No. 9 - Queenstown

Queenstown, Tasmania, is a town with a rich history deeply rooted in mining. The area was first explored in 1862 by surveyor Charles Gould, who believed it held potential for gold deposits. In 1881, Irish prospector Cornelius Lynch discovered gold at Lynch Creek, leading to the establishment of the Mount Lyell Gold Mining Company in 1889.

The town initially grew around a shanty town named Penghana, which burned down in 1896 and was promptly rebuilt and renamed Queenstown. The Mount Lyell Mining and Railway Company, established in 1893, became a significant employer, producing mainly copper. By 1901, Queenstown was Tasmania's third-largest town with a population of 5,051 people.

The town experienced several booms and busts, with the mining industry driving much of its economy. The surrounding landscape was heavily impacted by mining activities, resulting in a unique "moonscape" appearance due to tree-felling, sulphur smoke, and fire. The Lyell Highway, connecting Queenstown to Hobart, was opened in 1932, improving access to the town.

In recent years, Queenstown has shifted its focus towards tourism, attracting visitors with its unique landscape and mining history. The town continues to honor its mining heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.


Source: Smithton, Tasmania - Wikipedia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No. 12 - Ulverstone

Image
Ulverstone, located on Tasmania's northern coast, has a fascinating history that reflects its growth from a small settlement to a thriving community. The area was first settled by Europeans in 1848 when Andrew Risby and his family arrived from England to develop farmland in what was then a thickly forested wilderness. The Risby family played a significant role in the early development of the region, clearing land and establishing a homestead known as "The Rises". The town's name, Ulverstone, was first used in 1854 when Hugh Ross McKay opened a store in the area. The Leven Post Office opened in 1857 and was renamed Ulverstone Post Office in 1881. The town's growth was further spurred by the timber industry, with timber from the surrounding forests being in high demand during the Victorian gold rush. Ulverstone continued to develop throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the establishment of various businesses, schools, and community facilities. The ...
Read more

No. 8 - Smithton

Image
Duck River Post Office opened on 1 November 1873 and was renamed  Smithton  in 1895. In 1905 Smithton was declared a town and the Mowbray swamp (now part of the locality of Mella) was drained for dairy pasture. It was here that, in 1920, the 45,000-year-old skeleton of a Zygomaturus (marsupial hippopotamus) was discovered. In 1905, the jetty at Smithton was 1200m long. The first regular rail service on the Marrawah Tramway started in 1913. In 1919 The Stanley–Trowutta railway commenced services and by 1921 the Smithton to Irishtown link was opened. By 1922 the railway link from Myalla to Wiltshire Junction was completed, thus joining the railways in the municipality to the state system. Smithton High School was opened in 1937 and in 1951 a Kindergarten and Public Hospital were opened in Smithton, and the town began to flourish. Smithton  was first settled in 1856, but growth was slow.  Forestry  brought life to the region, with...
Read more