Coles Bay, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coles BayTasmania |
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Sea Kayaking from Muirs Beach, Coles Bay to The Hazards
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 Coles Bay
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 353 (2016 census) |
| Postcode(s) | 7215 |
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| LGA(s) | Glamorgan Spring Bay Council |
| State electorate(s) | Lyons |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons |
Coles Bay is a small town on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia. It's about 192 kilometers (119 miles) north-east of Hobart and 173 kilometers (107 miles) south-east of Launceston. This town is the main entry point for people visiting the beautiful Freycinet National Park.
Even though only about 515 people live here, many tourists come to Coles Bay. They love the amazing scenery and all the outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and Sea kayaking in the area.
The town sits at the northern end of Great Oyster Bay. From here, you can see the stunning red and pink granite mountains called The Hazards. These mountains are part of the Freycinet Peninsula. Coles Bay is located within the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council area.
Every Easter, Coles Bay is one of three spots for the Australian Three Peaks Race. This is a tough event that combines sailing and running. It starts near Launceston and finishes in Hobart. Runners have to climb three mountains, including Mount Freycinet. This part of the race involves a 33-kilometer (20.5-mile) run and a 620-meter (2,034-foot) climb!
Contents
Exploring the History of Coles Bay
Who Lived in Freycinet Peninsula?
Many different groups of people have lived and worked on the Freycinet Peninsula. This has been happening since Europeans first settled there. These groups included whalers, tin miners, coal miners, and farmers. You can still see old mine shafts and abandoned huts today. These old sites are interesting for tourists to explore.
When Was the Whaling Station Active?
A whaling station was set up by George Meredith in 1824. This station was located on the shore. It only operated during the winter months. By the 1850s, the whaling station was no longer in use.
When Did Freycinet Become a National Park?
In 1916, the area around Coles Bay became a very special place. It was made one of Tasmania's first national parks, along with Mount Field. This means the beautiful nature here is protected for everyone to enjoy.
When Did the Post Office Open?
The Coles Bay Post Office officially opened its doors on December 21, 1953.
Coles Bay's Population Facts
How Many People Live in Coles Bay?
According to the 2021 Census, there were 515 people living in Coles Bay.
Where Are People From?
About 54% of the people living in Coles Bay were born in Australia.
What Languages Are Spoken?
Most people, about 62.7%, speak only English at home.
What About Religion?
The most common answer for religion was "No Religion," with 42.5% of residents choosing this option.
Coles Bay Leads the Way: Plastic Bag Ban
When Did the Ban Start?
Coles Bay made history in April 2003. It became one of the first places in the world to ban plastic shopping bags! This big change happened after a two-year effort.
Who Helped Make it Happen?
Ben Kearney, a local bakery owner, played a huge role. He was also the president of the Coles Bay Tourism Association. Ben worked with all the shops in Coles Bay to stop using plastic bags. He also teamed up with Planet Ark. Together, they found other options.
What Were the Alternatives?
Instead of plastic, shops started offering recycled paper bags. You could buy these for a small fee. They also introduced reusable calico shopping bags.
How Was the Effort Recognized?
Ben Kearney's hard work for the environment was noticed. On Australia Day in 2005, he was named Australia's Local Hero for 2005! The Tasmanian Government also gave Coles Bay an Environmental Excellence Award. This award was for their amazing success in banning plastic bags.
