Gallery
Commissariat Store, Hobart
Photographed 1991 Commissariat Stores, 40 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1809. This building was used as a store and distribution centre for the supplies which needed to be carefully controlled in the early days of settlement. The upper storey was a forage loft. Although the exterior is plain, interesting features are achieved by the treatment of stonework, for example, the contrast between the banded finish to the ground floor walls and the smooth finish to the upper floor, the rusticated finish of the foundations, and the contrasting stone around the door and windows of the ground floor. A sill divides each level. The roof has been replaced with tiles. The building is now part of the museum. Reference: Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p.36. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R5999.
Railway Station, Strahan
Photographed 1991 Railway Station, Regatta Point, (Strahan) Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. This freight station, which opened in 1899, is located at Regatta Point. It was the terminus for the private railway to the Mount Lyell copper mine and the town of Queenstown. A year later the station was connected to Strahan, three kilometres away. A government line ran from Strahan to Zeehan. Regatta Point became a busy station for the transfer of passengers travelling between Queenstown and Zeehan. A post office operated here from 1902 to 1921. The design is pleasing with the interest of the cantilevered verandah roof repeated in the treatment of the eaves. Reference: Rae, Lou, A History of Railways and Tramways on Tasmania’s West Coast, 1984, Hobart: Rae, p.37. Jermy, Pete, Tasmania’s West Coast on old picture postcards, Ulverstone, Tas., Llanfair Publishing, 103A Reiby Street, Ulverstone, Tasmania, 7315,1995, p.17.
Railway Station, Fingal
Photographed 2000 Railway Station, Short Street, Fingal, Tasmania. This weatherboard station is located on the St. Mary’s line. The platform is recessed under the hip roof with the station master’s quarters on one side and the ticket office on the other. Reference: Register of Tasmanian Heritage Council, R5256.
Railway Station, St Mary's
Photographed 2000 Railway Station, St. Mary’s, Tasmania. The main line from Hobart to Launceston was completed in sections which were finally connected in 1876. A branch line to St. Mary’s opened in 1886 to serve the woodchip and coal industries. Trains could travel for 75 km along the South Esk and Break O’Day valleys. Reference: Geocache, accessed 2023: https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC37XJB_st-marys-railway-station?guid=afb051db-42d2-4fd8-9416-78812a363fe1 Companion to Tasmania’s History, University of Tasmania, accessed 2023 https://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/R/Railways.htm
Railway Station, Scottsdale
Photographed 2000 Railway Station, Scottsdale, Tasmania. The Launceston to Scottsdale line opened in 1889. It passed through twelve stations serving dairying and agricultural communities. The design of the weatherboard station accords with the principles of Tasmania’s stations: high hipped roof with multiple gables and simple verandah over the platform.
Customs House / Post and Telegraph Office, Strahan
Photographed 1991 Customs House/Post and Telegraph Office, 13 Esplanade, Strahan, Tasmania, c. 1901. This imposing building takes visitors by surprise. It exemplifies the importance of customs and post and telegraph services at the beginning of the 20th century. In the early years it housed the Post and Telegraph offices, Customs, Marine Board offices and the Municipal Council offices. The building is constructed of red brick with stucco render to the quoins, windows, string course. It features an impressive central section which houses the main entrance. The three arches of the entry colonnade are repeated in the arched windows of the first floor, rising to a pediment and small cupola. Reference: The Heritage of Tasmania, The Illustrated Registry of the National Estate, The Macmillan Compny ,1983, p. 78. Web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, Tasmanian Heritage Register, identifier R5169. Register of the National Estate, identifier 13244. Tasmania’s Eldorado, Strahan, Macquarie Harbour, originally published by John Ware, Strahan, 1908, facsimile edition West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum, 1981, printed by Mercury Walch, Hobart, p. 25.
Customs House, Launceston
Photographed 1991 Customs House, Esplanade, Launceston, Tasmania, 1885, William Waters Eldridge. This impressive building is the longest serving customs house in Australia. It was located facing the South Esk River just upstream from its junction with the North Esk, which forms the Tamar River. This was the busy trading port, but the warves fell into disuse when the facililties were moved further downstream. Eldridge submitted the plans for approval in February 1885, and the building was completed at a cost of 10,500 pounds by the builders J.&T. Gunn. The main feature of the ground floor was the 41’by 25’ long room, and the remaining space was occupied by the strong room, examining room, and offices for the Collector and clerks. The seven rooms on the first floor were let as offices. Adjoining quarters were provided on the ground floor for the officekeeper. The huge central portico features twin Corinthian columns topped by a pediment bearing the Imperial coat of arms. The balance of the design is achieved by the composition of the paired windows. The roof is concealed by an ornamental parapet. Reference: Conservation Plan, Customs House, Esplanade, Launceston, Australian Construction Services, 1993. Reference: Apperley, Richard, Irving, Robert, Reynolds, Peter, A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 52-54. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, pp. 53-55. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R3723.
Customs House, Hobart
Photographed 1991 Customs House, 19-21 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1900-1902, Shield and Baker. The sandstone used for the construction of this building is thought to have been quarried at Orford and near Oatlands, resulting in the two different shades. It was constructed at a cost of 14,689 pounds by William Duncan. The Italianate style of the design is enhanced by statues at the entrance and on the roofline. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 20-24. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R1776. O’Malley, Dinah, Historic Buildings of Australia, Macmillan Pocket Guide, Macmillan Company, Australasia, 1981, p. 43. Apperly, Richard; Irving, Robert; Reynolds, Peter; A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture, Angus and Robertson, 1989, pp. 100, 101.
Post Office, Fingal
Photographed 2000 Post Office, Talbot Street, Fingal, Tasmania. This weatherboard post office was built in Federation style at the turn of the 19th century. Its steeply pitched roof, bay windows and verandah give it the appearance of a home rather than a government office. Reference: Web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, Tasmanian Heritage Register, identifier R5247
Post Office, Scottsdale
Photographed 2000 Post Office, Scottsdale, Tasmania, 1890 This timber building features a portico entrance with verandahs returning around the sides. The upper floor is built into the gabled roof which features finials. The gabled wing at the rear accommodates only one floor.
Post Office, Evandale
Photographed 2000 Post Office, High Street, Evandale, Tasmania. This two storied building is constructed of red brick with stucco trim. It features a high roof with multiple gables, and a single storied verandah with timber posts. Reference: web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, identifier 12717.
Post Office, Waratah
This timber building has two gabled sections. The central bay at the front is flanked by lower wings under skillion roofs. The line of windows unites the front of the building with the wings.
Interior of the Post Office, Ross
Photographed 1991 Interior of the Post Office, Ross, Tasmania.
Post Office, Ross
Photographed 1991 Post Office, 26 Church Street, Ross, Tasmania, 1896. This charming stone post office is a focal point of the township of Ross. Its verandah was added in the Victorian style with paired cast iron posts. The good preservation of its original features makes it a significant building. Reference: Web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, Tasmanian Heritage Register, identifier R4824.
Post Office and General Store, Richmond
Photographed 1991 Post Office and General Store, Richmond, 1826, 2nd storey added 1829. This building is claimed to be the oldest surviving post office building in Australia. The post office operated in the general store between 1832 and 1972. More recently it served as a restaurant. Reference: Tasmanian Visitor Corporation pamphlet, ‘Let’s talk about Historic Richmond and the Coal River Valley’. Historic Richmond (Tasmania) Sketchbook, Drawings, John Alty; Text, Joan Woodberry, Rigby, 1977, p.12, 13.
Post Office, Launceston
Photographed 1991 Post Office, corner Cameron and St. John Streets, Launceston, Tasmania, 1886-89, William Waters Eldridge. The plans for this building were altered as construction proceeded. It was built in locally produced red bricks. The contrasting trim is freestone quarried in the Ross and Brighton areas. The tower was added in 1903, and the clock installed in 1909. Post and Telegraph services became operational in 1891. Each facade of the corner frontage has its distinctive appearance. In Cameron Street the protruding central section incorporates the arched entry below two arched windows and a freestone pediment. On either side at the first floor level there are large Oriel bay windows flanked by simple windows. These match the four simple windows which create a balanced group on either side of the entry. The roof slopes steeply behind the parapet, and two thirds of its area is glazed. Before the construction of the tower, the tall lantern and flagpole would have dominated the roofline. The frontage to St. John Street is less ornate; interest is created by the stone pilasters which frame the windows, and the carved frieze and balustrading. Ornamental cement was used instead of stone in later work on the upper central section. Reference: The Cameron Street Walk, Launceston, Tourist information brochure. Analysis of Significance and Recommendations for Management, Launceston Post Office, March, 1994. Andrew C. Ward and Associates, 1994. Web page, Australian Heritage Places Inventory, Register of the National Estate, identifier 12171.
Interior of the General Post Office, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Interior of the General Post Office, Hobart, Tasmania.
General Post Office, Hobart
Photographed 1999 General Post Office, corner Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets, Hobart, Tasmania, 1905, A.C. Walker. The corner tower and five bay arcaded entry contribute to the grandeur of this building. It was built in brick on stone foundations, but ashlar stone facades were constructed on the two street frontages. Interesting features of the roof structure are the lanterns and chimneys. Reference: Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p. 27. Australian Heritage Places Inventory, identifier 10975. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R1826.
Registry of Deeds, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Registry of Deeds, corner of Franklin Square and Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1894, probably designed by William Waters Eldridge. This building houses all records relating to land including grants dating back to 1827, sales, transfers, mortgages, and wills. Reference: Tourist information board, Franklin Square, Hobart. ‘Historic Parks and Government Buildings’.
Public Offices, Launceston
Photographed 2000 Public Offices, 55 St. John Street, Launceston, Tasmania, 1859. This building was constructed in black brick and freestone with stucco render to the windows, quoins, string courses, cornices and pediment. It has been painted. The central section is separated from the wings by bays which are set back from the street line. This provides an interest to what might otherwise be a very repetitious design. The simple decoration of the cornices, pediments and chimneys complete the graceful appearance of the building. Reference: The Heritage of Tasmania, The Illustrated Register of the National Estate, The Macmillan Company, 1983, p. 127 Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R4071.
Public Offices, Tasmania
Photographed 1999 Public Offices, Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1910-14, Douglas Salier. This building replaced William Porden Kay’s building of 1858. It is constructed of brick with stone cladding on the facade. Although built in the Edwardian style it complemented the Supreme Court, which was extended by a third storey at this time. It completed the historic block of government offices bounded by Macquarie, Murray, Davey Streets and Franklin Square. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 39. Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p.25. Information from Brendan Lennard, Cultural Heritage Officer, Hobart City Council, 2001. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, reference: R1989.
Executive Building, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Executive Building, Franklin Square, Hobart, Tasmania, 1884, William Waters Eldridge. New accommodation was provided here for the Governor’s office and Executive Council. It also accommodated the Lands and Titles Department, Crown Law Offices and Board of Education. Reference: Tourist Information Board, Franklin Square, Hobart. ‘Historic Parks and Government Buildings’. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 39 Information supplied by Brendan Lennard, Cultural Heritage Officer, Hobart City Council, 2001.
Government Offices, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Government Offices, Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1840, Alexander Cheyne, to the 1837 design of John Lee Archer. This is a two storied stone building constructed in a U shape. The central three-storied entry section has an impressive portico attributed to the convict architect, James Blackburn. It was added in 1842: its original design was modified as a result of public pressure to match the neighbouring porticoes. This building forms part of the Treasury. Reference: Robertson, E. Graeme, Early Buildings of Southern Tasmania, Georgian House, Melbourne, 1970, vol.1, p.106. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, vol.2, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 36. Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p.25. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R2037.
Treasury, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Treasury, corner of Murray Street and Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1838, John Lee Archer. This building was constructed as Police and Convict Offices and then became the Treasury, surviving today in its original form. It is a fine example of early Australian government architecture with a classical portico between two arched windows. The three simple windows of the first floor are arranged symmetrically, and the uncluttered pediment completes the unpretentious yet impressive appearance of the stone building. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, vol. 2, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p. 36. Robertson, E. Graeme, Early Buildings of Southern Tasmania, Georgian House, Melbourne, 1970, vol.1, p.106.
Parliament House, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Parliament House, (originally built as the Custom House), Murray Street and Parliament Square, Hobart, Tasmania, 1835-40, John Lee Archer. Built of freestone quarried in Hobart, the walls of the ground floor have a rusticated finish, while those of the upper storey have a smooth finish. The design which reflects many qualities of graceful Georgian style features a large entry section of five arched doorways paired with symmetrical windows on the floor above. The long frontage of the building is balanced by curved corner sections at each end. The building was initially occupied by customs and the Legislative Council. Following the introduction of responsible government in 1855, accommodation was provided for both the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly. A new chamber for the Assembly was built as part of a rear extension behind the entry area in 1939. The original slate roof has been replaced with tiles. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, p 70-77, O’Malley, Dinah, Historic Buildings of Australia, Macmillan Pocket Guide, Macmillan Company, Australasia, 1981, p.43.
Magistrate's Court, Zeehan
Photographed 1991 Magistrate’s Court, Zeehan, Tasmania, 1991. This building has the simplicity of classical design with paired arched windows flanking the arched doorway. A pleasing balance is achieved by the identical design of the quoins and pilasters and position of the chimneys. The hip roof completes the quiet simplicity.
Court House, Waratah
Photographed 1991 Court House, Waratah, Tasmania. This timber building features a central verandah between two gabled bays. It now serves as a museum.
Court House, Oatlands
Photographed 2000 Court House, corner Campbell Street and the Esplanade, Oatlands, 1829. The original section of the building was constructed by two convicts wearing iron chains. It was built in stone to the simple Georgian design typical of early Australian colonial architecture. In 1834 it was extended by two rooms for the use of the Police Magistrate. The court room was distinguished by a Dutch ‘wagon headed’ ceiling. The Supreme Court sat here for many years from 1841. In 1891 it was sold to the Oatlands Institute, and more recently was taken over by the National Trust. Reference: Welcome to Historic Oatlands, local tourist information. The Heritage of Tasmania, The Illustrated Registry of the National Estate, p. 60.
Court House, Richmond
Photographed 1991 Court House, 54 Bridge Street, Richmond, Tasmania, 1825, Richard Lambe. This significant piece of early Australian architecture was built in 1825 with a stuccoed finish to the design attributed to Colonial Architect, Richard Lambe. In addition to sittings of the Quarter Sessions, it was used for church services, and when Richmond became a municipality in 1861, it also served as the council chambers. The council continued to meet here. The court room is oval in shape with an elliptical ceiling. Two rooms are located on each side. Reference: Tourist information pamphlet, ‘Let’s Talk About Historic Richmond and the Coal River Valley’, Richmond Preservation and Development Trust, published by the Tasmanian Visitor Corporation Ltd. C/. 25 York Street, Launceston. Historic Richmond (Tasmania) Sketchbook, Drawings, John Alty; Text, Joan Woodberry, Rigby, 1977, p. 11. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, Reference: 1.
Magistrates Court (Penitentiary Chapel), Hobart
Photographed 1991 Magistrates Court (Penitentiary Chapel), corner Brisbane and Campbell Streets, Hobart, Tasmania, 1831-34, John Lee Archer. The chapel was built for the Campbell Street Penitentiary, but when the facilities in the Supreme Court proved to be inadequate in the late 1850s, it was decided to convert the building to a court house. It was opened as a criminal court in 1860. The stone quoins and simple stone trims on the tower, entry section, and windows, provide a tasteful contrast with the brickwork. When further buildings were added the complex housed a gaol as well as two court houses. The building was later used as the headquarters of the National Trust. Reference: ‘The Supreme Court of Tasmania’, visitor information pamphlet, TJ Hughes, Government Printer, Tasmania. Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p. 33. ‘Hobart’s Historic Places, tourist information pamphlet, Hobart City Council, 1997. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R1729.
Supreme Court, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Supreme Court, corner of Macquarie Street and Franklin Square, Hobart, Tasmania, 1858-1860, William Porden Kay. Kay’s building was a two-storied structure with basement. It accommodated offices for the Governor and Executive Council and two court rooms for civil cases. The building was extended by a third storey in 1914. Reference: Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, pp.38, 39. Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, vol.1, p.106. Information from Brendan Lennard, Cultural Heritage Officer, Hobart City Council, 2001. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, reference: R1989.
Macquarie Street façade, Supreme Court, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Macquarie Street façade on the site of the original Supreme Court. The colonnade was added for the post office in 1862, and the arches were later filled in with glass for the Tourist Bureau.
Original Supreme Court, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Original Supreme Court, corner of Macquarie Street and Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 1823-24, William Wilson. This was the first building to be constructed in the area which was to become the historic precinct of government offices in Hobart. Bounded by Macquarie, Murray and Davey Streets and Franklin Square, the block holds some of Australia’s most significant early government buildings. Wilson’s original colonial Georgian design is no longer recognisable. By 1858 when the accommodation was inadequate, it was decided to move the criminal court to the Holy Trinity Church and build a new facility for the civil court. Before it became a post office in 1862 the building required substantial alterations. An arched arcade was added along the Macquarie Street facade and a colonnade replaced the portico facing Murray Street. The building subsequently became the Tourist Bureau, requiring further alterations to the Macquarie Street facade. Reference: Robertson, E. Graeme, Early Buildings of Southern Tasmania, Georgian House, Melbourne, 1970, vol.1, pp. 106-7. Historic Public Buildings of Australia, Australian Council of National Trusts, Cassell Australia Limited, 1971, pp. 35-36. Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p.25.
Town Hall, Hobart
Photographed 1999 Town Hall, corner Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets, Hobart, Tasmania, 1864-6, Henry Hunter. The municipality of Hobart was established by the Act of 1852. The foundation stone of the Town Hall was laid in 1864, and the building took two years to complete at a cost of 20,000 pounds. A quarry near Knocklofty supplied the stone for the outside walls, and a freestone quarry near Bridgewater supplied the ornamental stone. The columns of the three bay front portico were fashioned without joins from single pieces of stone. The side wings have simple porticos. Decorative features include the pediments over the upper windows, bracketed eaves, capped chimneys, and quoins, but these do not intrude into the overall classical simplicity of the design. Reference: Architectural Guide to the City of Hobart, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Tasmanian Chapter, 1984, p. 37. The Hobart Town Hall, Hobart City Council publication. Register of the Tasmanian Heritage Council, R1987.