Situated on a substantial coastal inlet called Prosser Bay, Orford is an attractive coastal hamlet. The village is centred around the mouth of the Prosser River. Beyond Prosser Bay are the waters of the Mercury Passage, with the strong relief of Maria Island providing a spectacular backdrop to the view.
Where Is it?
Orford is 78 km north east of Hobart, on the Tasman Highway.
Lookout
The scenic Thumbs lookout in the nearby Wielangta Forest offers a spectacular view of the region.
Things To See And Do
Orford has several clean, picturesque beaches – including
Raspins, Millingons, Spring and Rheban – with a popular campsite
at Raspins Beach. Nearby is the well-regarded 9-hole Orford Golf Course
and the Darlington Vineyard.
There are several walks, including the Convict Trail along the remains
of the original convict road built between 1841 and 1855 by the Prosser
River, the coastal walk along the cliff tops between East Shelly Beach
and Spring Beach. The views across Mercury Passage to Maria Island look
as if it has been pulled from a picture postcard.
Prosser Bay and the Mercury Passage provide excellent fishing, with
flathead, trevally, trumpeter, abalone and southern rock lobster
(crayfish) sought-after species.
The ship the Troy D was scuttled in 2007 in the Mercury Passage
approximately 1 km off Maria Island, to create an artificial reef and
dive site which has proved popular with scuba divers.
Surrounding Area
Maria Island
Maria Island is an uninhabited, serene place where the visitor feels they have left civilization behind and stepped into another world. The main attraction is the beautiful scenery and wildlife, however the remains of the abandoned convict settlement of Darlington adds to its uniqueness and sense of isolation. A day trip is just enough time to get the feel of the place, but to explore it in detail you would need much more.
