Railton, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids RailtonTasmania |
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Topiary in Railton
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 Railton
Location in Tasmania
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| Population | 997 (2016 census) |
| Elevation | 65 m (213 ft) |
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| LGA(s) | Kentish Council |
| State electorate(s) | Lyons |
| Federal Division(s) | Lyons |
Railton is a small town in Tasmania, Australia. It is located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) inland from Devonport. This town is on the north-west coast of Tasmania, which is an island state. In 2016, about 997 people lived in Railton. Most of the town is part of the Kentish Council area.
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History of Railton
Railton was first mapped out in 1853. A railway line was built through the town in 1885. This line connected Railton to other towns like Deloraine and Latrobe.
Early settlers in Railton were mostly farmers and people who worked with timber. They lived in simple huts made from wood. The arrival of these new settlers greatly changed the lives of the traditional owners of the land.
The main street in Railton was built extra wide. This was so that "drovers" could easily move cattle. Drovers are people who herd animals. They would bring cattle to the railway station to be sent away for sale. By the early 1900s, Railton was busy with its timber trade. It had two sawmills that cut wood.
The Town of Topiary
Railton is famous for its amazing plant sculptures called topiaries. Topiary is the art of shaping plants, usually shrubs or trees, into decorative forms. You can find many different topiaries all around the town.
Railton proudly calls itself the "Town of Topiary." You can visit the town's website to find out where all the topiaries are located. It's like a treasure hunt to discover them all!
Cement Australia Plant
Railton is home to a large factory called Cement Australia. This factory makes cement, which is a very important material. Cement is used to make concrete for buildings, roads, and bridges. The plant started working in 1923. It was once known by a different name, Goliath Cement.
Things to Do in Railton
Railton offers many fun activities and useful places for residents and visitors. It is a great place for outdoor adventures.
Outdoor Activities
Railton is very popular for mountain bike riding. There are many exciting tracks for bikes all around the area. You can also find a playground park with barbecue areas. These are perfect for family picnics.
Community Facilities
The town has several places for sports and community gatherings. You can find squash courts and a lawn bowls club. There is also a neighborhood center for local events. Railton has a caravan park, public toilets, and a town hall.
Railton Primary School
Railton has its own primary school. It is a campus of Sheffield School. This school teaches students from Prep (the first year of school) up to Year 4.
Sykes Sanctuary
Sykes Sanctuary is a special area of bushland near Railton. It covers about 40 acres (160,000 square meters). This land was given to the Railton community by a man named Norman Sykes. He wanted it to be kept safe as a place for birds and other animals.
Norman Sykes was a person who loved nature very much. He left city life to live in a small shack close to the wild. He wanted to make sure this beautiful bushland would be protected forever.
