Once a booming silver-mining town, Zeehan has retained much of its original turn-of-the-century architecture. With a pioneers museum and the abandoned Silver Spray Mine to explore, enjoy immersion in Zeehan’s West Coast mining history.
Wander the streets to see beautiful old buildings and explore the West Coast Pioneers Museum in the former Zeehan School of Mines and Metallurgy. In 13 galleries you’ll discover mined minerals and ore, historic photographs that tell stories of the rugged pioneer conditions on the West Coast, steam engines used in mining transportation and antique surgical tools.
The entry fee to the Pioneers Museum also allows an exploration of the Gaiety Theatre built in 1899, where opera singers and performers from around the world came to entertain rich miners.
Take a walk steeped in mining history on the 60-minute Spray Tunnel loop near the Zeehan golf course. In the early 1900s, this keyhole-shaped tunnel was built through the hill to allow ore to be transported by tram. Look for glow worms inside the tunnel. When you emerge on the other side, peer into the abandoned mine shafts of the former Silver Spray Mine.
Tackle the strenuous hike up Mount Zeehan, which takes about 3 hours. The steep trail is a rewarding one the panoramic views of the ocean, Macquarie Harbour and the Tyndall and West Coast Ranges are breathtaking on a clear day.
A 30-minute drive from Zeehan is Lake Pieman, popular with trout fishermen and boaters. Farther north in Corinna, take a cruise along the Pieman River through beautiful and ancient rainforest on either bank.
Enjoy rustic camping and fishing and walks along the beach and coast at the little fishing village of Granville Harbour, also a short drive from Zeehan. Trial Harbour, originally Zeehan’s main port, is known as a great spot for surfing and fishing.
Drive just over 3 hours from Launceston or just over 2 hours from Devonport to reach Zeehan.
