Bellerive, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bellerive Hobart, Tasmania
Bellerive Oval, members pavilion and media area
Bellerive Location in Hobart
Population	4,945 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	7018
LGA(s)	City of Clarence
Federal Division(s)	Franklin
Suburbs around Bellerive: Rosny Rosny Park Mornington Derwent River Bellerive Howrah Derwent River Derwent River Derwent River

Bellerive is a lovely suburb in Tasmania, Australia. It's part of the greater Hobart area, located within the City of Clarence. This beautiful place stretches along the shore of Kangaroo Bay and Bellerive Esplanade. It goes all the way to Kangaroo Bluff and Bellerive Beach. On its eastern side, Bellerive meets Howrah. To the north, you'll find the hills of Waverly Flora Park.

Discovering Bellerive's Past

Kangaroo Bay, 2009

Bellerive was first settled in the 1820s. Back then, it was called "Kangaroo Point." This was because many kangaroos were seen on the shore. Even before settlers arrived, a ferryman regularly crossed the Derwent River. He would land his boat right in the Bellerive area.

After the first settlers came, the area grew quickly. Roads were built leading to nearby farming areas. These included Clarence Plains (Rokeby) and Coal River (Richmond).

How Bellerive Got Its Name

By the 1830s, the name changed to Bellerive. This name is French for "beautiful shore." The village became a key meeting point for people on the eastern shore. Many boats crossed between Bellerive and Sullivans Cove every day.

Early businesses here included farming and places to process meat. In 1834, there were at least four inns, which were like hotels or pubs.

The Clarence Hotel, built in 1879, has been a popular local spot for a long time. It was also a waiting place for ferry passengers.

Old Buildings and Landmarks

One of the oldest buildings still standing is the Commandant's Cottage. It was built in 1842 from local sandstone. This building was originally the police station. Over the years, it has been used for many things. It was a council office, a library, and even a police headquarters. Today, it is a community arts centre.

The Bellerive Primary School was also built in 1842. It still serves the local kids today. St. Mark's Chapel, an Anglican church, was built in 1851. It stands where an older chapel from 1826 used to be.

The area around Bellerive Quay feels like an old village. Many historic homes and buildings from the early 1800s are still there. The old Bellerive Post Office, built in 1897, now holds interesting museums. These include the Sound Preservation Museum.

At Kangaroo Bluff, you can find the Kangaroo Battery. This old British fort was built in 1885. Now, it's a public park for everyone to enjoy.

Trains and Theatres

From 1892 to 1926, the Bellerive-Sorell Railway ended here. Its station was on a long pier that went into the bay. This area is now part of the boardwalk.

The Regent Theatre opened in 1931. It was a cinema and a town hall. It closed in the 1960s and was later taken down in the 1980s.

Today, Bellerive is still an important stop for Hobart commuter ferries.

Bellerive Today: New Projects

In 2024, Bellerive saw several new projects. These included changes at Kangaroo Bay and upgrades to Bellerive Wharf. These projects show how the suburb is growing and changing.

Kangaroo Bay's Future

The Kangaroo Bay development has been a big topic in Bellerive. There have been many talks about this waterfront area. Developers, the local council, and Indigenous groups have all been involved.

In 2022, a company suggested building a fancy hotel there. But some Aboriginal groups had concerns. They worried about how it might affect their culture and the environment.

In 2023, the local council bought back parts of the land. They wanted to rethink what should be built there. Later in 2024, the Tasmanian Government called the hotel a "major project." This helps speed up the approval process. They even used artificial intelligence (AI) to check how many jobs the project might create.

Upgrading Bellerive Wharf

In 2024, new designs for a ferry terminal at Bellerive Wharf were shown. This is part of Hobart's plan to improve public transport. The new terminal will have better places for ferries to dock. It will also have improved public areas. The goal is to have more ferry services and make them easier to use.

Cricket and Ninja Oval

Bellerive Oval, also known as Blundstone Arena, is a famous cricket ground in Bellerive. In early 2024, Cricket Tasmania announced they would be leaving the oval. They had used it for many years for big international and local games. This news made people wonder about the stadium's future.

Later in 2024, Bellerive Oval got a new name: "Ninja Oval." This happened after a company called SharkNinja made a deal to have their name on the stadium.

Homes in Bellerive

Bellerive is a popular place to buy a home. Its waterfront properties and old houses are very attractive. The prices of homes in Bellerive have been growing. For example, a historic mansion called "The Gables" was sold in 2024.

Who Lives in Bellerive?

In 2021, about 4,945 people lived in Bellerive. The suburb is quite busy, with many people living in a small area.

Most households in Bellerive earn around $1,568 per week. Many people own their homes here. About 35% own their homes completely, and another 35% are paying off a mortgage. About 28% of households rent their homes.

Most people in Bellerive were born in Australia (84.6%). Other groups come from England, New Zealand, China, and India. Almost everyone (91.2%) speaks only English at home.

When it comes to religion, more than half of the people in Bellerive (51.7%) say they don't have a religion. Of those who do, most are Christian.

Sports and Fun

Bellerive is famous for being home to the international cricket ground, Bellerive Oval. As you learned, it's now called Ninja Oval.

The suburb is also a great place for sailing. The Bellerive Yacht Club has been around since 1926. It has a marina at Bellerive Quay where boats are kept.

Famous People From Bellerive

• Lees, Derwent (1884-1931) - born in Kangaroo Point
• McAulay, Alexander Leicester (1863-1931)
• Murray, Pembroke Lathrop (1846–1929)
• Nettlefold, Leonard (1905–1971)
• O'May, George Elwin (1876–1956)
• O'May, Henry (Harry) (1872–1962)
• Sharland, Michael Stanley Reid (1899–1987)