Wynyard Local History
The town of Wynyard is situated on the north-west coast of Tasmania, approximately 17 kilometres west of the city of Burnie. With a population of around 5,000 people, it is the largest town on the coastline between Burnie and Devonport.
The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous people, known as the North-West tribe, who had been living there for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers.
The first European to explore the area was British navigator Matthew Flinders, who sailed past the coast in 1798. In 1828, the Van Diemen's Land Company was granted land in the area and established a settlement known as the Emu Bay Station. The company used the land for farming and timber production, and it grew to become the largest employer in the region.
The settlement grew steadily over the following decades, and in 1861 the town was officially named Wynyard, after George Wynyard, a British general who had served in the Tasmanian colonial government.
In the late 1800s, the town experienced a boom in the mining industry, particularly in tin and gold. The population grew rapidly, and the town became a hub for mining operations in the region. Many of the town's oldest buildings were constructed during this time, including the Wynyard Hotel (1881) and the old Post Office (1893).
During World War II, Wynyard played a strategic role in the defence of Australia. The town was home to an airfield used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and the nearby Burnie Shipyard was used for the construction of naval vessels. The area was also the site of several military training exercises.
After the war, the area experienced a decline in mining and timber production, and the Emu Bay Station was closed. However, the town continued to grow and develop, with the construction of new housing developments, businesses, and community facilities. In 1964, the Wynyard Aerodrome was officially opened and became an important transport hub for the region.
Today, the town of Wynyard is a popular tourist destination, with its charming historic buildings, beautiful beaches, and scenic coastal landscapes. The town is home to several heritage-listed sites, including the Wynyard Water Tower, the Wynyard Railway Station, and the Burnie-Devonport Rail Trail.
The town also has a strong community spirit, with many local events and festivals held throughout the year. The Wynyard Show, held annually in February, is one of the region's biggest events, with agricultural displays, amusement rides, and live entertainment.
Overall, the history of Wynyard is a rich and fascinating one, reflecting the changing economic, social, and cultural landscape of Tasmania over the past two centuries. From its early days as a farming settlement to its role in the defence of Australia and its present-day status as a thriving coastal town, Wynyard has always been a place of great importance and significance.