No. 10 - Zeehan

The town's European history began in 1642 when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted the Heemskirk and West Coast Ranges. Later, in 1798, George Bass and Matthew Flinders named Mount Zeehan and Mount Heemskirk after Tasman's ships. The discovery of tin at Mount Bischoff in 1871 and silver and lead deposits in 1882 led to a mining boom, and the township of Zeehan was officially established in 1890.

By the early 20th century, Zeehan had become Tasmania's third-largest town, boasting a population of 10,000 and a bustling main street over 3.2 kilometers long. The town was known as the "Silver City" and had numerous hotels, pubs, a hospital, and two theaters. However, the mining boom declined after World War I, and by the 1960s, Zeehan had become a ghost town.

In recent years, Zeehan has experienced a resurgence thanks to the Renison Bell tin mine, and the town's historical significance is preserved through attractions like the West Coast Heritage Centre and the Gaiety Theatre. Today, Zeehan remains a testament to Tasmania's mining heritage and the resilience of its community.


Source: Zeehan - Wikipedia
Source: Zeehan

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