Tasmanian Bush Heritage
In 1891, three separate surveys were cut through the mountainous centre of Tasmania towards Zeehan. Engineers, local guides, axemen and packers worked to find a route for a railway from Ouse, Mole Creek or Waratah. It was part of a series of crazy parochial conflicts later called the ‘railway wars’.1 This blog is about our … Read moreA Camp on the Mole Creek to Zeehan Railway Survey 1891
Recently a little piece of unexplained history solved itself. Decades ago, I saw a fern-shrouded water-filled hole in the bank of Douglas Creek near New Pelion Hut. It was full of small branches and leaf litter. However, boards around its square sides showed that it was not natural. It intrigued me and I wanted to … Read moreThe Mine Shaft near New Pelion Hut
The Pelion Plains, in the middle of the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, are remote and stunningly beautiful. Some call them pristine wilderness. On the southern edge of the plains is the imposing two-storey edifice of New Pelion walkers’ hut. It is the newest and biggest of a series of huts that have … Read moreThe Forgotten Huts of the Pelion Plains
Mineral prospectors were not defined only by their successes. Their failures were necessary learning experiences. Mining is a fickle business, with success depending not only on the presence of a rich and enduring ore body but other factors such as market prices, accessibility and, sometimes, the public imagination. Lincolnshire-born prospector WR (William Robert) Bell (1830–1911) … Read moreRediscovering Bell’s copper mine on the upper Mersey
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