Exploring the Rich Mining History of West Coast Tasmania
- Tullah Lakeside Lodge
- Nov 18
- 3 min read
When most travelers picture Tasmania’s West Coast, they think of wild rivers, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline. But there’s another layer to the region — one carved from rock, powered by steam, and built by the grit of early miners.
The region’s mining history is just as fascinating as its natural beauty, and you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy it. Let’s dig into some of the most fascinating mining histories on the West Coast of Tasmania.
Early 1900s Tullah: Mining Town
Long before it became a peaceful getaway, Tullah was a small settlement born from the discovery of tin in the early 1900s. Isolated and accessible only by boat or bush track, it later became linked to the North Mount Farrell Mine.
While the mine is long closed, Tullah’s history lives on in the stories of its early residents and relics scattered around the area. Today, it’s the perfect base for exploring historical sites in West Coast Tasmania.
There’s no shortage of history in this part of Tasmania. Read on as we delve deep into the rich history of the mining towns in West Coast Tasmania.
Queenstown, Copper, and Colourful Hills
Queenstown, Tasmania’s history, is as striking as the landscape itself.
Once one of the richest copper mining towns in Australia, it thrived during the Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company’s peak in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Decades of smelting stripped vegetation from the surrounding hills, leaving a surreal palette of ochre, gold, and grey that photographers love.
While in Queenstown, ride the West Coast Wilderness Railway for a journey back in time through rainforest and along old mining routes. Then stop by the Galley Museum, housed in a 1897 building, for exhibits on local life, mining, and even some quirky oddities from the town’s past.
Zeehan: The Silver City
Just 40 minutes from Tullah, Zeehan was once known as “The Silver City” thanks to the silver-lead boom of the 1880s. According to Zeehan mining history, the town grew into a cultural hub with theatres, hotels, and a railway connection.
While the boom ended long ago, its grand buildings remain.
The crown jewel is the West Coast Heritage Centre Zeehan, an expansive museum complex featuring restored streetscapes, the Gaiety Theatre, mining machinery, and maritime history.
It’s easy to spend hours wandering through the exhibits, imagining what life was like when Zeehan was buzzing with fortune seekers.
Rosebery: The Mine That Still Works
A look at Rosebery, Tasmania's history will reveal a mine that has been around for over a century — and continues to operate.
Since the 1890s, Rosebery’s zinc, lead, and copper production has kept the town alive. While the active mine isn’t open for tours, the area offers scenic bushwalks where you can spot remnants of past operations. Just a short drive away, Lake Rosebery and Mount Murchison provide a beautiful backdrop for a picnic between heritage stops.
A Day on the West Coast Heritage Trail
If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of the mining towns in West Coast Tasmania, here’s a suggested itinerary starting and ending at Tullah Lakeside Lodge:
Morning: Head to Queenstown (30 mins) for a ride on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, then explore the Galley Museum.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal in Queenstown’s historic main street.
Afternoon: Drive to Zeehan (25 mins) and spend a few hours at the West Coast Heritage Centre. Stroll along the main street to see heritage buildings and old shopfronts.
Evening: On your way back to Tullah, stop in Rosebery for a short walk or lakeside sunset.
See Stories Beneath the Surface
The mining boom didn’t just shape the economy — it created tight-knit, resilient communities. These towns weathered booms and busts, isolation, and the challenges of life in a remote part of the world. And visiting them connects you with the stories of the people who built them.
From copper-scorched hills to grand theatres and working mines, the historical sites of West Coast Tasmania offer a different kind of adventure. And with Tullah Lakeside Lodge as your base, you can enjoy the perfect blend of heritage exploration and lakeside relaxation.
Stay somewhere you can explore from. Book your next stay with us today.
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