Waratah

What’s special about Waratah?

• Waratah has a magnificent waterfall – in the main street.
• Today, the town offers insight into an original mining town.

You can visit the Waratah Museum with its collection of local historical artifacts, photos and personal stories. A replica of 'Philosopher' Smith's Hut sits next to the Waratah Museum, demonstrating the conditions of miners during those early days.

Plan a picnic by the waterfall or enjoy the views from the comfort of the café, take a stroll around the lake and look out for platypus, or try your hand at fishing for trout. The Kenworthy Stamper Mill is also worth a look.

Every Australia Day (January 26) the town holds the Annual Australia Day Duck Races and a reunion for the former Luina, Waratah and Savage River residents.

The story of Waratah:
On December 4, 1871, a prospector, James ‘Philosopher’ Smith, discovered tin at Mount Bischoff.  His discovery triggered a mining boom and the birth of Tasmanian mining. 

When the mine closed, in 1935, it had produced 81,000 tonnes of tin and provided a dividend equal to £200 for every £1 initially invested.  At its peak the town, which now has only a few hundred residents, had a population in excess of 5,000.
Waratah remained isolated from the rest of Tasmania until 1963 when a connecting road was finally completed.

Travel directions:
Waratah is about a 4.5-hour drive from Hobart and about 75  minutes’ drive from Devonport.