DESTINATION: Beaconsfield

An historic mining town 43km NW of Launceston, Beaconsfield has a number of relics and ruins that are reminders of the town's gold-mining past. Gold was discovered at what was then called Cabbage Tree Hill in 1869. The mine closed in 1914, but gold fever has recently reignited with the reopening of the Beaconsfield Gold Mine.

Main Attractions

Grubb Shaft Gold and Heritage Museum in West St features working models, gold-mining relics and displays. Opposite are the original Flowery Gully schoolhouse and a restored miner's cottage. The original Tasmania Bank (1880s) in Weld St is now Van Diemen's Gallery, selling locally made arts and crafts.

Nearby attractions

York Town monument is 9km north at the site of the first European settlement in northern Tasmania. At Sidmouth, 13km east, are Auld Kirk, a church (1843) built by free and convict labour. The 100m-high Batman Bridge was the world's first cable-stayed truss bridge. The nearby Kayena and Rowella wine-producing areas offer cellar door sales.

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Region: Launceston and Tamar Valley

by admin

Launceston and its river valley blend history, scenery, creativity, adventure, entertainment and the superb flavours of fine food and wine. Launceston is a city of elegant architecture and award-winning restaurants, while the lush Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s premier wine-growing region. more

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Tamar Visitor Centre, Main Rd, Exeter, Ph: 1800 637 989

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