Goldie Street

Where is the Goldie Street Pause Place Located?

This Pause Place is set in the heart of Wynyard’s bustling Goldie Street, a hub for shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, and community services. A short walk takes you to a nearby bus stop on Jackson Street—just head toward the arch and take the first left. This Link will take you to the bus timetable.

Goldie Street holds a significant place in Wynyard’s history. Once known as the Esplanade east of Hogg Street, it was the original centre for the town’s shops and businesses. As the town expanded in the early 1900s, shops spread westward, and Goldie Street became Wynyard’s main shopping precinct.

By 1972, the name Esplanade was retired, and Goldie Street was officially renumbered from Camp Creek bridge, cementing its role as the commercial heart of Wynyard.

The History of Goldie Street

The traditional custodians of this land are the Tommeginer tribe of Table Cape. They were one of the eight tribes that made up the north west linguistic group of Aborigines, a loose knit, social and economic confederation of maritime tribes that occupied a coastal strip extending from Table Cape to Cape Grim, and then down the West Coast to just north of the Macquarie Harbour.

The way they interpreted this land, used it, and respected its intrinsic values adds a layer of history that is a fascinating foundation to the story of this place. This foundation is not lost but understanding it is difficult for many of us, who are unfamiliar with the lore and culture of the first peoples. A little more of the indigenous history of this region can be found on the Waratah-Wynyard Council’s website here.

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the history of this land extends far beyond the time of European settlement and that this land has been looked on and lived on by people from different cultures and with different perspectives. We appreciate that the history shared on this website has gaps, telling some stories in far more detail than others. In particular, we are aware that there are many stories to be told of the first peoples of this land and that these fascinating and important stories warrant respectfully celebrating.

Consequently, please consider this website as a work in progress. We will seek to improve our understanding and share as much of these insights and stories as can be done in a manner that is appropriate and respects the first peoples of this land.

Thank you for your patience.

Modern History of Goldie Street

Goldie Street, the commercial heart of Wynyard, has a rich history linked to its namesake, Alexander Goldie. A Scottish agriculturalist with the Van Diemen’s Land Company, Goldie arrived in Tasmania in 1826 and was instrumental in exploring the area between Circular Head and Cape Grim. He is credited with naming the Duck and Detention Rivers during these expeditions.

Goldie’s career with the Van Diemen’s Land Company ended amid controversy when he was accused of failing to prevent violence against Aboriginal people by his men. Although later exonerated, he declined to return to his position. He went on to manage large estates before purchasing his own property near Richmond, Tasmania, in 1846. After retiring in 1851, Goldie relocated to Victoria, where he died in Sale in 1889, leaving behind a significant legacy.

In its early days, Goldie Street started at the junction of Hogg Street, while the stretch east to Camp Creek bridge was known as the Esplanade. This area initially served as Wynyard’s main commercial precinct, with businesses and shops lining the Esplanade.

As the town expanded in the early 1900s, commercial activity shifted westward, and Goldie Street emerged as the centre of Wynyard’s shopping district. By 1972, the name Esplanade was retired, and Goldie Street was officially renumbered from the bridge, marking a new chapter in its development as Wynyard’s primary shopping and business area.