchant Navy.[6] Local primary school children have been appointed custodians of this memorial, built near Wauba Debar's grave.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Bicheno (State Suburb)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 2012-11-15.
  2. ↑ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 16 June 2012.
  3. ↑ eHeritage, Headstone of Wauba DEBAR, State Library of Tasmania. Accessed 18 October 2008
  4. ↑ Bicheno Online Access Centre, Community History. Accessed 18 October 2008
  5. ↑ Maritime Union of Australia Port of Call Journal, June 2004. Accessed 18 October 2008
  6. ↑ Australian Maritime College, Media Release, April 2004, Accessed 18 October 2008
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