Coal River Valley facts for kids
The Coal River Valley is a special farming area in Tasmania, Australia. It's located west of the city of Hobart, nestled between the towns of Cambridge and Richmond. This beautiful valley is surrounded by natural features like the Meehan Range, Pitt Water, and the Pontos Range. It's known for its rich history and important role in farming.
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What Makes the Coal River Valley Special?
The Coal River Valley is a unique place with a mix of history, farming, and even science. It's a key part of the City of Clarence in southern Tasmania. The valley's location, protected by hills, helps create a perfect environment for growing certain crops.
A Look Back: Early History of the Valley
The Coal River Valley was one of the first places where early British settlers built homes and started farms outside of Hobart. The nearby town of Richmond began in 1823. This was when a bridge was built across the Coal River, making it easier to travel and transport goods.
The name "Coal River" comes from the large amounts of coal found naturally in the area. The first settlers used the valley for different kinds of farming. They raised animals, used land for grazing, and grew various crops. This mix of activities helped the new settlements grow and thrive.
Farming in the Valley: Delicious Grapes
Today, the main type of farming in the Coal River Valley is growing vineyards. These vineyards produce very high-quality grapes. The valley's cool weather helps these grapes ripen slowly, which gives them a special flavor. These "cool weather grapes" are used to make some of Tasmania's best wines. The unique climate and soil make the Coal River Valley a perfect spot for growing these specific types of grapes.
Science and Stars: The Radio Telescope
The Coal River Valley is also home to an important scientific site. The Meehan Range of hills helps to block out the bright city lights of Hobart. This makes the valley an excellent place for observing the night sky. Because of this, the University of Tasmania built its Mount Pleasant radio telescope observatory here.
A radio telescope is a special tool that helps scientists study space by picking up radio waves from distant objects. The valley's natural protection from light pollution means the telescope can get clearer signals, helping researchers learn more about the universe.
