Otago, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids OtagoHobart, Tasmania |
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Otago Bay and hulks including Otago in the early 1950s
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 Otago
Location in Hobart
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| Population | 554 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 7017 | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 15 km (9 mi) S of Brighton | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Clarence, Brighton | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Hobart | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Lyons, Franklin | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons, Franklin | ||||||||||||||
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Otago is a small community in Tasmania, Australia. It's a rural area, meaning it has a countryside feel, but it's also close to the city of Hobart. Otago is located right on the shores of Otago Bay, which is part of the River Derwent.
In 2016, about 554 people lived in Otago. It's managed by two local councils: Brighton and Clarence.
A Look at Otago's Past
Otago became an officially recognized place, or "gazetted locality," in 1977. Before that, it was known as Gregson. The name Gregson was chosen to honor Thomas Gregson, who was the second Premier of Tasmania. A Premier is like the leader of a state government.
The Famous Ship Otago
The area got its current name from an old iron ship called the Otago. This ship is quite famous because it was the only ship ever commanded by the well-known author Joseph Conrad. He wrote many adventure stories about the sea.
The Otago ship was taken apart at Otago Bay between the 1920s and 1960s. This process is called "shipbreaking." It's when old ships are dismantled for their materials. You can still see parts of the Otago ship on the beach today. It was beached there in 1931. Another steel ship, the Westralian, was also beached there in 1937, and its remains can be seen too.
The ship Otago itself was named after the Otago region in New Zealand.
Where is Otago Located?
Otago is positioned along the River Derwent. The river forms the western and southern edges of the area. This means Otago has lovely water views and access to the river.
Getting Around Otago
The main road that goes through Otago is called the East Derwent Highway. Its official route number is B32. This highway helps people travel from the north-west part of Otago to the south-east.
