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WHY HELLYERS ROAD?
In 1825, Henry Hellyer was one of the first European explorers to set foot in the rugged interior of north west Tasmania as chief surveyor of the Van Dieman's Land Company. Hellyer had nothing more than a bullock gang and the most basic of tools to carve a dirt road into the ferocious wilderness.
Henry Hellyer's tenacity and vision proved inspirational and changed people's lives.
Almost 200 years later, his road now guides the way to the Hellyers Road Distillery.
Here our exceptional whisky has also come from perseverance, determination and dedication. We've been inspired by Henry's spirit to create a product that captures the very taste and character of Tasmania.
HENRY'S LIFE & LEGACY
Henry Hellyer was that rare breed of person with a thirst for discovery. He was an explorer.
Born in Hampshire, England in 1790, Hellyer worked as an architect and surveyor journeying to Australia in 1825 where, in just seven years, he changed the landscape and the lives of many people.
When the Van Dieman's land Company was formed he was one of the first to sign on, utilising his skills to transform the land of north west Tasmania. He named Valentine's Peak. He designed the now-historic "Highfield House" in Stanley (Henry Hellyer's final resting place is also in Stanley, at the Old Cemetery). And, most importantly for us, he made a road.
Hellyer wanted to link the remote inland settlements with the growing coastal town of Emu Bay, known today as Burnie. Local legend has it that with little more than a bullock gang and crude hand tools he carved his way through the dense forest into the wild hills. The road was a success and subsequently named after him.
Today we know it as Old Surrey Road, but deep down we'll always think of it as Hellyers Road. The making of that road showed characteristics of Henry Hellyer that we still celebrate - vision, determination, courage and tenacity. Biographers describe Hellyer as tall and thin and someone who viewed the world with an 'artistic' eye. We've been inspired by Henry to create a product that echoes his very qualities.
Henry's life was his work - a life we think is worth celebrating.
ONE MAN & HIS DOG
Meet a typical Australian Kelpie. The Kelpie is a lean, compact working dog. Just look at those ears - erect, always ready to round up something or someone. The kelpie usually measures no taller than about a foot to the shoulder. It has a fox-like face and a tough, weather-resistant outer coat with a short, dense undercoat that lies close to the body. This breed is built for harsh conditions.
The kelpie isn't a show-dog type that needs primping, preening and cuddling. This is a tough, intelligent and energetic creature, who would much prefer to be working the land, not cooped up inside. Originally from English bloodlines and mixed with other working dog stock, and possibly a hint of dingo, the kelpie is perfectly suited for a harsh, rugged existence in the bush.
Above all else, the kelpie is loyal. In fact, it's been described as a devoted, one-man dog. This might help explain the constant pairing we see around us here - the image of one man and his dog. The kelpie is the classic Australian stock dog, part of the legend of our pioneering spirit.
