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Introducing Swansea
Driven by a troupe of ambitious local businesspeople, Swansea has overtaken Bicheno as the east coast’s ‘gourmet’ holiday destination. The town sits on the sheltered inner shores of Great Oyster Bay, so there’s no surf, but rather a surreal stillness in the air, cut with the vague waft of seaweed. Just like Swansea in Wales!
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Settled during the 1820s, the town retains some curious historic buildings, including the still-functioning 1860 Council Chambers (Noyes St), the 1871 Anglican Church (Noyes St) and the red-brick 1838 Morris’ General Store (13 Franklin St), which is still trading. Around 7km south of town is the 1840s convict-built Spiky Bridge. Function or folly, the concept behind the stone spikes has been lost to history.
The Glamorgan War Memorial Museum (6257 8215; 22 Franklin St; adult/child $3/1; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) was a school in the 1860s, but now features local history exhibits and an ancient billiard table. Also here is Swansea Canoe, Kayak & Bike Hire (0407-391 070; 8am-8pm) hiring out bikes ($15 per day), kayaks ($15 per hour) and canoes ($20 per hour).
The recently overhauled Swansea Bark Mill (6257 8382; www.swanseabarkmill.com.au; 96 Tasman Hwy; adult/concession/child/family $10/8/6/23; 9am-5pm) features working models of black-wattle bark processing equipment, used in tanning leather. The excellent adjoining museum dissects Swansea’s early history, from French exploration to agriculture and industry. In the same complex are a tavern and the new Swansea Backpackers.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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