zeehan

Once nicknamed “Silver City”, Zeehan is one of Tasmania’s most fascinating former mining towns and is located on the route that links Cradle Mountain with Strahan. It grew rapidly in the late 19th century after deposits of silver, lead and other minerals were discovered in the surrounding mountains.

At the height of its mining boom, Zeehan was Tasmania’s third-largest settlement. Thousands of residents called the town “home”, served by a lively assortment of hotels, shops, banks and theatres. Today, only remnants of this once-bustling town remain, with weathered buildings lining its quiet streets and old mine workings hidden in the surrounding bushland.

A visit to the West Coast Heritage Centre brings Zeehan’s story to life, with historic buildings, vintage machinery and everyday artefacts illustrating the challenges faced by this remote mining settlement. Meanwhile, the town is a fantastic base for exploring Tasmania’s spectacular West Coast landscapes, from towering dunes to record-breaking waterfalls.

Best things to do in ZEEHAN

  • Spread across several historic buildings, the West Coast Heritage Centre contains an impressive collection of mining machinery, photographs, locomotives, minerals and other artefacts documenting life on Tasmania’s remote West Coast. Don’t miss the original Zeehan School of Mines and Metallurgy collection, the pioneer women’s gallery and the historic Gaiety Theatre, which was built in 1898 and once ranked among Australia’s grandest theatres. 

    After your visit, take a stroll along Main Street to admire the grand facades and surviving buildings that hint at Zeehan’s prosperous past.

    • Opening hours: 10:00-15:00 daily

    • Entrance fee: $25.00 for adults, $20 for concession and $55 for two adults and up to five children

  • For a taste of Zeehan’s mining history with a little adventure thrown in, follow the Spray Tunnel Loop just outside town. This 6-kilometre return walk leads through a 100-metre abandoned railway tunnel that was built to transport ore from the Spray Silver Mine. 

    Inside, the keyhole-shaped tunnel is dark and atmospheric, with glow-worms visible on the ceiling. On the far side, you’ll find remnants of the old mine, including abandoned boilers and building remains.

  • If you’re looking for an adventurous way to explore the rugged surroundings, head to the Silver City Mountain Bike Trails. They officially opened in December 2022 and incorporate the popular Oonah Hill Trail. 

    Starting on the outskirts of Zeehan, the trails wind through button grass hills and into the Heemskirk Range, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the flowing descents and challenging terrain

  • Zeehan makes a convenient base for visiting Montezuma Falls, Tasmania’s highest waterfall. It’s located near Rosebery, around 40 minutes’ drive from town. The three-hour return walk follows an old tramway through a rainforest of leatherwood, myrtle and giant tree ferns before reaching the base of the 104-metre-high horsetail cascade. Keep an eye (and an ear) out for local birdlife, including the ground-dwelling White’s thrush.

Best places to stay in ZEEHAN

LUxury aCCOMMODATION

SeaHen Lodge is the perfect option for families or groups wanting space and privacy. Set on an acre in a quiet part of Zeehan, this spacious home has a chalet-style character and sweeping mountain views. In total, there are four bedrooms that can accommodate up to 10 guests, plus three bathrooms, and there’s a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge.

The Lazy Prospector is a character-filled cabin that’s designed as an intimate retreat for couples. It features a well-equipped kitchen, an inviting lounge and a queen-size bed with luxurious linens and blockout curtains. In the bathroom, you’ll find a deep soaking tub, complete with magnesium bath salts and Tasmanian botanical bath oil.

The Rectory offers the chance to stay in a lovingly restored piece of Zeehan’s heritage. This three-bedroom holiday home sits beside a historic church, which dates back to 1908. Aside from space to sleep up to six people, there’s a compact but user-friendly kitchen, a laundry with a washer and dryer, plus both indoor and outdoor dining spaces.

Mid-range accommodation

Heemskirk Motor Hotel is located on Main Street and is named after the 751-metre-high Jurassic dolerite mountain nearby. The property offers comfortable motel-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms, as well as two-bedroom self-contained apartments. The on-site bistro serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring local Tasmanian produce.

Zeehan Bush Camp and Caravan Park combines a peaceful bush setting on the northern edge of town with a wide choice of accommodation. Alongside camping and caravan facilities, there are comfortable cabins and upscale glamping options. While staying here, you can make use of the communal kitchen, laundry and BBQ facilities, as well as the wood-burning fireplace and EV charging station.