Somerset, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SomersetTasmania |
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Shops in Somerset
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 Somerset
Location in Tasmania
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| Postcode(s) | 7322 | ||||||||
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| LGA(s) | Waratah-Wynyard Council | ||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Braddon | ||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Braddon | ||||||||
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Somerset is a small town in Tasmania, Australia. It is located west of Burnie. The town is named after the County of Somerset in England, UK.
Even though it is very close to Burnie, Somerset is part of the Waratah-Wynyard Council area.
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Discovering Somerset's Past
The Post Office in Somerset first opened on November 5, 1864. Back then, it was called Somerset River Cam. Its name changed a few times over the years. It became Somerset Cam around 1934 and finally Somerset in 1963.
Exploring Somerset's Location
Somerset is found on the western side of the Cam River. It sits between the town of Wynyard and the city of Burnie. The Cam River acts as a border. It separates the Waratah-Wynyard Council area from the City of Burnie.
A long beach stretches all along the coast of Somerset. It goes from the Cam River to the far western edge of the town.
Parks and Playgrounds
Somerset has three parks where you can play. Each park has a playground for kids to enjoy.
- ANZAC Park is located at Bells Parade.
- The Cam River Reserve is found along the Bass Highway.
- Plover Park is on Ronald Crescent.
Somerset's Weather
The weather in Somerset changes with the seasons.
- In summer, temperatures usually range from 12.5°C to 21°C. Some days can be warmer, reaching up to 30°C. There is also about 16 hours of sunlight each day.
- In winter, temperatures are cooler, from 6°C to 13°C. There is less sunlight, only about 8 hours a day.
Who Lives in Somerset?
In 2021, Somerset had a population of 4,067 people.
- About 47.5% of the residents are male.
- About 52.5% of the residents are female.
The average age of people living in Somerset is 48 years old. This is older than the average age for all of Tasmania (42) and Australia (38).
Most people in Somerset, about 85.9%, were born in Australia. Other common countries of birth include England (3.3%), New Zealand (0.6%), and Scotland (0.4%).
Somerset's Local Businesses
Somerset has many small businesses. Most of them are located along the main street.
Some important businesses in Somerset include:
- Gunns Veneers: This company makes sliced wood veneers. It is one of the biggest producers of eucalyptus veneers in the world.
- William Adams: This is a branch of a company that deals with heavy machinery. They fix, maintain, and change large machines used for mining, forestry, and farming.
Community Projects
Coastal Pathway
A new coastal pathway is being built. It will connect Somerset and Burnie to Wynyard and Latrobe. This project is a joint effort by the State Government and local councils. It aims to improve the walking and cycling paths along Tasmania's north-west coast.
News and Media
The local newspaper for the Somerset area is called The Advocate. Its printing and mailing facilities are located in Burnie.
Residents in Somerset can watch all the main television channels. These include ABC, SBS, WIN, and Southern Cross.
Sports in Somerset
Somerset is home to five different places for sports.
- A football field
- A soccer field
- Tennis courts
- A recreation centre
- A surf lifesaving club
Learning in Somerset
Somerset does not have a public high school or college.
There is one public primary school, Somerset Primary School. It is located where the old West Somerset Primary School used to be. The two schools joined together.
There is also one private school in Somerset. It is the Burnie branch of Australian Christian College. This school is located on the edge of town on Seabrook Road.
Getting Around Somerset
Somerset is connected to nearby areas by the Bass Highway. This highway runs through the town along the coast. Somerset is also linked to the West Coast by the Murchison Highway. This highway starts near the Cam River.
The only public transport available is Metro Tasmania. They offer bus services that go from Wynyard to Burnie.
The railway station in Somerset no longer has passenger trains. The last passenger train, the Tasman Limited, stopped running in 1978. The old station building has been taken down. However, the platform and train tracks are still there.
The Burnie Airport is located in Wynyard. It is about a 15-minute drive from Somerset.
