Sandy Bay Hobart, Tasmania | |||||||||||||||
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Coordinates | 42°54′04″S147°19′37″E / 42.901°S 147.327°E | ||||||||||||||
Population | 12,315 (2021 census) [1] | ||||||||||||||
Postcode(s) | 7005 | ||||||||||||||
LGA(s) | City of Hobart | ||||||||||||||
State electorate(s) | Clark | ||||||||||||||
Federal division(s) | Clark | ||||||||||||||
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Sandy Bay is a prestigious suburb of the city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, located immediately south of the central business district and adjoining Battery Point. Sandy Bay is bordered by the Derwent River to the east and is known for its beaches, including Nutgrove Beach, Long Beach, and Lords Beach.
Sandy Bay is one of Hobart's most affluent suburbs, home to some of Tasmania's most expensive real estate. It also contains student accommodations near the University of Tasmania's Sandy Bay campus and private schools, including Fahan School, The Hutchins School, and Mount Carmel College.
Sandy Bay is a key entry point to southern Hobart, connected by Sandy Bay Road, which runs from Davey Street to Taroona, where it becomes the Channel Highway. One of its most famous landmarks is the Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Australia’s first legal casino, opened in 1973.
The area now known as Sandy Bay was originally home to the Mouheneenner people. Early European settlers were granted land in the area in the early 19th century, with much of the land given to displaced Norfolk Islanders in 1808. Sandy Bay was known for its long beach, where horse races were held in the early 1800s. By the early 20th century, it had become an integral part of Hobart's urban growth, officially becoming part of the City of Hobart in 1914.
Situated on Marieville Esplanade, the Sandy Bay Baths, built in 1906, [2] were a key open-sea recreational facility for locals. They provided an important public space for swimming and relaxation and were a fixture of Sandy Bay until their demolition in 1965 to make way for modern developments, including rowing sheds for private schools. [3]
The Sandy Bay tram line, inaugurated in 1893, connected the suburb to Hobart’s city centre via Macquarie Street and Sandy Bay Road, terminating at Long Beach. The tramline was an essential part of public transport until 1952, when trams were phased out and the route was taken over entirely by electric trolleybuses. These trolleybuses operated until the mid-1960s, after which motorbuses took over. [4]
Sandy Bay is home to several prestigious institutions and schools including:
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) has a significant presence in Sandy Bay. Although many of its faculties are being relocated to Hobart's central business district, the law school and STEM centre are staying at the Sandy Bay campus. The future of the broader campus remains a topic of debate, with various proposals for development, including housing. [5]
Wrest Point Hotel Casino is a prominent landmark in Sandy Bay and is notable for being Australia's first legal casino. Originally opened as a waterfront hotel in the 1930s, Wrest Point underwent significant changes in the early 1970s. Following the 1968 Tasmanian casino referendum, where voters narrowly approved the introduction of casino gambling, plans were set in motion to develop Wrest Point into a casino complex.
The development was led by Federal Hotels, and in 1973, Wrest Point Casino officially opened. The building’s design, featuring an octagonal tower, was created by architect Roy Grounds and has since become a defining feature of Sandy Bay’s skyline. The casino complex also includes a hotel, multiple dining venues, and entertainment facilities, making it a key destination for visitors to Hobart. [6]
The introduction of the casino was seen as a means to boost Tasmania’s tourism industry, attracting visitors from across Australia and internationally. Wrest Point continues to operate as a major entertainment hub, hosting events, conferences, and leisure activities. [7]
Sandy Bay is home to several popular beaches along the Derwent River foreshore, making it a key destination for recreational water activities in Hobart.
These beaches are a key feature of Sandy Bay's lifestyle, attracting both locals and tourists alike for relaxation, exercise, and water sports.
Year | Pop. | ±% |
---|---|---|
2001 | 10,879 | — |
2006 | 11,332 | +4.2% |
2011 | 11,156 | −1.6% |
2016 | 11,927 | +6.9% |
2021 | 12,315 | +3.3% |
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics data. [11] |
In 2021, the population of Sandy Bay was 12,315. [11] External estimates project a resident population of 12,600 by 2024, with a population density of approximately 1,800 people per square km.
The median weekly household income in Sandy Bay was $1,721, compared to the national median of $1,746. Approximately 19.5% of households in Sandy Bay had a weekly income of less than $650, while 14.7% of households earned over $3,000 per week. [12]
Sandy Bay is a predominantly Australian-born community, with 67.1% of residents born in Australia. Other common countries of birth include England (4.1%), China (3.0%), Malaysia (1.4%), and India (1.2%). [11]
78.5% of people in Sandy Bay spoke only English at home, while 12.5% spoke other languages. Common non-English languages included Mandarin (3.2%), Cantonese (1.2%), and Italian (0.7%). [11]
In terms of religious affiliation, 48.6% of people in Sandy Bay reported no religion, while 39.5% identified with Christianity. The largest Christian denominations were Catholicism (12.3%) and Anglicanism (10.1%). Other religions included Buddhism (2.1%) and Islam (0.8%). [11]
Sandy Bay has a long history of supporting a variety of sports and recreational activities. The suburb's location near the Derwent River and its sporting facilities make it a centre for both water-based and land-based sports.
The Sandy Bay Football Club, known as the "Seagulls," was established in 1944 and competed in the Tasmanian Football League (TFL). The club had a period of success, winning eight premierships, with its strongest performances occurring between the 1960s and 1980s. The team played its home games at Queenborough Oval in Sandy Bay, which continues to be a key sports venue. [13] The club disbanded in 1997 due to financial difficulties. However, its contribution to Tasmanian football is remembered through reunions and community events.
Cricket is also popular in Sandy Bay, with matches played at Queenborough Oval, the home ground of the Sandy Bay Cricket Club. The club participates in the Tasmanian Premier League and has been involved in local competitions for many years. [14]
Sandy Bay’s waterfront location supports a strong tradition of rowing and sailing. The suburb is home to the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) and the Derwent Sailing Squadron, both of which host local and international sailing events, including the finish of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. [15] [16]
The Sandy Bay Rowing Club, founded in 1906, is another key organisation in the area, with members regularly competing in state and national rowing events.
Tennis is well-established in Sandy Bay, with courts available at the University of Tasmania campus, and local clubs. Lawn bowls is also played at the Sandy Bay Bowls Club, which provides opportunities for both competitive and social matches. [17]
Sandy Bay offers a range of recreational facilities, including the Nutgrove Beach Reserve, which provides walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The annual Sandy Bay Regatta, held on Australia Day, is a long-standing event featuring sailing races, water sports, and family activities. [18]
Sandy Bay’s property market is among the most expensive in Tasmania. The suburb features a mix of high-end waterfront homes, luxury properties, and student accommodation. Streets like Osborne Esplanade, Churchill Avenue, and Derwentwater Avenue are known for their multimillion-dollar residences. The "Golden Mile" along Sandy Bay Road is particularly sought after for its views of the Derwent River and proximity to Hobart’s city centre. [19] As of 2024, the median house price in Sandy Bay was over $1.5 million, making it one of the most desirable locations in Tasmania. [20]
Sandy Bay is well-connected by its road network, with Sandy Bay Road serving as the primary route linking the suburb to Hobart’s city centre and southern regions. The area also benefits from cycling paths and pedestrian walkways, supporting a range of transport options for residents and visitors.
Metro Tasmania operates regular bus services along Sandy Bay Road, linking the suburb to Hobart's city centre and surrounding areas. [21]
In 2028, a new ferry terminal is expected to be completed at Wrest Point as part of a broader plan to improve public transport along the Derwent River. This ferry terminal aims to reduce traffic congestion and provide an alternative transport option for residents and visitors. [22]
Sandy Bay has been home to several prominent individuals, including:
HobartHOH-bart; is the capital and most populous city of the island state of Tasmania, Australia. Located in Tasmania's south-east on the estuary of the River Derwent, it is the southernmost capital city in Australia. Despite containing nearly half of Tasmania's population, Hobart is the least-populated Australian state capital city, and second-smallest by population and area after Darwin if territories are taken into account. Its skyline is dominated by the 1,271-metre (4,170 ft) kunanyi / Mount Wellington, and its harbour forms the second-deepest natural port in the world, with much of the city's waterfront consisting of reclaimed land. The metropolitan area is often referred to as Greater Hobart, to differentiate it from the City of Hobart, one of the seven local government areas that cover the city. It has a mild maritime climate.
The River Derwent, also known as timtumili minanya in palawa kani, is a significant river and tidal estuary in Tasmania, Australia. It begins its journey as a freshwater river in the Central Highlands at Lake St Clair, descending over 700 metres (2,300 ft) across a distance of more than 200 kilometres (120 mi). At the settlement of New Norfolk in the Derwent Valley its waters become brackish, flowing through Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, its seawater estuary eventually empties into Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea.
Bellerive is a suburb of the City of Clarence, part of the greater Hobart area, Tasmania, Australia. It stretches from Kangaroo Bay, bordering Rosny Park, along the shoreline of Bellerive Esplanade to Kangaroo Bluff, then to Bellerive Beach, and east to Second Bluff where Bellerive meets Howrah. To the north, Bellerive is bordered by the foothills of Waverly Flora Park.
The Wrest Point Hotel Casino is a casino in Tasmania. It was Australia's first legal casino, opening in the suburb of Sandy Bay in Hobart, on 10 February 1973.
Lindisfarne is a suburb of Hobart's Eastern Shore, located approximately 6 kilometres from the City Centre and is part of the municipal City of Clarence.
Mount Nelson is a mountain suburb located on the southern boundary of the city of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Positioned to the south of Hobart's CBD, Mount Nelson varies in elevation with its summit reaching 351 metres (1,152 ft) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the scenic Derwent estuary and surrounds.
Geilston Bay is a largely residential suburb of Hobart between Risdon Vale, Shag Bay, and Lindisfarne, in the City of Clarence located on the Eastern Shore of the Derwent River, taking its name from an inlet of that river of the same name. The inlet and locality were sometimes known by the alternative name "Limekiln Bay" on account of lime kilns which operated there between approximately the 1830s and the 1920s, the remains of which remained visible for some decades thereafter; another early name for the Bay was "James's Bay". The present suburb name derives from an early land holding "Geils Town" in the region purchased by Andrew Geils, Commandant of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) for a brief period in 1812-1813, who subsequently left his Australian holdings behind when he moved back to Scotland.
Taroona is a major residential suburb approximately 15 minutes drive from the centre of Hobart, Tasmania on the scenic route between Hobart and Kingston. Although on the edges of the City of Hobart, Taroona is actually part of the municipality of Kingborough. Taroona is bounded on the east by the Derwent River, and has several beaches along the shore, the main beaches with public access are Taroona Beach, Hinsby Beach and Dixons Beach. Past Hinsby Beach, the Alum Cliffs form a section of cliffed coast to the neighbouring suburb of Bonnet Hill.
The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT) is the largest yacht club in the Australian state of Tasmania. It is known for its prominent role in the Tasmanian sailing community and for being the finishing point of the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. The club offers a variety of facilities including a 120-berth marina, boat maintenance, and social spaces.
BerriedaleBERR-ee-dayl is a residential suburb located in the northern part of Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, Australia. Situated within the City of Glenorchy, it lies between the suburbs of Chigwell and Rosetta, approximately 15 kilometers from Hobart’s city centre. The suburb is most well-known for being home to the internationally acclaimed Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which, along with the adjacent Moorilla Estate winery, has become a major cultural and tourist destination for Tasmania.
Cornelian Bay is a small suburb in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It lies just north of the urban parkland, the Queens Domain. The bay itself is a safe anchorage for yacht owners.
Rose Bay is a suburb of the City of Clarence in greater Hobart, capital city of Tasmania, Australia. Rose Bay is a small suburb, making up only approximately 0.9 square kilometres with nearly one fourth of that area (23.2%) being parkland. At the 2016 Census the suburb recorded a population of 1,102 people.
Sandy Bay Road is a road in Tasmania that connects the southeastern edge of the Hobart CBD with the southeastern suburb of Taroona. It is two-way over its entirety and is 12 kilometres in length. It begins as a continuation of Harrington Street near where it intersects with Davey Street. From there, Sandy Bay Road travels southwards alongside the western edge of St. Davids Park, bypassing Battery Point. It then turns slightly to the west again, before descending a small hill towards the south-east once more, into Sandy Bay proper. Sand Bay Road then continues south-easterly, hugging the western shore of the River Derwent. Passing Wrest Point Hotel Casino it continues to the south-east along Sandy Bay Beach through Lower Sandy Bay. At the point where the Alexandra Battery overlooks Long Beach, Sandy Bay road follows the coast bending in a more southwards direction. The road then begins to climb uphill towards the suburb of Taroona where it becomes the Channel Highway. The road is allocated route code B68.
The city of Hobart, Tasmania is served by a wide variety of transport. While the city's main form of transport is private transport on the road network, transport is also available by bus, ferry and aircraft. A suburban train service operated between Hobart and Brighton from the 1870s until 31 December 1974. There has been, however, talk in recent years of reinstating a train service in the northern suburbs.
Nutgrove Beach is a popular beach destination along the River Derwent in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. The north facing beach has views of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Lords Beach, Wrest Point Hotel Casino, the Tasman Bridge, and the City of Clarence on the eastern shore. Nutgrove Beach neighbours Long Beach and Red Chapel Beach, and is close to the Sandy Bay Sailing Club and Lower Sandy Bay shops. The beach is dog-friendly and has bathroom facilities.
Long Beach is a popular beach destination along the River Derwent in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. The east facing beach has views of the City of Clarence on the eastern shore and Blinking Billy Point. Long Beach neighbours Nutgrove Beach and is close to the Long Beach Reserve Playground, Sandy Bay Sailing Club, Sandy Bay Regatta Association, Hobart Pétanque Club and Lower Sandy Bay shops. Long Beach has a sea pontoon for swimmers and bathroom facilities.
Bellerive Beach is a suburban beach along the River Derwent in Bellerive, Hobart, Tasmania. The south-facing beach is located near the historic Kangaroo Battery coastal defences to the west and Howrah Beach to the east. It offers views across the Derwent estuary to Howrah, Tranmere, and Sandy Bay. Bellerive Beach is accompanied by parkland featuring play equipment, barbecues, and bathroom facilities. The beach is also bordered by the Bellerive Oval, a tree-lined reserve, and private residences.
Lords Beach is a suburban beach along the River Derwent in Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania. The beach faces north-east and offers views of Wrest Point Hotel Casino, Nutgrove Beach, and the City of Clarence on the eastern shore. Lords Beach features several covered piers, including the Waimea Jetty, built in the 1960s. It is situated between Red Chapel Beach to the west and Dunkley’s Point to the east.
Taroona Beach is a popular beach destination along the River Derwent in Taroona, Hobart, Tasmania. The south facing beach looks directly out to Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea, with views of the Derwent estuary, the City of Clarence on the eastern shore, Opossum Bay, South Arm, the Alum Cliffs and northern tip of Bruny Island. Taroona Beach is situated between Hinsby Beach and Crayfish Point, home of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre for the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Taroona Beach contains a boat ramp and is backed by Taroona Park which contains bathroom facilities, a skate park, scout hall, the Taroona Tennis Club, and the Taroona Bowls and Community Club.
Hinsby Beach is a beach along the River Derwent in the Hobart suburb of Taroona, Australia. The south facing beach looks directly out to Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea, with views of the Derwent estuary, the Alum Cliffs, Taroona Shot Tower, the City of Clarence on the eastern shore and Opossum Bay, South Arm. Hinsby Beach is situated between the Alum Cliffs and Taroona Beach. A naturally secluded section of the beach, beyond the rocky south-western outcrop is a zoned naturist beach.