Towns
Far from the ordinary
Zeehan
Boom and bust town
A town with one of the oldest histories of any part of Tasmania, Zeehan once had a population of 10,000.
Called the Silver City, the town was clearly in competition with Queenstown. An inter-town rivalry that still lingers today.
Population
763
The Silver City
When Abel Tasman discovered Tasmania in 1642 the first mountains he saw were on the West Coast. Tasman named them Mount Zeehan and Mount Heemskirk.
In 1882 Frank Long discovered silver-lead deposits near Mount Zeehan and the mining boom began, with Zeehan growing to be the third largest town in Tasmania.
You can stand at one end of the main street (appropriately named Main Street) and not see the other end. The two-mile long strip was filled with businesses and pubs (many pubs). Today, the grand Gaiety Theatre, Post Office and Heritage Centre still impose themselves on the streetscape.
The mining boom and bust cycle saw Zeehan's population dwindle by the 1960s. Today there remains some mining activity on the outskirts of the town along with a growing tourism and mountain biking industry.
After visiting Zeehan make your way to the villages of Trial Harbour, once a bustling port, and Granville Harbour, home to farming and a windfarm.
Suggested Itineraries:
Popular in and around Zeehan
West Coast Heritage Centre
Tells the stories of the history and development of the West Coast and its rich pioneering past through comprehensive displays of photographs, mining memorabilia and machinery. Included in your entry is access to the historic Gaiety Theatre.
Spray Tunnel
Ever walked through a 100 m long abandoned railway tunnel? Just outside of Zeehan is the Spray Tunnel Loop, an easy one-hour return walk that passes through the Spray Tunnel, a 100 m long abandoned train tunnel that leads to what was the Spray Silver Mine.
from Zeehan
Trial Harbour
A small coastal community, with few permanent residents, Trial Harbour was the port of Zeehan, serving an important role in the development of the mining industry in the area.
from Zeehan
Places to stay near Zeehan
Heemskirk Motor Inn & Restaurant
We are centrally located to all the West Coast attractions. The Heemskirk has 34 rooms including executive double rooms to self contained, spacious two-bedroom apartments. Ample parking is available at no charge. Relax in the hotel bistro as you enjoy our chefs fresh cuisine.
from Zeehan
Zeehan Bush Camp
A centrally located park from which you can explore the West Coast. Relax in the quiet bush setting situated alongside a creek and in a valley surrounded by rugged hills and bushland. The park is only four minutes walk from the town centre and offers self-contained cabins and glamping experiences.