Koonya, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Koonya Tasmania
Officers quarters for the penal colony
Koonya Location in Tasmania
Population	134 (2016 census)
Postcode(s)	7184
Location	18 km (11 mi) NE of Nubeena
LGA(s)	Tasman
Region	South-east
State electorate(s)	Lyons
Federal Division(s)	Lyons
Localities around Koonya: Norfolk Bay Norfolk Bay Taranna Premaydena Koonya Taranna Nubeena Port Arthur Port Arthur

Koonya is a small rural area located in Tasmania, Australia. It's part of the Tasman Council region in the south-east of the state. Koonya is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) northeast of the town of Nubeena. In 2016, a census showed that 134 people lived in Koonya. Each year, Koonya hosts a special event called the Koonya Garlic Festival, which is a fun one-day celebration.

Koonya's Past: From Convicts to Community

The area we now call Koonya was once known as Cascades. Its name changed to Koonya by the year 1888. Koonya was officially recognized as a locality in 1968. People believe the name "Koonya" comes from an Aboriginal word, but its exact meaning is still debated.

Koonya was first set up in 1841. It was one of the many smaller sites that were part of the large Port Arthur penal colony network. A penal colony was a place where prisoners were sent to live and work.

Life as Cascades: A Convict Settlement

When it was known as "Cascades," this area was home to at least 400 convicts. These were people who had been sent from Britain to serve their sentences in Australia.

After the Port Arthur penal colony closed down, the land known as Van Diemen's Land was renamed "Tasmania." At this time, many places in Tasmania were given new names. That's when "Cascades" officially became "Koonya."

Where is Koonya? Its Location and Features

Koonya is located right next to the beautiful waters of Norfolk Bay. This bay forms most of Koonya's northern border.

Keeping an Eye on the Weather

An important weather radar is located in Koonya. This radar helps the City of Hobart and surrounding areas by tracking weather patterns. It provides important information for weather forecasts.

Getting Around: Roads in Koonya

Koonya has a few main roads that help people travel through the area. Route B37, also known as Nubeena Road, enters Koonya from the northeast. It then runs through the area towards the northwest before leaving.

Another road, Route C343 (Nubeena Back Road), starts at an intersection with Route B37. This road then travels southwest until it leaves the Koonya area.