Lenah Valley, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lenah Valley Hobart, Tasmania
Lenah Valley Location in Hobart
Population	5,940 (2016 census)
Established	1922
Postcode(s)	7008
LGA(s)	City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy
State electorate(s)	Clark
Federal Division(s)	Clark
Suburbs around Lenah Valley: Merton West Moonah West Moonah Lenah Valley New Town Mount Stuart

Lenah Valley is a suburb in Hobart, Tasmania. It's located at the bottom of Mount Wellington. You can find it west of Hobart's city center, between places like Mount Stuart and New Town.

This area was once called Kangaroo Bottom. Later, it became Kangaroo Valley and Sassafras Valley. In 1922, all these names were combined into Lenah Valley. The name Lenah comes from the Mouheneenner people. It means "kangaroo" in their language.

A Look Back at Lenah Valley

Early Days and Farming

The eastern part of Lenah Valley was first settled a long time ago. This was near the older area of Mount Stuart. The first land grants for farming were given out in 1817.

A big house called Newlands manor house was built in the late 1830s. It had farms around it, including orchards. This house was very important. It made sure that good quality homes were built nearby to keep the area's nice reputation. Today, Newlands House is in the suburb of Mount Stuart. It is used for events like wedding parties.

Australia's First Pottery

In 1831, James Sherwin started one of Australia's very first commercial potteries. This pottery was located along Pottery Road in Lenah Valley.

Lady Franklin's Vision

In 1839, Lady Jane Franklin bought a large piece of land in Lenah Valley. She wanted to build a museum and a botanical garden there. She named it Ancanthe, which means "blooming valley" in Ancient Greek.

Lady Franklin paid for the museum herself. It was built in the Greek revivalist style. People who were serving sentences (convict labour) helped build it. The museum, made of sandstone, opened to the public on October 26, 1843. Since 1949, The Art Society of Tasmania has used the Lady Franklin Gallery as its home.

What You'll Find in Lenah Valley

Main Roads and Schools

The main roads that run through Lenah Valley are Augusta Road, Creek Road, Lenah Valley Road, and Girrabong Road. You'll find two primary schools in the area: Lenah Valley Primary School and Immaculate Heart of Mary Primary School.

Businesses and Services

Lenah Valley is home to several businesses. These include Calvary Hospital, which is a place for medical care. There's also the Pura Milk factory, which used to be called Tasmaid.

In the past, there was a brickworks here, but it no longer makes bricks. The land is now being used to build new homes. You can also find a small shopping area with different stores on Augusta Road.

Parks and Recreation

For outdoor fun, John Turnbull Park is the main recreational area. There's also a bushland reserve at Ancanthe Park. This park is where the Lady Franklin Gallery is located. It's a great spot to enjoy nature and history.