Hoffnungsthal

Interesting area off the beaten track. Not a lot to see but an informative sign and some plaques to remember pioneer German families who lived there and the ruin of a church.

Founded in 1847 by Prussian settlers, Hoffnungsthal was located on a flat area which was actually the bed of a lagoon which only filled every decade or so. It was dry for the first years of settlement. Local Peramangk people warned the Prussian settlers that the area was prone to flooding, but surprisingly this advice was ignored. At its height, Hoffnungsthal contained 37 cottages, out houses, church, school and cemetery. It all came to an end for Hoffnungsthal when in October 1853, after a week of rain, the village became flooded to a depth of more than two metres. It destroyed all the crops, and any source of income. The church, also used as school, came through without too much damage, as it had been constructed on an elevated site, and was used for many years. Because of the WW1 anti German feelings and legislation the area‘s name was changed to Karrawirra, but it has sadly been reverted to it's original European name. The Peramangk people have all but been forgotten. (details sourced from local historical societies).