Launceston Historical Society: Richard Mack

Next date: Sunday, 17 August 2025 | 02:00 PM

Richard Mack presents

James Austin: of Beehives and Ferries

James Austin (1776-1831) – landless labourer, convict (by choice?), explorer (?), landowner, inn proprietor, and licenced ferry operator.

A Calcutta convict at Port Phillip Bay in 1803, with his cousin John Earle, he was a member of Collins’ Hobart Town settlement. On gaining their freedom the cousins were granted land at Glenorchy and Old Beach, and in 1813 James built a small cottage which still stands.

Following a fatal accident on the river in 1818, the government licenced a ferry to the cousins. The ferry business flourished, and the cousins built inns on each side of the river. A bluestone home was built, later named Roseneath House.

James’ success encouraged family members to join him, assist in running the ferry, and settle in Van Diemen’s Land, and later the Port Phillip District. James died in 1831, and his ferry was replaced by the Bridgewater Causeway in 1836.

Richard Mack is descended from James’ niece, Anna Austin.