Zeehan, once Tasmania’s third largest town, is north of Queenstown on the west coast. Rich in mining history, its economy is focused around tourism and the nearby Renison Bell tin mine.
Its population of 900 is 10 times smaller than it was at its peak in the early 20th century.
Put yourself in the shoes of early settlers by taking the historic walk around the town. In times gone by, it was a social hub for the entire west coast. The restored Gaiety Theatre, where celebrities such as Dame Nellie Melba once performed, has a capacity of 1,000 and was state of the art when it was built in 1899. The town’s mining heritage is just as rich and fascinating, as you will discover at the West Coast Pioneer Memorial Museum.
From Zeehan you can fish for trout in Lake Pieman or crayfish at Granville Harbour. Visit Zeehan’s original port, Trial Harbour, or take in the views from the top of Mount Zeehan.
Zeehan was first sighted by Abel Tasman, in 1642, when he saw the mountain peak later named Mount Zeehan by Bass and Flinders, after Tasman’s brig. In 1871 the discovery of tin at Mount Bischoff led to further exploration of the area. Little more than 10 years later, Frank Long discovered silver and lead, sparking the largest mining boom on Tasmania’s west coast. Ultimately, however, the reserves were depleted – the town once known as Silver City ceased mining the precious metal in 1914.
Zeehan’s average maximum temperature in summer is 19.5 degrees Celsius (67 degrees Fahrenheit) and 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) in winter. As in many west coast centres, wet weather gear is likely to come in handy here – Zeehan averages 2.5 metres (eight feet) of rain a year.
Zeehan is 150 kilometres (93 miles) south-west of Burnie, and 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Strahan.
Strahan – for many this name evokes a place with the true spirit of independence – of 19th century piners and miners, and 20th century protesters who stopped the damming of the wild Franklin River.