Tasmanian Bush Heritage
Eddie Firth and I have been visiting the old Barn Bluff mine for years. At first glance there isn’t a lot to see. But a close look reveals a lot of history. The most evocative reminder of its history is a few grainy photos. Some show men proudly staring at the camera. They are frozen … Read moreThe Barn Bluff Copper Mine – The Huts
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
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
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