Stretcher Creek Hut Site

 Guest writer – Paula McCulloch About four years ago I was intrigued by the story Simon Cubit wrote on his blog (then later published in his book Mountain stories: echoes from the Tasmanian high country, vol.1) about a hut near Stretcher Creek in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. It interested me that even with … Read moreStretcher Creek Hut Site

The Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 3 – A Gruesome Discovery

Thomas Connolly, the publican of the Rosebery Hotel, walked towards a prospectors’ camp near Barn Bluff on 20th March 1901.  His swag was found at Lake Windermere a few kilometres from his destination but he had disappeared. George Sloane, a tragic figure in his own right, is forever associated with Thomas Connolly.[1]  In late 1901, … Read moreThe Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 3 – A Gruesome Discovery

The Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 2 – The Search

Thomas Connolly left his Rosebery Hotel on Tuesday 19th March 1901 to meet prospectors James Swallow and Thomas Cook at their camp near Barn Bluff.  He walked to Mount Farrell (now called Tullah), stayed overnight and then followed the Mole Creek Track towards Barn Bluff.  Two days later, cold weather hit. It battered and soaked … Read moreThe Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 2 – The Search

The Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 1 – TJ Connolly

Weather in the Tasmanian high country is unpredictable. The roaring 40s crash into the West Coast and spend themselves on the high mountains and plains.  Rain, wind, storms and snow can come quickly at any time of the year.  It catches the unprepared or unlucky. Sometimes it leaves death as its legacy.  Each tragedy scars … Read moreThe Mystery of the Missing Publican – Part 1 – TJ Connolly

Sloanes Bridge on the Forth River

You’d think it would be hard to lose a bridge across a major river like the Forth. Sloane’s bridge was substantial, 35 metres long and with 200 metres of formed approaches. But it disappeared a long time ago. Sloane’s bridge was built in May 1902 as part of a track from Gads Hill near Liena … Read moreSloanes Bridge on the Forth River

An Old Track on the February Plains

Every year hundreds of walkers follow the Arm River Track to the Pelion Plains.  Most do not know the long history of the track that they use.  They do not see the other old tracks that weave through the landscape and cross the modern walking route. Some may look up the valley at Wurragarra Creek … Read moreAn Old Track on the February Plains