Hobart’s Oldest Orchard
In 1805 the first land grants were distributed to free settlers to encourage farming so the young and struggling colony could begin feeding itself. 100acre lots were given away and farming commenced. At first it was the essentials (wheat, barley, potatoes, cattle) but once survival was a little more certain, jams, preserved cherries and even luxuries like fruit wine were made. By the 1820s the farms were more established and known for their production. In 1828 the below excerpt described the 50 acre Prospect Farm most kindly:
The garden is the finest in the island, containing about 5 acres in the highest state of cultivation, and abundantly stocked with the choicest fruit trees of every description, among which is the celebrated vineyard, producing several hundred gallons of wine annually. Upwards of 50 acres of land are laid down with the best English grasses, and several acres are cropped with wheat and other grains.The estate is abundantly supplied with the finest water, and is so well known as to render unnecessary any further description, and possesses advantages unequal to any other in the colony.
In the 1830s Charles Swanston purchased Prospect Farm and shortly thereafter began subdividing 5 acre parcels with Risdon Road frontage. One of these was Runnymede, now owned by the National Trust. Lauderdale Cottage was another but it is the only of these original subdivisions with its complete grounds, gardens and outbuildings. Its survival is thanks in-part to the people who have loved Lauderdale Cottage, but equally to simple circumstance; the zinc works powerlines now running through the centre of the property have essentially rendered it unsuitable for further subdivision.
More impressive than just the title dating back to 1843, the orchard and grounds remain in near-original condition and are still producing fruits today. From apricots and peaches to apples, pears lemons, persimmons, mulberries, figs, almonds, hazelnuts and more. We have a gaggle of Sebastopol cross geese, a motley crew of heritage chickens and some ring in ducks who have made themselves right at home. We are so lucky to live in such an idyllic place that has been loved by so many before us.
Photographs: In March 2025 we chanced upon meeting a German traveller who’d fallen off his bike out in the countryside. Only a little bruised, Florian cycled in to town and stayed a few days while exploring Hobart. He was kind enough to take some photos of Lauderdale Cottage.
