James Austin cottage

James Austin Cottage, built in 1809 by James Austin, is one of Tasmania's oldest unmodified buildings. Austin, a former convict transported for stealing beehives, established a ferry service across the Derwent River in 1816, becoming a successful entrepreneur. The cottage, constructed from local stone, was named after his birthplace, Baltonsborough in Somerset, England. Today, it stands as a preserved historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into early 19th-century life in Tasmania. The cottage is open to the public on Sundays between 1 pm and 4 pm, providing crafts and historical information.