Beaconsfield, 43 kilometres from Launceston, was first settled in 1804 when an expedition party led by Lt. Colonel William Paterson explored the area. His subsequent settlement at York Town lasted for three and a half years.

Limestone from Flowery Gully Gorge was used in the construction of George Town and Beaconsfield, and up until the 1970s the kiln and associated landing stage were still located on the original site. The government ran the lime project until 1833 when it was privately leased out. Beaconsfield was named after Benjamin Disraeli, the Earl of Beaconsfield in 1879 when the settlement was declared a town. Beaconsfield was formerly known as Cabbage Tree Hill.

Gold was discovered in the area in 1847, but it was not until 1869 that a major lead of alluvial gold was discovered. This brought a flurry of economic activity to the town which lasted for the next forty years, until the mine was forced to close in 1914 due to water seepage.

By 1881 there were 53 mining companies working the sites in Beaconsfield, but all of these were eventually amalgamated into a single company - Tasmania Mine - which was to extract 12 million pounds worth of gold between 1877 and 1914.

The town has a ghostly tale associated with it, which has been around since the last century. There was a farmhouse in the 1860s, located at what is now the corner of Weld and Cope Streets, where a Miss Sunshine resided. Her elderly uncle came to live with her. One evening he went out and never returned, indeed there was no sight nor sound of him ever again. Miss Sunshine waited and waited. It is said that she never quite recovered from this tragedy and left his room untouched, ultimately dying of loneliness.

After her death, people passing along what had been the track near the farmhouse often claimed to have felt a presence. It was supposedly not only felt by humans but by animals too, with horses acting strangely and dogs barking for no apparent reason when they passed by.

Some were convinced that it was the spirit of the missing uncle who had come back in search of his niece. Even today, long after the demolition of the farmhouse, some still claim to feel that presence.

In 1953, Beaconsfield became the first town in Australia to fluoridate their water supply. The mines which had been forced to close were reopened for assessment in 1980, and the extraction of silica has been going on in the area since 1965. Today Beaconsfield is a quiet rural town surrounded by fertile farmland, and it is the capital of the West Tamar District.


Museums and Historic Sites

Visit many of the old mine buildings which serve to remind locals and visitors alike of the bygone days of Beaconsfield. The ruins of the large brick buildings dating from 1904 at the minehead remain for visitors to inspect.

The Grubb Shaft Museum houses displays of fascinating local memorabilia, a native plant garden for visitors to wander through and a waterwheel-driven stamp battery.

A replica of a miner's abode and a restored old style classroom are also buildings of merit. Nearby, visit the York Town memorial commemorating the first European settlement in 1804.

Natural Attractions

Beaconsfield is one of the gateway towns to the Asbestos Range National Park. Take a day or two to explore the sights and sounds of this native wildlife area overlooking Bass Strait.

Other Attractions

West Tamar Wineries, St Matthias and Marian Vineyards all offer a chance for visitors to sample locally made wines, and to make some astute purchases for their wine collections. Van Diemens Gallery displays local arts and crafts such as pottery, paintings and crafts in other media. Enjoy a picnic in the designated scenic picnic and barbecue sites to the south of the town.

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