chapter 87 : the Queens Domain (Part 1)

In 1860 the Governor (the Queen’s representative) handed the land to the people of Tasmania. There was no big announcement or handover ceremony. The people of Hobart did not change their attitude or behavior towards the Domain. They had always looked on the domain as being land owned by everyone for the benefit of everyone.

It was years later that the Governor is credited with saying, “The Queens Domain belongs to the people of Hobart.” 

We know one thing for certain.  The Queen mentioned in the name Queens Domain, Queen Victoria, never saw her Domain. It is unlikely she knew much about her Domain.

The Domain is an area of degraded native bush.  Native animals such as bandicoots, wallabies and possums have been seen but no snakes. Plants on the threatened species’ lists grow there.

It was originally inhabited by the Mouheneenner aboriginal people. Their traditional area was from here up the Derwent River. The Domain was a popular area because it was protected from extreme weather, provided plenty of game and was close to shellfish. There are many middens below the Domain along the Derwent River.

In the 19^th Century the main activities on the Domain were cricket and strolling. It was also busy at regatta time.

The main public debate was how to get rid of its wild state and show it was under the control of a civilized community.  There was a lot of talk about drives, avenues, planting trees and formal gardens. The main reason we missed out on acres of formal gardens is because nobody could work out a way to pay for the landscaping.

The Domain was always seen as a place for recreation.  In the 19^th C the main physical activities by the people of Hobart on the Domain were strolling or promenading.  Running on the Domain as a recreational activity was not considered.