Hampshire, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Hampshire Burnie, Tasmania
Hampshire Location in Tasmania
Population	51 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	7321
Location	30 km (19 mi) SW of Burnie
LGA(s)	Waratah Wynyard, Burnie
Region	North-west and west
State electorate(s)	Braddon
Federal Division(s)	Braddon
Suburbs around Hampshire: Tewkesbury Highclere, Tewkesbury Upper Natone Tewkesbury, Parrawe Hampshire Upper Natone, Loyetea Parrawe Guildford Loyetea

Hampshire is a small, mostly rural area in Tasmania, Australia. It's located about 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) south-west of the town of Burnie. In 2016, only 51 people lived in Hampshire, making it a very quiet place. It's part of two local government areas: Waratah Wynyard and the City of Burnie.

History of Hampshire

Hampshire officially became a recognized area, or "locality," in 1973.

Early European Settlement

Europeans first settled in Hampshire in the late 1820s. Surveyors from the Van Diemen's Land Company thought the open plains would be great for grazing sheep. However, they were mistaken. The open land was actually created by Aboriginal people who had been burning the natural temperate rainforest for many generations. This land turned out to be completely unsuitable for sheep farming.

Land Use Over Time

Even though it wasn't good for sheep, Hampshire's soil is quite fertile. Over the years, it has been used for different types of farming. Today, most of the land is used for growing trees in timber plantations.

Hampshire's Post Office

Hampshire even had its own Post Office. It opened on January 10, 1921, and served the community for many years before closing in 1969.

Woodchip Industry

Hampshire was once home to a woodchip export mill. This mill processed eucalypt tree leftovers from forests. These woodchips were then sent to Japan. There, they were used to make paper pulp, which is a key ingredient in making paper.

Geography of Hampshire

Hampshire is surrounded by several rivers that form its natural borders.

Rivers in Hampshire

• The Blythe River makes up most of Hampshire's eastern border.
• The Hellyer River forms most of the western border and part of the southern border.
• The Emu River flows right through Hampshire, moving from the south-west to the north-east.

Roads in Hampshire

Getting around Hampshire is made possible by a few main roads.

Major Roads

• The Ridgley Highway (known as B18) runs through Hampshire. It travels from the north-east to the south-west.
• Route C102, also called Upper Natone Road, starts at an intersection with the B18 and heads east out of the area.
• Route C103, known as Talunah Road, also begins at an intersection with the B18 but travels west until it leaves Hampshire.