Orford is a seaside village located on the east coast of Tasmania, Australia, approximately 73 kilometres (45 mi) north-east of the state-capital of Hobart.

[1] Orford is serviced by one supermarket, three cafes and eateries, a hotel and other accommodation, police and fire brigade, a primary school, and a library.

[citation needed] The Orford area was originally inhabited by the Paredarerme, or Oyster Bay tribe, one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Tasmania.

They followed a seasonal migration pattern, moving inland during warmer months and returning to the coast during autumn and winter to fish and gather resources.

[citation needed] Though Walpole soon sold the land, the town retained the name "Orford" in reference to his family's noble title.

However, the town's geography limited its growth as a port, with the sandbank at the mouth of the Prosser River preventing large vessels from entering.

[8] His wife, Louisa Anne Meredith, a writer and artist, also resided in Orford, and their home, "Malunnah", still stands today as a historical landmark.

[10][11][12] After the quarry closed in 1882, Orford became increasingly popular as a holiday destination, with its beaches, bushwalking trails, and fishing spots attracting visitors.

[5] Raspins Beach and Thumbs Lookout in Wielangta Forest are particularly popular for outdoor activities today, continuing Orford’s tradition as a sought-after coastal getaway.

[citation needed] The village serves as a popular vacation destination for both Tasmanians and mainland Australians, with a growing number of non-resident property owners investing in holiday homes ('shacks') in the area.

[15] Additionally, the fishing industry continues to play a role in Orford’s economy, with local waters providing sought-after species such as flathead, trevally, abalone, and southern rock lobster (crayfish).

The village is also home to a well-regarded 9-hole golf course and the Darlington Vineyard, which adds to the area's appeal for visitors seeking leisure and recreation.

[18] In recent years, Orford has seen a rise in real estate investment, particularly with the Solis residential and tourism development at Louisville Point.

[19] Initially approved in May 2004, the project was ambitiously planned to include 550 residential allotments, 60 eco-tourism cabins, retail shops, a day spa, restaurants, and an 18-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman.

[22] A multi-million-dollar pipeline is being constructed on Tasmania's east coast to supply freshwater from the Prosser River to Tassal's salmon farming operations in Okehampton Bay.

The 18-kilometre (11 mi) pipeline is essential for maintaining fish health and mitigating amoebic gill disease (AGD), crucial to Tassal's aquaculture production.

[25] Efforts have been made by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service to protect the breeding habitats of these birds, though disturbances from recreational activities remain a challenge.

[1] Orford has a notable number of non-resident property owners, many of whom own holiday homes or ‘shacks.’ During the summer months, the town’s population swells to over 3,000 as holidaymakers arrive.