Ranelagh is a township in the

Huon Valley The Huon Valley, often shortened to the Huon, is a rural region and river valley in southern Tasmania, Australia. Centred on the lower reaches of the Huon River, it was historically renowned for its apple orchards. Today the valley’s econ ...

Tasmania Tasmania (; palawa kani: ''Lutruwita'') is an island States and territories of Australia, state of Australia. It is located to the south of the Mainland Australia, Australian mainland, and is separated from it by the Bass Strait. The sta ...

, Australia. Adjacent to

Huonville Huonville () is a town located on the banks of the Huon River in the Huon Valley, in the south-east of Tasmania, Australia. It serves as the administrative centre of the Huon Valley Council and is the largest town in the Huon Valley region. S ...

, it serves as a residential area for commuters, a tourist destination, and a hub for agricultural activities. At the , Ranelagh had a population of 1,484.

History

Ranelagh, originally known as ''Victoria'', was renamed following the gazettal of Huonville as a town in 1891. The area developed as a farming community, with fertile soil supporting orchards and vineyards. In the 20th century, its proximity to Huonville and Hobart led to its growth as a residential and lifestyle area. Today, Ranelagh blends historic charm with modern tourism and agricultural ventures.

Features

Ranelagh is a semi-rural locality centred around Marguerite and Wilmot Streets. Marguerite Street hosts the Ranelagh Soldiers' Memorial Hall, which was opened in 1924 to commemorate local soldiers who served in World War I. The street also includes the Summer Kitchen Cafe, Ranelagh General Store, and the Ranelagh Showgrounds. Wilmot Street features the heritage-listed Clifton Estate (previously known as Matilda's of Ranelagh), which once hosted Queen Elizabeth II. It is also home to St Marys of the Cross Catholic Church and St James Anglican Church, each with historic cemeteries. Notable establishments include the

Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy The Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy is the most prestigious and sought after wine award in Australia. The trophy is a memorial to Jimmy Watson (died 1962), who established the iconic Jimmy Watson's Wine Bar in Lygon Street, Carlton, a suburb of M ...

-winning Home Hill Winery, a key player in Tasmania's wine industry, and Huon Bush Retreats, a popular eco-tourism destination.

Tourism and Events

Ranelagh is renowned for its vibrant community events, held primarily at the Ranelagh Showgrounds. These include the annual Huon Show, which showcases the region's agricultural heritage, and the Taste of the Huon festival, celebrating local food, wine, and culture. The town's picturesque landscapes and proximity to the

Huon River The Huon River ( , Aboriginal_Tasmanians#South_East, Mellukerdee/palawa kani: ''Taloonne'') is a perennial river in the South West Tasmania, southwest and southeast regions of Tasmania, Australia. At long, the Huon River is the fifth-longest in ...

attract visitors year-round for activities such as kayaking, bushwalking, and exploring its wineries and farm gates.

Agriculture

Ranelagh retains its agricultural roots, with the fertile Huon Valley supporting a range of industries, including apple orchards, vineyards, and small-scale farms. The area contributes significantly to Tasmania's reputation as a producer of high-quality produce and wine.

References

External links

Towns in Tasmania Localities of Huon Valley Council Populated places on the Huon River {{HuonValley-geo-stub