Avoca village is located 82 kilometres from Launceston, at the intersection of the South Esk and St Paul's rivers in the eastern part of the island. The first record of plans for a town at this site were drawn up by John Helder Wedge in 1833.

Early education for people in the area proved difficult; some families employed tutors, while other children were instructed by their mothers, and some received no education at all. In 1831 a girls school at Ellenthorpe Hall was established which proved to be a great success. By 1836 Avoca had its own school which also catered for boarder pupils.

The Anglican Church was constructed in 1842 at the request of the local population, who asked the Government for financial assistance with its construction. Both the Anglican and Roman Catholic Cemeteries contain the tombs of many of Avoca's local dignitaries, including Charlotte Adams (postmistress from 1877- 1912), and Roderic O'Connor who donated 10,000 pounds to the construction of a cathedral in Hobart.

In 1850 Avoca had a church, a post office, a school, two hotels and a police station. One of these hotels, the Union Hotel, had been established in 1842.

Perhaps the town is best known for its controversial means of fundraising for its local football team. The infamous Roo Shoot which occurred in the late 1960s created a storm of publicity, and eventually ceased as a means of fundraising in 1975.

The town is steeped in mining tradition and serves the town's villages of Rossarden and Storeys Creek, both of which are nestled in the foothills of the Ben Lomond National Park.


Museums and Historic sites

Avoca has a number of interesting buildings which date to the 1840s. One of Tasmania's most splendid historic houses is the "Bona Vista", constructed in 1848. This is an example of a walled estate, of which there are very few left in Australia. The wall is still in use despite the fact that it is over 100 years old, and is over 9 feet high in some places. It enclosed the house, gardens, barns, sheds and a small paddock.

The notorious Martin Cash once served here as a groom. It was the scene of a bushranger attack in 1853 by Dalton and Kelly, which led to the shooting of Constable Buckmaster. Although now a private residence, the "Bona Vista" has been restored and is one of Avoca's premier attractions. Other buildings worth viewing are the church of St. Thomas and the Parish Hall.

Natural Attractions

The Ben Lomond National Park is a short drive from the town of Avoca and offers spectacular scenic views of the surrounds from walking trails which wind through mountain and forest ranges, concluding at magnificent lookout points.

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