History & Activities
Avalon's vista of Great Oyster Bay bounded by Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island has changed little since the ice age. Place names acknowledge its aboriginal history dating back 40,000 years. Great Oyster Bay has always been recognized by explorers for its unique natural beauty.
Dutch navigator Abel Tasman mapped Schouten and Maria Islands on his first voyage to Tasmania in 1642. Frenchman Nicholas Baudin's scientific expedition charted the Freycinet Peninsula in 1802 aboard the vessels Geographe and Naturaliste.
Swansea was first known as Great Swanport, originally established as a garrison and settlement of the surrounding wilderness followed. A convict probation station established at Rocky Hills, behind Avalon housed up to 400 convicts in infamously miserable conditions. The remnants of the 1834 convict built coach road sit below Avalon with parts of the stone walls still standing.
In 1850 the military garrison was withdrawn and Swansea became a police district. It remained so until 23rd January 1860 when it became the first rural municipality in Tasmania. The original settlers of Great Swanport were the Meredith family and the Amos brothers. The Talbot, Buxton and Cotton families followed with their workers and their families. The first farms were very isolated with their main activities being orcharding, hop growing, wool and grain production, beef cattle and sheep hides. Today the future of Great Oyster Bay still lies with its natural beauty and tourist explorers are welcomed to discover Tasmania's gentlest coastal refuge.
The Freycinet Peninsula contains an enormous range of experiences both active and reflective, all accessible from Avalon. Take an evening wildlife observation tour at Freycinet National Park to meet quolls, wallabies, possums and Tasmanian devils. Simply beachcomb the rugged beaches of the region. Turn North to Bicheno, where fairy penguins can be viewed in their own rookery on an evening tour. Charter a boat to fish or dive the Marine Sanctuary at Bicheno or take the ecotour from Triabunna to spot dolphins, whales and seals.
Closer to home enjoy Kate's Berry Farm - famous for jams, ice-cream and coffee or dine at a diverse selection of Swansea restaurants - The Ugly Duck Out, Makepeace, Kabuki Japanese or indulge on the world renowned lemon tart at The Left Bank Café.
