Wynyard, Tasmania facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wynyard Tasmania
Table Cape as seen at dusk
Wynyard Location in Tasmania
Population	6,296 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	7325
Elevation	12 m (39 ft)
Location	317 km (197 mi) NW of Hobart 163 km (101 mi) NW of Launceston 66 km (41 mi) NW of Devonport 18 km (11 mi) NW of Burnie
LGA(s)	Waratah-Wynyard
Region	North West Tasmania
State electorate(s)	Braddon
Federal Division(s)	Braddon
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall 17.1 °C 63 °F 7.2 °C 45 °F 987.8 mm 38.9 in

Wynyard (say it like wi-nyuhd) is a small town on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia. It's about 17 kilometres (10.5 miles) west of Burnie. In 2021, about 6,296 people lived here. Wynyard is an important centre for the farms and towns nearby. The main offices for the Waratah-Wynyard local council are also in Wynyard.

The Burnie Wynyard Airport is close by. It offers flights to Melbourne and other places.

A Look Back: Wynyard's History

How Wynyard Began

In the 1850s, three brothers named Alexander, who used to be convicts, started a small settlement. They called it Alexandria. It was on the west side of the Inglis River, near Table Cape. They bought lots of farmland and built small ships. These ships helped them trade farm goods and timber.

Soon after, a new town was planned on the east side of the river. It was first called Table Cape. Alexandria was bigger at first, with a church and shops. But in 1861, a bridge was built over the Inglis River. This helped Wynyard grow because it had better places for ships to dock. Alexandria slowly became less important.

Where Did the Name Wynyard Come From?

Wynyard was likely named after a military leader, Major-General Edward Buckley Wynyard. This happened in the early 1850s. The post office, first called Table Cape Post Office, changed its name to Wynyard in 1882.

In the late 1800s, Wynyard was a busy port, handling more ships than Burnie. By 1900, about 500 people lived there. But in the 1900s, Burnie grew much faster. It became the main industrial and business centre for the area.

Life in Wynyard: Community and Culture

Local Radio Station

Coast FM is a community radio station. Volunteers run it, and its studio is in Wynyard. It broadcasts to the whole North-West coast of Tasmania.

Sports and Activities

• Wynyard Yacht Club: This club started in 1961. It's located near where the Inglis River meets the sea. The club is known across Australia for its programs that welcome everyone.
• Wynyard Cricket Club: The cricket club joined the NWTCA competition in 1952. Many great players have come from this club, with some even representing the state.

Wonders of Wynyard: Classic Cars

The Wonders of Wynyard is a visitor information centre. It has an amazing collection of classic vintage cars. A collector named Francis Ransley donated these cars to the Waratah-Wynyard Council.

Coastal Pathway Project

A new coastal pathway is being built. It will connect Wynyard and Burnie all the way to Latrobe. This project is a team effort between the State Government and local councils. It aims to improve the walking and cycling paths along the coast.

Art and Creativity

Artscape is a community art centre. Volunteers have run it since 2007. It's a place where community groups can meet. It also hosts art shows and helps people in the community create their own art events.

Learning in Wynyard: Schools

Wynyard has two public schools. These are Table Cape Primary School and Wynyard High School. There's also a Catholic primary school called St Brigid's. It's right next to the Catholic church.

Years ago, there were two separate primary schools: Wynyard Primary School and Inglis Primary School. In 1998, both schools were renamed Table Cape Primary School. Then, in 2009, they combined into one school, closing the Bowick Street campus.

Exploring Wynyard's Natural Wonders

Freestone Cove: A Hidden Bay

Freestone Cove is a small, calm bay. It's on the northern edge of Wynyard, close to Table Cape.

Fossil Bluff: Ancient Discoveries

A view of the sandstone cliffs at Fossil Bluff

Fossil Bluff is a small area with sandstone cliffs. They rise about 30 metres (98 feet) from the coastline at Freestone Cove. In the 1800s, scientists found Australia's oldest fossil marsupial here. It was called Wynyardia bassiana, an extinct animal like a possum. It lived about 25 million years ago! They also found fossils of an extinct type of whale called Prosqualodon.

Aboriginal Fish Traps: History in the Rocks

The location of the tidal fish traps at Freestone Cove

People believe the Aboriginal Tommeginer clan built fish traps here. They used rocks to create traps that would catch fish when the tide went out. You can still see these rocks today. They are protected by law under the Aboriginal Relics Act. The Tommeginer tribe lived along the coast near Wynyard and Table Cape.

Many tidal fish traps have been found in northern Tasmania. This area has tides that go up and down about two metres, which is perfect for these traps. While some traps were built by Europeans, many others, like those at Freestone Cove, are thought to be Aboriginal. Other traps at Rocky Cape, Sisters Beach, and Boat Harbour are also likely Aboriginal.

Fish traps needed to be close to camps so people could watch them. This was important because when the tide went out, fish caught in the traps could easily be eaten by seabirds. The Freestone Cove traps were far from early European settlements. But they were close to known Aboriginal campsites, and old shell mounds (middens) have been found nearby.

Inglis River: Wynyard's Waterway

Wynyard is located near the mouth of the Inglis River. This river flows for about 61 kilometres (38 miles) from the Campbell Ranges.

Table Cape: A Volcanic Landmark

Table Cape is a special hill formed by an old volcano. It's about 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north of Wynyard. The northern and eastern sides of Table Cape rise steeply from Bass Strait. They are about 170 metres (560 feet) high. This area is famous for its beautiful tulips that bloom every spring. There's also a tulip festival. On the edge of Table Cape is the historic Table Cape Lighthouse. It's still working today and stands about 25 metres (82 feet) tall. Its light can be seen up to 16 nautical miles (30 kilometres or 18 miles) away.

Wynyard's Weather: Climate Overview

Wynyard has an oceanic climate. This means it has mild, fairly dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The average high temperature is around 21.8°C (71.2°F) in January and February. In July, the average high is about 12.8°C (55.0°F). The average low temperature is around 11.6°C (52.9°F) in February and 3.6°C (38.5°F) in July.

Wynyard gets about 987.8 millimetres (38.9 inches) of rain each year. It rains often, with about 179.5 rainy days. It's not a very sunny place, with many cloudy days. The hottest temperature ever recorded was 35.1°C (95.2°F) on January 31, 2009. The coldest was -4.0°C (24.8°F) on July 6, 2024.

Famous People from Wynyard

• F. M. Alexander: He created the Alexander technique, a way to improve posture and movement. He was born near the Inglis River, not far from Wynyard. He later moved to other places to act and teach.
• Carla Boyd: She is a retired Australian women's basketball player. Carla was born in Wynyard. She won medals at the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, and the 1998 World Championship.

Images for kids

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  Goldie Street

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  Wharf on the Inglis River at low tide

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  East Wynyard Beach