History of Spring Vale

In October of 1826, William Lyne, his wife and five children arrived in Van Diemen's Land (now known as Tasmania.) Among the first of the settlers in Tasmania, the Lynes gave names to features of importance to them, such as Christmas Point, at which they arrived on Christmas Day, immediately prior to taking up their land grant.

Always a sociable family, they celebrated with their fellow settlers as soon as their first dwelling, a sod hut, was complete. Unfortunately, a visitor leaned too heavily on a newly finished wall, causing it to collapse. Repairs by lamp light accompanied the rest of the festivities!

Early life in the area held its fair share of challenges, which the Lynes and other pioneering families rose to meet. The result is a richly interwoven history of innovation, struggle and achievement for the area - the oldest rural municipality in Australia.

Setting the scene for the continuing fascination with the East Coast was the early artist and author Louisa Meredith, herself the first resident of Spring Vale. From 1875, the Spring Vale property itself has been in the hands of the Lyne family, who have pursued farming ventures in this beautiful area on the East Coast of Tasmania.