Mining country Tasmania

On our drive today as we journey further south we passed a great expanses of logging forests, a huge pulping mill and a couple of mines. 

Our first stop was the historic mining town of Waratah. It was once the home of the worlds largest tin mine. There were a few buildings left that reflected this era when the population was over 5,000.

We began our visit at the waterfall which was unusually situated in the middle of town. The mining water races and tunnels used to feed the water to the falls and then this was diverted to a power station. The town had Australia’s first street lights. 

The kids liked the playground that mimicked a mining operation. 

We had a look at an old Stamper Mill inside a shed.

The Philosopher Smith’s Hut, a replica of a typical miners hut, commemorates the discovery of tin here in 1871 by James Smith and the founding of Waratah. 

There was also the Athenaeum Hall built in 1887.

The old Court House.

Just as we drive into Tullah we heard the distinct toot of a steam locomotive, Wee Georgie Wood, who is turning 100 this year! In the early years it was the life line for the town and the mine. When the road was built in the 1960’s it was no longer needed. Since 1987 volunteers have been providing a nostalgic 25min ride ($25 family). So off we went… the kids (and Mark) had fun blowing the very loud whistle. Then Mark was invited (because he had the Bombers cap on) to stand with the engine driver on our return trip. A unique experience.

Mt.Farrell named after the man who discovered the silver-lead ore here in 1892.

After lunch we hit the road again and end up in Zeehan, also known as the Silver City. This is still an ongoing mining town but most of the old historic building stand empty replaced by modern equivalents effectively loosing its charm. It’s hard to believe that The Gaiety Theatre and Grand Hotel was once (1898) the largest concert hall in Australia seating 1000 patrons. The only historic building open we could see was the museum in the old School of Mines and Metallurgy.

Another 40min drive and we arrive at Strahan. It’s been a big day of driving so we find ourselves a lovely little spot at the golf course ($10pn) tucked away in a corner and call it a day.

The next day we took it easy with the boys playing a round of golf and then we walked into town.

We looked at the mill and the adjoining wood works shop.

The towns' focus is the boat cruises or rides the wildnerness train.. we were doing neither so we went back to camp.