Claremont, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Claremont Hobart, Tasmania
Claremont Location in Hobart
Population	8,397 (2021 census)
• Density	469.1/km2 (1,215/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	7011
Area	17.9 km2 (6.9 sq mi)
Location	6 km (4 mi) N of Glenorchy
LGA(s)	City of Glenorchy (75%), Derwent Valley Council (25%)
Region	South-east, Hobart
State electorate(s)	Clark Lyons
Federal Division(s)	Clark Lyons
Suburbs around Claremont: Granton Austins Ferry Derwent River Molesworth Claremont Derwent River Chigwell Berriedale Derwent River

Claremont is a lively suburb in Tasmania, Australia. It's located about 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) north of Glenorchy. Claremont is split between two local government areas: Glenorchy and Derwent Valley. In 2021, about 8,397 people lived here.

History of Claremont

Claremont officially became a locality in 1960. It got its name from Claremont House, a large home built in the 1830s. The builder, Henry Bilton, named it after a royal home in England.

During World War I, Claremont had an Army training facility. This facility later moved to Brighton. Back then, Claremont was mostly farms and only a few houses. From the 1960s to the 1980s, many new homes were built here.

Cadbury's Chocolate Factory Estate

The famous Cadbury's chocolate factory opened in Claremont in 1922. To help its workers, Cadbury built a special area called the Cadbury's Estate. This estate was like a "model village." It was inspired by Cadbury's Bournville estate in England.

The company followed its Quaker beliefs. This meant they cared about their workers' well-being. The estate provided homes, shops, sports areas, a school, and even a special meeting house. There were also parks with unique purple benches!

The estate covered a large area of 246 acres (about 1 square kilometer). It was located between Bilton Bay and Windermere Bay, right on the River Derwent. The model village itself took up 108 acres. The factory covered 41 acres, and the rest was for parks and other buildings.

Many roads and buildings in the estate are named after important parts of Cadbury's history. For example, Bournville Road is named after the original worker's estate in England. MacRobertson’s Road honors an Australian company that Cadbury bought. This company created popular chocolates like Cherry Ripe and Freddo Frog.

Today, the Cadbury's Estate is full of history. Eighteen buildings on the site are protected as heritage sites. This includes the old Claremont Primary School.

Geography of Claremont

The River Derwent forms part of Claremont's eastern edge. This river is a major natural feature of the area.

Transport and Roads

Old Rail Lines

A train service called the Tasman Limited used to run through Claremont. It had many services each weekday until it closed in 1974. The old train tracks have now been turned into a cycle track, which is great for bikes!

Even though Claremont Station was taken down, some old buildings still remain. These include the Railway Crossing Operator’s cottage and the Station Master's house, built in 1915.

Cadbury's Train Station

Cadbury's also had its own train station, which opened in 1921. A special train line, called a spur line, went directly to the chocolate factory.

Claremont's Main Train Station

Claremont Station was built in 1890. After the Tasman Limited passenger trains stopped running in 1974, the station was removed. The land was then used to build the Claremont Village Shopping Centre.

Main Roads

National Route 1, also known as the Brooker Highway, runs through Claremont. It helps connect the suburb from the north-east to the south-east.

Local Facilities and Activities

Claremont has several schools for young people. There is a senior secondary college for older students. There are also two government primary schools: Windemere Primary School and Austins Ferry Primary School. For private education, there is Holy Rosary School.

For shopping, residents can visit Claremont Plaza. The suburb also has several churches. Claremont has a volunteer fire station. Its members help the professional firefighters from Glenorchy.

Sports are popular in Claremont! The Claremont Football Club is an Australian rules football team. They play in the Southern Football League. There is also Metro Claremont, a soccer team that plays in the Southern Premier League.

Claremont is also home to youth groups like the Mount Faulkner Scout Group and the Claremont Guide Group.

Images for kids

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  Cadbury's Claremont from Windermere Bay

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  Derwent River, near Claremont