Zeehan is located on the west coast of Tasmania, 38 kilometres from Queenstown, and has a strong mining heritage. The area was first seen by Europeans in 1642, when Abel Tasman sighted the mountain which he named Zeehan, after his ship.

The first small settlement was established three miles from the mountain in the 1880s, and evolved into a large mining community following the discovery of the first silver-lead deposits in 1882 by Frank Long. Development of the village really began in earnest after 1888, when it was found that the deposits were spread over a large area. By 1901, Zeehan's population had grown so quickly that it was the third largest town in Tasmania.

The peak of Zeehan's prosperity was experienced between 1893 and 1908, when Zeehan had a population of over 8,000, and had 26 hotels operating in the town. A total of $8 million of ore was extracted from the Zeehan mines during this period. In 1890 the State government began the construction of a railway to link Zeehan with Strahan; previously the closest port to Zeehan had been Remine at Trial Harbour.

Train services commenced operations in 1892. The Emu Bay Railway Company completed the construction of a line from Burnie at the beginning of the century. This did much to reduce the feeling of isolation amongst the west coast mining towns. As the railway system developed around Zeehan, there was often a wasteful duplication of rail tracks by independent companies.

The demand for firewood to stoke the trains meant that the many forest areas around Zeehan were exploited to meet the supply. Dunkley Brothers was one of the major firewood companies that operated in Zeehan. By this time the population of Zeehan was about 8,000 people and the town was processing the third largest amount of rail traffic in Tasmania.

After 1908, however, the mining activity declined with the closure of the British owned mining companies, with it went the fortunes of the town.

The Zeehan Tramway Company had ceased their tram service and the Dunkley Brothers had moved their sawmill operation to Stanley by 1924. A brief revival was experienced with the opening of the Renison Tin Mine at Renison Bell.

Today, only 2 of the 26 hotels are trading, an example of the fluctuating fortunes of the town. Zeehan is an ideal base from which to visit the nearby towns of Strahan and Queenstown, as well as the old mine relics and natural attractions which surround the town. One of Australia's most renowned pianists, Eileen Joyce, was born in Zeehan.

Museums and Historic sites

Zeehan retains a number of historic buildings, most of which are still in use today. Highlights include the renowned Grand Hotel (now residential), the Bank, St Luke's Church and the Gaiety Theatre. These buildings date from the boom period in Zeehan's history.

The School of Mines, dating from 1884, is now known as the West Coast Pioneers Memorial Museum and has fascinating displays on the social and mining history of the area, as well as a display of surgical equipment and an extensive mineral display. Another highlight of the Museum is an operational model of the Mt Bischoff Mill in nearby Waratah. Beside the Museum, a display of steam locomotives completes the visitor's trip back in time to the early bustle of the mining days in Zeehan.

The town of Dundas, which was once a prosperous mining town, is now deserted and visitors can inspect the old mine workings and smelter of the ghost town, all located in a bushland setting.

Natural Attractions

Nearby Trial Harbour has a reputation for being an excellent fishing venue, as well as being an important Aboriginal site. The Pieman power scheme, with its lakes and waterways, is an ideal location for sailing and fishing. Mt Reid and the Wee Georgie Wood in Tullah are idyllic bushwalking areas, abounding with native flora and fauna.

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