Circular Head

Circular Head, located in the north-west region of Tasmania, Australia, has a rich history dating back to the time of the indigenous people, who traditionally inhabited the area, known as the Ngaro people. The region was first explored in 1798 by the British navigator, George Bass, and has since played a pivotal role in the development of Tasmania. The arrival of European settlers in Circular Head brought about significant changes to the region. In the early 1820s, the Van Diemen's Land Company was established in the region, and a large influx of free settlers arrived shortly after. Together, they introduced new farming practices and crops, which saw the region’s agricultural industry grow rapidly. In the late 1800s, a whaling industry also developed in the region, where whales were hunted for their oil, meat, and bones. The whaling industry was a major contributor to the region’s economy until the 1890s, when the industry declined due to overfishing. Circular Head also played an important role in the development of the railway system in Tasmania. In 1886, the Emu Bay Railway was established, linking the towns of Burnie, Penguin, and Ulverstone. The railway was later extended to Smithton in Circular Head in 1901 and played a vital role in the transport of goods, primarily agricultural products, which powered the region's economy. During World War II, Circular Head played a key role in the defence of Australia, with several airfields and anti-aircraft batteries established in the region, protecting the state's coastline from enemy attacks. Today, Circular Head remains a vibrant region with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Stanley Nut, a large, flat-topped hill located in the town of Stanley. The Nut, which is believed to have been formed around 12 million years ago, offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Bass Strait and the Tarkine wilderness. Other notable attractions in the region include the Tarkine Forest Reserve, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world, with a variety of flora and fauna, including the Tasmanian devil. The region’s coastal areas, which include the Rocky Cape National Park and the Arthur River, are also popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty of Tasmania's coastline. In conclusion, Circular Head is a region with a rich history, dating back to the time of the indigenous Ngaro people. The arrival of European settlers in the 1800s brought significant changes to the region’s agriculture and economy, and Circular Head played a key role in the development of the railway system in Tasmania. Today, the region is an important tourist destination, with its stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage, drawing visitors from all over the world.