Buttered Ducks - ICEM Smithton Smithton, Tasmania, Australia
By hookline on 24-Nov-11. Waypoint GA3721

The Duck River

Smithton, situated on the banks of the Duck River, is the largest town in the Circular Head district. It was established in 1826 and the region named the Duck River Valley by the first settler in the area, Thomas Ollington of the Van Diemens Land Company.

In 1904 the famous Duck River Butter factory was established and the following year, 1905, saw Smithton proclaimed a town.  At the same time work began draining surrounding swamps, a move which led to the development of lush dairy pastures and the creation of a dairy industry which became the pride of the State. For two decades Smithton's Duck River was the greatest single butter-producing factory in Tasmania, with a 1971 peak of 4106 tons. The Duck River butter label is still in use today although the butter is no longer produced in Smithton.

Today, the Duck River is a popular spot for fishing and oyster harvesting.

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The cache is located along the East Duck River Foreshore Path that runs from Fossey St to Cantara Rd along the banks of the river. The latter section of the path past the jetties is perhaps more pleasant and interesting for watching the boats but also muggle heaven with frequent walkers, joggers and children playing in the park. Hence I chose to place the cache at the southerly end which is much quieter but still presents quite a pretty view of the river. The path is also suitable for cyclists, prams and wheelchairs.

The actual old Duck River Butter factory can be seen on Goldie St.

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I've Cached Everywhere, Man

I've Cached Everywhere, Man is the largest cache series hidden in Australia. It is made up of the locations made famous by Lucky Star in the song "I've been everywhere" in 1962, lyrics by Geoff Mack. This cache covers the town of Smithton in GCA verse 6 (written by me!):

I've cached in Ulverstone, Dulverton, Smithton, Burnie,
Queenstown, George Town, Campbell Town, Swansea
Lilydale, Scottsdale, Berriedale, Bicheno
Rosebury, Fentonbury, Dodges Ferry, Jericho
Cockle Creek, Lake Leake, Sisters Creek, Winneleah
Wayatinah, Poatina, Tulendeena... yeah, I've cached there!

This cache contains some souvenir pins, handmade by me, especially for this ICEM cache. Please take one if you wish. (If you have something to leave in its place, that would be great, if not, no worries).

Thank you and happy caching! :)

Sources: TassieLocal.com.au; werelate.org; The companion to Tasmanian History, Jill Cassidy; State Library of Tasmania