Waratah had its beginnings in 1871 when tin was discovered in Mt Bischoff by James "Philosopher" Smith, and it soon became one of the richest tin mines in the world. The town was officially established in 1872, and mining commenced at Mt Bischoff 3 years later.

Waratah was to become a bridgehead between Zeehan and the mine fields at Mt Lyell. The population of the town would peak at 5,000, but today has dramatically declined to around 400. Within ten years of the discovery of tin the population had reached 1,500, and was 2,500 one year later. Around twenty five places of business, schools and churches, a hospital and mechanics institute all appeared in the town.

A tramway to Burnie was established in 1878 by the Van Diemens Land Company(PEP), and this was later converted to a steam railway in 1884, and taken over by the Emu Bay Railway Company in 1897.

Electric light was brought to the mines in 1889 by the mine manager Mr H W Kayser. The light also meant that St James Church of England, built in 1880, was one of the first electrically lit churches in Tasmania. The waterfall in the centre of the town was used as a power source for the second Hydro-Electric Scheme.

A man called William Byrne was the first official postman between Burnie and Waratah. He was a well known figure as he made his way between the two towns. The establishment of the tram service led to the ending of this particular job for him.

Historic Attractions

St James Church celebrated its centenary in 1980, and may be visited by interested parties who wish to see one of Tasmania's first electrically lit churches. The nearby Mine Manager's residence and the Old Athenaeum Hall - once the scene of many a frivolous Saturday night - can still be seen.

The old Courthouse has been restored to house the Waratah Museum, which was officially opened in 1986. The museum displays a range of memorabilia from the mining hey day of the town, as well as other information on the social and economic development of the area.

Tours of the mines can be arranged, and visitors can try their hand at panning for gold in the nearby Waratah and Magnet Creeks.

Natural Attractions

Trout fishing, bushwalking through rugged scenery and day trips to nearby lakes and Cradle Mountain National Park are all ideal distractions for visitors to the area. A nine hole golf course and a picnic and barbecue area is located at the Fossey River Community Information Building.

Moves are currently under way to reopen a walking track which leads from the town to the old Mt Bischoff hydro electric power station, north of the town at Ringtail Gully. If successful, the walk will only be suitable for the very fit as it is very challenging. Plans are also afoot to restore the power station.

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