Gunns Plains is a small town located 20 km south of Ulverstone on the north-west coast of Tasmania, Australia.
| Gunns Plains Tasmania | |
|---|---|
  Gunns Plains | |
| Coordinates | 41°17′S 146°3′E / 41.283°S 146.050°E |
| Population | 195 (SAL 2021)[1] |
| Postcode(s) | 7315 |
| LGA(s) | Central Coast Council |
| State electorate(s) | Braddon |
| Federal division(s) | Braddon |
The 2021 census recorded a population of 195 for the state suburb of Gunns Plains. The Leven River winds slowly through its pastures that support a variety of grazing stock. Agricultural endeavours are also very successful, benefiting from rich red volcanic soil.[citation needed] The town was named after botanist Ronald Campbell Gunn, who discovered the valley in 1860.[2]
The community was involved in a significant number of men going to the First World War.[3]
The valley had one vineyard that produced Pinot and Chardonnay. It closed due to financial struggles.
The main attractions of Gunns Plains are the limestone caves, of which over one hundred and fifty have been discovered.[4] The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service administers Gunns Plains Cave, which is open to the public with daily tours.
An attraction in the area is the 'Wing's Wildlife Park' which has local animals such as Tasmanian devils, quolls, koalas, wombats, echidnas, bandicoots, possums, squirrel gliders and many macropods (kangaroos, wallabies, bettongs); as well as animals from overseas including bison, water buffalo, camel, donkey, deer, capybaras, meerkats and capuchin, macaque and marmoset monkeys. Additionally number of other animals including birds and reptiles such as ostrich, emu, eagles, falcons, owls, cockatoos, snakes and lizards.[5]
Its post office opened on 3 April 1900 and closed in 1974.[6]
References
edit- ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Gunns Plains (suburb and locality)". Australian Census 2021 QuickStats. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ "Gunns Plains tribute to Ronald Gunn - 05/04/2010". ABC Rural. 5 April 2010. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
- ^ Hyland, Raymond John, (compiler.); Gunns Plains Community Centre Association (issuing body.) (2014), Gunns Plains honour roll : World War 1 centenary 1914–2014, Cooee, Tasmania [Gunns Plains Community Centre Association], retrieved 2 April 2016
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Kiernan, K (1995), Gunns Plains, Australasian Cave and Karst Management Association (ACKMA), retrieved 2 April 2016
- ^ Wings Wildlife Park
- ^ Premier Postal History. "Post Office List". Premier Postal Auctions. Retrieved 16 June 2012.