Hazard Rating: 2-3/10 | Parking: Good + close | from Hobart: 80 km | Faces: SE into Prosser Bay | Length: ~ 1km
Original people: The original inhabitants of the Orford area were the Paredarerme, also known as the Oyster Bay tribe. Historians estimate that they were the largest of the Tasmanian tribes. They tended to migrate inland during the warmer months but stayed on the coast in autumn and winter.
Raspins \ Orford Beach is just north of Orford on the east coast of Tasmania. A great beach – ideal for families, with views of Toarra-Marra-Monah (Maria Island).
It starts as ‘Raspins’ on the north end and blends into ‘Orford Beach’ to the south, ending at the Prosser Rivermouth. Toilets mid beach and good parking from several entry points along its length. Alas, although I spent many a summer camping here – that is no more – it is now only a day visit area with BBQ’s, park and walk areas. If lucky you may see a whale in Prosser Bay.
Originally named ‘North Beach’ it was renamed ‘Raspins Beach’ after a family who owned a farm opposite the beach. The farm was sold to become the golf club in 1957. Areas of the beach to the south are being regenerated and protected to encourage bird and fauna life including a bird sanctuary.
Orford comes from an English name made up of Old English – ‘ora’ (river bank) and ‘ford’ (river crossing), named after the Earl Orford.
Crossing the bridge to the south and following the Esplanade takes you to another small beach in the Prosser River – not sure what this is called but it is well protected and includes a floating pontoon to swim to.
